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https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Serum-to-Your-Hair

How to Apply Serum to Your Hair

To apply serum to your hair, first make sure your hair is soaking wet. Then, rub 1-2 drops of serum between your palms and evenly distribute it onto the midsection and ends of your hair. After you style your hair, put a few drops of serum in your hand and work it through your hair. However, be careful to not use too much serum or it could leave your hair looking greasy or weighted down.

Consider your options before buying hair serum. Check the labels and compare the hair serums to find one that fits your hair needs. There are different types of hair serum you can use depending on your hair type and preference. If you have thin hair, you may want to try a thickening serum. Or if you have fine hair, there are also lightweight serums for people whose hair does not require as much moisture. If you style your hair often, there are hair serums that also protect against damage due to heat. There are also specifically designed serums to enhance the curls in curly and wavy hair, those that add high gloss, and on the other side, there are hair serums used to create a more natural looking hairstyles. You can find a range of hair serums at any department store or pharmacy. Apply a few squirts of serum to your hair before washing it. This is an optional step. Some people find that adding serum to the ends of their hair before they wash helps to fight the frizzing and drying caused by the chemicals in shampoos. To protect your hair while you wash, use more serum in your hair than normal. Apply 3-4 squirts of serum to the midsection and especially the ends of your hair. Wash and rinse your hair as normal, making sure to wash all of the soap out of your hair. Wash and condition your hair before you style. Another way to use serum requires that you apply the serum to soaking wet hair. When you shower, it is a good idea to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that are good for dry hair. Or if you have wavy or curly hair, you can buy anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner or shampoo and conditioner for curly/wavy hair hair. Consider doing a “no-poo” routine for cleansing wavy and curly hair. If you are trying to create more natural waves, there are shampoos without cleaning agents that rough up the cuticle and create frizz. If you are planning on only applying the serum to your styled hair, you can skip this step. Gently blot a couple of drops of serum into your soaking wet hair. Do not towel dry your hair before you apply serum. Hair experts say that it is best to apply hair serum directly to wet hair. Use 1-2 drops of serum on medium length hair. Rub the serum between your palms well, and then evenly distribute onto the midsection and ends of hair. Be careful not to use too much serum, it may make your hair greasy and heavy if you do. Style your hair normally. Consider using a heat protectant spray on your hair before you style your hair with heat. You want to try to keep your hair as naturally strong and vibrant as possible so you can use less serum. Squirt a small amount of serum in your hand. After you have styled your hair, put a teardrop amount of serum in your hand to start. You can always add more later. If you don't want to squirt it in your hand, you squeeze out one to two finger tips worth of serum from the nozzle. Rub the serum in your palms well. Distribute the drop in your palms evenly to help you evenly distribute the serum in your hair. For example, you don't want all of your serum to end up in one spot on your head. Apply the serum to the back of your hair first. Don't start with the front or the top of your hair and ruin your style with too much serum. Instead, use your hands to gently blot the serum into the midsection and tips of your hair- starting at the back and moving forward to the front of your hair. This way, if you apply too much to your hair to start, it won't be noticeable. Add more serum if needed. If you have been very careful not to over apply serum, you may need to add a little more to your hair. If your hair still looks a little dry, apply another drop to your hand, and, again, rub it between your palms well. Apply it now to the sides and front of your hair. The serum should make your hair less frizzy, more flexible and more vibrant. Curl little pieces of your hair. After you have blotted your hair with the serum and it has the shine you want, your hair might be due for a last little volume boost. If your hair is a little flat, go back and re-curl/style your hair to re-energize it. Assess how the hair serum is doing. If after a couple hours or a day your hair serum is leaving your hair greasy and heavy, consider shopping for another hair serum. You may have picked a serum that doesn't suit your hair type. It is common with hair products that trial and error is necessary before you have success.

Consider your options before buying hair serum. Apply a few squirts of serum to your hair before washing it. Wash and condition your hair before you style. Gently blot a couple of drops of serum into your soaking wet hair. Style your hair normally. Squirt a small amount of serum in your hand. Rub the serum in your palms well. Apply the serum to the back of your hair first. Add more serum if needed. Curl little pieces of your hair. Assess how the hair serum is doing.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Protein-Powder

How to Use Protein Powder

If you want to use protein powder, try using 1 scoop per day if you're a woman or 2 scoops per day if you're a man, which will provide you with 45-50 grams of protein. You can use protein power in a shake by blending together 1-2 scoops of it with spinach, banana, and your favorite nut butter. You can also add protein powder to pancakes by swapping out ⅓ of the flour in the recipe for protein powder. Additionally, adding 1 scoop of protein powder to greek yogurt is another great way to get your protein in the morning.

Opt for a whey powder if you want to build muscle mass. Whey protein is a popular choice because it is easy to digest and boosts energy. Take it within an hour of a weight training workout to help repair and grow your muscles. Whey protein powder is widely available in health and fitness stores, either plain or in assorted flavors. Mix whey powder with water, milk, or other beverages for a quick post-workout protein boost. Go for a plant-based protein powder if you want a vegan option. While many protein powders contain milk ingredients, there are vegan alternatives that offer many of the same benefits. Soy protein powder is easy to digest, smooth in texture, and can help to lower cholesterol. Pea protein powder is also vegan-friendly and highly digestible. Hemp protein powder is another vegan option if you are not aiming to lose weight, as it is high in calories and fat. Choose egg protein powder if you want to build lean muscle. Egg protein is low in fat and carbs, making it a perfect option if you are weight-conscious. Take this powder as part of a shake or snack before working out to boost your energy for exercise. You can also take it after a workout to recharge. Buy casein powder to build muscle fast. Casein powder is highly effective because it lasts longer in the gastrointestinal tract, providing a slow and steady release of amino acids. This means that your muscles will have more time to repair and grow before your next workout. Consume this protein before you go to bed so it can work in your body throughout the night. Start with 1-2 scoops of protein powder. Drinking a nutritionally complete protein shake is a great way to start your day, or to provide yourself with an easy lunch or supper replacement on the go. Start by adding 1 or 2 scoops of your favorite protein powder to a blender. Since men and women have different nutritional needs, it is recommended that women go for 1 scoop of powder while men add two. The recommended amounts for each sex are only a suggestion. Add more or less protein powder depending on your personal needs. Add 1 cup of a mild-tasting vegetable, like spinach. To add vitamins and fiber to your drink, choose an easy-to-blend vegetable to include. Opt for a vegetable with a light flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients. Wash and dry the vegetable and cut it up as much as possible to make it easier to blend. Spinach is a great, nutrient-rich vegetable option. Kale and beet greens are also good choices. If you wish, mix different vegetables into your meal replacement drink. Add 1 cup of a flavorful fruit. Putting fruit into your protein drink is a good way to boost the vitamin content and well as the overall flavor. Bananas, cherries, and other berries are great choices since they add sweetness and round out the taste of the other ingredients. Be sure to wash the fruit thoroughly and remove any seeds, pits, or peels before blending. Fruit like grapefruit and cranberry might be too bitter to add to a smoothie or their own, but they can be combined with other sweet fruit to even out the taste. Include 1-2 spoonfuls of a healthy fat. A meal replacement drink is not complete without the addition of a healthy source of fat. Nut butters are an excellent option, as well as seeds like flax or chia. Coconut oil is also a great choice that will not overpower the taste of your drink. If you add seeds, make sure to blend your drink thoroughly to break the down as much as possible. Mix the ingredients, then blend in a liquid. Mix the ingredients together in the blender for 30 seconds, then add a splash of a liquid of your choice. This could be water, milk, almond milk, or fruit juice. Blend the drink again. Add more liquid and keep blending until the drink is the consistency that you want. Bake with protein powder. Baking with protein powder can be a game of trial and error in terms of producing treats with a texture and taste that you like. As a general rule, swap out 1/3 of the flour from your recipe and replace it with an equal amount of protein powder. Add extra moisture with water, milk, or oil if your dough or batter is grainy and dry. Make protein pancakes. Make a sweet breakfast treat more nutritious by adding protein powder to your pancake mix. Swap out 1/3 of the flour that the recipe calls for with protein powder. For an even healthier move, make special protein pancakes with healthy ingredients like banana and oatmeal. Add protein powder to Greek yogurt. The richness of Greek yogurt blends well with protein powder. Add 1 scoop of any flavor of protein powder to 1 cup (240 ml) of yogurt and stir it together until it is smooth. Top with fruit or nuts for a healthy treat. Add 1 scoop of protein powder to your coffee. Pour a full mug of fresh, hot coffee. Add 1 scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder and stir it until it dissolves completely. Add milk, cream, or sugar if you wish. Mix plain protein powder into mashed vegetables. A flavorless protein powder can add a nutritious punch to your mashed veggies. Sprinkle a scoop of the powder into a full pot of mashed potatoes, carrots, turnips, squash, or cauliflower. Mash and stir the powder into the mix until it is smooth. Supplement the protein in your hamburgers, meatballs, veggie burgers. Add 1 small scoop of unflavored protein powder to your ground meat dishes or their veggie alternatives. The powder will act as a binder without affecting the flavor or consistency. Boosting the protein level of your burgers and meatballs will make them healthier and increase their fat-fighting capabilities.

Opt for a whey powder if you want to build muscle mass. Go for a plant-based protein powder if you want a vegan option. Choose egg protein powder if you want to build lean muscle. Buy casein powder to build muscle fast. Start with 1-2 scoops of protein powder. Add 1 cup of a mild-tasting vegetable, like spinach. Add 1 cup of a flavorful fruit. Include 1-2 spoonfuls of a healthy fat. Mix the ingredients, then blend in a liquid. Bake with protein powder. Make protein pancakes. Add protein powder to Greek yogurt. Add 1 scoop of protein powder to your coffee. Mix plain protein powder into mashed vegetables. Supplement the protein in your hamburgers, meatballs, veggie burgers.

https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-the-Last-10-Pounds

How to Lose the Last 10 Pounds

If you're trying to lose the last 10 pounds for your ideal weight, know that it's normal to hit a plateau here but you can overcome it. To do so, reduce your salt intake since sodium can make it harder to drop the pounds. You should also try to cut processed foods and alcohol from your diet since these are empty calories that will get in the way of your goal. If you're already working out, up the intensity by spending 5 to 15 more minutes on each exercise. You can also add in some interval training to boost your metabolism and burn more calories. Along with eating right and exercising, aim to get 8 hours of sleep each night since poor sleep can decrease your metabolism and stimulate your appetite.

Understand the science. It isn't your imagination—those last 10 pounds really are harder to burn than the pounds you burned before them. That's because your body has a harder time losing weight the leaner it becomes. When you're at a heavier weight, your body uses more energy to complete various tasks, including both daily tasks and intentional exercise. As you lose weight, you actually reduce the amount of work your body must complete to accomplish the same tasks. Doing less work also means that you're burning fewer calories. When you lose weight, the hormones that control energy use are down-regulated, which causes a decrease in your body's overall metabolism. As a general rule, your metabolism slows down by as many as 20 calories per day for every 1 pound you lose. Take another look at your caloric requirements. If you've already lost weight, you may already understand that weight loss requires you to burn more calories than you intake. Since you're burning fewer calories now than you did before, however, you'll need to make some adjustments to the intake-output ratio before you can lose those final pounds. Typically, most people can lose the final bit of weight without crunching these numbers as long as they make small adjustments to their dieting routine. Others may find it beneficial to understand the math. Since the body burns roughly 10 to 20 calories fewer for every 1 pound lost, you can use that to help calculate the difference in your metabolism by multiplying your weight loss by 10 to 20 calories. For example, if you started at 150 pounds and are down to 140 pounds, you've already lost about 10 pounds. This means that your body is losing 100 to 200 calories less when it performs the same activities it performed at 150 pounds. Under these circumstances, you'll need to burn approximately 100 to 200 calories more each day to lose weight at the same rate as before. Review your baseline daily calorie limit. If you've never actually calculated how many calories you should consume each day, it might be helpful to do so now. These numbers are based on age, activity level, and the median BMI for men (22.5) and women (21.5) at a healthy weight. If your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, this information should be fairly accurate. If your BMI is above this range, however, these estimates might actually be somewhat lower than necessary. Note that if you don't know your current BMI, you can calculate your BMI by looking at a standard height/weight BMI chart. These numbers also apply most accurately to people who are moderately active. If you're very active, you'll need to consume 200 to 400 calories more. If you're sedentary, you'll need to consume approximately 200 calories less. To lose roughly 1 pound per week, your daily caloric intake should be: Women, ages 19 to 30: 2000 to 2200 calories Women, ages 31 to 50: 2000 calories Women, ages 51 and older: 1800 calories Men, ages 19 to 30: 2600 to 2800 calories Men, ages 31 to 50: 2400 to 2600 calories Men, ages 51 and older: 2200 to 2400 calories Be more vigilant. As you shed pounds and get closer to your ideal weight, it's easy to let your guard down and become more relaxed about your diet and exercise plan. Since losing weight is more difficult during this time, though, you should actually become more vigilant and intentional than before. Stay accountable by keeping a food diary or using a calorie-counting app. Record the things you eat and the exercises you perform, along with the estimated number of calories you consume versus calories you burn. Be as honest and accurate as possible. Let yourself get hungry. Instead of eating before you feel hunger, try to let a little hunger develop before grabbing any food. Doing so will ensure that you don't eat more often than your body actually needs. Additionally, train your body to eat every three to four hours. This includes both meals and snacks. When it's time to eat, make sure you're legitimately hungry and not just bored or thirsty. Take your time while eating so that your body can begin digesting the food. Doing so will help you fill up on less. As a general rule, you should also eat until you're only about 80 percent full—not 100 percent stuffed—and avoid finishing everything on your plate if you don't feel hungry for it. Adjust your nutrient ratios. Low-calorie diets are more effective than other diet trends, but some people do have sensitivities to carbohydrates and dietary fats that can make weight loss difficult. Consider adjusting your diet so that you consume more protein and fewer carbohydrates. Most of the extra protein you consume should come from non-meat sources, however. Meat introduces more unhealthy fats and calories into your diet, so it can hinder your weight loss efforts when consumed in excess. Instead of eating more meat, try eating things like nuts, lentil soup, chickpeas, whole wheat pastas, and vegetables. Consume more dietary fiber. Fiber cleanses your digestive system and helps reduce visceral fat around the abdomen, which also reduces your risk for health concerns like high blood pressure and diabetes. You can get more fiber through food sources or dietary supplements. Good food sources include beans, vegetables, fruits, and seeds. Either way, try to get 21 to 38 grams of fiber each day. Drink more water. Regardless of how much water you're currently drinking, you should try to increase the total amount to about 80 oz or 10 cups (2.5 L) each day. Drink the majority of your water and other fluids immediately before or during a meal to maximize the benefit. Drinking two glasses with a meal will help fill your stomach and may make it easier to consume 75 to 90 calories less. Reduce sodium intake. Watch your sodium intake carefully. Salt forces your body to retain fluids, which will increase your weight and make it harder to drop those 10 pounds. Since most foods contain some sodium, read the nutrition labels to know how much you're consuming. Be especially vigilant about breads, soups, poultry, and cured meats. Try to cut down your total sodium intake to roughly 1000 mg per day. Remove processed foods and alcohol from your diet. Both add empty calories to your diet. Even if you were able to enjoy them during the early stages of your weight loss, you should reduce or remove them from your diet now that your calories count more than ever. Processed foods include any food or drink that's been altered from its natural state. This includes most canned foods, boxed meals, and refined grains. Whenever possible, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fresh dairy, and whole grains over their processed counterparts. Most alcoholic beverages are relatively high in calories. Moreover, alcohol promotes fat storage, decreases muscle growth, and makes you feel hungrier. Since it also affects your decision-making abilities, drinking alcohol will make it harder to resist temptation, too. Curb your hunger with low-calorie foods. Eating a low calorie snack 15 minutes before sitting down for a major meal is a good way to control your portion sizes. The snack will partially fill your stomach, making it easier to get full on less food during lunch and dinner. Apples are an especially good choice. They only contain 65 calories apiece on average, and as long as you eat both the peel and flesh, your body expends nearly the same amount of calories digesting it. Satisfy your body's cravings for fats and sweets. Completely cutting fats and sugars from your diet is a bad idea since it can negatively impact both your help and your morale, but you also need to be smart about how you satisfy your body's cravings for them. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially beneficial for your body. They make it easier for cell membranes to develop insulin receptors, which then allows your body to lower its insulin levels. Lower insulin means less abdominal fat. One fish oil capsule and one 3-oz (85-g) serving of fatty fish provides roughly the same amount of omega-3. Other sources of healthy fats and oils include nuts, seeds, and avocados. If you have a notorious sweet tooth, consider appeasing it with a protein-rich, low-calorie sweet. Options include a single scoop of light ice cream, a single serving size carton of low-fat yogurt with fresh fruit, or a glass of low-fat chocolate milk. Sleep more. Poor sleep decreases your metabolism, so sleeping better will make it easier for you to burn calories. Aim for eight hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep also stimulates the appetite and increases the rate at which you lose lean muscle tissue. Intentionally set aside at least eight hours for sleep each night, and try to fall asleep and wake up at the same time each day. If you have difficulty sleeping, you may need to research techniques to improve the amount and quality of sleep you get each night. Spend more time on your feet. Standing burns more calories than sitting. No matter what your life is like, try to replace one hour of sitting with one hour of standing throughout the course of each day. Making this switch can burn an extra 100 calories, which can help offset the drop in your metabolism caused by your current amount of weight loss. Count your steps. Wear a pedometer to keep track of how many steps you take each day. Walking more often will burn more calories, and counting your steps will let you know how much walking you actually do. Wear the pedometer and walk your usual amount for at least three to four days. Once you figure out your average number of steps, you can set goals for increasing that amount. Start by getting an extra 2000 steps each day. After several days of adjusting to that amount, increase your steps by a similar interval. Continue along in this manner until you're walking roughly 10,000 steps on a daily basis. Practice interval training. Interval training is the practice of mixing short bursts of intense exercise into moderate exercise routines. When done right, it can boost your metabolism and allow you to burn more calories during low and moderate levels of activity. During any cardiovascular exercise you perform (jogging, swimming, cycling, etc.), switch back and forth between moderate effort and vigorous effort. For example, try running for 5 minutes after jogging for 10 minutes. Reduce your speed back down to a jog for another 10 minutes, then finish up with another 5 minutes of running. A 30-minute interval workout can help you burn 20 percent more calories than you'd expect to burn when exercising at a consistent pace. Increase the exercise you already perform. If you already perform some regular form of cardiovascular exercise, consider boosting the time spent on that exercise by 5 to 15 minutes. The exact amount will vary based on the intensity of the exercise. For vigorous exercise, an extra 5 minutes should suffice. For gentle to mild exercise, you may need to boost the amount to 15 minutes. To make the biggest difference, you'll need to do this for each exercise you already perform. In other words, if you take a power walk in the morning and go for a run at night, add 15 minutes to your power walk and 5 minutes to your evening run. Include strength training into your routine. Cardiovascular exercise burns more calories in the short-term, but strength training increases your metabolism, which helps your body burn more calories in the long-term. Try to do an equal amount of both types when you're working on those final 10 pounds. After a month or so, you may notice your body burning up to 30 percent more calories for the exercise you do.

Understand the science. Take another look at your caloric requirements. Review your baseline daily calorie limit. Be more vigilant. Let yourself get hungry. Adjust your nutrient ratios. Consume more dietary fiber. Drink more water. Reduce sodium intake. Remove processed foods and alcohol from your diet. Curb your hunger with low-calorie foods. Satisfy your body's cravings for fats and sweets. Sleep more. Spend more time on your feet. Count your steps. Practice interval training. Increase the exercise you already perform. Include strength training into your routine.

https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-a-River-Rock

How to Paint a River Rock

To paint a river rock, start by cleaning it off using warm, soapy water and a toothbrush. Then, find a design you want to paint and draw it on the rock with a pencil. When you're finished, fill in the design using acrylic paint and a paintbrush, painting the larger areas first and the smaller details last. When you're finished, set your rock somewhere to dry for at least a few hours before spraying it with a clear, urethane sealer.

Find a rock. If you are specifically looking for a river rock, the best place to look is a river bed. You can find rocks that have similar qualities at creeks, lakes, and on beaches. You can choose any rock that appeals to you, but rocks that are smooth are ideal for painting. Weathered rocks that that have been in the water for a long time are great for painting because they have tumbled, which has left them smooth and rounded. You can't take rocks from state and national parks. Be careful when you are searching for rocks. Do not get too close to the water unless you are sure that you will be safe or have someone watching you. Clean your river rock. Make sure that no dirt is stuck to it, and it is not flaking off in any place. To clean the rock, put it in warm, soapy water and scrub it with a toothbrush. Then rinse it and pat it dry with a towel. For tough spots use 100 grit sandpaper, followed by 150 then finally 220 grit sandpaper. Set the rock out on a table. Prepare the space where you will be painting the rock. You can paint anywhere you like, but a table or desk is ideal because it gives you space. Make sure to protect your work surface. You can lay newspaper or paper towels out so that paint doesn't get on the table. Consider recycled empty cereal boxes for a green alternative. Cut the box open on the side and unfold it. The inside has a nice solid light gray color. which gives contrast for your painting design, and the material is stronger than paper towels. There is also no risk of ink smudges from the newspaper. Choose a design. Choose any design that you desire. You can make the entire rock resemble something, like an animal, or paint a (very) small scene on the rock. Some options for animals are a cat, dog, fish, or owl. For a scene, you could paint a house or tree branch with a bird sitting on it. If the rock is big enough, you can paint an inspirational word, like “believe,” or “hope.” You can also paint monsters on the rock, like Frankenstein's monster, to put out during Halloween. Sketch the design on the rock. Once the rock is clean, use a pencil to sketch the design on the rock. You can start with paper first if that it helps you lay out your idea better than going straight to the rock. Sketching your idea on the rock will help you paint the design with better accuracy. H grade pencils are great to use for light sketching with clean lines. Use the pencil lightly so that it doesn't show through lighter paint. Assemble your paints. Use acrylic paints from a tube, such as Liquitex, or a paint made for outdoor use such as Plaid paint. An acrylic patio paint, however, is ideal. It Is ideal because the paint is made to handle porous surfaces, like rocks, and weather the outside elements. A regular acrylic will work if you are planning to keep the rock inside, though. The paint has a bird house shape on the top to indicate that the paint is outdoor safe. Make sure you have a palette to mix paint on. If you don't, you can use an old plate, wax paper, or foil folded around a piece of cardboard. Use inexpensive paint brushes. The rocks will wear down the brushes as you paint them, especially if it is a hard rock. Get an inexpensive pack of brushes to use that has several sizes in it. This is so that you will have brushes to use for larger areas, then details can be painted with a smaller brush. If you want to use a specific type of brush, buy acrylic semi stiff brushes. Begin by painting the large areas. A common problem is wanting to start on the details and then having to paint around it. First, paint the larger parts, like the base color or colors. When large areas are finished, let them dry before trying to paint next to or on top of them. It is your choice if you paint one or both sides of the rock. If you paint both sides, allow at least a few hours to one day for the paint to dry on the first side before painting the second side. Paint smaller areas. Layer colors, add texture, and paint the small details. You can also do this with a Sharpie or other permanent markers. This is also the time to go over small mistakes you may have made. Wait until the paint is dry to layer colors. Don't use dark colors on top of dark colors or light colors on top of light colors. Layer colors that have enough contrast so that the second layer won't cancel out the first layer. You can use a sponge to add texture that looks like foliage. Tear up a kitchen sponge, dab it into the paint, and sponge it into the rock. To correct mistakes, you can paint a solid color on top of the mistake until it is not noticeable, or turn the mistake into something else. For example, you can paint over a bird in the “sky” and make it look like a cloud. Allow it to dry. Put it somewhere safe to dry where it won't be touched or moved. Once you have painted everything, allow it to dry for at least several hours or one day. Check the rock when you think it is ready to make sure every part of it has dried. Sign your name and date. You can sign your name and date to remember when you painted the rock. This is especially good to do with children. Use a sharpie or other permanent marker so that it won't rub off and will work on the rock. Spray it with a sealer. When the rock has had at least a day to dry, spray it with a clear urethane finish. This will prevent the paint from cracking and peeling. Do this outdoors or in a well ventilated area so you do not breathe the vapors. This should be done by an adult or older child under adult supervision. Display the rock. You can either put the rock out for show, or put it to use. You can set it out on a tray, or put it on a windowsill. You can use it as a paper weight, or if the rock is big enough, use it as a stepping stone in a garden. The rock can also be a gift or token to give to a friend.

Find a rock. Clean your river rock. Set the rock out on a table. Choose a design. Sketch the design on the rock. Assemble your paints. Use inexpensive paint brushes. Begin by painting the large areas. Paint smaller areas. Allow it to dry. Sign your name and date. Spray it with a sealer. Display the rock.

https://www.wikihow.com/Recover-Data-from-the-Hard-Drive-of-a-Dead-Laptop

How to Recover Data from the Hard Drive of a Dead Laptop

To recover data from the hard drive of a dead laptop, get a hard disk enclosure and a new computer with the same operating system as the dead laptop. Next, remove the hard drive from the old laptop and place it in the hard disk enclosure. After that, use a USB cable to connect the hard disk enclosure to the working computer. Once the two computers are connected, use File Explorer, or the Finder on Mac, to transfer files from the old hard drive to the working computer. When you're finished transferring files, right-click the USB icon and click Eject to disconnect the computers.

Purchase a hard drive disk enclosure. This is an external system into which you can place a computer's hard drive in order to run it on another computer via a USB port; essentially, the enclosure will turn your laptop's hard drive into an external hard drive. Different computers use different hard drive models, so be sure to check your dead laptop's specifications before making this purchase. For example, if your laptop has a 2.5 SATA drive, you will need a 2.5 SATA USB enclosure. Note that disk enclosures aren't commonly found in big-box stores and are usually purchased online. Borrow or purchase a new computer with the same operating system as your old computer. If your old computer ran on Windows, you'll need to borrow or purchase a new Windows computer. If your old laptop was a MacBook, you will need to borrow or purchase a computer that runs MacOS. Make sure the working computer's hard drive has enough free space to accommodate the files you want to recover from the dead laptop. Alternatively, you can hook a second external hard drive up to the working computer and simply use the computer to transfer files from the old drive to the new one A Linux computer will be able to read files off of a Windows computer (but not the other way around); unless you understand both systems, however, it is best to use a Windows computer to recover a Windows hard drive. Mac computers can read hard drives formatted for Windows default NTFS files system, but they cannot write or transfer files to a NTFS hard drive. Hard drives formatted for Mac's HFS file system can only be read by another Mac computer. Remove the hard drive from the dead laptop. Make sure the laptop is unplugged and the battery is disconnected. Locate the panel on the bottom of the laptop and remove it. Then locate the hard drive inside the computer and carefully remove it. You'll probably need any screwdriver to remove the laptop panel and hard drive.The location of hard drive is different from one laptop model to another. Consult the user's manual or manufacturer's website if you need help locating the hard drive. Some laptop models may require special tools to open and/or remove the hard drive. Check the label on the bottom of your laptop to get the exact model number for your laptop and then search for "How to remove a hard drive from a [brand and model] laptop. You should find official an users manual and possibly a YouTube video showing exactly how to open your computer model. In some cases, you may need to take it to a professional. Place the old hard drive in the disk enclosure. Check where the connector pins are located on the hard drive and connect them to the pins in the enclosure. The way this is done is going to be different from one model to another. Check the user's manual that came with the enclosure for further instructions. If you have an IDE hard drive, note that there is a detachable adapter sitting over the interface. Simply pull this adapter off so that the drive will properly connect with the enclosure's connector plate. Connect the disk enclosure to the working computer. Once the hard drive is placed in the enclosure, it functions as an external hard drive. Connect it to the working computer using the USB cable. Connect a second external hard drive to the working computer (optional). If you are using a second external hard drive, use a USB cable to connect it to the working computer. Once the drive is connected, an icon should appear on your desktop (Mac) or a notification should pop up (Windows). The computer might also open the drive for you automatically. If your computer doesn't automatically prompt you about the new external storage unit, simply open File Explorer on Windows, or the Finder on Mac and click on the old hard drive. File Explorer has an icon that resembles a folder with a blue clip. It's in the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. The Finder has a icon that resembles a blue and white smiley face. It's in the Dock at the bottom of the screen. If the hard drive isn't recognized at first, try ejecting it and plugging it back in. If the hard drive is not readable, it's likely that the hard drive itself (and not your computer's software) failed. If this is the case, you will need professional assistance if you wish to continue the salvage. Be warned that this can be very expensive. Transfer your old files a working hard drive or computer. Transfer them to either the working computer or to a second external hard drive by copying and pasting, or clicking and dragging. If you have a lot of large files (ex. songs, movies), note that the transfer could take many hours. Close Windows File Explorer or the Finder on Mac. When you are finished transferring your files, click the X icon to close File Explorer or the Finder on Mac. The good news is that the dead computer is still physically intact and will probably work fine if you reinstall your operating system or replace the faulty parts. Right-click the USB icon and select Eject. You can now detach the old hard drive. Get a laptop hard drive adapter kit. This will allow you to plug your laptop's hard drive directly into a compatible desktop computer. Different computers use different hard drive models, so be sure to check your dead laptop's specifications before making this purchase. For example, if your laptop has a 2.5 SATA drive, you will need a 2.5 SATA adapter. Borrow or purchase a new computer with the same operating system as your old computer. If your old computer ran on Windows, you'll need to borrow or purchase a new Windows computer. If your old laptop was a MacBook, you will need to borrow or purchase a computer that runs MacOS. Make sure the working computer's hard drive has enough free space to accommodate the files you want to recover from the dead laptop. A Linux computer will be able to read files off of a Windows computer (but not the other way around); unless you understand both systems, however, it is best to use a Windows computer to recover a Windows hard drive. Remove the hard drive from the dead laptop. Unplug it, and remove the battery. Locate the panel that houses the laptop hard drive and remove it. Unscrew the hard drive cover and remove the hard drive. Some models will pop upwards, some will slide outwards, etc. Where the hard drive is located is different from one laptop model to another. Consult the user's manual or manufacturer's website if you need help locating the hard drive on your laptop. If your laptop has an IDE hard drive, note that there is a detachable adapter sitting over the hard drive interface. Simply pull this adapter off so that the interface is accessible later. Some laptop models may require special tools to open and/or remove the hard drive. Check the label on the bottom of the laptop to see the exact make and model of your laptop and search for, "How to remove the hard drive for a [make and model number] laptop." You should find a user's manual and possibly a YouTube video with step-by-step instructions on how to take apart your laptop. In some cases, you may need to take it to a professional. Turn off your desktop computer, unplug it, and open the tower. You will use the adapter kit to plug the old hard drive directly into the motherboard. Connect the dead drive to the working computer using your drive adapter. How you do this will depend on your drive and adapter types, so use the instructions that came with the kit. If you have an IDE drive, configure it to “slave” mode before connecting it to the IDE ribbon. The configuration should be noted on the hard drive itself and will involve moving a plastic cap over a particular pin or set of pins (aka “jumpers”) on the hard drive interface. Configuring it to slave mode will keep your laptop hard drive from competing with the desktop's “master” hard drive during boot-up. Configure your desktop to recognize the new drive. Plug your desktop back in, power it on, and open BIOS. Go to Standard CMOS Settings or IDE Config , where you will find four settings involving master and slave settings. Change all four fields to auto-detection. The BIOS Settings and menus may be different from one computer model to another. Exit BIOS and reboot. Your desktop should now automatically detect the new hardware. Open the new hard drive. If you're using Windows, open File Explorer and look for the new hard drive. It's the icon that resembles a folder with a blue clip in the taskbar. With Linux, the new drive will appear in the dev directory. If the hard drive is not readable, it's likely that the hard drive itself (and not your computer's software) failed. If this is the case, you will need professional assistance if you wish to continue the salvage. Be warned that this can be very expensive. Transfer the files to the working computer. Use File Explorer to transfer the old files to either the working computer or to the external hard drive by copying and pasting, clicking and dragging, etc. If you have a lot of large files (ex. songs, movies), note that the transfer could take many hours. Turn off and unplug the desktop to uninstall the hard drive (if desired). Since the hard drive is physically intact, it will probably work fine in the old laptop if you reinstall your operating system or replace the faulty parts. Purchase a FireWire cable. They cost anywhere between $5 and $20. Borrow or purchase a working Mac. Make sure the Mac has enough space to accommodate the files you want to recover from the dead laptop. Connect the dead Mac to the working Mac using the FireWire cable. Make sure that the working Mac is turned off when you do this. Boot up the working mac in Target Disk Mode. If you are using an older version of MacOS, simply boot up the working Mac and press T as it boots up. Otherwise, use the following steps to boot into Target Disk Mode in MacOS 10.4 or newer. Turn on your computer as normal. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click System Preferences Click Startup Disk Click Target Disk Mode. Reboot your computer to start it in Target Disk Mode. Find and open the dead computer’s hard drive on your Mac’s desktop. If the targeted drive does not appear on the desktop, the damage to your old computer is likely physical, meaning you will need professional assistance to finish the salvage. Be warned that this can be very expensive. Transfer your old files. Transfer them to either the working Mac or to the external hard drive by copying and pasting, or clicking and dragging. If you have a lot of large files (ex. songs, movies), note that the transfer could take many hours. When you’re done, close the window to your hard drive. The good news is that the dead computer is still physically intact and will probably work fine if you reinstall your operating system or replacing the faulty parts. Right-click the targeted drive and select Eject. You can now detach the dead computer.

Purchase a hard drive disk enclosure. Borrow or purchase a new computer with the same operating system as your old computer. Remove the hard drive from the dead laptop. Place the old hard drive in the disk enclosure. Connect the disk enclosure to the working computer. Connect a second external hard drive to the working computer (optional). Transfer your old files a working hard drive or computer. Close Windows File Explorer or the Finder on Mac. Right-click the USB icon and select Eject. Get a laptop hard drive adapter kit. Borrow or purchase a new computer with the same operating system as your old computer. Remove the hard drive from the dead laptop. Turn off your desktop computer, unplug it, and open the tower. Connect the dead drive to the working computer using your drive adapter. Configure your desktop to recognize the new drive. Exit BIOS and reboot. Open the new hard drive. Transfer the files to the working computer. Turn off and unplug the desktop to uninstall the hard drive (if desired). Purchase a FireWire cable. Borrow or purchase a working Mac. Connect the dead Mac to the working Mac using the FireWire cable. Boot up the working mac in Target Disk Mode. Find and open the dead computer’s hard drive on your Mac’s desktop. Transfer your old files. When you’re done, close the window to your hard drive. Right-click the targeted drive and select Eject.

https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Successful-Team

How to Build a Successful Team

To build a successful team, start by finding out what motivates each member, whether it be verbal praise or monetary incentives, and use that information to reward them for doing a great job. Then, do team building exercises monthly to improve your team's communication skills and solidify relationships. Additionally, set weekly meetings to discuss essential business and team goals. If there is conflict within your team, encourage members to communicate directly with each other instead of using you as the mediator.

Interview team members. Get to know each person and their background, experience, and abilities. Try to evaluate their temperament so that you have a full picture of who they are. Many times, people's skills are different than what's on paper, so doing a trial run with them may be effective. To do this, have a prospective team member work on a project or do a routine that's closely related to what they would be doing if they joined the team. You should be able to see their abilities and get a good sense of their experience without referring to their references. To learn more about interviewing skills, go to Interview Someone. Choose members who have chemistry. Team members should be able to get along and build bonds. Selecting a team with chemistry involves choosing people that can compliment each other. Don't pick team members who have the same strengths and weaknesses. Before selecting anyone, think of how you're going to use your team member's talents to achieve your end goal. To make sure that people get along, select people who have similar values and goals. For example, if you're developing an app, your programmers and designers will need to work together so that the app's design can also serve functional purposes. Be wary of choosing talent over personality. A toxic personality can impede progress. In some cases, it's better to stick with someone who's easy to work with. Team members should encourage each other to be successful and build on one another's successes. Choose a diverse team. Building a diverse team allows more perspectives and introduces new and unique ideas. Make sure that you choose people from varying backgrounds, ethnicities, and perspectives. This will help your team approach problems from different viewpoints and can contribute to driving success and innovation on your team. Having a diverse team enhances creativity and group problem solving. Conflict can help improve unity by making the team members challenge one another. It may help remove apathy, get people invested, and lead to making better decision making. Choose team members who can get the job done. When building a team, you must ensure that your members have the right skills and experience to be successful and complete the end goal. This means selecting team members who can fulfill their responsibilities. Require team members to get references and talk to past coaches or supervisors. Get a full evaluation of a person's ability before making them a part of your team. If key team members don't have the appropriate skills or experience, it could hinder a portion of your project, thus delaying progress. Establish cohesive goals and values. While having a diverse team with different perspectives can drive success, it's important that all your team members can agree on your team's goals and values. When team members join, make it a point to establish the goals and values. Let team members know what their work is going towards, what the results should be, and how the team should work to achieve those goals. A team without an identifiable goal can work against each other and delay progress. Examples of team goals can include being more productive this quarter than the last quarter, winning a championship, or being victorious in an important match. Some examples of good team values include reliability, positivity, transparency, collaboration, and tolerance. Designate roles and expectations. Each member should continually strive to accomplish the team's overall goal, but should also be concentrated on a specific part of the project. While designated positions should be specific, it's also important to allow members to grow within their respective roles. Sometimes duties and responsibilities can be merged or transferred to another person more capable on the team. This requires close attention to the development and growth of individual team member skills. On a sports team, this could mean designating who is on offense or defense and which role each member has on the team. You may need to change roles or help support one role on the team. When transferring someone from one role to another, say something like, "You're doing a good job, but I think you'd be better at coding than design. I'm moving you over to Eric's team because I think you'd do well there. What do you think?" Determine your strengths and weaknesses. Being an effective leader means realizing where you excel and where you could use improvement. For instance, you could be excellent at pushing deadlines and motivating employees, but poor at strategic planning. Make a concerted effort each day to work on the things that you are weak on. Talk to your team managers to get an honest evaluation of your leadership. They may see problems in your style that you're unaware of. This is known as participative feedback. Put the feedback into action. For instance, if your weakness is organizing, take at least an hour each day to organize your space. If your project is falling behind or your team is failing, you must take a step back, and self-assesses if you're a good leader. Build respect and trust on the team. Being the leader does not mean that all the members will immediately like or respect you. Many times you must gain their trust and admiration with your knowledge, experience, and ability to settle conflict within the team. Get respect from your team members by showing your value and expertise. Resolve issues quickly and be knowledgeable in all aspects of what the team is doing. A good leader will help fill in the gaps when the team is running behind. Be sure to set the example on the team. If you have bad habits, chances are your team will replicate your behavior. Improve your communication. As the leader of the team, you'll need to communicate to each member efficiently and clearly. Encourage transparency so that your team members tell the truth, then partake in active listening. Stop and actually listen to what team members have to say. They could be pointing out something that you've missed or they could shed light on things from their perspective. Talk to your team members and keep regular communication with them. Reflect on what they say, and think of solutions to their concerns or comments. Alternatively, stay silent and listen to what your team has to say. They may end up revealing more than they intended about their feelings. Get to know members' habits and tendencies so that you can use it to the team's advantage. This may also help you guide their development. Motivate your team. Drive your team towards success by giving them the encouragement that they need to do well. Motivation can come in the form of being inspired by your abilities, or by being rewarded for good work. Lead by example and show them that you're a capable leader who cares about them. Figure out what team members value the most and use it to motivate them. You can encourage someone by saying something like, "You did a great job blocking that game Darius. Keep up the good work, I'm seeing some serious improvement!" Some team members want positive reinforcement while others prefer monetary incentives. Set clear expectations. Your team must know what's expected of them to stay productive and work towards an end goal. Before you allow your team to start working or practicing, sit each team member down and tell them what you expect from them. You will also need to set the expectation for behavior and values within the team. For instance, if you're leading a sales team , you can say: "We want to make sales and meet our quotas, but we also need to maintain integrity. Never lie or mislead customers, rather, persuade them towards making a purchase." Use team building exercises. Team building exercises can help improve communication between members and help solidify relationships within the team. Employ team building exercises if you find your team in constant unproductive conflict. Make sure that your team building exercises are not competitive and unify the team. Also, make sure that you do them on a weekly or monthly basis to be the most effective. An example of a team building exercise is back-to-back drawing. This is where two people stand back to back. One person describes an image while the other member draws it. This teaches team members to work together to solve a problem. Encourage the team to settle problems internally. When members go to a superior about a problem or conflict, it can create distrust within the team. Instead of escalating problems, encourage the team to try to communicate with one another and solve problems by themselves. If a team member comes to you with a problem, suggest that they try to talk to the team member they are having problems with. When conflict arises and it doesn't devolve into destructive behavior it's known as constructive discord and can actually help the team. You can say something like, "Eric, I appreciate you bringing this to me, but you should talk to Sharon about it first. I'm sure there's a good explanation for her actions." If there is a disagreement between team members, it's good to meditate and get to the bottom of the conflict before it gets emotional or personal. Have weekly team meetings. While having too many meetings can cost unnecessary time and money, weekly meetings can help bring your team together. This is particularly the case if everyone's jobs are different and members don't interact often. To have an effective meeting, make sure you create an agenda of items that you'll talk about beforehand. Restrict the session's length to be long enough to cover the essentials, and always make them goal oriented. Don't get bogged down in minute details or unnecessary things. If you need to speak to a member specifically about something, save it for after the meeting. Coach team members who are underperforming. Take your underperforming team members aside to talk to them about their performance gap. A sign of a good leader is one that's able to identify issues in someone's working habits and come up with solutions to remedy them. Instead of dismissing the person from the team, explain the areas that you think they are underperforming in and think of tactics and strategies to improve their performance. Ask the team member if they understand what you talked about and follow it up with positive reinforcement for the things that they do well. Concentrate on the areas in which the person is underperforming, not their character or personality. You can say something like, "Jerry, I want to talk to you about your sales numbers. You haven't been meeting the quota for two weeks. I've looked at your call sheet and noticed that you're not making as many calls as you should per day, which might explain the drop in sales. Do you think that this could be your problem?" Dismiss members who violate the rules or chronically underperform. Serious misconduct like harassment, assault, or theft should are grounds for immediate dismissal. Those that chronically underperform should also be dismissed if their behavior is persistent and shows no sign of improvement. Having an underperforming member could hinder your team from reaching their goals and have an affect on the entire team. Sit the person down privately and talk to them about their performance. Before you dismiss anyone, talk to them first and allow them to improve. Be sure read your team's rules regarding procedure. Some companies require verbal or written warnings before a dismissal can take place. When dismissing someone, focus on the facts and their lackluster performance and not the individual or their personal habits. If you aren't in the position to fire anyone, talk to a supervisor about the misconduct or underperformance.

Interview team members. Choose members who have chemistry. Choose a diverse team. Choose team members who can get the job done. Establish cohesive goals and values. Designate roles and expectations. Determine your strengths and weaknesses. Build respect and trust on the team. Improve your communication. Motivate your team. Set clear expectations. Use team building exercises. Encourage the team to settle problems internally. Have weekly team meetings. Coach team members who are underperforming. Dismiss members who violate the rules or chronically underperform.

https://www.wikihow.com/Trailer-a-Horse

How to Trailer a Horse

To trailer a horse, it's a good idea to practice loading a few times beforehand since some horses can be pretty stubborn about getting into a trailer. The first time you practice, let your horse explore the trailer without forcing it to go inside. Reward it if it sniffs the trailer or moves closer to it at all. Then, next time, try leading it into the trailer, but avoid using force if it refuses to load since you could scare it even more. Keep in mind that it might take a few tries before your horse is comfortable enough to go in the trailer, but with regular practice and positive encouragement, it should eventually get there.

Park the trailer. It should be in a level area with good footing for the horse, and with enough space for you to easily access all the doors. Perform a safety check. Before loading the horse, be sure the trailer and tow vehicle are in perfect order. Check for broken rivets or screws or any other sharp metal edges. Make sure there the floor of the trailer is sound with no rotten spots a horse's foot might punch through. Make sure all bolts and fasteners are in good working condition. Replace or tape down any loose floor mats that might trip the horse. Check brakes and other mechanics. Check the hitch to make sure it is functioning properly at both the trailer and tow vehicle ends. Make sure all taillights and other lights are working Pack safety gear. Having the appropriate emergency gear is crucial even when hauling a short distance. Human first aid kit which should include bandages, antibiotic cream, pain reliever tablets, scissors, and sterile alcohol wipes. Horse first aid kit which should include gauze pads and bandages, electrolytes, leg wraps, hoof pick, Phenylbutazone paste (pain reliever), Betadine solution (antiseptic). Horse blanket. Fire extinguisher. Road flares and reflectors. Fully charged cell phone. CB radio if possible. Emergency water for you and the horse (enough for 24 hours). Cover the floor with wood shavings. Shavings help reduce shock and absorbs moisture from horse urine, helping to keep the trailer floor less slippery. Use rubber mats to provide additional shock absorption, especially for long distances. Spread shavings on top of the mats. Straw can also be used but it tends to become more slippery than wood shavings. Load everything you need. This might include tack, feed, grooming supplies, and camping gear. While you need to have everything you need, don't over-pack as this can increase the weight of the trailer significantly making towing more difficult. First aid kits for humans and horses. Your own clothing and toiletries. Extra horse blankets and leg wraps. Mucking items such as a pitchfork and shovel. Buckets and sponges. Saddle and other riding gear. Hay and other feed. Water (enough for 24 hours). Practice loading. Horses have a strong flight instinct and often resist being loaded into a trailer. Start slowly, introducing your horse to the trailer without forcing him to get in. Walk him around and let him check out the trailer. Reward all positive steps towards the goal of loading including sniffing the trailer, not backing away and exhibiting curiosity. Pat or rub him and give verbal encouragement. Do not use force or violence as this will create a bad association for your horse and make him even more resistant to the trailer. It may take many tries to get your horse comfortable enough to load. Let him back out whenever he wants to. The goal is make him comfortable and relaxed so that he will load easily. When the horse loads for the first time do not shut the doors as this may panic him. Once he is completely comfortable, close the butt bar and doors. Practice Unloading. You want the horse to walk out of the trailer, not bolt. Use patience when teaching him to back out of the trailer. Use verbal cues or a small tug on the tail to signal that it's time to back out. If he wants to rush out of the trailer, use the lead rope to slow him down. Do not attempt to pull or push the horse. Do not stand behind the horse. Untie the horse from the trailer before releasing the butt bar or opening the back door. When he unloads properly, reward him with praise and patting or rubbing. Know when to get help. Some horses are very resistant to being in a trailer. Your horse may be afraid of the trailer because of past bad experiences. Ask a horse professional for assistance if your horse is particularly resistant or reacts with violence (such as bolting or rearing). Do not lose your patience or react with violence as this will exacerbate the problem. Load the horse in the trailer. If you are using a side by side style trailer load the horse in the left hand stall of the trailer, as it will tow more safely if the heavy side of the trailer is in the center of the road. If you are using a slant load trailer load the horse in the front stall; the trailer will generally balance better. It is safest to teach the horse to load on command. However you may need to lead him into the trailer. Ask a friend to help you guide the horse into the trailer and to observe in case of an accident. You may want to use shipping boots or leg wraps but these may cause sores or loss of circulation if used over a long period of time. Be sure to wrap properly to avoid injury. Use a leather halter as it will break if there is an emergency. If you use a nylon halter make sure it is a break-away. Secure the horse with the trailer tie. Your horse should be secured in place in the trailer. Use a trailer tie with a quick release snap. Hook it to the tie ring on the halter and the tie ring on the trailer. Remove his lead rope so he does not become tangled in it. Keep the rope slack. If you tie the horse too tightly, sudden turns will jerk the horse's head around. A slack rope also makes feeding from the hay bin easier. You also have the option not to tie the horse in the trailer. Use the butt strap and close the doors. Whether you do or don't tie the horse, be sure to secure the butt strap and back doors of the trailer. Make sure all doors are closed and latched. Make sure nothing will fall on or under the horse during transport. Open air vents on windows and doors. Do this as needed to keep plenty of air moving through the trailer. Horses release a lot of heat and moisture as they breathe. Exhaust fumes and ammonia can build up in a closed trailer, causing respiratory distress for the horse. Do one last check. Places to check include doors, wheels, and the hitch. Make sure nothing is amiss and no tools, lead ropes, etc. have been left on the ground or trailer fenders, or are leaning on the trailer. Drive gently! Take corners, accelerate, and stop slowly and smoothly. Remember that the horse is standing up, trying to keep its balance. Practice driving the trailer before you try with a horse loaded. Get used to taking turns slowly and changing lanes gradually. Take frequent breaks on long trips. Your horse needs time to rest and unlock its legs. Stop at least every 3-4 hours. Do not remove the horse from the trailer. Park in the shade. Give the horse some water. Check for injuries and make sure the trailer is still in good condition. Park again. Choose a good place, away from highways and traffic and set all brakes. Park on a level surface with good footing (preferably not pavement). Park in the shade if possible. Remove the horse from the trailer. Unloading properly is just as important as loading properly to minimize risk of injury to your horse and yourself. Attach the lead rope and untie the horse from the trailer. Lower the ramp doors and release the butt bar. It is safest to teach your horse to back up on command. If you or an assistant enter the trailer to back him out, make sure to speak to him as you approach so he knows you are there. Back him slowly out of the trailer, making sure there are no obstructions such as the lead rope tangled around his legs. It may be possible to turn the horse around in a large trailer so he doesn't have to back out. Never stand behind the horse as he could injure you (and himself) if he decides to bolt out of the trailer. Once outside, tie him to the trailer or other safe space. Check for injuries and offer him some water.

Park the trailer. Perform a safety check. Pack safety gear. Cover the floor with wood shavings. Load everything you need. Practice loading. Practice Unloading. Know when to get help. Load the horse in the trailer. Secure the horse with the trailer tie. Use the butt strap and close the doors. Open air vents on windows and doors. Do one last check. Drive gently! Take frequent breaks on long trips. Park again. Remove the horse from the trailer.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Large-Breasts-Look-Smaller

How to Make Large Breasts Look Smaller

If you have large breasts and want to make them look smaller, wear solid, dark colors since these will make your whole body look slimmer. When choosing what kinds of shirts to wear, go for ones with scoop necks or boat necks rather than low-cut tops so you don't draw attention to your chest. Since certain clingy fabrics like satin and velvet can emphasize your bust, choose clothes made from slouchy fabrics like thick cotton or terry cloth. Another way you can cover up your curves is to wear a layered look with a jacket, cardigan, or scarf. If you want to physically reduce the size of your breasts, try exercising more to lose some body fat and make your chest smaller.

Have your bra fitted. Wearing a bra that fits is one of the easiest ways to improve your bust overall. Your bra cup should cover most of your breast and rest across the back in a straight line. The straps should not do the supporting; the band should support the majority of the weight. Go see a bra specialist to be fitted. Go to a store that offers bras in a wide range of sizes, specifically sizes beyond DD. This is extremely important when finding the right fitting bra for you. Many stores will try to sell you what they have, and a lot of department stores only have the common sizes, which don't fit every body type. Don't stress over the fit of your bra. You might find out you're a 32E instead of 34DD. That's okay. A proper fitting bra is more important than the letter and number. A proper bra will make you look better, which can help boost your confidence. Keeping your breasts well supported and lifted helps give you the appearance of a waist by increasing the length of your torso. Have yourself fitted occasionally to make sure you're always fitted properly. Wear a minimizer bra instead. Minimizer bras redistribute your breast tissue, which helps it appear you've taken a couple inches off your bust line. The important thing about minimizer bras is that they don't flatten your breasts. Minimizer bras help clothes fit better while you still remain comfortable. They help button up blouses not gap open, and help reduce the size of your cleavage when wearing turtlenecks. Wear darker colors. Just like wearing solid dark colors will slim the look of your body, they will also minimize the impact of your breasts. A well-fitted black blazer is a great all-around business look. A black dress for evening wear slims you, accessorizes well, and is always in style. Go for a darker top with a bright skirt or pair of pants and eyecatching shoes. Wear the right top. The blouses and sweaters you wear can go a long way to minimizing your bust. No matter what style you choose, you want to think about avoiding any cut, color, or pattern that emphasizes the size of your breasts. Wear V-necks. Make sure the neckline stops right at your cleavage. Also try scoop necks, boat necks, or sweetheart necks. The key is to make sure the neckline doesn't plunge too deep. Deep cut necklines draw attention to your breasts. Don't wear anything with too many ruffles or flounces. Don't completely rule out horizontal stripes or boxy tops. Try a boxy top that hangs straight from your chest without ballooning. Wearing horizontal stripes in a looser fit will also detract some of the attention from your breasts. Try a cropped length to avoid a tented, baggy look. Avoid low-cut tops. A low cut top will frame and maximize large breasts so that it's virtually impossible to keep eyes away from them. Choose the right fabric. Certain fabrics draw attention to your bust. Satin, velvet, and chunky knit fabrics can emphasize your bust. Stay clear of sequin tops and halter tops. Instead, wear terry cloth, cashmere, and cotton. When wearing a t-shirt, go for a slouchy fabric like a thick cotton or terry cloth that will drape over your bust and not be too clingy. Wear loose, crew neck t-shirts tucked into the front of a short skirt or boyfriend jeans to avoid the unflattering tent problem while looking stylish at the same time. Wear jackets and cardigans. Cardigans draw the eyes away from your breasts, and their long, straight lines minimize your curves. The layering also helps cover curves you may want to reduce. Wear blazers and jackets open. Don't worry about getting a size large enough for it to button or zip; get a fit for your arms, back, and shoulders that hangs open. The layered look works well with larger breasts. The different sweaters or jackets cut the line of your outfit, taking the attention away from your bust. If your shirt is too low cut, try wearing a cami underneath. It's not only fashionable, but helps cover your cleavage. Find a jacket that has heavy, structured fabric that draws attention away from your breasts. Motorcycle jackets can work because of the layers of fabric over your chest along with the cropped length. If lapels on a blazer won't lie properly on your chest, go for a lapel-free style. When buying coats, go for a single-breasted style. Avoid long necklaces. They draw the eye downward and to your chest. Instead, opt for no necklace or a choker. Another great style is large, statement necklaces. Go for necklaces with multiple pieces or strands of beads/gemstones. Don't wear tight blouses. Popping buttons with gaping holes draw the eye right to your breasts. Tight patterned fabrics or tight t-shirts stretch over your breasts, usually distorting the patterns on the shirt. Go for fitted shirts, but not skin tight. Also avoid shirts too baggy. Shirts that are too loose can be unflattering. Go for shirts that are fitted to your shape. Wear scarves. Draping a scarf around your neck is not only stylish and warm, but can also help diminish the size of your breasts. Try pairing it with a jacket or cardigan or jersey knit t-shirt. Lose weight. Breasts are made of fat tissue. Following a plan to lose body weight overall can successfully reduce the fat tissue in your body, helping to reduce the size of your bust. Many women even see a lot of initial fat reduction in their breast area. Adopt a cardio routine. Exercises like walking, cycling, or doing the elliptical machine are great for boosting metabolism and burning fat. Dancing, swimming, and kickboxing are other good cardio ideas. If it is comfortable to do so, try running and jogging. Just go for something that will get your heart rate up and get you moving. Shoot for a minimum of 45 minutes 5-6 days a week. Make sure to wear a correctly fitted sports bra when doing cardio exercises to protect your breasts. If you follow a regular exercise and diet plan and don't lose any weight in your breasts, you might have dense tissue instead of fatty tissue. Dense breast tissue cannot be burned off through diet and exercise. Eat a healthy, lower calorie diet. To help your weight loss and fat burning, make sure to eat a healthy, fat-burning diet. Foods good for burning fat are whole grains, lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and lots of water. Don't crash diet. Cutting calories too drastically slows metabolism, which can negatively impact your hard work. Shoot for at least 1200 calories a day, and remember to replenish your energy stores after working out. Do strength training exercises. Adding in muscle building exercises will help to tone and build chest muscles. These strength training exercises won't melt fat away in your chest area, but combined with cardio and a healthy eating plan, they will help you tone your chest area. Try the following exercises: push ups , pull-ups , dips , pectoral flies, bench press , and upright rows. Strengthening your chest, back, and shoulders can help you if you have upper back pain, neck pain, stress on your shoulders, or poor posture due to your breasts. These exercises should be done 2-3 times a week. Start with 8-10 reps and increase from there. To tone, you want to use lighter weights and do a higher amount of repetitions. More weight with less reps will build bulkier muscle. Bind your breasts. Binding your breasts is helpful if you need to limit their movement, are dressing as a man, or otherwise need to flatten your chest. Chest binders safely flatten your breasts and can be purchased online and at certain retailers. Never use ace bandages or duct tape to bind your breasts. They can cause serious side effects, like broken ribs and fluid build up. Always wear a binder that fits you. Never buy a binder that is too small to try to flatten your breasts more. That can also lead to serious side effects. Get a breast reduction. Breast reduction surgery removes fat, tissue, and skin to reduce the size of breasts to a size more comfortable or aesthetically pleasing to the patient. This procedure can be expensive and may be drastic for some women. If you are interested in breast reduction surgery, schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Have your bra fitted. Wear a minimizer bra instead. Wear darker colors. Wear the right top. Choose the right fabric. Wear jackets and cardigans. Avoid long necklaces. Don't wear tight blouses. Wear scarves. Lose weight. Eat a healthy, lower calorie diet. Do strength training exercises. Bind your breasts. Get a breast reduction.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Hip-Dips

How to Get Rid of Hip Dips

To get rid of hip dips, try doing 2 to 3 reps of 10 to 15 glute bridges 3 times a week to tone your hips. Additionally, perform 20 reps of lunges on each side 2 to 3 times a week to build muscle on your hips, butt, and stomach. Alternatively, work on your core muscles by doing 2 to 3 sets of 15 squats twice a week. You can also hold yourself in the plank position for 30 to 60 seconds every other day to work your leg muscles.

Do glute bridges to tone your hips. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart. Lift your hips off the floor while keeping your back straight. Hold your position for 2 counts, then lower your hips back down slowly. Do 2 to 3 sets of 10-15 reps, 2-3 times a week for the best results. Start by doing this exercise with your body weight and work up to holding dumbbells at the front of your hips. Try lunges to shape your hips, stomach, and behind. Stand with your feet a bit more than hip-distance apart and place your left leg forward. Drop your right knee towards the floor while bending your front knee. Continue until your front knee is directly over your ankle, then return to the starting position. Do 20 reps, then switch sides and repeat the exercise with your right foot forward. Aim to do lunges 2-3 days per week. Stay straight by focusing on dropping your hips towards the floor. Practice bench step-ups to target your hips and glutes. Stand next to a fitness bench, length-wise. Step up with your right foot and lift your left leg to the side. Hold this position for 3 counts, then step down with the left foot followed by the right foot. Do 15 reps, then repeat with the other leg. Do 2 sets on each side. Get into the plank position for 30-60 seconds to work your core muscles. Lie face down with your hands under your shoulders and your toes curled to grip the ground. Straighten your arms and lift yourself off of the floor. Hold this position with your abs and buns tightened, then lower yourself back down. Start by holding yourself up for 30 seconds at a time, then work up to a full 60 seconds per plank. Your body should be positioned in a diagonal line while you hold this position. For the best results, do this exercise every 1-2 days. Do advanced crunches to tone your abs and upper hips. Lie flat on your back with your legs straight up in the air, perpendicular to your torso. Cross your hands over your chest. Flex your stomach to bring your elbows to your knees, then lower yourself back down. Do 2 sets of 25 reps, 3-4 times per week. Do squats to strengthen your core. Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width and your arms extended in front of you, palms down. Bend your knees slowly while sending your hips backward, keeping your back straight. Squat as low as you can while maintaining your balance, then push up on your heels to get back into a standing position. For a full workout, do 2-3 sets of 15-20 squats. Try to do squats at least twice a week to see improvement. Work on doing donkey kicks. Get on your hands and knees, making sure your arms are fully extended and perpendicular to the ground. Keep your knees at a 90-degree angle and lift one of your legs until your thigh is in line with your torso and parallel to the ground. Do 10 to 15 reps with each leg for 2 to 3 sets. Go for clothing that looks tailored, not tight. Tight-fitting clothing will highlight your hip dips by clinging to your body. Opt instead for looser clothing, or clothes that are tailored to fit well without hugging your body. Pair long, loose tops with slim-fitting bottoms to balance out your look. Fit and flare dresses can give you an hourglass shape while covering your hip dips. Tailored blazers and blouses can camouflage your hip dips without looking baggy. Choose fabrics that won't cling to your body. Loose, flowing fabrics like cotton are the best choice for disguising your hip dips as they fall around your body without clinging to it. Thick, structured materials like denim may also offer good camouflage by holding their own shape outside of your silhouette. Avoid clingy fabrics like spandex and lycra, which will accentuate your hips dips. Wear long sweaters and tops that fall below your hips. To cover your hips completely, opt for long cardigans, blazers, shirts, or blouses. Shop for tops that skim past your hips for the best coverage. Choose the right size by making sure that the shoulders are not baggy and that the top does not cling to your body anywhere. A waterfall cardigan, which cascades down in front and has no buttons to close it, can make a good addition to your wardrobe. Wear peplum style garments to cover the gap between your high and lower hips. Peplum is a style of dress, top, and jacket that flares out in a bell shape just above your hips, creating an hourglass shape. This design also covers hips dips completely, making them unnoticeable. Shop for chic peplum dresses or peplum shirts, blouses, and blazers to pair with slim-fitting pants or skirts. Peplum style clothing also camouflages a thicker waist by creating a curvy shape. Make sure the flared part of the clothing is beyond the widest part and drop below the hip dip.

Do glute bridges to tone your hips. Try lunges to shape your hips, stomach, and behind. Practice bench step-ups to target your hips and glutes. Get into the plank position for 30-60 seconds to work your core muscles. Do advanced crunches to tone your abs and upper hips. Do squats to strengthen your core. Work on doing donkey kicks. Go for clothing that looks tailored, not tight. Choose fabrics that won't cling to your body. Wear long sweaters and tops that fall below your hips. Wear peplum style garments to cover the gap between your high and lower hips.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Letter-of-Appreciation-to-Your-Teacher

How to Write a Letter of Appreciation to Your Teacher

If you want to write a letter of appreciation to your teacher, start by thinking about your time in their class and writing down a list of memorable moments. For example, you might write how you felt when you gave a presentation and they praised you. In addition to these moments, identify 3 to 5 important things they taught you, like how to be prepared or how to treat others. When you write your letter, open it by thanking your teacher for helping you and tell them why you're grateful for their work. Mention the important moments and lessons you learned and briefly explain how those memories will help you in the future. To wrap up the letter, wish your teacher well and sign your name at the bottom.

List 3-5 ways your teacher helped you over the school year. Don't worry about writing out a whole sentence. Just jot down a few words to help jog your memory. Later, you can include these things in your letter. For instance, you might write, “tutored after school, wrote encouraging notes on papers, let me take a book home, and offered extra credit.” Think of a memorable moment from their class. Decide what stands out most from your time in their class. It could be a special lecture they did, a topic you studied, or a day they made you feel special. Write down a summary of what happened during that event. For instance, your favorite moment might have been when you gave a presentation that they highly praised. You might write down what happened, how it felt, and why the moment mattered to you. On the other hand, you might remember a lesson where you and your classmates got to step into the shoes of historical figures. Think about why you enjoyed that lesson and what you took from it. Identify the 3-5 most important things they taught you. Don't just include your class assignments. Think about the life lessons you took from your teacher, like how to treat others, how to be prepared, and how to work hard after you fail. Make a list of the things your teacher taught you that you really value. For instance, you might write, “how to multiply, hard work pays off, and writing down assignments helps you stay on track.” List the qualities you love most about your teacher. This includes their personality and teaching style. Think about how your teacher treated you every day and how they presented their lessons. Then, pick out 2-3 things that you appreciated most about them. As an example, you might write, “always positive, friendly, and treats all students equally.” Start your letter with “Dear” and your teacher’s name. This starts your letter with a formal tone. Use the name you called your teacher while you were in class, such as Ms. Miller or Miss Debbie. Write, “Dear Ms. Miller” or “Dear Mr. Stephenson.” Thank your teacher for how they helped you. Begin the body of your letter by thanking them so they know what your letter is about. Write a sentence that expresses your thanks and briefly tells them why. You might write, “Thank you so much for helping me come out of my shell this year,” or “I really appreciate the extra help you gave me in math.” Give 2-3 specific examples of why you’re thanking them. Providing reasons will make your letter more meaningful. Include the ways your teacher helped you, your most memorable moment, the most important things they taught you, or the qualities you love most about them. Write 2-3 sentences providing your examples. You could write, “Every day you encouraged us to face our fears, and that's helped me feel more confident at school. Additionally, your positive attitude made me look forward to seeing you every day, and your rules about using a planner made me more organized.” Explain how their help will benefit you in the future. Consider how you will use the lessons they taught you, as well as how they shaped your behavior. Then, write 2-3 sentences about how your teacher changed your life. You might write, “Because of you, I'll be able to go to camp this summer instead of summer school,” “Because of your help, I realized that I want to be a writer,” or “Your kindness showed me that how we treat others is important.” Restate your appreciation and wish your teacher well. Finish the body of your letter by briefly restating that you're thankful for your time in their class. Then, tell your teacher that you hope they're doing well. Say this in 1-2 sentences. Write, “Thank you again for all of your help. I hope you have a great summer!” or “I'd like to thank you again for the support this year. I hope you realize how much of a difference you're making in your students' lives.” Close your letter with “Sincerely” and your signature. Use “sincerely” because it's more formal. Then, sign your name to the letter. If you're typing your letter, skip 3 lines after “sincerely” and type your name. Then, print out your letter and sign it above your typed name. Write, “Sincerely, Daisy James.” Decide if you want to handwrite or type your letter. Handwriting your letter is more personal, so you may prefer to do that. However, you might decide to type your letter if your handwriting isn't neat or you prefer writing on a computer. Both options will work great for your letter of appreciation. Typing your letter might work best if you're emailing your letter to your teacher. Use a formal tone as a sign of respect. Your teacher is in a position of authority, so you want to show them respect in your letter. A formal tone helps you do that. Don't use slang or text-speak in your letter. For instance, you'd write “Dear Ms. Miller” instead of “Hey Debbie!” It's okay to use contractions in an appreciation letter. Additionally, you can still use “you” and “I.” Keep your message concise rather than being wordy. Your appreciation letter will likely be very short, and that's okay. Don't use more words than necessary to explain how you feel. Expect to write 2-3 short paragraphs. Each paragraph should be 2-4 sentences long. Check your letter for errors before you give it to your teacher. Read over your letter to make sure you haven't made any errors. Look for missing words, misspellings, and grammatical errors. If you find any errors, fix them before you give the letter to your teacher. If you're not good at grammar, ask someone to help you. Also, don't worry too much about making mistakes. Your teacher will appreciate the thought.

List 3-5 ways your teacher helped you over the school year. Think of a memorable moment from their class. Identify the 3-5 most important things they taught you. List the qualities you love most about your teacher. Start your letter with “Dear” and your teacher’s name. Thank your teacher for how they helped you. Give 2-3 specific examples of why you’re thanking them. Explain how their help will benefit you in the future. Restate your appreciation and wish your teacher well. Close your letter with “Sincerely” and your signature. Decide if you want to handwrite or type your letter. Use a formal tone as a sign of respect. Keep your message concise rather than being wordy. Check your letter for errors before you give it to your teacher.

https://www.wikihow.pet/Identify-a-Laperm-Cat

How to Identify a Laperm Cat

If you're trying to identify a LaPerm cat, look for a ginger, tabby, or tortoise shell color coat that poofs and curls out around the cat. Even though they are known for their coats, LaPerms are actually born bald, so if your cat had no hair at birth but grew a wavy coat later on, there's a good chance it's a LaPerm. You should also check to see if there is hair growing at the very top and inside the ear because LaPerms will almost always grow hair in those places. When you look at the cat's head, check to see that it is wedge-shaped with rounded ears and almond-shaped eyes that stand out a bit, as these features are characteristic of a LaPerm.

Check for the curly coat. The main identifier of a LaPerm is its curly, fluffy coat. These cats can be longhair or shorthair, but either way, the coat is wavy. Often, it kind of poofs out around the cat, and some of these cats even have ringlets. The fur is very soft, and it comes in a variety of colors. The most common colors/patterns are ginger, tabby, or tortoiseshell. Many LaPerm kittens are born bald. If you know your kitten was born bald and its coat developed later, there is a good chance that it's a LaPerm. LaPerm coats do not shed very much, and what little shedding there is can usually be controlled with regular brushing. Notice hair in and at the top of their ears. These cats almost always have hair growing inside their ears. In addition, they'll often have hair growing at the very tip of the ear, as well. Check for these features when identifying the LaPerm. Look for the bottle brush or feather plume tail. The tail of a shorthaired LaPerm is generally distinctive. It looks most like a bottle brush, so you'll be able to spot this characteristic right away. In longhaired LaPerms, the tail is very fluffy and curly, looking most like a feather plume. Pay attention to its small size. These cats are usually pretty small by weight. Generally, they range in size from 5 to 8 pounds. The largest cats of this breed only reach about 10 pounds, and the males are usually bigger than the females. Notice its extended length. While the cat is fairly small, its body is closer to medium or long in length. It also has long legs. This feature, combined with its small size, makes for a somewhat lanky cat, though it has plenty of muscle for getting into mischief. Check for the wedge-shaped head. Another distinctive feature of this cat breed is its wedge-shaped head. Also, its features are generally rounded, including its ears, though its eyes are usually almond-shaped. Both of these features (the eyes and ears) stand out a bit. Expect an affectionate cat. While these cats won't be on your lap every second of every day, they do enjoy affection. They will leap onto your lap for cuddle time if the opportunity presents itself, and they will often be nearby, following you around the house. Look for a trickster. These cats are clever, and they enjoy getting into a bit of trouble every now and then. For instance, you may notice that a closed door suddenly decides to open with these cats around (particularly if the door has a lever handle). They may also steal items when you're not looking. The cat may also paw at you when it wants attention. Notice a climber. These cats like to be up high so they can take in the whole scene. Therefore, they may hop up on your shoulder, or they may pick a high spot in the room to survey what's going on. They like high cat trees, for instance. Pay attention to a quiet cat. These cats are not particularly talkative. They may occasionally have something to say and issue a meow or two, but for the most part, they'll show you what they want rather than making noise about it. Check for a social cat. That is, this cat gets along with the whole family. They are affectionate with kids and adults alike. They also do fine with other pets, including dogs (as long as the dog is friendly towards cats!).

Check for the curly coat. Notice hair in and at the top of their ears. Look for the bottle brush or feather plume tail. Pay attention to its small size. Notice its extended length. Check for the wedge-shaped head. Expect an affectionate cat. Look for a trickster. Notice a climber. Pay attention to a quiet cat. Check for a social cat.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Out-of-Debt-Without-Hurting-Your-Credit

How to Get Out of Debt Without Hurting Your Credit

Being in debt can be stressful, but the faster you pay it off, the more your credit score will improve. There are also many ways to make paying off your debt more manageable. For example, you can clear up extra funds by minimizing spending on luxuries and selling things you don't need. Aim to pay off the debts with the highest APR first, which will save you money and clear the debts faster. If you've been with your bank or credit provider for several years, try contacting them and asking for a lower interest rate so you can continue doing business with them. Once you've finished paying off an account, keep it open with a positive balance to improve your credit score. For personalized financial support, visit a non-profit credit counselor for financial advice.

Create a budget. To pay off debt, you need to live within your means. Ideally, you should free up as much money as possible to contribute to your debts. Sit down and create a budget: List fixed expenses. These are things that cost the same each month: rent/mortgage, health insurance, car payment, food, etc. Now identify variable expenses. Variable expenses will differ each month. Variable expenses are also typically luxuries, such as meals out, gym memberships, and Netflix. Try to reduce your variable expenses as much as possible, and contribute the money saved to your debts. Find a part-time job. In addition to reducing expenses, increase your income. Find a part-time job, or freelance on the side. Think of it as an opportunity to explore new interests while making a little money to pay off your debts. The money from a part-time job can add up quickly. For example, you might get a job for $10 an hour. If you work 20 hours a week, you can earn an extra $200 before taxes. Over the course of a full year, you will have earned about $10,000. Sell your possessions. You can free up money by selling unused possessions. In fact, you might be able to sell whatever you bought that got you so into debt. Go through your home and identify anything that you can live without. Sell it on eBay or in a garage sale. Apply all proceeds to your debt balances. Ask for a lower interest rate. You might be able to get a lower rate by calling up the company and asking. Although you aren't entitled to a lower rate, it doesn't hurt to ask. When you call, identify yourself and how long you have been a customer. Ask if you can get a lower APR so that you can continue to work with them. For example, say, “Hi. My name is Michael Jones, and I've been with you for seven years. I've been a good customer and would really like a lower interest rate. It seems high for me. Can you offer me a lower rate so I can continue to do business with you?” Choose which debt to tackle first. If you have multiple credit cards, you should commit to paying off one first. Use one of the following methods: Pay off the card with the highest APR. This card is costing you the most in interest, so paying it off first will save you money. You pay the minimum on all other cards and then contribute all remaining cash to the card with the highest APR. Once you pay that off, you focus on the card with the next-highest APR. Pay off the card with the smallest balance. This will cost you more. However, it might give you momentum. As you pay off one card, your confidence and commitment increases. Keep accounts open even when paid off. Your credit score depends in part on the length of your credit history and the percentage of credit you use. Closing an account will negatively affect each factor and lower your credit score. Of course, you shouldn't start running up debt again. If you think you will be tempted to spend, then close the account. Your credit score will get dinged, but the damage will be less than if you rack up bills again. Find a credit counselor. If you can't create a budget or feel overwhelmed, then meet with a credit counselor. The counselor can help you come up with a repayment plan (called a “debt management program”). You can find a counselor in the following places: Stop into a local credit union or university and ask. Often, they operate non-profit credit counseling services. Your housing authority, military base, or branch of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service might also offer services as well. Look for credit counselors at the U.S. Trustee's website: https://www.justice.gov/ust/list-credit-counseling-agencies-approved-pursuant-11-usc-111. These counselors have been approved to counsel people considering bankruptcy. Attend counseling. At the session, you and the counselor should discuss your debt and consider your available options, including enrolling in a debt management program. Ask the counselor any questions you have and don't feel pressured into immediately enrolling immediately. Discuss what to do if most of your debt is “secured.” Secured debts tied to some asset. For example, a car loan is secured by the car itself. If you default, your lender can seize the asset. Debt management plans work only with unsecured debts, like credit cards, personal loans, and medical debt. However, your credit counselor might have ideas about how to manage your secured debts. Check how much the debt management program costs. You will probably have to pay to enroll in the program and also a monthly fee. Get a quote in writing. In 2014, the average cost was $24 a month. Perform proper research before enrolling in a debt management plan. Check with a local consumer protection agency to check whether anyone has filed complaints against the company. Set up a debt management plan. Your counselor will contact your creditors and try to get late fees and penalties waived. They may also get the interest rate reduced, which will make getting out of debt easier. The plan can last a long time, e.g., for several years. Generally, you will write one check to your credit counselor who turns around and pays your creditors. Using a debt management plan shouldn't negatively affect your credit score. However, it will show up on your credit report. Realize you can’t obtain new credit. As part of debt management, your creditors will close your accounts. As a result, it will be hard for you to obtain new credit while you are paying off your debt. Even if you are able to get a loan while in a debt management program, your creditors might withdraw any concessions they have made (such as waiving late fees or reducing your APR). Get a list of your obligations in writing and stick to them. Find a credit card for a balance transfer. You can consolidate your debts onto a credit card with favorable terms, such as a low APR. In fact, you can often get a 0% APR introductory period that generally lasts 12-18 months. One of your current credit cards might offer balance transfers. Look there first. Make sure the card doesn't already have a balance. If you don't have a current card, you should shop for one. Generally, you'll need a score of around 700 to get a balance transfer credit card. Generally, the low-interest rate will go up substantially after the 12-18 month period. Make a note in your calendar 2 weeks before that date so you can close your credit card and open a new one. Obtain a personal loan instead. You can also consolidate debts with a personal loan. You can obtain a personal loan at a bank or credit union, though credit unions are more willing to lend to someone with poor credit. You can pay off your smaller loans with the personal loan. When you apply, the lender will pull your credit history. This “hard pull” will reduce your credit score slightly for about a year. Avoid taking out a home equity loan or line of credit, since you'll be at risk of losing your home if you can't make payments. In fact, avoid taking out a “secured” personal loan backed by any sort of collateral. Only seek an unsecured personal loan. Make timely payments. You'll lose the introductory APR on a balance transfer if you don't make the minimum payment on time. Accordingly, set up a system that reminds you when a payment is due. For example, your bank might send you text messages or emails if you enroll. Pay off debt as soon as possible. Your credit score will climb as you lower your overall debt burden. Commit to using all available money to pay off your debts. Set up a budget and pick up a part-time job to speed up the repayment process. If done right, debt consolidation should free up money that went to interest payments on your loans. Now contribute that money to your principal. Don't spend this extra money on luxuries, which is a common trap. You'll only remain in debt if you do. Refuse new offers of credit. You might think the best way to manage debt is to obtain more credit. This is a huge mistake. Continuing to open credit cards or taking personal loans will only cause you to fall further in debt. Also, creditors will assume you are in financial trouble if you apply to a bunch of credit cards at once. This will hurt your credit score. An exception exists if you are getting a card or taking a loan to consolidate your other loans. In this situation, paying off your debt quickly with debt consolidation is worth the momentary credit hit. Don’t attempt debt settlement. With debt settlement, you stop making payments to your creditors. Instead, you try to build up enough cash to offer your creditors a lump sum payment. If they accept the payment, they agree to settle your debt for less than face value. However, your credit score will tank because you have stopped making payments. Your creditors might also sue you for failing to make timely payments. If they win the lawsuit, they can garnish your wages or seize your property. On top of everything else, your creditors might not accept your lump sum offer. In that situation, all you have accomplished is harming your credit. Avoid bankruptcy. Bankruptcy will also hurt your credit score. The exact impact will depend on how high your score was initially. However, most scores drop 130-240 points. Furthermore, bankruptcies stay on your credit report for years: A Chapter 7 will stay on your report for 10 years. A Chapter 13 will stay on your report for seven years after you complete the repayment plan.

Create a budget. Find a part-time job. Sell your possessions. Ask for a lower interest rate. Choose which debt to tackle first. Keep accounts open even when paid off. Find a credit counselor. Attend counseling. Check how much the debt management program costs. Set up a debt management plan. Realize you can’t obtain new credit. Find a credit card for a balance transfer. Obtain a personal loan instead. Make timely payments. Pay off debt as soon as possible. Refuse new offers of credit. Don’t attempt debt settlement. Avoid bankruptcy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Encourage-Your-Friends-to-Contact-You-More

How to Encourage Your Friends to Contact You More

Feeling as though your friends aren't contacting you enough can be frustrating, but by letting them know you're available and showing your appreciation when you are contacted, you can encourage them to reach out more. Let your friends know you're interested in hanging out or doing something fun when you're talking together, since they won't know to contact you otherwise. You could also occasionally contact your friends first to let them know you're free to hang out so they know you're not busy doing other things. If a friend asks you to do something together, like see a movie or go to the mall, agree to go along, since you're less likely to get contacted if you always say no.

Let people know you're down for anything. You may not get contacted if people think you're not interested in certain events or activities. Try to let people know you're interested in trying new things. This way, when someone wants to hit up a new bar or try a new restaurant, you're more likely to get an invitation. When a moment comes in conversation to show you're interested in trying new things, take it. For example, say a couple of friends are talking about the new Japanese restaurant that opened up. You could say something like, "I love trying new food. If anyone wants to hit that place up, let me know." If you're not contacted a lot, this may be because people think you're simply not interested in spending time doing certain activities. By presenting yourself as someone with a variety of interests, you're more likely to get an invitation. Let people know you're comfortable with a variety of situations. If you're not a big drinker, for example, people may be hesitant to contact you if they're heading to the bar after work. If you hear people talking about drinking, say something like, "I'm not into alcohol that much myself, but I don't mind having a club soda and chatting while other people are drinking." Provide your contact information. Friends won't be able to contact you if they don't know how to reach you. When you have the opportunity to do so, provide friends with your contact information. You should also let them know how to reach you best. Say something like, "I don't have free texting on my phone, so calling, e-mailing, or talking to me on Facebook works best." Don't be shy on social media. In this day and age, many new friendships blossom because people reach out to one another via outlets like Facebook and Twitter. If you know someone from school or work, find them on Facebook and send a friend request. This conveys you're interested in socializing with this person. Many people feel shy about calling or texting, and may feel more comfortable casually chatting online. Be friendly and approachable when you see people in person. When you see people in person, this presents you with an opportunity to make a good impression. If you come off as sociable and approachable, people will be more likely to reach out to you after a party or get together. If someone strikes up a conversation with you, be engaging. If a person asks how you're doing, don't simply say "good" or "okay." Give that person a small bit of detail about your day and ask him or her how he or she is doing. For example, "I'm great. I got a wonderful walk in after work today. How are you?" People are drawn to those who are interested in them. Asking a lot of questions, and paying attention to the answers, will make people more likely to contact you after an event. You should also work on having approachable body language. Try to keep your shoulders down and avoid crossing your arms. Make eye contact with friends and acquaintances from across the room and then offer a nice smile. Contact your friends first, on occasion. If you're worried others aren't contacting you, consider whether you reach out to them. Your friends may feel like you're not interested in being contacted if you rarely text, call, or e-mail them. Try sending a few texts out a day to friends. Like people's posts on social media. Take steps to be more socially engaged. If you interact with others regularly, others are more likely to interact with you. Do not take perceived rejections personally. In friendships, especially long-term friendships, we develop certain expectations of others. You may think it's your friend's turn to ask you to coffee if you asked the last time, for example. However, sometimes expectations can lead you to take perceived rejections as personal slights. Unless the two of you had a specific falling out, chances are a friend lessening contact is not personal. If you get angry or confrontational over the issue, you could hurt your friend's feelings. Work on de-personalizing a lack of contact. Consider a variety of other factors before deciding your friend is being rude to you. Has your friend been busy lately? Is he or she undergoing any changes? A variety of factors could make a friend taper off contact. Chances are it's not about you. Try to be understanding if you're not offered an invitation to a particular event. You may feel left out if you see on Facebook a few of your friends went out without you. Chances are they did not consciously leave you out. Your friends may have assumed you were busy, wouldn't be interested in the activity, or maybe just wanted a smaller group. Talk about the issue. If you feel a friendship is becoming one-sided, it's appropriate to talk about the issue. However, do so in a calm and respectful manner. You do not want to make your friend feel bad, resulting in hurt feelings. The goal of talking things out is to find a mutually beneficial solution. Let your friend know you want to talk. You can try to gather your thoughts ahead of time by writing them down. Try to go into the conversation with empathy. Consider your friend's perspective. Why might he or she be contacting you less lately? Try to take this into consideration. Use "I"-statements to express yourself. These are statements that begin with "I feel," after which you state your emotion. Then, you explain the actions that lead to that emotion, and why you feel that way. "I"-statements can lessen blame, as you're putting the focus on your feelings over objective facts. For example, don't say, "I'm always the one who calls you and invites you out. It's disrespectful that you never take initiative to make plans." Instead, say, "I feel disrespected when you never call me and make plans because it makes our friendship feel one-sided." Give your friend some specifics on how you would like things to change. For example, maybe you want your friend to make plans on occasion instead of always waiting for you to do so. Consider if you're the leader of the group. Oftentimes, one person inadvertently becomes the leader of a group of people. You may be the one making plans and calling the shots for the group. This may mean your friends don't contact you as much. This is not necessarily because they dislike you, but because you're usually the one responsible for organizing get-togethers. Think about the last few times you've gotten together with your friends. Were you the one who picked the place, made reservations, and sent out Facebook invitations? Are you consistently the one hosting or organizing? If so, your friends may not feel the need to contact you. They assume you'll contact them if something is going on. There's nothing inherently wrong with a group dynamic in which one person is the leader. However, if you feel constantly planning things is taxing, ask your friends if they'll take the reins sometimes. Try not to be rude about it, but simply say you'd like to take a break from hosting and planning once in awhile. Think about whether you fly under the radar. You may not be on the receiving end of a lot of contact if you fly under the radar in a group. If you're part of a social circle, but feel like a peripheral member, people may simply not think to include you. While this is not personal, it can feel frustrating. There are steps you can take to put yourself out there more if you feel like you go unnoticed. How often do you talk in large social settings? If you tend to be more shy or introverted, you may find yourself remaining quiet a lot of the time and simply listening. You may also only be really close to one or two members of the group. Other group members may think of you as "Lisa's friend" or "Andy's roommate" rather than a full-fledged group member. If you don't want to go unnoticed, take measures to assert yourself more. Try to participate in conversations when you're out with people. If you're shy and have a hard time in big group conversations, feel free to start side conversations of your own. If you're new to a group, it can take a while for people to notice you. Try to give it time. Eventually, people will get to know you and begin contacting you more frequently. Watch out for one-sided relationships. If you're always the one making contact, you may be in a one-sided friendship. These kinds of relationships are often not sustainable long-term. Learn the signs of a one-sided friendship. If you believe your friendship is far more give than take, consider finding different friends. All friendships have a natural ebb and flow. At certain times, one person may be more needy or clingy due to difficult circumstances. However, if your friend is constantly focused on his or her own needs, and tends to only contact you when he or she needs something, this may be a sign the friendship is one-sided. Honestly evaluate the friendship. Has this person ever checked in with you when you've been going through a difficult time? Do you feel like this person would be there if you were in need? If not, the friendship may be one-sided, which is not fair to you and your needs. If you're not invested in saving the friendship, work on simply severing contact with this person. However, if you're interested in salvaging things, have a frank talk with your friend about how you feel. If someone is worth keeping around as a friend, he or she will make an effort to change to avoid hurting your feelings in the future. Consider whether you're giving the wrong impression. If you don't get contacted all that often, you may be giving people the wrong impression of yourself. Consider how you act in groups. If you're more shy or reserved than others, you can come off as being disinterested or unfriendly. People may think you don't want to be contacted. If you're worried you come off the wrong way, work on ways to compensate for shyness. Force yourself to talk to others, even if it's difficult. If you're worried about face-to-face interactions, try breaking the ice via social media. Comment on posts of friends. If you establish a solid connection via Facebook, this may make it easier for you to open up and talk in person. This can result in people contacting you more. Explore your own insecurities. If you feel like you're not contacted enough, some of this may be in your head. You may be making assumptions about people's behavior that are not entirely accurate. Try to explore some of your own insecurities to see if there's really a problem between you and your friends. Consider your past. If you had trouble making friends as a kid, you may be more insecure about your friendships as an adult. If you had an unstable relationship at some point, this may drive abandonment issues that can seep into friendship. Try to assess the situation honestly. Do your friends really not contact you that often? Go through your phone, Facebook account, and e-mail. You may find you've been contacted far more than you realized. Avoid holding grudges. If you're the type to get angry or hold grudges, people will not be drawn to you naturally. Try to let go of past treatment and be empathetic of others. If a friend forgot to return a text, this is probably not worth getting upset over. If you're a kind, forgiving person, people will feel at ease around you. They'll be more likely to contact you, as they'll feel comfortable in your presence. However, there's such a thing as being too forgiving. Remember to watch out for one-sided friends. At a certain point, it is appropriate to assert yourself. Letting go of small indiscretions does not mean you should put up with long-term mistreatment. Alter your expectations. A lot of times, people have high or unreasonable expectations of their friends. Consider what you expect from those around you. Is it fair? Is it reasonable? If not, you may want to let go of certain expectations. This will help you relax more, allowing others to feel comfortable and welcome in your presence. Do not pick your friends apart too quickly. Accept that your friends are imperfect and make mistakes. If a friend fails to return a text message, don't jump to accusing him or her of disrespect. It's not reasonable to expect text messages to always be returned. Chances are, you've failed to return a text or two as well at some point. Understand your friends aren't going to match you all the time. While you may be excellent at returning e-mails and phone calls, other people are less organized. You can't expect your friends to be at your level in every respect. Chances are, there are things about you your friends find frustrating as well. Show appreciation when you are contacted. Let people know you enjoy being included. Being gracious and kind will encourage people to contact you again. After a night out, for example, text a friend something like, "Thank you so much for including me tonight. I had a great time, and I appreciate the invite."

Let people know you're down for anything. Provide your contact information. Be friendly and approachable when you see people in person. Contact your friends first, on occasion. Do not take perceived rejections personally. Talk about the issue. Consider if you're the leader of the group. Think about whether you fly under the radar. Watch out for one-sided relationships. Consider whether you're giving the wrong impression. Explore your own insecurities. Avoid holding grudges. Alter your expectations. Show appreciation when you are contacted.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Great-Salesman

How to Be a Great Salesman

To be a great salesman, make sure to empathize with your customer's needs by asking questions like “What's the occasion” so you can sell them a product they feel good about. Additionally, get to know everything about your product, as well as those of your competitors, so you can justify why your product is superior. If the customer seems hesitant, acknowledge their objections while stating the product's merits by saying something like “It is more expensive than the others, but the hand-stitching makes for a more durable shoe.”

Put the customer first. You can't sell anyone anything if they don't trust you. Convincing someone that they need something you're selling requires that you balance sincerity with your desire to make the sale, being assertive, firm, and honest. If they don't trust you, they're less willing to make an intelligent buying decision. Empathize. Find out what your customer really wants and why they want it. People buy "things" as a means to an end. Understanding your customer's desires and adopting them yourself will make you a great salesman. Allow your customer to lead interactions, and ask questions to determine their desires. If a customer says they want a suit, ask "What's the occasion?" Selling a suit to someone going to a funeral is a lot different than selling to someone who is celebrating a recent promotion. If a customer expresses interest in a particular item, ask what it is they like about it. Allow them to choose the product that they feel good about, getting to know your customer and their taste, and uncovering their real motivation for buying. Be an expert in your field. Know everything there is to know about your product, and your competitors products, so that you can justify to your customer why your recommended product is the right one for them. If you're selling basketball shoes, learn which players wear what shoes, what styles are collectible, and some of the history of the shoes. Likewise, learn all the technical details about sizing, comfort, and care for the product. Follow up. If you really want to be a great salesman, go the extra mile. Write down the names and contact info of your customers, and follow up with a brief call or note to make sure they are 100% happy with their purchase. This is how you turn customers into raving fans who will return to you in the future. This is how you get referrals from your customers, and promotions from your employer. Look the part. There's no particular style--a car salesman will probably dress somewhat differently than a salesperson at a guitar shop--but you need to figure out how to look as appropriate and approachable as possible. Be clean, appropriately groomed, and friendly. Anticipate objections. Pay close attention to your customers reactions. Facial expressions and body language can be a big "tell" in the customer's attitude. As you pitch the product to them, remember that you are there to sell whatever is going to make the customer feel really good about their purchase. Guessing what part of the product or price the customer is objecting to will help you respond tactfully and persuasively. If a particular product seems to turn off a customer, acknowledge it rather than starting to argue for the product. You might objectively name some of its merits while justifying the customer's hesitation: "It is more expensive than the others, you're right. The hand-stitching takes a lot more time to complete, but it results in much more durable shoe." Be logical. If you're working on commission, it can be tempting to always up-sell or try to get customers interested in the most expensive items. But trying to up-sell a big screen plasma TV to someone living in a dorm room that isn't big enough for it is likely to put your customer off of your sales style. Balance your desire to make a sale with what product makes sense for the customer. Ask for the sale. If the customer is having a difficult time making the decision, it's ok to do a little pushing. Trust that you have suggested the best item and ask something like "Would you like me to bring this up to the check out stand for you while you continue your shopping?" Increase your units per transaction. After you confirm a sale, make the case for add-ons to up your total sales. If you've just sold a printer, mention some deals you're running on ink cartridges or reams of paper. Frame it as a money and stress-saving measure for them: "You'll need these eventually and this way you won't have to worry about it." Forget bad sales. Spending lots of time on a sale that falls through can be frustrating and discouraging, but learning to put bad sales behind you and quickly approach new opportunities afresh is the best way to become a more successful salesperson. Treat each failed sale as practice. What did you learn from it? Stay focused on your own sales. Some workplaces try to stimulate sales by encouraging competition among the sales staff, posting numbers for the week or the month. While this can be a friendly way of selling enthusiastically, it can also be discouraging if you constantly compare yourself to other salespeople. Celebrate if you do sell a lot, but don't make that your goal. Treat work as work. Fill your free time with other hobbies to avoid dwelling on making sales. Keep busy. The more sales you attempt, the easier it will go. It'll be much easier to get past small failures and little setbacks and will keep you honing your craft. If you're making calls or roving the sales floor, the day will likewise go a lot faster the more time you spend selling. Blame nobody. Whatever happens, avoid placing blame anywhere. It's ultimately the customer's decision whether or not to buy something, so don't treat it as a failure on your part if they choose not to. Think of yourself as a counsellor in a transaction. Make your suggestions, be as helpful as possible, and move on when the deal is done, successful or not.

Put the customer first. Empathize. Be an expert in your field. Follow up. Look the part. Anticipate objections. Be logical. Ask for the sale. Increase your units per transaction. Forget bad sales. Stay focused on your own sales. Keep busy. Blame nobody.

https://www.wikihow.com/Field-Dress-a-Duck

How to Field Dress a Duck

To properly field dress a duck, first make sure to clean the duck immediately after retrieval by wiping away any dirt or fecal matter from the feathers. If you're only after meat, skin the duck in the field by locating the duck's protruding breast-bone and peeling the skin away from either side of it. Once you've removed the duck's wings, feet, head, and tail, make an incision under its rib and cut around the base of the breast. Finally, grasp the lower half of the bird and pull firmly to remove the intestines in one clean go.

Find out the ID regulations in your area. In some regions, duck carcasses need an entire wing left on for identification purposes with the game warden, while other places allow you to retain the heads and entrails separately for ID. Since this affects how you'll dress out your birds, it's important to find out how they'll be checked if and when the game warden comes calling. Duck hunting regulations vary widely. In some areas, you'll only be allowed to collect a certain number of duck per day, so it's a good idea to be up-to-date on the specific regulations in your area. Federal guidelines can be found here , while local regulations can be found on the website of the Department of Natural Resources or the Hunting and Finishing bureau in your state. Clean the ducks immediately after retrieving them. When you collect a duck, it'll have been floating around in pond water, rolling in the mud, and probably mouthed by your golden retriever for a couple minutes before you got to it. In other words, it's pretty dirty, and it's important to take a few minutes to clean it up a bit before packing it up or dressing it out to keep the meat from spoiling. Clean any dirt and fecal matter from the feathers, especially around the tail of the duck. Dry it thoroughly and pack it in a cooler, or start dressing it immediately, depending on your intentions. Below 40 F, a duck carcass will be fine for 3-5 days in clean conditions, without doing anything. Locate the shot and keep track of it. The meat around the area the pellets(s) entered will be scorched and less than tasty. You'll need to be careful to remove any shot from the carcass, and to trim away any meat around the area later, so it's a good idea to clean it out now. Age ducks 1-2 days at less than 40 °F (4 °C). Letting meat dry out some will intensify the flavor in the right ways, reducing gaminess and making your duck more tasty. In the right conditions, you can do this without dressing the bird out, or you can do it after you've skinned or dressed the bird. Either way is fine for a clean bird. If the temperature is right, you can hang birds upside down by their feet to drain out, in a shed or garage, as long as it's cool enough. Otherwise, keeping them in plastic bins in the refrigerator is also fine, as long as there's enough air circulation. Different hunters like to dress out the birds at different points in the process. If you're out and going to collect lots of birds, it's likely you'll want to breast them out in the field as quickly as possible to keep down on your baggage. Alternatively, it's perfectly fine to keep the ducks whole, get them on ice quickly, and wait a couple days before dressing them in the right conditions. Decide if you'll skin or pluck your ducks. Skinning a duck is much faster and easier, especially in the field. Depending on how you'd like to cook your duck, though, some people prefer to leave the skin on, which means a more time-intensive plucking process needs to happen. Both ways are perfectly acceptable and will be covered below. It's sometimes better to skin diver ducks and ducks shot around salt water. The fatty skin can sometimes taste a little fishy and be orange-colored, if the duck has consumed a lot of shellfish. It's fine to pluck all others kinds of ducks, if you want to take the time. Foodies and gourmands agree: cooked properly, the crispy skin of a roast duck can be one of the most desirable parts of the meal. The skin is especially fatty, meaning that it can imbue the meat with lots of flavor. If you can take the time to save the skin, many people think it's well worth it. Remove the feet with clippers. Start by clipping off both feet as close as possible to the body as possible, using wire cutters or a sharp knife. It usually works best to use something with a scissor-action, so you can lop them off quickly and cleanly. Some people choose to toss the feet, but you can hang on to them and use them for making stocks and broths if you want to be especially resourceful. Remove one or both wings, if you don't need to keep them on. With your clippers, clip the joint where the wing meets the body, as close as possible. Then, use a sharp knife to run along and separate the rest of the skin connecting the wing to the body. Then, do the same thing to the other wing. Alternatively, you can also clip the wings at the middle joint, just after the long feathers end, if you want to retain the top-most connective tissue where the wing meets the body. There's not much meat there, but there is some. If you do this, clip the joint, then run your knife back down along the wing toward the bird's "armpit." If you want to skin your bird in the field, but need to leave the wings on for ID purposes, read the section called "Breasting Out Ducks Quickly." You can skin the duck, but leave the wings on very easily. Feel for the breast-bone with your finger. On a sturdy, flat surface, lay the duck down on its back and feel for the breastbone. The easiest way to start peeling the skin away is to start with your fingers, just where the bone pokes up. You don't have to pluck the feathers before you do this, but some hunters prefer removing some of the chest feathers to get out of the way before you start skinning. That's fine, but you'll only need to remove a few before you can get a finger on the skin, making it easier to do all at once. Use your hands and tear in opposite directions, firmly and smoothly. It's likely you'll have to dig in there, and you'll probably pull some feathers free before you get the hang of it. That's fine, just try to get a finger on the skin itself and start to open it up. Pull the skin in opposite directions, like you were removing it's jacket. Alternatively, some like to hold the duck so the back is facing your chest, and use the tips of the fingers to tear into the skin and peel it back, like you were opening your shirt. This is usually a better method when you're out in the field, since you won't be able to lay the bird down on the ground, probably. Peel the skin back. Since you've removed the wings and the feet, you can pull the skin all the way off the bird, except around the neck. Once you've opened up the skin on the chest, keep peeling it back, over the "shoulders" where the wings met, and off the bottom around the tail. The tail feathers should stay stuck to the bird. You shouldn't have to use a knife, though the skin is a bit stickier than rabbit skin on most ducks. Try to use as smooth a pull as possible. Remove the feet and wings as before. Use your clippers and your knife to remove the feet and the wings to give yourself a smaller area with which to pluck. If you need to save the wings or other parts of the duck for ID, later, do so. Alternatively, if you're plucking, some hunters like to leave the feet on to hold onto during the plucking process. It's up to you. You can always remove them later, if you wish. Pull large flight feathers and tail feathers in the direction of growth. There's not much of a secret to removing the outer layer of large feathers: just start plucking. They'll be tenacious, so you might just need to pull them one at a time, or a few at a time, pulling them straight out from the carcass. Remove the smaller torso feathers against the grain. Smaller feathers are more quickly plucked several at a time, working from the bottom of the bird up toward the neck, against the grain. If you've got the right leverage and the right amount of elbow grease, you can get these feathers off a lot more quickly with some practice. Use your thumb and forefinger to start ripping them back and off. You won't be able to remove all the feathers this way. You'll be left with a fine layer of super-soft downy feathers that are next-to impossible to remove by hand. Collect all the rest of the feathers in a bag for easy removal. They're also excellent for stuffing and other projects. Heat water and paraffin wax in which to dip the birds and remove the down. In a large pot, boil enough water in which to submerge the duck, and melt in a block of paraffin wax, available at most grocery stores and other outlets. It should float in a layer right on top of the hot water. When you're ready, remove the water from the heat. Use one package or block of paraffin wax per duck. It's likely you won't need to really boil the water to melt the wax, so keep a close eye on it. When the wax is melted, the water is fine and you're ready to dunk the birds. Dunk the duck. Quickly and gently dunk the bird through the layer of wax floating on top of the water, then immediately submerge the duck into a bucket of cold water to set the wax firmly. You don't need to soak the bird for longer than a couple of seconds, and in fact it's better to do it quickly. Before you've removed the entrails, it's important not to heat up the carcass too much, or you'll risk some spoilage. Immediately after pulling the duck from the hot wax bath, dunk it into a bucket of cold water to set the wax. You can let the duck sit in the cold water for a minute or two while the wax sets up, but it should happen very quickly. Peel the wax away from the skin. Now, there should be a hard crust of wax around the duck, which you can peel away to remove the downy under feathers. Squeeze the bird around the midsection to crack the wax and peel away the chunks in as large a portions as possible. The under skin should look very clean, like a chicken you bought at the store. Remove the head. As you peel the skin up toward the neck, you'll have to remove the head before the skin will come off entirely without tearing. Peel the skin back to expose the point at which the neck meets the body, and use your clippers to cut as close as possible to the body and remove the head. Remove the tail. After you remove the skin from around the torso of the duck, the tail feathers will likely be stuck on, attached to a small ring of fat around the base of the carcass. Use your clippers to cut the feathers off, cutting right through and removing that ring of fat from the rest of the bird. Make an incision into the side of the bird, under the rib. There's no meat south of the rib-line of the duck, so the best way to remove the entrails is usually to cut around the base of the breast, underneath the rib, to separate the cavity with the entrails from the good meat. Run your knife up along the bottom of the breast plate, making smooth and shallow cuts. When you get to the other side, grasp the lower portion of the bird and pull firmly to remove the entrails. The intestines should come out in one clean go. You can remove the heart and liver separately, which might stick up in the body cavity, and remove the gizzard from above. You can eat the liver if you remove the bile duct, which is greenish in color, kind of like an gel-cap pill. The heart is also edible, but somewhat small. Alternatively, some hunters prefer to remove the gizzard from the top of the duck and remove the rest of the entrails from that cavity. It's a smaller space to work with, however, and farther away from the intestines, which need to be removed with care to avoid spoilage. Trim away the meat around the shot. Examine the meat on the bird. There should be a scorched-looking section, where the pellets entered the carcass. This will need to be removed, because it will taste "off." Remove any shot from the meat very carefully, and discard the scorched meat. To finish off the dressing process, clean the meat and remove any remaining feathers and dirt stuck on. You can run the meet under some cool water, or simply clean it off with a clean towel. The loose feathers can be tenacious. Store the meat properly. Duck meat needs to be kept in a cool, dry place, preferably around 40 °F (4 °C). Wrap your meat loosely in butcher paper and store in a cooler, when you're in the field, until you can get it back to the refrigerator. It should be fine for about a week. If you've got a lot of meat and you want to freeze some immediately, Ziplock freezer bags are the best method. Pack duck meat loosely into meal-sized portions and label them with the date. Frozen duck meat should be good for six months to a year in the proper conditions. Skin ducks quickly in the field to save space. If you're out on a serious hunting trip, you probably won't want to carry back a bunch of whole birds, most of which you're planning on discarding. If you're only after the meat, dressing them out quickly by removing the breasts and leaving the skin, feathers, and other mess in the field is a snap. You can also leave the wings on with this method, to stay in compliance with hunting regulations in your area. If you've got the time, it's better to dress your ducks later and more thoroughly. There's more meat to be had, and the skin is a desirable eating feature for many cooks. This method should only be done in the field when storage is at a premium. Open up the skin on the breast. Start by opening up the chest skin as you would doing a full skinning of the duck. Feel with your fingers for the breast-bone and tear the skin in opposite directions, opening up the chest like a shirt. Pull it back far enough to expose the breast in its entirety, then set it on the ground on its back. Stand with one foot on the head and one foot on the feet of the duck. Hold the duck in place with your feet, putting one food on the duck's neck and one on it's feet. You're going to be pulling the breast out and leaving the rest of the duck on the ground, making it easy to hold the mess in place with your feet. Hook two fingers above and underneath the breast-bone. With one hand, hook two fingers up under the breast plate, near the wishbone up toward the neck of the duck. With your other hand, hook two fingers underneath the breast plate near the abdomen. You should be able to feel the breast quite distinctly on the duck, as it's the largest and most substantial portion of meat, slightly raised up above the abdomen, and slightly darker red in color than the surrounding tissue. Pull upward firmly. After you've hooked your fingers firmly around the breast, pull upward, sawing back and forth slightly to help the breast come free. The wings, also, should pull through, because the joint is firm. Done correctly, you'll pull off the breast meat perfectly cleanly, with the wings attached, leaving the entrails, skin, head, tail, and feathers all on the ground. Perfect for the pot and so the game warden can identify it.

Find out the ID regulations in your area. Clean the ducks immediately after retrieving them. Age ducks 1-2 days at less than 40 °F (4 °C). Decide if you'll skin or pluck your ducks. Remove the feet with clippers. Remove one or both wings, if you don't need to keep them on. Feel for the breast-bone with your finger. Use your hands and tear in opposite directions, firmly and smoothly. Peel the skin back. Remove the feet and wings as before. Pull large flight feathers and tail feathers in the direction of growth. Remove the smaller torso feathers against the grain. Heat water and paraffin wax in which to dip the birds and remove the down. Dunk the duck. Peel the wax away from the skin. Remove the head. Remove the tail. Make an incision into the side of the bird, under the rib. Trim away the meat around the shot. Store the meat properly. Skin ducks quickly in the field to save space. Open up the skin on the breast. Stand with one foot on the head and one foot on the feet of the duck. Hook two fingers above and underneath the breast-bone. Pull upward firmly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Convince-Your-Parents-to-Buy-You-a-Guinea-Pig

How to Convince Your Parents to Buy You a Guinea Pig

Before trying to talk your parents into buying you a guinea pig, show them how responsible you are by staying on top of everything you're already doing and helping out around the house. While you're doing that, learn everything you can about taking care of a guinea pig, including what it eats and how to give it a comfortable home. When you're ready to ask your parents, impress them with your research and point out your responsible behavior as proof that you deserve your new pet.

Learn everything you can about guinea pigs. Research all the pertinent information that goes into taking care of them. You should be equipped with an arsenal of knowledge so you can respond to any questions your parents ask you about guinea pigs. A few facts about guinea pigs to get you started are: Guinea pigs live about five to six years and are very social creatures. A cage for a guinea pig should be at least two feet wide by four feet long for each guinea pig. Guinea pigs need a diet rich in Vitamin C. They can only store Vitamin C for a short period of time because they lack the enzyme necessary to break it down. Keep a journal. Write down all the information you learn about guinea pigs in a multi-subject notebook. You'll use your notebook for reference when you're answering your parents' questions. Make sure your information is organized. This will show your parents that you are responsible and that you really care about this. Let your parents know that you like guinea pigs. Give your parents hints that you're interested in guinea pigs. Find ways to show your parents some of your research. Tell them interesting facts about guinea pigs. They'll be impressed. Say things like: “Did you know guinea pigs come from South America and were domesticated by the Incas over three thousand years ago?” “Did you know guinea pigs weigh between one and a half and two and a half pounds and can grow up to ten inches long?” "Did you know that guinea pigs are actually very social and affectionate? They're mostly active in morning and evening." Volunteer at a local shelter. Find a shelter in your town that takes care of guinea pigs and ask your parents if they'll take you to volunteer there. You'll gain hands on experience taking care of, cleaning up after and taming guinea pigs. The shelter will also be a great place to meet people who may be able to take care of your guinea pigs when you need them to down the line. Some larger pet stores work with animal shelters, so you can volunteer directly in the store. You may still have train at the actual shelter for a few days, however. Tell your parents how owning a guinea pig will benefit you. Guinea pigs are great starter pets that aren't nearly as expensive as other household pets like cats or dogs. They're also quiet and easy to feed. They don't require too much attention either. Educate your parents by saying things like: ”Taking care of guinea pigs will teach me responsibility.” “Guinea pigs are herbivores so all they require is fresh vegetables and pellets. They don't like the expensive animal-based treats that dogs and cats do.” “Veterinary bills for guinea pigs are usually much smaller than those of larger animals.” “Guinea pigs can entertain themselves for long periods of time with cheap, homemade toys like toilet paper rolls stuffed with hay. I'll still have time to take care of my other responsibilities.” Explain that you'll need at least two guinea pigs. Guinea pigs live in groups of eight to ten in the wild. Say “Guinea pigs are social creatures. We'll have to get two, but they'll need less attention because they'll keep each other company.” Make sure your guinea pigs are suitable to cohabitate. Two female guinea pigs will usually get along quite well. Two male guinea pigs will violently fight each other unless they are both neutered. A male and a female guinea pig will breed excessively unless the male is neutered. Make an inventory. Let your parents know everything you'll need to take care of your guinea pigs. Figure out the cost of all the items you'll need to store your guinea pigs, to feed them and to keep them happy. For example, your list might include: Cubed grids, coroplast and fleece bedding to make the cage. PVC pipes to make a hide for each guinea pig. Pellets, hay and fresh produce to feed your guinea pigs. Guinea pig toys or materials to make toys with. The cost of 2 guinea pigs, including veterinary care and neutering for male guinea pigs. Offer to pay for what you can. Show your parents that you're serious about owning guinea pigs by putting your own money towards the cause. Find out how much of your own money you can spend on your guinea pigs. If you don't have a lot of money, mention that you'll look for a job. Depending on your age, this might be doing chores, babysitting, or working retail. Negotiate for the rest. If you don't have enough cash to cover your guinea pigs, offer to pay your parents back in chores around the house. Show them you're willing to work hard to earn your guinea pigs. Say something like “I may not have enough money to pay for the guinea pigs on my own, but I'm willing to do any jobs you need me to in order to pay you back.” Mow the lawn. Wash the car. Paint the house. Listen to your parents. Ask your parents what concerns they have about your proposal and listen to what they have to say. Take some time before asking this to contemplate what your parents' concerns might be so you can come up with ways to respond to them. Some things they might be worried about are: The time commitment of owning guinea pigs might cut into your other responsibilities. Keeping guinea pigs may smell bad. Who's going to take care of your pets if you have to leave town? Stay on top of everything. Show your parents that you can handle all of your responsibilities. They're not going to let you have guinea pigs if you can't take care of the duties you already have. Get good grades. Do all your homework when you get it. Help out around the house. Stay out of trouble. Be respectful. Stay calm. Don't try to force your parents to give you an answer right away. Try to see things from their point of view. If you try to push them too hard, their answer will almost definitely be no. If they say no to having guinea pigs, don't take it personally. They may have a very good reason or it may not be the right time. for example, you could say “I respect your decision, but I'm dedicated to showing you that I can handle owning guinea pigs. I hope I can change your mind in the future.” If you handle your parents denial maturely, there's a better chance that they'll say yes later on. Be resilient. Even if your parents say no, continue to show them that you're responsible. They may just need to see you consistently handling all of your business for a little longer. Remember that your parents want you to succeed and may be trying to teach you a lesson about earning the things you want. Your parents might be worried that you were only acting responsible to please them, and that you'd stop when they say "No" or "Yes." By continuing to act responsible, regardless of their reply, they'll see that you are actually ready to own a guinea pig, and might reconsider their answer. Keep working with guinea pigs. Continue volunteering at the shelter and gaining experience with guinea pigs. Remind your parents periodically that you still would love to have your own guinea pigs. Say things like “Today, I learned how to build a homemade guinea pig cage. It was so exciting.” Don't bring up the issue too often. You don't want to appear pushy. Be patient.

Learn everything you can about guinea pigs. Keep a journal. Let your parents know that you like guinea pigs. Volunteer at a local shelter. Tell your parents how owning a guinea pig will benefit you. Explain that you'll need at least two guinea pigs. Make an inventory. Offer to pay for what you can. Negotiate for the rest. Listen to your parents. Stay on top of everything. Be respectful. Be resilient. Keep working with guinea pigs.

https://www.wikihow.com/Mash-Bananas

How to Mash Bananas

To mash bananas, start by removing the peels and cutting off both ends of the banana tips. Next, put the banana into a large bowl and use the bottom of a spoon or fork to press down until the banana is well mashed. If you want to puree your banana instead, cut it into small chunks first and put the pieces into a blender or food processor. Then, pulse the banana until the mixture is fully pureed.

Peel off the entire banana peel from the banana. Take out the banana "string" if you are making baby food. It's also helpful to remove or cut off both ends of the banana tips. Use the bottom of a spoon or fork to press down on the banana. Continue this process until the banana is well mashed. Peel off the entire banana peel from the banana. Take out the banana "string" and cut off both ends of the banana tips. Slice the banana(s) into small chunks or pieces. Place the pieces into a food processor or blender. Blend or purée mixture until well mixed thoroughly.

Peel off the entire banana peel from the banana. Take out the banana "string" if you are making baby food. Use the bottom of a spoon or fork to press down on the banana. Peel off the entire banana peel from the banana. Take out the banana "string" and cut off both ends of the banana tips. Slice the banana(s) into small chunks or pieces. Place the pieces into a food processor or blender. Blend or purée mixture until well mixed thoroughly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-a-Sea-Salt-Soak

How to Prepare a Sea Salt Soak

To prepare a sea salt soak, pour about 2 cups of fine grain sea salt into a large bowl. If you want your soak to be scented, add 15 to 30 drops of your favorite essential oil to the sea salt. You can also stir in jojoba oil for its mild anti-fungal properties or almond oil to soften your skin. Mix the ingredients together and store the salt soak in an airtight glass container. When you're ready to use it, add 1/2 cup of your prepared mixture to a warm bath, let the salt dissolve, and enjoy!

Purchase 1 gallon (3.8 L) of purified water, or purify tap water at home. You can pour tap water through a water filter, or purchase purified water if you don't have access to one — just make sure the bottle is labelled as purified. You can find filter pitchers or faucet filters at most grocery and specialty stores. The filter removes chemicals that are added to normal tap water, which can affect the salinity of the solution. Pour the purified water into a saucepan and boil it to sterilize it. The boiling process will kill any living organisms, leaving you with sterile purified water. If you bought distilled water instead of purifying tap water, it should already be sterilized. Allow the water to cool, and add 9 g (1.8 tbsp) of sea salt. After letting the water cool slightly, add sea salt and let it dissolve completely. If you need to prepare more medicinal sea salt soak, add another 9 g (1.8 tbsp) of sea salt for every extra 1 litre (4.2  c) of distilled water you will use. A typical saline solution contains 0.9% salt content, similar to levels of salt in the human body. If your water has large chunks of salt left over, you need to either strain it out or add more water. Pour the solution into a shallow cup or soak a clean cloth with it. Fill the shallow cup just enough to submerge the area you want to treat, such as a finger wound, or soak a clean cloth completely to dab over a larger area, such as a leg or an arm. Apply the soak to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day until it heals. You should expose the affected area to the soak for about 5 to 10 minutes, either by dipping the area in a shallow cup of the solution or dabbing the area with a soaked cloth. A good rule of thumb is to do it once in the morning, once around lunch, and once before you go to sleep. This helps to ensure that you break up treatment equally throughout the day. Saline solutions are recommended for post-tattoo treatment, to reduce the chance of infection. Dab a clean cloth soaked in the solution onto the area to keep a fresh tattoo sterile. Saline solutions have also been known to help sterilize small wounds, such as piercings and minor infections on the hands, which may be easier to treat by dipping the affected area into a shallow cup. You can store the excess solution at room temperature in a sealed container to use for repeat treatments or for the future. The solution should last indefinitely as long as it remains in a sealed container. Pour 453 g (1.9 cups) of fine grain sea salt into a bowl. Be sure to use fine grain sea salt or it may take a much longer time for the salt crystals to fully dissolve into the bath water when the time comes. Consider adding 15 to 30 drops of scented or essential oil to the sea salt. While not a required step, essential oils can make the soak feel more relaxing and comforting. Lavender and peppermint are popular oils to use for their calming effect, but feel free to use 15 to 30 drops of whichever scents are soothing to you and blend them together to your liking, if you so choose. You can try using essential jojoba oil to add a mild anti-fungal effect to the soak, or use essential almond oil to add a skin softening effect. Mix the salts and oils thoroughly then store the mix in a glass container. The salts and oils should mix together pretty easily, but don't expect much, if any, salt to dissolve into the oil — the mixture will dissolve into bath water when you decide to use the soak. It should stay good forever in a sealed glass container, which you can keep in a bathroom closet. The mix will only go "bad" when outside objects, such as grass and dirt, get into the container, but otherwise should be free of mold and contaminants forever. Add 120 g (1/2 cup) of the salt soak to a warm bath and let it dissolve. You should let it sit for around 10 to 20 minutes until the bathwater begins to smell like your oils and the salt has dissolved. If you decided not to use any oils, just look for the salt to have mostly dissolved before stepping into the water. If you would like to make your soak into a foot soak, simply pour 120 g (1/2 cup) of the salt soak mix in a hot foot bath and allow it to dissolve. It may take a few minutes as there is less water for the salt to dissolve into. Take a bath with the sea salt soak when you need to relax and unwind. While the saline solution is intended for medical treatment, the sea salt bath soak is used for its calming effect and its medicinal effects, especially with jojoba or almond essential oil. Stressful days, sick days, or days when you just want to unwind are perfect for whipping out the sea salt soak and making your bath a little more comforting.

Purchase 1 gallon (3.8 L) of purified water, or purify tap water at home. Pour the purified water into a saucepan and boil it to sterilize it. Allow the water to cool, and add 9 g (1.8 tbsp) of sea salt. Pour the solution into a shallow cup or soak a clean cloth with it. Apply the soak to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day until it heals. Pour 453 g (1.9 cups) of fine grain sea salt into a bowl. Consider adding 15 to 30 drops of scented or essential oil to the sea salt. Mix the salts and oils thoroughly then store the mix in a glass container. Add 120 g (1/2 cup) of the salt soak to a warm bath and let it dissolve. Take a bath with the sea salt soak when you need to relax and unwind.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Saline-Nasal-Spray

How to Make Saline Nasal Spray

To make saline nasal spray, start by boiling 8 ounces of water, which will kill off any dangerous microbes in the water. After the water starts to boil, let it cool slightly until it's very warm but not hot. Then, add a 1/4 teaspoon of salt and stir until the salt dissolves. You can also add a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, which will adjust the pH of your saline spray so it doesn't burn your nose when you use it. Finally, let the solution come to room temperature before using it.

Gather your materials. Making a saline solution is simple because all you need is salt and water! Sea salt or table salt are both acceptable for a saline solution, but use a non-iodized salt (pickling or kosher) if you have an iodine allergy. To administer the solution nasally, you'll also need a small spray bottle. One that holds one to two ounces is ideal. Infants and small children aren't able to blow their noses effectively. Get a soft, rubber-bulb syringe to remove nasal secretions gently and efficiently. Make the saline solution. There's more to making saline that just mixing salt and water. For the salt to effectively dissolve into the water, you must raise the water temperature. Boiling the water will also kill off any potentially dangerous microbes living in the tap water. Boil 8 oz. of water, then allow it to cool until just "very warm." Add ¼ teaspoon of salt and mix well until the salt dissolves. The ¼ teaspoon of salt will make a saline solution that matches the amount of salt in your body (isotonic). You may want to try a salt spray that has a greater concentration of salt than your body (hypertonic). This is useful for significant congestion with a lot of discharge. If you're having trouble breathing or clearing your nose, consider a hypertonic solution. To do this, simply add 1/2 teaspoon of salt instead of 1/4 teaspoon. Don't use a hypertonic solution for infants or small children younger than five years old. Consider adding baking soda (optional). A half teaspoon of baking soda will adjust the pH of the solution. This makes it less likely to sting a sore nose, especially with hypertonic solutions with a higher salt content. Add it while the water is still warm, and mix well to dissolve the baking soda. You can add the salt and the baking soda all at once, but adding the salt first usually results in easier mixing. Fill your spray bottle and store the remaining solution. Once the solution has cooled to room temperature, it's ready to use. Fill the one to two ounce spray bottle with the solution, then pour the rest into a covered container and refrigerate it. After two days, throw out any unused solution and make a new batch if necessary. Use the nasal solution whenever you feel congested. The small bottle will make it easy to carry around in your pocket or purse. The nasal spray should loosen up the nasal secretions blocking up your nose. Blow your nose after using the nasal spray to remove the blockage. Lean forward and angle the spray nozzle into the nostril, toward the ear. Spray one or two squirts into each nostril. Use your left hand for your right nostril, and your right hand for your left nostril. Sniff gently to keep the saline solution from dripping right out of your nose. Make sure not to snort it back into your throat, though, as this may cause irritation in your septum. Consider using a bulb syringe to administer nasal spray to babies and small children. Squeeze out about half the air in the bulb and draw up the salt solution into the bulb. Tilt the child's head back slightly and hover the tip of the bulb over one nostril. Drop three to four drops of the solution into each nostril, avoiding touching the inside of the nostril with the tip as best you can (it can be hard to do this with a wiggling baby!). Try to keep the child's head still for two to three minutes while the solution goes to work. Suction children’s nasal secretions with the bulb syringe. Administer the nasal spray just as you would for an adult, then wait two to three minutes to let it work. After that, you can use the rubber-bulb syringe to gently remove secretions from the child's nose. Use a soft tissue to gently wipe away any secretions that remain around the nostrils. Remember to use a new tissue on each nostril, and make sure to wash your hands before and after each treatment. Tilt the child's head back slightly. Press on the bulb to remove about 1/4 of the air from it, then gently insert the tip into the nostril. Release the bulb to suction nasal secretions into the rubber-bulb syringe. Do not insert the tip deep into the child's nose. You're only removing the material in the front part of the nostril. Try to avoid touching the inside of the nostril, as it could be sensitive and sore during illness. Maintain proper hygiene after using the bulb syringe. Wipe any secretions on the outside of the syringe off with a tissue, and discard the tissue. Wash the rubber bulb syringe in warm, soapy water immediately after you've finished using it. Suck soapy water in and squeeze it back out several times. Repeat with clean, un-soapy water. Swirl the water around inside the bulb to remove secretions from the walls. Repeat this two to three times a day. You don't want to overdo it with the rubber bulb syringe. Your child's nose is already sore and irritated. If you fiddle with it all the time, the child will only feel more pain. At most, suction nasal secretions four times a day. The best times to do this is before feeding or bed, to help your child breathe better while eating and sleeping. If the child squirms too much, just relax and try again later. Remember to be very gentle! Stay hydrated. The simplest way to improve nasal congestion is to keep your body moisturized. This keeps the discharge thin and fluid, making it easier to blow your nose or drain. The discharge may drain down the back of your throat. While this is unpleasant, it's normal and healthy. Drinking hot tea or chicken soup may be especially helpful in keeping you hydrated. Drink at least eight to ten 8 oz. glasses of water every day. Drink even more if you have a fever, or if your illness causes vomiting or diarrhea. Be gentle in blowing and clearing your nose. To prevent the skin of your nose from drying too much, use Vaseline or a hypoallergenic skin lotion or cream. Apply it to a Q-tip and gently spread it around your nostrils as needed. You can also use a humidifier or just place bowls of water throughout the house. The water will evaporate and humidify the air. Rest and relax as much as possible! Have a doctor examine infants and small children. For infants, nasal congestion can be a serious problem. It can cause difficulty with both breathing and feeding. Call your physician within 12-24 hours if the nasal spray does not help. Call your physician immediately if your infant or young child has nasal congestion along with any fever, cough, trouble breathing, or trouble feeding due to the congestion. Consider a wide range of possibilities. Nasal congestion can point to many different causes. The most common causes are infections like cold, flu, and sinusitis and allergies. Environmental irritants like chemicals or smoke can also cause congestion. Some people have chronic runny nose — a condition known as vasomotor rhinitis or VMR. Look for signs of viral infection. Viruses are difficult to treat because they live in the body's cells and reproduce very quickly. Luckily, the most common viral infections are cold and flu, which resolve on their own with time. Treatment is essentially about managing the symptoms and staying as comfortable as possible. To prevent the flu, get an annual vaccination before flu season begins. The symptoms of cold and flu include: Fever Runny or stuffy nose Clear, green, or yellow nasal discharge Sore throat Coughing and sneezing Fatigue Muscle aches and headaches Watery eyes The flu has additional symptoms: a higher fever (over 102 °F or 39.9 °C), nausea, chills/sweats, and loss of appetite Take antibiotics for bacterial infection. Bacterial infections can have widely varying symptoms, including fever. Most bacterial infections are diagnosed clinically or occasionally by a nasal or throat culture. The doctor will be prescribe the antibiotic most likely to treat the most common bacteria. The antibiotic will either kill the bacteria or stop it from reproducing, allowing the immune system to fight the remaining infection. Always take the full course of antibiotic treatment, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the treatment before the doctor recommends it, the infection may return. Watch for symptoms of sinusitis. Sinusitis is a condition in which the sinuses get inflamed and swollen, causing mucus buildup. It can be caused by a cold, allergies, or bacterial or fungal infections. Though it can be irritating, sinusitis can usually be treated at home without medical intervention. More severe or persistent sinus infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Symptoms include: Thick yellow or green nasal discharge, often found in the throat as well Nasal congestion Tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead Lowered ability to smell and taste Coughing Determine whether your lights are too bright. Bright lights are a fairly common cause of nasal congestion. The eyes and nose are closely related, so stress on the eyes can affect the nasal cavity as well. Try dimming the lights in your home or work environment slightly to see if your nose clears up at all. Get tested for allergies. Your nasal congestion may be the result of an allergic reaction you don't even know about. Make an appointment to get tested for allergies at your doctor's office if you have chronic or severe nasal congestion, especially with itching or sneezing, or think you may have allergies. The doctor will perform a test in which he injects tiny amounts of common allergens into your skin. Only the patches of skin with substances you're allergic to will swell up slightly, like a mosquito bite. This will allow you to either seek treatment (oral or nasal medication, or even injections) or avoid those allergens. The most common allergens include: Dust mites Foods: milk, gluten, soy, spices, shellfish, and food preservatives Pollen (Hay fever) Latex Mold Peanuts Pet dander Remove irritants from your environment. Every single time you inhale and exhale, you're dragging your external environment through your nose. If the air around you is the source of your nasal irritation, you can take steps to change your environment. Common irritants include: Tobacco smoke Exhaust fumes Perfumes Dry air (buy a humidifier) Sudden changes in temperature Ask your doctor about your medications. You may be taking a medication to treat a condition that has nothing to do with your nose, but a side effect of that medication may be causing your nasal congestion. Provide your doctor with a list of all prescription and over the counter medications you're taking. If one of the drugs is causing your congestion, the doctor may be able to suggest alternate treatment. Congestion commonly arises from: High blood pressure medications Overuse of decongestant nasal sprays Drug abuse Consider any hormonal changes. Hormones control many functions throughout the body and can affect many different systems. Hormonal changes and disorders can have an impact on your ability to drain your nasal passages normally. If you are pregnant, have thyroid disorder, or in any way suspect hormonal changes, speak with your doctor. He or she may be able to help you control your hormones and reduce the impact on your congestion. Get examined for anatomical problems. It may be that there are no infections, medications, or hormonal fluctuations causing your congestion. It could just be the way your nasal anatomy is constructed. Ask your general practitioner to refer you to a specialist if you are unable to get your nasal congestion under control. A specialist will be able to diagnose whether a physical abnormality is interfering with your breathing. Common anatomical problems include: Deviated septum Nasal polyps Enlarged adenoids Foreign body in the nose This is especially common in children. This often causes a thick nasal discharge with a bad odor, and it is often only on one side of the nose.

Gather your materials. Make the saline solution. Consider adding baking soda (optional). Fill your spray bottle and store the remaining solution. Use the nasal solution whenever you feel congested. Consider using a bulb syringe to administer nasal spray to babies and small children. Suction children’s nasal secretions with the bulb syringe. Maintain proper hygiene after using the bulb syringe. Repeat this two to three times a day. Stay hydrated. Be gentle in blowing and clearing your nose. Have a doctor examine infants and small children. Consider a wide range of possibilities. Look for signs of viral infection. Take antibiotics for bacterial infection. Watch for symptoms of sinusitis. Determine whether your lights are too bright. Get tested for allergies. Remove irritants from your environment. Ask your doctor about your medications. Consider any hormonal changes. Get examined for anatomical problems.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Torn-Toenail

How to Treat a Torn Toenail

To treat a torn toenail at home, cut off any unattached part of the nail, and file it smooth so you don't catch it on your socks or furniture. Additionally, apply direct pressure to any area that's bleeding with a cloth or gauze pad. Then, clean the wounded area with warm soapy water, and remove any dirt and dried blood. Next, apply an antibiotic ointment to your toe to guard against infection. Finally, wrap your toe in a bandage, and change it daily to keep it clean.

Deal with the nail that’s left. Some nail avulsions are minor, leaving most of the nail attached, whereas others can take off an entire toenail. After your injury, properly care for the portion of the nail that's left over to get your healing off on the right foot. Whatever is still attached, leave it attached. If a portion of the nail is unattached, gently clip it with clean nail clippers as close to the cuticle or to the attached area as possible. Cut along the line of the tear. File any part of the nail left over so that it is smooth. This will help you avoid catching it on socks and bedding. Don't rip at your toenail when you cut it, because you don't want to cause bleeding. If you're not able to cut the toenail without cutting into your skin, see a doctor for treatment. Ask a friend or loved one for help if you're squeamish or are having trouble. Children will probably need help from an adult when caring for a torn toenail. Stop any bleeding. Apply direct pressure to the bleeding area with a clean cloth or a gauze pad. Keep pressure on the area for 10 minutes, or until the bleeding stops. It will also help to slow bleeding if you lie down and elevate your foot by propping it up on pillows. If the bleeding hasn't slowed after 15 minutes of pressure, seek medical care. Clean the wound thoroughly. Wash your toe with warm soapy water and a washcloth. If the wounded area is dirty, gently scrub the dirt away. Scrub off any dried blood or debris from the injury. Don't be afraid to ask a friend or loved one to help you. Clean the area as well as possible to prevent infection. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel or washcloth. Do not rub the area, which might cause more bleeding. Apply antibiotic ointment. When your toe is clean and dry, dab a topical antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin, Polysporin, or any of the "triple antibiotic" ointments onto the entire injured area. You can get these at most drug stores, without a prescription. These often come in cream form, as well. Be sure to get the ointment, which is better at preventing your bandage from sticking to the wound. If the skin is intact and there are no cuts or scrapes, then you can just apply some petroleum jelly instead of antibiotic ointment. Put a dressing on your toe. Purchase sterile gauze pads or non-stick dressing, and medical tape. Apply a gauze pad or bandage over the injured toe (cut the pad to fit, if needed), then wrap around the toe with gauze several times to keep the bandage in place. Leave enough extra gauze at the top of your toe to gently fold it over the nail, creating a sort of bandage “cap” that you can later pull off easily. Tape over the top twice in crisscross fashion (like an X). Use two pieces of medical tape to adhere the bandage to your toe up by your foot, to help keep it in place. Either purchase non-stick dressing, or be sure to apply antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly before bandaging your toe. Be careful when removing the bandage not to pull on your toenail or injured area; if the bandage is sticking to your toe, soak it in warm water for a few minutes so it's easier to remove. Don't wrap your toe so tightly that it turns red or purple or loses feeling. The wrapping should stay in place and be snug, but not be uncomfortable tight. Change the bandage daily. Every day, gently remove the bandage and wash your toe with warm, soapy water. Reapply your antibiotic ointment and put on a fresh bandage. If your bandage gets wet or dirty, put on a fresh one. You should do this for 7-10 days until the nail bed, the soft sensitive area underneath the nail, hardens. Ideally, put your new bandage on your toe each night before you go to bed. This will protect your injured nail from snagging on bedding or hitting something while you sleep. Ice often on the first day. The day of your toe injury , apply ice every 2 hours for 20 minutes at a time to reduce pain and swelling. Fill a plastic baggie with ice and wrap it in a towel before putting it on your toe, so that it's not too cold. After the first day, ice for 20 minutes three to four times a day. Elevate the foot. If your toe is throbbing, lie down and elevate your foot with pillows to above the level of your heart. This should greatly reduce swelling. Do this for the first 48 hours after being injured. Take OTC pain relievers. Ibuprofen and naproxen will reduce swelling and improve your pain. Acetaminophen will not help with swelling, but it will help with pain. You can get these at your pharmacy without a prescription. Only take them as instructed on the package. If you have heart disease, kidney problems, high blood pressure, or have ever had stomach ulcers, talk to your doctor before using these medications. Wear open or loose shoes for several weeks. Tight shoes will put uncomfortable pressure on your injured nail. Wear open-toed or loose fitting shoes to relieve pressure and improve healing. Do this as long as you need to in order to be comfortable. Seek medical care if you have signs of infection. No matter how well you take care of your injury, you might still get an infection. If your toe is infected you might see red streaks running up your toe, foot, or leg. You might get a fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher. Pus – thick, white or colored drainage from the injury – is another sign of infection. See your doctor if any of these signs occur, because infections can be serious. Your doctor will prescribe you antibiotics if an infection is present. Take these as prescribed and until they're gone. Visit your doctor if you have worsening pain, redness, or swelling. See your doctor if your pain is severe enough to interfere with sleep or daily activities, does not improve 2 hours after taking pain medicine, or gets worse over time. If you have swelling that gets worse or does not improve after medicine, ice, and elevating your foot, get help. Some swelling is to be expected, especially right after you suffered a torn nail. However, see your doctor for severe swelling, or swelling that worsens after a few days, as it could indicate an infection. Ask questions like, "My toe hurts more today than it did yesterday and Tylenol isn't helping, is that okay?" or "How much swelling is normal?" Get checked out if your nail turns black and blue. Sometimes, a crushing injury to a toenail (like having a heavy object dropped on your toenail) can cause a subungual hematoma – bleeding underneath the nail. This creates a little pocket of blood under the nail, which can be uncomfortable because of the pressure. It looks like a dark blue, black, or purple bruise like splotch beneath your nail. If the bruise is less than ¼ the size of the nail, it will probably resolve on its own. Otherwise, see your doctor because you may need to have the fluid drained from under the nail to prevent further pain and injury. Don't attempt to do this on your own or for someone else. See a doctor. Your doctor will drill a very small hole in your toenail to let the blood drain out. This procedure shouldn't hurt, and draining the blood will make your toe feel better because it relieves the pressure. See your doctor if there’s visible damage surrounding the torn nail. Whether your toenail will regrow normally depends on whether or not the nail bed was damaged. If you're worried about how your nail might look when it grows back, speak to your doctor about the possibility of a small surgery on your nail bed. If you can see visible damage to your tissue around your nail, like any tears, see your doctor. If the nail bed or nail matrix are very damaged, your nail might not grow back or might look different – but some problems are fixable. Do not attempt to cut your torn toenail yourself if doing so would cause you to bleed. It may take 6-12 months for a toenail to completely regrow. Ask for help if you can’t get the wound clean. If you spend 15 minutes or more trying to scrub your injury clean, and you still see dirt or debris in it, get medical help. It's really important to thoroughly clean the wound to prevent infection, so if you can't do it on your own you need someone who can. Depending on how you hurt your toe, you might also need a tetanus shot or tetanus booster. If the cut is dirty and it has been 5 years or more since your last booster, then you will need a tetanus shot. If the cut is clean and it has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus booster, then you will need a tetanus shot. Go for an x-ray if your toe is immobile or looks odd. Many injuries that cause nail avulsion can also cause broken bones. Check your injured toe to see if it bends and straightens all the way. If not, or if it's sticking out at an odd angle, it may be broken. Get emergency care for an x-ray and proper treatment.

Deal with the nail that’s left. Stop any bleeding. Clean the wound thoroughly. Apply antibiotic ointment. Put a dressing on your toe. Change the bandage daily. Ice often on the first day. Elevate the foot. Take OTC pain relievers. Wear open or loose shoes for several weeks. Seek medical care if you have signs of infection. Visit your doctor if you have worsening pain, redness, or swelling. Get checked out if your nail turns black and blue. See your doctor if there’s visible damage surrounding the torn nail. Ask for help if you can’t get the wound clean. Go for an x-ray if your toe is immobile or looks odd.

https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-Your-Dog-Is-Healthy-Enough-to-Breed

How to Know if Your Dog Is Healthy Enough to Breed

Before attempting to breed your dog, make an appointment with your vet to check for any health problems it might pass on to its puppies. To get a better idea of what to check for, research your dog's breed first to find out about common genetic issues. You should also assess your dog's overall health, so ask for a general physical as well. During the physical, find out if your dog has any contagious diseases and make sure its vaccines are up to date. If your dog is female, ask your vet if she's in good enough condition to carry a litter of puppies. She should be a healthy weight and have good muscle tone, so talk to your vet about making changes to her diet or exercise routine if necessary.

Find out about health problems that are common with your dog's breed. In order to assess whether your dog is healthy enough to breed, you should know what type of problems to look for. It can be very useful to know what to look for when assessing your dog's pedigree history for problems that are common in its breed. If your dog does have a history of breed specific health problems then you may want to reassess whether you want to breed your dog. This information can also help you assess what type of dog you want to use to breed with your dog. If your dog has a risk of a certain breed-specific issue, then you want to make very sure that a potential mate has no history of it. Learn about your dog's pedigree. When considering breeding your dog it is important to know that it will not pass on any heritable health problems. This means that, if at all possible, you should learn about your dog's background and whether they have health problems in their background that could be passed on. If you have a purebred dog that was bred by an ethical breeder, then you should have been given access to your dog's pedigree when you adopted it. If your dog is not purebred or you got it from a source that did not provide a pedigree, then it may be difficult to impossible to trace its pedigree. Get your dog's genetics tested. If you can't trace your dog's pedigree, or you just want to make very sure that you are breeding a dog without genetic problems, then you can get the dog tested. These tests can show you any negative genetic traits or health problems that the mother dog could pass onto its offspring. Breeding purebred dogs can be especially fraught with genetic problems because of inbreeding. If you plan on breeding purebred dogs, you need to be especially clear about your dog's genetic history so you can avoid puppies with genetic health problems. Understanding whether your dog is likely to pass on some bad traits requires knowing a bit about genes and how they work. Some genetic traits are considered "dominant." These traits can be passed on if only one parent has the genes for them. Some genetic traits are considered "recessive." These traits take genes from both parents to be passed on. Keep in mind that many heritable traits do not yet have an available genetic test. In these cases it is best to rely on your dog's family medical history and current health. Make sure your dog does not have heritable health problems. Even if your dog doesn't have any health issues in its family history, it may have issues of its own that could be passed on to its offspring. Get your dog screened for any major health problems, especially for those that are common to its breed. If you are unsure what your dog should be checked for, you can look at the websites of experts or accredited associations for a list of the traits your particular breed should be tested for. For example, if you are considering breeding a German shepherd you should have your dog looked at for potential issues with its hips and limbs, its pancreas, its skin, and its eyes. Get your dog a general physical. Your dog should have a thorough physical exam a month before you plan on breeding it. All potential breeding dogs should be tested for transmittable diseases, they should be up to date on their vaccinations, and they should be found to be in generally good health. Your veterinarian should be able to tell you whether your dog's physical health is good enough for breeding or what aspects of its health you should work on before attempting to breed it. Make sure female dogs can carry a litter. Female dogs should be assessed for whether they are strong enough to carry a litter of puppies to term. They should be of a healthy weight and should have good muscle tone in order to carry puppies more easily to term. Discuss your female dog's health with your veterinarian. If there are things that could improve her fitness for a successful pregnancy, then discuss how you could achieve them. For instance, if your dog needs to lose weight you should create a weight loss plan with the veterinarian. If a dog has had a previous litter, then it should be assessed for fitness in light of the previous labor process. If the dog had a hard pregnancy and labor last time, that can impact the next pregnancy and labor. Care for its health throughout pregnancy. If you have a female dog that you are breeding you need to make sure that it is getting proper health care throughout its pregnancy. This means following the suggestions from your veterinarian about prenatal and postnatal care, including how often it should be brought in for a veterinary exam. A veterinarian will be able to assess whether the pregnancy is going well and if any alterations to the dog's health care or diet are needed. Your veterinarian may also do an ultrasound or X-ray of the dog to see how many puppies you should expect the dog to deliver. Feed the dog properly. You should feed a high quality food to a dog that you are attempting to breed. This will assure that it is getting the nutrients it needs to have a high functioning reproductive system. Once the dog is pregnant, it should be switched over to a high calorie puppy food in order to get enough nutrition. In addition, you will need to increase your dog's food intake throughout its pregnancy. Generally, a pregnant dog's food will need to be increased by fifteen to twenty five percent over the course of its entire pregnancy. Assess the dog's health during labor and delivery. It is important that you know what to expect during labor and delivery so that you can assess whether they are going well or if there is a problem. While the dog is in labor and while it is delivering its puppies you should be present if possible and keeping an eye on your dog's energy level and overall health. While your dog is pregnant, discuss what to expect with your veterinarian and ask him or her any questions that you have about the process. Call your veterinary office immediately if you suspect a health problem with your dog while it is giving birth. The veterinary staff should be able to discuss the problems you are concerned with and they should be able to recommend whether or not to bring your dog in to the veterinary office.

Find out about health problems that are common with your dog's breed. Learn about your dog's pedigree. Get your dog's genetics tested. Make sure your dog does not have heritable health problems. Get your dog a general physical. Make sure female dogs can carry a litter. Care for its health throughout pregnancy. Feed the dog properly. Assess the dog's health during labor and delivery.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Mites-in-Chinchillas

How to Treat Mites in Chinchillas

To treat mites in chinchillas, start by isolating your chinchilla from any other pets you have and be sure to keep them separated during treatment. Next, give your chinchilla a bath and thoroughly clean its cage, toys, and food bowls before taking your chinchilla to a vet. Your vet will probably prescribe a medication called ivermectin to treat the mites. Depending on the severity of the problem, your vet may also prescribe steroids and topical antibiotic cream. Administer the medications exactly as prescribed and your chinchilla should be mite-free within a few weeks!

Separate your chinchilla from other pets. Place your chinchilla's cage in a room where other pets don't go. With a little luck, you can reunite your chinchilla and your other pets in a few weeks. Try to put as much distance between your chinchilla and other pets. Don't move toys or other objects from your chinchilla's cage to another pet's cage without cleaning them. Clean your chinchilla’s cage. Place your chinchilla in a large cardboard box or a spare cage. Then, take your chinchilla's cage outside and completely empty it. Throw out anything disposable. Wash toys and removable items with hot, soapy water. Finally, wash the cage itself. Use warm, soapy water and scrub every part of the cage. Wash any materials you used to bathe your chinchilla or clean its cage. After you've cleaned your chinchilla and its cage, wash any cleaning supplies you used in hot water. This is important, as mites could spread from a towel to other pets. Submerge toys and cleaning supplies (like sponges) in hot, soapy water. Wash the towels you used to dry your chinchilla with in hot, soapy water. Take your chinchilla to the vet. Your vet will examine your chinchilla. They'll determine the severity of your little friend's mite problem. Then, they'll prescribe medication to treat your chinchilla for mites. If your chinchilla has secondary problems because of mites, like a rash, they'll prescribe medicines to treat these problems, too. Some of these treatments include steroids for inflammation and rashes, and antibiotic cream for skin that is or could become infected. Give your chinchilla ivermectin. Ivermectin is a medicine that kills parasites. Ivermectin treatments usually last between 6 and 8 weeks. During this time you may use drops, an oral preparation, or an injection. Your chinchilla will most likely need to be treated once every 10 to 14 days for three treatments. This should help eliminate mites on your chinchilla within a few weeks. To give it orally, use a syringe or eye dropper and squirt the recommended number of drops of medicine into your chinchilla's mouth. If you choose to give the medicine as an injection, follow your doctor's directions carefully. Dip your chinchilla in a lyme/sulfur solution, if needed. Treatment with ivermectin is safe, effective, and easy, so it is the preferred option. If for some reason your chinchilla is not suited to ivermectin, then one alternative you may consider is a lyme/sulfur dip. However, this treatment option is messier than ivermectin and it is also more stressful for your chinchilla. If you do decide to go with a lyme/sulfur dip, then place your chinchilla in a shallow bucket or container. Then, fill the container with the lyme/sulfur solution that your vet has prescribed. Use a sponge to collect the solution and drip it over your chinchilla. Do this until your chinchilla is completely wet with the solution. Afterwards, rinse your chinchilla under warm water. Be very careful to avoid getting the solution in your chinchilla's mouth or eyes. Clean your chinchilla’s cage every week for eight weeks. Just as you did the first time, completely clean out your chinchilla's cage once a week. This is the only way to guarantee your chinchilla stays free of mites, as even a small number of mites can reinfest your chinchilla. Follow up with your vet in 6 to 8 weeks. If your chinchilla is not mite free, then your vet will likely prescribe another course of ivermectin. In addition, they may make recommendations about how to avoid mite infestations in the future. Bring your chinchilla out of isolation once it's mite free. Wait until your vet confirms your chinchilla is mite free before moving your chinchilla's cage back into a room with other pets. If it is not mite free, mites could quickly spread to your other pets.

Separate your chinchilla from other pets. Clean your chinchilla’s cage. Wash any materials you used to bathe your chinchilla or clean its cage. Take your chinchilla to the vet. Give your chinchilla ivermectin. Dip your chinchilla in a lyme/sulfur solution, if needed. Clean your chinchilla’s cage every week for eight weeks. Follow up with your vet in 6 to 8 weeks. Bring your chinchilla out of isolation once it's mite free.

https://www.wikihow.com/Wet-Sand-a-Clear-Coat

How to Wet Sand a Clear Coat

To sand a clear coat, start by soaking some sandpaper in water for 1 hour to soften the edges so they don't scratch the coat. While that's soaking, wash and dry your car so the clear coat is fully exposed. Then, wrap a sheet of the wet sandpaper around a sanding block and sand your car in small sections. After working on each section, use a rag soaked in a solution of water and car soap to keep the surface wet, which will prevent the clear coat from burning. Finally, use a rubbing compound and a high speed buffer to buff the car and make it shine.

Clean the exterior of your car. Use water and a dedicated car washing solution/soap. Follow the bottle's directions carefully. Your goal is to remove any dirt or grime so that you can focus on the clear coat directly when you sand and buff. Allow the surface to dry. Once you have completely cleaned your body, allow it to dry by gently wiping down the surface with a towel. Soak all of your sandpaper. Soak for at least 60 minutes in clean water to prevent sharp edges from scratching the clear coat. Soak a rag. Next soak a rag in water with a little bit of soap. Use about a cap of soap per gallon of water, or as directed by your soap label. Focus on sanding one small section at a time. The size of the section is up to you, but one square foot at a time is usually a good approach; just remember which sections you have done and which you haven't. This will make the job of sanding the entire car body more manageable. It will also ensure that each part of the surface receives adequate attention. Use a sanding block or pad—not a power sander. Ideally, you'd use a rubber pad as it helps conform to the shape of your panel's surface. Begin sanding. For optimal results, start with the 600-grit sandpaper, and then sand later with the higher-grit paper, such as a 1500-2000-grit paper. Otherwise, go straight to the higher-grit paper. Use very little pressure. With your soaked paper in one hand and a wet rag in the other, begin sanding with long strokes all in the direction wind travels across the car: from bumper to windshield, for example. Sand with one hand, and use your other hand to keep the surface wet with your rag. Remember to sand evenly. Periodically take a step back to look at your progress and make sure everything looks even. Change directions. After sanding in one direction, cross out the original strokes with a slight diagonal direction. Remember to keep the surface dripping wet, to prevent burning the clear coat. Sand with higher-grit paper. If you've chosen to begin with 600-grit paper, now is the time to do a second sanding with 1500-grit or 2000-grit paper. Make it dull. Your surface should appear very dull after sanding. This is the goal. Buffing will make it shine. Choose a rubbing compound. Experts recommend Dewalt for beginners. B&D Buffmaster is good for more experienced buffers. Start using your buffer. Once you have achieved a desired finish with sanding, you're ready to start buffing. Be sure to buff at a low RPM of about 1400. Don't keep the buffer in one place for more than one or two seconds. Buff sparingly. Buff the scratches sparingly to prevent a burn. Keep the buffer moving and watch that you don't overheat the surface. Don’t let the buffer run dry. If you do, you'll end up needing to re-sand, or maybe even re-clear the surface. Protect your clear coat. Protecting your clear coat should be done on an ongoing basis. Weekly car washing and periodic waxing are the best ways to protect the clear coat.

Clean the exterior of your car. Allow the surface to dry. Soak all of your sandpaper. Soak a rag. Focus on sanding one small section at a time. Use a sanding block or pad—not a power sander. Begin sanding. Change directions. Sand with higher-grit paper. Make it dull. Choose a rubbing compound. Start using your buffer. Don’t let the buffer run dry. Protect your clear coat.

https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Clean-Face-Without-Cleanser

How to Have a Clean Face Without Cleanser

If you don't have or want to use cleanser, you can easily clean your face with warm water and a washcloth! Simply splash your face with warm water to open your pores, then gently exfoliate with the washcloth. For a more thorough wash, try cleaning your face with raw honey, yogurt, or even olive oil! Then, keep your face clean by washing it twice a day, and showering after sweaty activities.

Splash your face with water. Since water is the base of most cleansers, splashing it on your face can help clean your skin without other products. However, be aware that using water only may not clean all of the excess dirt, debris, or oil off of your face. Use lukewarm or warm water to splash your face. Hot water may not only strip your skin of important oils, but may also burn it. Rub a washcloth soaked in warm water over your face. This can cleanse your skin while gently exfoliating dead skin and removing dirt and debris. Don't scrub too hard because you might damage your skin. Spread honey on your face. Honey is a natural anti-bacterial and humectant, which means it will lock in moisture to your skin. Spread a thin layer of honey on to your face to clean and moisturize it. Use raw, unpasteurized honey for best results. Leave the honey on your face for a few minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Combine the honey with a teaspoon of baking soda to gently exfoliate your skin. You can also mix two teaspoons of honey with one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to cleanse your skin. Massage yogurt or milk on your skin. Milk contains properties that can exfoliate and hydrate your skin. Gently massaging some yogurt or milk into your skin may not only clean off dirt and debris, but contribute to a glowing and healthy complexion. Use raw, whole milk or plain yogurt on your skin. Massage the yogurt or milk onto your face with your fingertips, which can also help clear away debris. Leave the milk or mixture on your face for a few minutes and rinse it off thoroughly with warm water. Make an oatmeal paste. Oatmeal can gently exfoliate, cleanse, and soothe the skin. Make a skin-specific paste of oatmeal and gently apply it to your face. Grind ¼ cup of whole oats. Make sure you grind the flakes finely so that they don't scratch your skin, which you can achieve using a coffee grinder. Mix the ground oats with 2 tablespoons whole-milk plain yogurt and one teaspoon honey for a mask that cleanses your skin. Leave on your skin for 15-20 minutes and rinse well with warm water. Try coconut oil. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your face and rinse it off with some water or a washcloth. This may clean off surface debris or oils and help moisturize your skin. Be aware that coconut oil may make your skin feel greasy, but it should absorb at some point of the day. Apply raw apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can exfoliate and balance skin as well as calm and heal breakouts quickly. Apply a dilute mixture to your face with a cotton ball or pad to clean your skin. Dilute one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water. Apple cider vinegar can be harsh on skin, so this may be especially important for sensitive skin. Do a patch test of the mixture before applying it all over to ensure it doesn't irritate your skin. Rinse your face off with cool to warm water after the application, which can help take the vinegar smell away. Moisturize your face after applying the vinegar as it may dry out your skin. Use olive oil. Apply a thin layer of olive oil to your face. This may not only clean and moisturize your skin, but also calm any irritation, as olive oil is an anti-inflammatory. You can use any type of pure olive oil, though you may want to avoid products infused with scents or other flavors. Leave the olive oil on your face as it acts as a moisturizer in addition to a cleanser. Consider wiping away excess with a cloth if you put on too much. Mix ½ cup olive oil, with ¼ cup vinegar, and a ¼ cup water for an overnight mask. Cleanse regularly. Remove dirt, debris, and oil from your skin by cleansing it on a regular basis. This can help keep your skin healthy, glowing, and acne-free. Use cool to warm water to cleanse and rinse, as hot water can remove important oils from your skin or cause irritation. Avoid over-cleansing. Washing your face regularly is important, but don't cleanse too often. This may irritate your skin and strip its oil. Wash acne-prone or greasy areas no more than twice a day unless you are active. Shower after vigorous activities. If you exercise often or participate in vigorous activities, take a shower afterward. Sweat can produce oil or promote bacteria growth that could lead to breakouts. Wear moisturizer. Apply a moisturizer after you're done cleaning your face. Keeping your skin hydrated can boost the benefits of your cleanser regimen and keep your skin healthy and acne-free. Use a skin-specific moisturizer. Ask your dermatologist or skin care professional to tell you what your skin type is. Oily skin also requires moisturizer. Opt for an oil-free and non-comedogenic product. If you want to skip store-bought products with chemicals, consider using olive oil or coconut oil to keep your skin hydrated. If you have oily skin, you may want to skip oils and try a milk or yogurt mask. Exfoliate your skin. Dead skin and debris can promote the growth of bacteria and keep your skin from glowing. Rub gentle exfoliator on your face to help any cleanser penetrate your skin and promote a glowing complexion. Be aware that exfoliants only scrub away surface skin and can't penetrate to remove dirt from your pores. Choose an exfoliator with either synthetic or natural beads to minimize irritation. Use natural products if you want to avoid chemicals. A soft washcloth or paste of sugar and water can also gently exfoliate your skin. Avoid salt, which may be too rough and scratch and burn your skin. Absorb excess oil. Try different products to keep oil on your skin at bay. This may remove oil that is promoting acne or breakouts. Use an over the counter treatment of salicylic acid. Put on a clay mask once or twice a week, which may soak up oil. Apply an oil blotting paper to greasy areas on your face to absorb excess oil. Avoid touching your face. Touching your face with your hands or fingers can spread dirt and bacteria on your skin. Keep your fingers and hands away from your face to minimize irritation or the spread of acne-causing elements on your skin. Be careful when you rest your hands on your face or chin, which can also spread dirt and bacteria and cause breakouts.

Splash your face with water. Spread honey on your face. Massage yogurt or milk on your skin. Make an oatmeal paste. Try coconut oil. Apply raw apple cider vinegar. Use olive oil. Cleanse regularly. Avoid over-cleansing. Shower after vigorous activities. Wear moisturizer. Exfoliate your skin. Absorb excess oil. Avoid touching your face.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Girl%27s-Phone-Number

How to Get a Girl's Phone Number

Asking a girl for her number can be intimidating, but all you need is a little confidence to make it happen! When you feel ready, start a conversation with her and introduce yourself if you aren't already acquainted. Keep the conversation light and positive to project a fun, approachable vibe. A compliment wouldn't hurt, but try to play it cool with something casual like, "You have a really cute laugh." If she's enjoying your company, ask if you can text or call her sometime. You could also tell her you want to text her a funny link or video and get her number that way. If she says no, don't be discouraged or upset. Instead, tell her it's no big deal and that it was nice to meet her anyway.

Focus on your conversation and avoid fixating on your question. Asking for a girl's number can be pretty daunting, especially if you experience anxiety in social situations. But if you obsess over how you'll ask for her number, you might appear distracted or disinterested. Try getting to a point where you both feel really comfortable in each other's company. This will make popping the question a lot easier! Dedicate your efforts to carrying on a fun, comfortable conversation so you don't lose your cool – or her attention. Introduce yourself at the start of your conversation. Whether you're approaching her from across the room, sharing a joke as strangers, or meeting in a group of mutual friends, you'll need to properly introduce yourself. You could start with an opening line or question to break the ice first, or, if it makes sense for the situation you're in, lead with the introduction. Either way, make eye contact, smile warmly, tell her your name, and ask for hers. If you're attending a new guitar class, try starting off with something like, “Hey, have you been to one of these classes before?” Then follow up with, “My name's Corey, what's yours?” If you've been chatting for a few minutes but you haven't exchanged names yet, just pause to say “I'm David, by the way.” She'll probably share her name, too, or you can ask for it. Ask her open-ended questions to keep the conversation going. Take your conversation up a notch by asking the girl some questions about herself. Start with topics related to the situation you're in, then move towards more personal topics related to her work, studies, friends, and family. Get to know her better by asking about her personal tastes, ambitions, and opinions. Give her your full attention as she speaks to show that you care about her responses and are eager to get to know her. Angle your body toward her, keep your phone or other distractions away, and make her see that what she says matters to you. After your guitar class, you could ask her about her guitar-playing experience and how she liked the instructor. Then as you're walking towards the door, you could say “So, do you live around here?” or “How long have you been in the city?” to take the conversation to a more personal level. If you're chatting on social media, start by asking about her recent posts or pictures and branch off from there to more meaningful topics. Start flirting to show her you’re interested romantically. If your conversation seems to be going well, move it into a more flirtatious zone to make your intentions clear. Get your charm on. Try playfully teasing her or giving her a compliment. Try to compliment her skills, smarts, and personality, as well as her appearance. Use open body language or break the touch barrier politely to show that you're attracted to her. While flirting, try to make her laugh with witty banter or a joke. If you decide to be playful and tease her, keep it light. Share a funny observation or a good-natured joke: “It sounded like someone in our class really needs to get their guitar strings tuned up… Was that you?!” Use playful emojis if you're chatting on social media to show off your playful side and to clarify the tone of your messages. Share something personal about yourself to reveal your softer side. Once you take your conversation to a deeper level, chime in with your own meaningful responses. Share a short and sweet childhood story that makes her heart melt, talk about how much you love your pet or your siblings, or be honest and vulnerable when discussing your work and ambitions. Strike a balance between showing off your humorous, flirtatious sides with your softer side to show that you're not just hitting on her, but that you actually want to get to know her. After she explains what she does for work, you could say something about your aspirations: “That's so great that you're a teacher! I love working with kids, too. I'm actually a Little League Coach for my younger brother's team.” Unless she asks you to go on, turn the spotlight back to her with another question like “What grade level do you teach?” or “Do you like baseball?” Avoid interrogating her in a 1-sided conversation; focus on holding a balanced conversation and a comfortable environment in which you can both start opening up. Exhibit confidence to seem more attractive. Make direct eye contact, maintain good posture, and keep your voice steady. Show her that you love who you are and that you love meeting new people. If she thinks you feel good about who you are, she'll feel good about you too. If you exhibit confidence, it'll seem as though you're successful at getting girls' numbers, which suggests that other girls find you desirable. It's totally normal to feel nervous, but if you show signs that you're anxious or jittery, it might look like you're not used to talking to girls, or that you're usually turned down. This might make her worry that there's something off about you. Calm yourself down by considering how the worst-case scenario really isn't that bad. The worst thing that can happen is that you ask for her phone number, she declines to give it to you, and then you end the conversation. You'll survive! Bring up the topic during the middle of your conversation to improve your chances. Don't wait until the very end of the conversation, once the energy has started to die down, to ask. Instead, deliver your request during the high point, when you're both relaxed and having the most fun together. Once the sparks are flying, you're feeling at ease, and you're both laughing and smiling nonstop, pose your question. When you reach the point where you think, "I'm having such a great time talking to this girl that I don't even want to interrupt it by asking for her phone number," you should ask immediately. If you get her number in the middle of your conversation, you'll be able to keep chatting and connecting for a little while longer. Don't head off right after you get her number. She might think you're in it just to “score” rather than to really connect. If you feel a lag in the conversation, or she keeps looking around the room, checking her phone, or trying to make eye contact with her friends as an escape, you've missed your chance. Wait until your next conversation to improve your chances of getting her attention and her number. Try framing your request around specifically asking her out on a date. If you really like the girl, instead of simply asking for her digits, invite her to go out with you. Make your intentions clear by asking her to agree to a date. In the middle of your great conversation, say, "I'll have to go soon, but I really want to keep up this conversation over dinner or drinks next week. What do you think?” If she says she likes the idea, say “Great! Let's exchange numbers so we can coordinate.” If you ask her out on a date, getting her number just becomes a minor logistical detail instead of a big deal. If you've been messaging on social media, say something like, “Let's take this offline -- I'd love to get your cell number so we can arrange a proper date soon.” This approach eliminates the uncertainty around your request. She might be reluctant to give you her number if she doesn't know why you're asking. Just make sure you follow through and stay true to your word. If you say you'll arrange a date, text her within 24 hours with the details. State that you need her number to make plans together to show that you’re into her. Instead of asking for a favor or pleading for her number, take a more confident, assertive approach. Try something like, “Hey, I need your number so we can coordinate our date next week.” Or, if you're not discussing a specific date, say, “I'm starting to really like you. I'm gonna need your number so we can keep this up.” Either way, she'll be flattered by your forward approach and will know that you're serious about getting together. For a less assertive approach, phrase your request like this: “Let me get your number” or “I'd like to get your number.” Just be sure to follow up with your reason: “... so I can ask you out sometime” or “... so we can talk more soon.” Offer to text her a link or video to get her number while sharing something cool. This is a great way to sneak your request into your conversation. While chatting, think of an article link, video, meme, or anything else you could text her a link to. Make sure it's something she'd enjoy or get a laugh out of. Mention it casually and explain specifically why you think she'd like it. Then, once she's excited about it, transition into getting her number in order to send her the link or media. If you know she likes a certain guitarist, you could say, “I just saw this incredible cover of one of their songs on YouTube, I think you would love it! Can I send it to you?” Then pull out your phone and say, “So, what's your number?” Give her your number first to prompt her to give you hers if you’re feeling forward. For this tactic, it works best if you have a pen and paper handy to jot your number onto. During your conversation, pull out a scrap of paper or a cocktail napkin. Or try playfully grabbing her stack of sticky notes or see if she'll let you scribble on the corner of her notebook. Then write down your number neatly, along with your name and a cute message that relates to the conversation you've been having. You could say something like, “555-555-1234. For bad guitar playing and great conversation! -Alex” or “John, your not-so-secret admirer: 555-555-1234.” Don't just slip her your note and run; watch her reaction and see if she smiles or laughs. If she does, ask cutely, “Can I have yours, too?” If she looks a little uncertain, play it cool and explain that you'd love to coordinate a date sometime. Ask if she wants to exchange numbers if you prefer being more indirect. Instead of asking for her digits with “Can I have your number?” try phrasing it as a suggestion for something you could do together: “Let's swap numbers so we can set up that date next week,” or “Hey, how about we exchange numbers so we can keep talking?” Be sure to deliver your suggestion with an upbeat, encouraging tone so she's more likely to agree. To get her number after connecting over social media, explain that you're interested in swapping numbers to take your conversation out of the app and into the real world. If you present it as a fun thing you could both do, she won't feel like you're putting her on the spot. If you don't like the more assertive approaches, try this out. It's a less direct way of asking the same question. Hand her your phone immediately so she can easily enter her digits. Present your phone to make getting her number an easy process and a no-brainer that she won't want to refuse. As you make your request verbally, pull up the “Add New Contact” screen on your phone. Then hand it to her so she can type in her name and number. This tactic works well in a noisy environment, like a bar or a concert. She won't be able to mistake your visual cues and you won't have to strain to hear the numbers as she recites them for you. People are so used to typing their contact details into other people's phones in many different contexts, so take advantage of this reflex. Text her right after you get her number. Even if you're still sitting across from each other, shoot her a cute, funny message so she has your number, too. Send something short and sweet that'll make her smile but that doesn't interrupt your conversation too much. This will eliminate the awkwardness of not knowing when to make the initial call or text. Try something like, “It's James, the suave guitar player you just met.” Be a little more forward by asking her out on the spot with your first text: “Hey, it's Peyton, your date for next Friday (?)” React respectfully and graciously if she declines to give you her number. She might not want to give you her number for a variety of reasons that don't have anything to do with you personally. Make it clear that you accept her decision without any hard feelings. Use your response to ending the conversation in a friendly manner, if you'd like. Try something like, “Oh, that's okay. Well, it was great to chat with you anyway. Hope you have a good night!” If she already has a boyfriend or she's not interested in dating at the moment feel free to keep things friendly. Offer to add her on your preferred social media platform in the hopes that your paths will cross again. Don't be discouraged if your plan doesn't work. The more times you try asking for a girl's number, the more likely you'll be to get a positive response.

Focus on your conversation and avoid fixating on your question. Introduce yourself at the start of your conversation. Ask her open-ended questions to keep the conversation going. Start flirting to show her you’re interested romantically. Share something personal about yourself to reveal your softer side. Exhibit confidence to seem more attractive. Bring up the topic during the middle of your conversation to improve your chances. Try framing your request around specifically asking her out on a date. State that you need her number to make plans together to show that you’re into her. Offer to text her a link or video to get her number while sharing something cool. Give her your number first to prompt her to give you hers if you’re feeling forward. Ask if she wants to exchange numbers if you prefer being more indirect. Hand her your phone immediately so she can easily enter her digits. Text her right after you get her number. React respectfully and graciously if she declines to give you her number.

https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Balinese

How to Care for a Balinese

To care for a Balinese, start by creating an engaging environment indoors, since this breed prefers to stay inside. Balinese cats enjoy climbing to high places and curling up in hiding spots, so be sure to create special spaces for it around your home where it can play and hide. While this breed needs minimal grooming, it is important to brush its silky coat once or twice a week to keep it looking healthy. Also, try to brush your kitty's teeth once a day, since Balinese are prone to periodontal disease. Finally, feeding your Balinese a high-protein diet made up of both dry and wet food will help it maintain its natural energy.

Play with the cat regularly. Balinese cats are very social and outgoing. They tend to enjoy playing with their owners and with children at home. Get your cat toys and play with it on a regular basis. You can play games like fetch or hide and seek. Playing with the cat will allow you to bond with it and shower it with attention. You can also put the toys all over the cat's area so it can play with it on its own, or buy some electronic or interactive toys to help maintain your cat's attention when you can't play. Create climbing spaces and hiding spots for the cat. Like most cats, Balinese cats enjoy climbing to high spots and curling up in hiding spots. Set up climbing spaces like shelving units or book cases that are easy for your cat to access. Buy a climbing post and set it up in a common area for your cat to use. Hiding spots like cardboard boxes, closets, and even drawers are popular with cats. You should also create high resting spots for your cat in your home. This could be the tops of cupboards and high shelves as well as the back of couches or empty windowsills. Many Balinese also enjoy plush hiding boxes as small spaces to curl up get away. Keep the cat’s litter box clean. Balinese cats appreciate a clean spot to do their business. Make sure you empty and refresh the cat's litter box on a regular basis. Replace the litter in the box if you notice it has a strong smell. Keeping the litter box clean will encourage your cat to use it on a regular basis. Encourage the cat to stay indoors. Balinese cats often prefer to remain indoors. Keeping the cat indoors will reduce its risk of illness and disease. It will also prevent someone from taking your cat, as Balinese cats are considered a prized breed. Make sure you keep all doors and windows closed in your home to keep the cat inside. Schedule regular visits to the vet. As part of good care for your Balinese, bring it to the vet on a regular basis. Schedule regular visits to the vet for checkups. Bringing the cat to the vet at least twice a year, not just in the event of an emergency, will ensure it is not at risk of illness or a serious health issue. Balinese cats are known to be relatively healthy cats. However, they are prone to health issues like weak hind legs and obstructions in their nasal cavity. If you notice either of these issues in your cat, bring the cat to your vet right away. Give the cat dry and wet food. Balinese cats do well with high protein food, as they have natural hunting instincts and need protein to maintain their energy. Dry cat food is a good option as it is hard and crunchy, which is good for your cat's dental health. But Balinese cats can be at risk for dehydration if they are just on dry food. You may want to include some wet food in its diet so it gets enough fluids. Look for cat food that is organic and contains mostly protein, such as chicken, beef, or pork. Make sure there are no additives or preservatives in the food. Your cat may have a preference for a certain type of food and a certain brand. Give it options to see what it likes best. In addition to wet food, you may encourage your cat to stay hydrated by having water bowls in different areas around the house. Maintain a regular feeding schedule. Stick to a regular feeding schedule, where you feed the cat two times a day. Put out its food at the same time in the morning and at night so it gets into a routine. Try giving the cat one dry food meal in the morning and one wet food meal at night, as this can help make it easier for the cat to digest its food. Give the cat controlled portions at each meal. Speak to your vet about the right food portions for your Balinese based on its age and size. Like many cat breeds, Balinese cats are at risk of obesity if they are overfeed. Sticking to a regular feeding schedule can help to prevent obesity in your cat and ensure it maintains a healthy weight. Give the cat healthy treats. Catnip is a great, healthy treat for cats. You can buy dried or fresh catnip at your local pet store. You can also grow your own catnip at home that you can then snip off and give to your cat as a treat. Healthy dried treats made with protein like chicken or beef are also good for cats. You can find dried cat treats at your local pet store or online. Only give the cat one to two treats a day. Give it a small amount at a time so it is not at risk of obesity. Do not give cats people food as a treat, as many people foods are unsafe for cats to eat. Instead, trying growing pet grass, a type of wheat grass. Your cat may find it fun to play with and chew on. Brush the cat twice a week. Balinese cats have a fine, silky coat that is easy to care for. Use a stainless steel comb to brush the cat from head to tail once or twice a week. Doing this will remove any dead hair and keep its coat looking healthy. Balinese cats do well with weekly brushing. They do not have an undercoat, which means they are less prone to matting. Balinese cats rarely need to be bathed, unless they have come in contact with something smelly, such as a skunk. Keep the cat’s teeth clean and healthy. Balinese cats are prone to periodontal disease. To prevent this issue, make sure you brush its teeth once a day. Use toothpaste made for cats and a clean toothbrush. If you cannot brush its teeth once a day, weekly brushing will work as well. You can buy cat-friendly toothpaste at your local pet store or online. Do not use human toothpaste on your cat's teeth. Clean the cat’s ears and eyes. As part of a weekly grooming session, make sure you clean the cat's ears. Wipe them out with a cotton ball or a soft cloth using a cleaner meant specifically for feline ears, available at most pet stores. Do not use cotton swabs, as they can damage your cat's ears. You should also use a damp cloth to wipe any discharge that appears in the corners of its eyes. Use a separate part of the cloth for each eye so you do not risk spreading an infection from eye to eye. Trim the cat’s nails. Use a cat-friendly nail trimmer to do this. Placing a towel or cloth over your cat's head can make trimming their nails easier. Trim your cat's nails once a week or whenever they seem to be getting long. Keeping your cat's nails trimmed will prevent scratching on the surface of your floors and your furniture. Trimming your cat's nails can also prevent the spread of bacteria under your cat's nails and ensure its nails stay clean. If possible, start trimming your cat's nails while they are still a kitten. This will help your cat get used to the process and make grooming easier and more comfortable for you and your cat as it ages.

Play with the cat regularly. Create climbing spaces and hiding spots for the cat. Keep the cat’s litter box clean. Encourage the cat to stay indoors. Schedule regular visits to the vet. Give the cat dry and wet food. Maintain a regular feeding schedule. Give the cat healthy treats. Brush the cat twice a week. Keep the cat’s teeth clean and healthy. Clean the cat’s ears and eyes. Trim the cat’s nails.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Beetroot-Juice

How to Make Beetroot Juice

To make your own beetroot juice, trim the ends off of the beets, then rinse them under cool, running water. Cut the beetroots into quarters so they don't overpower the juicer or blender. If you're using a juicer, feed the chunks of beet into the juicer one at a time. Beetroots are very hard, so it may take some time for the motor to process. If you're using a blender, place the beets and some water into the blender and puree them on high speed until they are smooth. You may need to strain the juice from the pulp before you can drink it.

Trim the ends. Using a sharp, serrated knife, cut the greens off the top of the beetroot. Trim about 1/4 inch (6 mm) from the root end of the beet, as well. You can technically juice the top greens with the beetroot, but it's more common to prepare the juice with only the beetroot. If you do choose to include the greens, however, rinse them under running water and chop them into lengths measuring 2 inches (5 cm) or smaller. Juice them alongside the prepared beetroot. Clean the beets. Rinse the beetroots under cool, running water. Use a vegetable brush to scrub off any dirt you cannot scrape away with your fingers. Beetroot skin contains plenty of nutrients, so if it's relatively thin, you should clean the skin and leave it intact for the juice. On the other hand, if the skin seems notably tough or dirty, you can peel the beetroot using a vegetable peeler or paring knife before continuing further. Quarter the beets. Cut the beetroots in half, then cut each portion in half again. If the pieces are too large for the appliance, you could burn out the motor. Most juicers, blenders, and food processors can handle quartered beetroot, but if you have a low-powered appliance or an older model, you may need to cut each quarter in half. Set up the juicer. Place the collection pitcher beneath the pour spout of the juicer. If you have a model that does not come with its own collection pitcher, place a bowl or large glass beneath the spout before continuing. Feed the chunks through the juicer. Place one chunk of beetroot into the feed chute. Use the appliance's plunger to gently push the beetroot through the machine. Work slowly and gently. Beetroots are very hard, so it may take some time for the motor to process it. Do not force the chunk through too quickly or firmly since doing so could burn out the motor. As soon as one beetroot piece passes through the juicer, start feeding the next chunk through. Continue until the entire prepare beet has been juiced. Enjoy the juice. Pour the collected beetroot juice into a serving glass. Drink it immediately or chill it for 30 minutes before enjoying. You can store beetroot juice in the refrigerator for a day or two, but the flavor is best when enjoyed immediately or shortly thereafter. Combine the water and beets. Place the beetroot chunks and water in a high-powered blender or food processor. Since beetroots are such hard vegetables, most blenders will have difficulty processing them dry. Adding a splash of water should help the appliance move more smoothly at the beginning of the process. Blend until smooth. Puree the beetroots with the water on high speed. Continue until you no longer notice any large pieces of beetroot. Even though the juice should be relatively smooth, it will still seem quite chunky. You'll need to strain the juice from the pulp before it's ready to drink. Line a bowl with cheesecloth. Cut two 24-inch (61-cm) long pieces of cheesecloth. Stack the two on top of one another, then fold them in half to create four layers. Place the layered cheesecloth inside of a large bowl. If you don't have cheesecloth, consider using a jelly bag. Wrap the jelly bag as is over the mouth of a large measuring cup or bowl. In a pinch, you could simply use a fine-mesh strainer. Balance the strainer over the mouth of a large bowl. Strain the puree through the cheesecloth. Pour the contents of the blender into the cheesecloth. Gather the edges of the cloth together over the pulp, twist the opening closed, and squeeze down on the bundle to force the juice through the cloth and into the bowl beneath. Follow the same procedure if you use a jelly bag. If you use a fine-mesh strainer, use a rubber spatula to press down on the pulp, squeezing as much juice out as possible. Note that you should wear a pair of food-grade rubber or plastic gloves while working with the beet pulp. Otherwise, the beetroot juice will stain your hands red. Drink the juice. Discard the pulp and pour the beetroot juice into a serving glass. Enjoy it immediately or drink it after the juice has chilled in your refrigerator for 30 minutes. You can technically save beetroot juice in your refrigerator for one or two days, but it tastes best when consumed immediately. Prepare the ingredients. Rinse, peel, and cut the solid ingredients into chunks. Prepare the beetroot as though you were preparing plain beetroot juice. Scrub off any dirt using a vegetable brush while rinsing the vegetable under cool, running water. Cut the clean beetroot into quarters. Peel the apple, remove the core, and cut it into quarters. Use the back of a spoon to peel the skin off the piece of ginger. Since the ginger is so small already, you do not need to chop it down any further. Chop the greens off each carrot. Peel away the thin outer skin, rinse the carrots under running water, and cut each one into 2-inch (5-cm) chunks. Juice the solid ingredients using a juicer. Process the solid ingredients through the juicer as though you were preparing basic beetroot juice. Do not add the apple juice. Feed the apple through first, followed by the carrot and the beetroot. Finish by feeding the ginger through. Use a spoon to quickly stir the collected juice. Doing so should help blend the flavors together. Alternatively, juice the ingredients using a blender. Process the solid ingredients and the apple juice in the blender or food processor as though you were preparing basic beetroot juice. Blend the apple and apple juice first, continuing until completely liquefied. Afterward, add the carrots, beetroot, and ginger, then blend until smooth. Strain the juice through four layers of cheesecloth and discard the pulp. Enjoy the drink. Pour the beetroot juice into a serving glass. You can drink it immediately or chill it in your refrigerator for 30 minutes before enjoying. Prepare the ingredients. Clean the beetroot, peel the cucumber, and skin the pineapple. Cut each of these ingredients into relatively small chunks using a sharp knife. Prepare the beetroot as though you were preparing it for basic beetroot juice. Cut off both ends, scrub away the dirt under running water, and chop the beetroot into quarters. If the cucumber has a waxed skin, you'll need to peel the skin. If the skin isn't waxed, you can simply rinse the cucumber under running water without peeling it. Cut the vegetable into 1-inch (2.5-cm) slices. Cut the ends off the pineapple. Stand the fruit on one flat end and slice away the skin with a sharp knife. From there, chop one-quarter to one-half of the pineapple, stopping once you have approximately 1 cup (250 ml) of pineapple chunks. Juice the solid ingredients using a juicer. If you choose to use an actual juicer, simply feed the solid ingredients through the feed chute, gently depressing them with the juicer's plunger. Do not add the pineapple juice. Feed the pineapple through first, followed by the cucumber slices. Finish by feeding through the beetroot chunks. Quickly stir the collected juice with a spoon to help blend the flavors. Alternatively, juice the ingredients using a blender. If you decide to use a blender or food processor, blend the pineapple juice and solid ingredients together. Strain the beetroot juice from the chunky pulp. Blend the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, and cucumbers together until liquefied. Add the chunks of beetroot juice, then continue blending until mostly smooth. Strain the juice through four layers of cheesecloth. Discard the leftover pulp. Enjoy your juice. Pour the beetroot juice into a serving glass. Drink it immediately or, if desired, chill it in your refrigerator for about 30 minutes prior to consumption.

Trim the ends. Clean the beets. Quarter the beets. Set up the juicer. Feed the chunks through the juicer. Enjoy the juice. Combine the water and beets. Blend until smooth. Line a bowl with cheesecloth. Strain the puree through the cheesecloth. Drink the juice. Prepare the ingredients. Juice the solid ingredients using a juicer. Alternatively, juice the ingredients using a blender. Enjoy the drink. Prepare the ingredients. Juice the solid ingredients using a juicer. Alternatively, juice the ingredients using a blender. Enjoy your juice.

https://www.wikihow.com/Hear-the-Fetal-Heartbeat

How to Hear the Fetal Heartbeat

To hear your baby's fetal heartbeat, start by purchasing a stethoscope from a drugstore or borrowing one from a medical professional. Then, place the stethoscope on your belly and listen for a heartbeat, starting at around 20 weeks. Alternatively, download an app on your phone that allows you to hear and record your baby's heart beat. If you can't find the heartbeat, try moving the stethoscope around a bit. You should also speak with your doctor about other factors, like the baby's position, which can also make it difficult to detect the heartbeat.

Use a stethoscope. A basic stethoscope is one of the easiest ways to listen to the fetal heartbeat at home. When you are between 18 and 20 weeks pregnant, the heartbeat should be strong enough for you to listen to with this method. Simply place the stethoscope on your belly and listen. You may have to move it around a bit to find the heartbeat. Be patient. Quality does matter, so make sure to purchase a stethoscope from a reputable seller. You can find a wide variety of brands at your local drugstore, and even at a store selling office supplies. Or borrow one from a friend or family member in the medical field if you can. Download an app. New technology can make it very easy to listen to your baby's heartbeat wherever you are. There are several different apps that you can purchase and download to your smartphone to listen to the heartbeat. Some will even allow you to record the sound of the heartbeat so you can play it for your friends and family. These are most reliable later in pregnancy. Get a monitor. You can buy relatively inexpensive fetal heart rate monitors to use at home. This can be a great option if you are prone to stress and are reassured by listening to the heartbeat between visits to your doctor. However, you should be aware that these monitors are not as strong as the ones used by your doctor. Don't expect them to be able to pick up the sound of the heartbeat until you are in at least your fifth month of pregnancy. Make sure to consult your doctor before purchasing an at-home monitor. Once you have one, follow the instructions carefully. Learn the factors that affect the sound. Even when you are using the proper tools, there are many reasons that you may not be able to detect the fetal heartbeat yourself. It's important to know that things such as the baby's position and your weight can impact whether or not you will clearly hear a heartbeat. If you feel there is reason to be concerned, make sure to contact your healthcare provider right away. Communicate with your doctor. The relationship between you and your doctor or midwife is very important. When you are pregnant, make sure that you are working with a healthcare professional whom you trust. Talk to your doctor about your baby's development, and the best ways for you to hear the heartbeat, both at home and in her office. Choose a doctor who thoroughly and patiently answers all of your questions. Prepare for your visit. Ask your doctor when you can first expect to hear the heartbeat. Most physicians will schedule for a prenatal exam in your ninth or tenth week. Before your visit, make sure to prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor. The moment will be even more special if you understand what is happening and what to expect. This will be an exciting and emotional visit. Ask your partner or a close friend or family member to come with you to the appointment to share in your excitement. Experience the fetal doppler. Talk to your doctor about what type of exam he will use to hear the heartbeat. Typically, you will first hear the sound when your doctor or technician uses a fetal doppler, which uses sound waves to amplify the heartbeat. You will lie down on an exam table and the doctor will move a small probe on the surface of your stomach. This is a painless procedure. While your doctor can usually detect the baby's heartbeat at nine to 10 weeks, sometimes it takes until 12 weeks to easily detect it. Have an ultrasound. If your doctor schedules you for an early ultrasound, you may be able to hear the heartbeat through ultrasound as soon as your eighth week of pregnancy. This is typically performed early if you have some elevated risk factors in your pregnancy. Otherwise, the doctor will typically wait until you are at least 10–12 weeks along. Know the different tools. Be aware that your doctor might be able to use a stethoscope to listen to your baby's heartbeat. However, this instrument is not as powerful as others, so he likely will not do this until you are well into your second trimester. Your doctor or midwife might also use a fetoscope, which is specially designed to listen to fetal heartbeats. Learn about fetal development. When you are pregnant, it is important to know the stages of your baby's development. That way, you will know when you can logically expect to hear the heartbeat, and you can correlate this information with other development milestones. For example, it's good to know that you can expect that your doctor can usually detect the baby's heartbeat by weeks eight, nine, or 10. Remember that conception dates are not always precise. Don't immediately be alarmed if you think your baby hasn't developed fast enough — your conception date may be off by a week or two. Keep the heart healthy. There are many things you can do to help your baby's heart to grow strong and healthy. During your pregnancy, avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs. You should usually take folic acid supplements to help your baby develop. Eat a healthy diet and avoid caffeine. Know the risks. Even though you will be anxious to hear the fetal heartbeat, make sure that you know there are risks involved when using at home fetal heart monitors. The main drawback is that hearing a healthy heartbeat can lead to a false sense of security in expectant mothers. For example, if you are not feeling "right," but can hear the heartbeat, you might put off going to the doctor. Make sure to listen to your body and contact your doctor at the first sign that something is wrong. Do not rely too heavily on at home monitors. In fact, having a monitor may actually increase your stress level. Bond with your baby. If your doctor agrees, make it a habit to be in tune with your baby's heartbeat. This experience can be a great way for you to bond with your baby bump. To get into a relaxed state, try taking a warm bath and talking to your belly. When you are far along in your pregnancy, the baby will begin to respond to your voice and moods. Your baby can start to hear sounds at around 23 weeks.

Use a stethoscope. Download an app. Get a monitor. Learn the factors that affect the sound. Communicate with your doctor. Prepare for your visit. Experience the fetal doppler. Have an ultrasound. Know the different tools. Learn about fetal development. Keep the heart healthy. Know the risks. Bond with your baby.

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

How to Be Creative

To be creative, try to be open to new experiences, like taking a sculpting class, so you can engage with new ideas. Additionally, play with a toy or art supplies to generate creative ideas by freeing your mind from daily concerns. You can also try prompting yourself to come up with new ideas by doing activities like word association games. For example, write down a word, then make a list of synonyms for that word.

Do the 30 circle test. You can do this test during dull moments at work. It helps you push yourself to think quickly and creatively. To start, draw 30 circles. From there, make as many circles into drawings as possible in one minute. You can do the test over and over again, trying to break your record each time. The 30 Circle Test helps boost creativity because it forces you to embrace multiple ideas. Many people have a tendency to self-edit and pause to wonder if something is a good idea. The 30 Circle Test forces you to think fast, forcing you to experiment with ideas without rejecting them. Doodle in your spare time. Doodling is sometimes thought of as a childish pastime, but it can actually help increase productivity. This can increase creativity by increasing your engagement with the world and attention span. Doodling helps you stay engaged during activities where you would otherwise zone out. The more information you're able to absorb, the more creative you will be. Doodle during activities where you feel your mind wandering. For example, if you find yourself drifting out of focus during a meeting at work, do some doodling. You can also doodle in school during boring lectures. Try keeping a sketchbook where you doodle when you start to feel bored or disengaged. Write flash fiction. Flash fiction means very short stories, often no more than 100 words. Writing a flash fiction story will help you become more creative as you'll be forced to tell a fleshed out story with a beginning, middle, and end using only a small number of words. This will help you learn how to convey necessary information in a limited space. There are many flash fiction writing communities online. Try getting involved with a flash fiction writing community and responding to prompts and participating in contests. Listen to music. Simply playing music in the background can inspire you creatively. It can help you focus better and increase your overall concentration. Classical music tends to work particularly well for creativity and concentration. Not every genre of music works for everyone. While classical music has beneficial effects for many, experiment a little to find the music that bests helps you concentrate and feel creative. Make something with your hands. Using your hands to create means you get information from all of your senses. This can help encourage more creative thinking. If you want to feel more creative, try activities in which you create using your hands. For example, try something like knitting , sewing , or other crafts to bolster your creativity. Other activities like arranging your bedroom, cooking, calligraphy—anything that has an inkling of creativity—can help you build your creative muscles. Play video games. Some video games are actually good for the creative mind. Interactive games that require movement as these stimulate multiple senses help with creative thinking. Things like Wii Tennis or Dance Dance Revolution would work well. Avoid games that require you to sit for long periods. Read more. Reading is great for your creative mind. Make a habit of reading regularly. Pick books from multiple genres and styles of writing to expand your horizons and really bolster your creativity. Try to make time to read every day. Try joining a book club. This will help direct your reading if you're unsure what kinds of books to start with. Get a library card. This will help you save some money on books. Develop your expertise. Part of being creative is gaining expertise in one area or medium and learning as much as you can about it. Begin by reading articles and watching videos on the subject to gather more information about it. If possible, sign up for an introductory course at a local college or community centre (e.g. a beginner painting class). Inspire yourself by experiencing the creative works of others in a medium that interests you. For instance, if you are learning how to paint, visit a museum or art gallery. Be open to new experiences. The most creative people are willing to engage with multiple ideas, broaden their horizons, and be surprised. Avoid resisting and dismissing things that are unfamiliar to you, and accept opportunities to try new creative endeavors. For instance, attempt a medium like clay sculpting even if you believe that you will dislike it or be bad at it. Use play to foster creativity. Being more childlike can help your creative side by freeing you from adult hang ups for a while and opening your mind. Use toys and art supplies to stimulate your imagination and make new connections. If you're short on creative ideas, take the time to draw a whimsical picture or play with building blocks or legos. Share and explain your knowledge. They say that you remember 90% of what you learned by teaching it to someone else. Explaining your newfound knowledge to yourself and others can help to cement it in your own mind. While you are learning something new, make a point of explaining it to yourself in your head. Picture yourself giving a TED talk or tutoring someone on the topic. If you feel particularly confident, make a video about the topic to post online, or explain your knowledge to a friend or colleague. Prompt yourself to think of new ideas. Engage in activities that actively force you to think of new ideas. For instance, play word association games by writing down one word and then any words that connect to it. Use analogy to find similarities between two seemingly dissimilar things to break down and examine your associations with each. For instance, look for similarities between a textbook and an iPod. If you feel stuck, try some word association games or search for synonyms online. Set aside time for brainstorming. Creativity takes practice, so set aside time each day to retreat to a quiet or inspiring place to generate new ideas. For instance, visit a quiet park or sit in a library and let your mind flow freely. Write all of your ideas (good or bad) in a notebook, on a whiteboard, or on your computer without stopping to edit or rethink them. Find a time that will work for you regularly. If you always have time after dinner, for example, take an hour after dinnertime to turn off distractions and engage with new ideas. You don't even have to know what you're going to do with this brainstorming time. Just let yourself be. Let whatever inspiration comes come, and if none does, keep going and eventually it will. Socialize with different people. To give your creativity a jump-start, socialize as much as you can, particularly with people who are different from you. Spending time with people whose life experience and world view is unlike yours can expand your mind and offer fresh perspective on everyday things. To meet new people, attend events or do activities that are outside of your normal routine and engage in conversation whenever possible. For instance, if the art world is new to you, visit a gallery or museum and strike up a conversation with an artist or patron. Break the ice by saying something like, "I'm new to the art world. Is this a passion of yours?" Try varying your established routes to increase the chances you'll meet new people. Walk when possible. Walking can provide you time to think over ideas by allowing you to zone out and engage with creative thoughts. Walking will also allow you to engage with new surrounding or nature, both of which may inspire your creativity. Make a point of walking several times a week for at least fifteen minutes, or everyday if possible. Exercise. Exercising regularly can boost creativity by reducing stress and improving cognitive function. Create an exercise regimen for yourself to follow, aiming for about 30 minutes of exercise a day. Choose light cardio exercise like walking, jogging, or bicycling. Get enough sleep. Sleep can help your mind stay rested and refreshed, leaving you creatively recharged. The brain is also very active during sleep, so "sleeping on a problem" may allow your mind to re-evaluate connections and formulate new ideas about an issue. Strive to get a solid 8 to 9 hours sleep each night, and stay on a sleep schedule.

Do the 30 circle test. Doodle in your spare time. Write flash fiction. Listen to music. Make something with your hands. Play video games. Read more. Develop your expertise. Be open to new experiences. Use play to foster creativity. Share and explain your knowledge. Prompt yourself to think of new ideas. Set aside time for brainstorming. Socialize with different people. Walk when possible. Exercise. Get enough sleep.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Picking-Your-Scabs

How to Stop Picking Your Scabs

To stop picking your scabs, keep your hands busy with something else, like knitting, drawing, playing an instrument, or doing a puzzle. You can also fidget with a coin or paperclip to keep your hands busy when at school or work. Additionally, make picking more difficult by wearing long sleeves or pants that cover the scab, cutting your nails short, and keeping the scabbed area bandaged until it's healed. If you're picking at your skin because it's itchy, try corticosteroids or other topical creams to manage the symptoms.

Disinfect the wound. Open wounds and sores can develop infections. Always wash a new wound thoroughly with soap and water as soon as you obtain it. Then clean it up with an antiseptic wipe or a bit of Neosporin and apply a bandage to protect it while it heals. You can also try using betadine or peroxide on the wound to clean and remove unwanted bacteria. These basic precautions will help to keep it clean and prevent infection. Keep the scab protected. Scabs form over wounds to keep out germs while the body repairs skin cells and tissue. It is important to help the healing process by protecting this barrier. If you cannot bandage it, try applying moisturizer or lotion as it heals. Scabs kept protected will usually leave less scarring. The slight skin massage that comes with applying moisturizer will also increase circulation and help it to heal properly. Take a fingernail file and smooth the scab down to the surrounding skin. Then, when your hand rubs across the area, it will be less of a temptation and harder to pick. Be proactive. Ensure fewer scabs by using healthy products to properly cleanse your skin. Make sure that skin products aren't causing blemishes that tempt you to pick. Study yourself. There may be reasons why you are picking at your scabs, ranging from purely physical (they itch) to mental or emotional (perhaps as a way to relieve tension). Understanding the root cause can help you to break the habit. Not everyone who picks their scabs has a behavioral problem. Some amount is normal. Other times it is a sign of skin problems, drug use of withdrawal, or other conditions. It only becomes a behavioral disorder when it is so frequent that it impacts other aspects of your daily life. People pick their skin for various reasons. For some it is boredom, while for others it can be a way to relieve negative feelings, depression, or stress. Sometimes it is unconscious; at other times the picker experiences feelings of guilt. Keeping a log can make you aware of when, where, and how often you are picking, especially when it happens unconsciously. Whenever you catch yourself, record it in a notebook. Develop effective coping strategies. Once you have an idea of when and why you are picking your scabs, try things that divert your attention or remind you not to pick. It may take one or more different ways to control your behavior. Be strategic and use methods that suit your own situation. Try challenging yourself. If you are a self-motivated and competitive person, make breaking your habit into a sort of contest. Set a number of days or hours to go without picking and gradually increase this. Then reward yourself for significant progress. Make picking more difficult. One way to stop is to make the habit physically hard. Cut your nails, wear gloves, or cover the scabs. Having shorter fingernails will make it harder for you to pick. Keeping scabs bandaged will prevent you from looking at them and help you resist the urge to pick. Try soft cotton gloves. Not only do they act as a barrier, but they should make you even more conscious of the behavior and help you to reduce it. If you tend to pick at your arms or legs, wear long sleeves and pants whenever possible. If the scabs are on your ankle, wear high socks. This way, even if you give in, you will pick at the fabric rather than the skin itself. Apply acrylic fingernails. This is another way of making your picking harder — and also a fashion-sensible one. It will be more difficult because you will have to scrape with thicker nails, which won't catch the skin as easily. Thin nails are sharp and can slice off the scab. If you go this route, have the manicurist make the nails as short and thick as possible. This will be added insurance against damaging the skin. Replace your habit with something less destructive. When you feel the urge, distract yourself or channel your energy into something else. Try reading books, going for a walk, or watching television when you feel the urge to pick. Finding a habit that occupies your hands is even better and is something that is commonly used to quit smoking. You might try drawing, gardening, knitting, doing a puzzle, playing the piano, or crocheting. You can even just hold a coin or paperclip. If nothing else works, sit on your hands. Practice positive affirmation. Remember to respect yourself whenever you catch yourself picking. Press on the scabbed area or wave your hand over the scabs, with a reminder that you love yourself and want to protect your skin. Try this technique before bed and when you wake up. Don’t give up! It will take a long time to undo the habit at first. But if you are successful just once, you can do it again and will eventually reduce your picking. Be proud of your progress. With care and time, you can gradually free yourself of the habit. Recognize a problem. If out of control, scab picking can be a sign of a bigger behavioral problem called "Skin Picking Disorder." People with Skin Picking Disorder compulsively touch, scratch, pick, or rub their skin, which can result in scarring or worse. Try asking yourself the following questions: Does your skin picking take a lot of your time up? Do you have noticeable scars from skin picking? Do you feel guilty when you think about your skin picking? Does your skin picking cause significant disability socially or professionally? If you answer yes to more than one of these questions, you may have SPD. Seek professional help. Scab picking may indicate SPD or another medical problem, like psoriasis or eczema. It is important to consult a medical professional to find out what is causing it, and whether it is independent or a symptom of a different, underlying problem. There are any number of different therapies available for chronic scab picking. Some might involve medication to relieve physical triggers, while others use behavioral therapy. Once a doctor discovers what is wrong, she can advise you on the best treatment. SPD is a variant of Obsessive Compulsive disorder because of the compulsive urge to perform repetitive behaviors. Your SPD may be related to depression, bipolar disorder, attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder, and an eating disorder. Other conditions similar to SPD include body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania (pulling out hair), and nail biting. Follow a medical regimen. Your scab picking may be due to a physical problem and not to SPD. It may be dermatological, like eczema, for example, an inflammation of the skin that can cause itching. In this case the doctor may prescribe medication like corticosteroids or other topical creams. Remember, the medicine will treat the underlying cause of your scab picking, but it will not address the habit itself. Even if the physical triggers disappear, you may still feel the psychological urge and need help. Seek psychological treatment. If your picking is not caused by a physical condition and is Skin Picking Disorder, you may need to consult a professional about getting counseling. One common psychological treatment option is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. CBT is often used to help people replace bad habits with good ones. There are different forms of available for scab picking. Treatment may involve dermatological therapy, antidepressants, anxiolytics, or antipsychotics. Consider habit reversal training (HRT). HRT is a form of CBT, for example, based on the idea that scab picking is a conditioned behavior. It helps you recognize situations in which you are likely to pick and discourages the behavior by substituting alternative responses, like balling up your fists, when faced with the urge to pick. Consider stimulus control (SC), as well. SC is another method that lessens sensory triggers in your environment that lead to picking – that is, “high risk” situations. It teaches you how to avoid circumstances that might lead you to pick, like changing your bathroom behavior if looking in the mirror is your trigger.

Disinfect the wound. Keep the scab protected. Be proactive. Study yourself. Develop effective coping strategies. Try challenging yourself. Make picking more difficult. Apply acrylic fingernails. Replace your habit with something less destructive. Practice positive affirmation. Don’t give up! Recognize a problem. Seek professional help. Follow a medical regimen. Seek psychological treatment. Consider habit reversal training (HRT). Consider stimulus control (SC), as well.

https://www.wikihow.com/Style-Medium-Length-Hair-for-Men

How to Style Medium Length Hair for Men

To style medium length hair for men, start by holding a blow dryer 2-3 inches from your head, and working in 1-3 inch sections to dry your hair from the tips to the roots. Then, brush your hair and part it, tucking the sides behind your ears. If your hair is long on top but short on the sides, try a comb-over by working some hair gel into your hair, parting it to one side, and combing it down. You can also wear your hair up by pulling it back into a ponytail or up into a top knot, then securing it with a rubber band.

Blow dry and brush your hair for a simple style. Hold a blow dryer 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) away from your hair and move it from the tips to the roots until your hair dries. Work in 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm) sections. Brush your hair and part it, tucking the sides behind your ears or holding them in place with a bobby pin. For a grunge-inspired look, try parting your hair in the center. This should be done right after washing your hair. Do a pompadour for a sleeker look. Part the top of your hair to one side. Apply a coin-sized amount of hair gel to your fingers and distribute it evenly throughout the hair on the top of your head. Then, brush the hair back with your fingers or a comb while pushing it upward to give it some lift. Use a blow dryer while brushing the top back to give your hair more volume. Pompadours look best on men with longer hair on top (at least 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) long) and shorter sides. Tousle your hair for a simple, yet wild hairdo. Then apply a coin-sized amount of hair gel onto your fingers and run it through the length of your hair. Rub your fingers back and forth while ruffling the top, parting your hair with your fingers to the side, in the center, or wherever your natural part is. Wash your hair before tousling it for a clean look and feel. Tousling hair works best for those with natural curls or waves. Try a comb-over if you have short sides. If your hair is long on top, work wax or hair gel into your hair and distribute it evenly. Then, part your hair to one side and comb it down. Spritz it with a light misting of hairspray to set the style. This style looks best if you shave the sides and keep the top several inches or centimeters long. Comb-overs do not look as stylish on balding men, as it tends to emphasize their receding hairline. Do a small man bun for a popular men's updo. Smooth your hair backward away from your forehead. Holding your hair in one hand and the hair tie in the other, pull your hair halfway through the hair tie until it forms a bun, wrapping the rubber band around the bun twice to put it in place. Wash your hair before doing a man bun or other updos. For a creative bun, have a friend part your hair in the middle and French braid the left and right sides. Use elastic bands to tie the two braids together to make a ponytail and wrap it to form a bun. Add a small amount of pomade or gel to your hair before you put it in a bun to give it a sleek finish. Try a ponytail as a simple alternative to a bun. Gather as much hair as you can from the top and sides of your head and hold it at the crown of your head. Then, twist a rubber band several times around the center. Pull the hair all the way through the rubber band, tightening your hair at the center to hold it in place. If some of your hair is too short to pull through the rubber band, hold it back with bobby pins unless you want a messier look. Try a half ponytail for shorter hair lengths. Sweep a small amount of hair from the top section toward the back of your head. Pull it through the opening of a rubber band and twist the rubber band around the center several times. Brush your half ponytail to blend it with the rest of your hair and give your style a polished look. Try a top knot if your hair is longest on top. Smooth the hair from the top of your head back toward the crown of your head and pull it through a rubber band. Twist the rubber band as you pull the hair through the center and tug on the top knot to hold it in place. Position your top knot around the crown of your head. Slick your hair back for a smooth, stylish look. Distribute an even amount of gel or pomade in your hair by working it in with your fingers. Comb your hair back toward your neck and spray it with hairspray to hold it in place. Although stylish, this hairstyle is generally stiff and can weigh down thin or curly hair. Braid your hair for a formal updo. Separate your hair into 3 even sections and hold the sections in your hands to secure them. Cross the right section over the middle and pull on all 3 sections to tighten the cross in place. Then, cross the left section over the middle section and tighten it up. Continue alternating between crossing the right and left sections over the middle until you reach the ends, then secure the braid in place with a rubber band. You can also try cornrows if you have natural hair. Curl or iron your hair to change its texture. Flat or curling irons can give your hair a sleek new look for a formal event. Split your hair into 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) sections, and work on each section one at a time. Wrap each section around the curling iron or run the flat iron down the length of each section, spritzing each section with hairspray to hold its shape. Small curling or flat irons work best for medium length hair. Distribute a heat-protectant product throughout your hair first to protect it from heat damage.

Blow dry and brush your hair for a simple style. Do a pompadour for a sleeker look. Tousle your hair for a simple, yet wild hairdo. Try a comb-over if you have short sides. Do a small man bun for a popular men's updo. Try a ponytail as a simple alternative to a bun. Try a half ponytail for shorter hair lengths. Try a top knot if your hair is longest on top. Slick your hair back for a smooth, stylish look. Braid your hair for a formal updo. Curl or iron your hair to change its texture.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Adult-Children-to-Move-Out

How to Get Your Adult Children to Move Out

The easiest way to get your adult child to move out is to ask them to move out. Don't overthink it, just say something like "Jake, I think it's time you move out of the house." If they respond with excuses about why this isn't possible, answer them with facts, such as by explaining they could rent a smaller place if they say they can't afford to live alone. Then, set a deadline for your child to move out and explain that if they want to stay on longer, they will have to pay rent, and contribute to bills and other service charges.

Assess the situation as objectively as possible. As a parent, you might have mixed feelings about encouraging your child to move out. On one hand, you might enjoy the company, or you don't want them to struggle on their own, or you don't want to feel like you're "kicking" anyone out. On the other hand, perhaps you sense that your child is not pulling his/her own weight , and if you don't take action s/he might never become self-sufficient. It's important to sort through all of these feelings before you talk to your child. Make a list of the reasons you want your child to move out. Be honest -- confront any ways in which having your child live at home makes you feel uncomfortable, and don't allow guilt to make you bite your tongue. Some reasons are obvious, such as if your child blatantly disrespects your privacy or belongings. Some reasons are subtle and somewhat personal and embarrassing, like overhearing your child with their lover(s), or the fact that you seem to be the one who ends up doing their laundry. Consider whether there is a real reason your child cannot live on their own. Sometimes a parent is reluctant to push a child out of the house if they believe the child simply doesn't have the resources to live independently. In most cases, however, the child is perfectly capable of being independent, but it will require some downgrading -- like moving from a house to a bare-bones apartment with roommates. If you determine this is the case, recognize that by allowing your child to stay, you're catering to their comfort , not to real circumstances. Don't be a snoop. It's bad enough your child feels unable to live out there as an individual without having parents show a huge lack of trust. Do not invade your child's privacy by going through their belongings. You're all adults, so come out and ask what you want to know. Show a united front. It's very common for one parent to want a child to move out and the other parent to be resistant to the idea. But before you can nudge your child towards independence, you've got to be on the same page. See How to Compromise With Your Spouse. Ask your child if they want to move out. This is a simple question, but will reveal a lot about why your child is still living at home. Usually, the answer will be something like "Yeah, of course, but..." followed by a list of reasons why it just can't happen at the moment. Evaluate those reasons objectively, keeping in mind that there are probably other reasons -- real reasons - that your child hasn't verbalized, such as that they enjoy having you to do their laundry, or being able to use your car without having to make car or insurance payments, etc. What you want to do is address the verbalized reasons (which, in many cases - but not all - are excuses) one by one, with facts: "I'm looking for a job." Is that true, really? How often are they checking classifieds and job sites? In the meantime, are they volunteering so that they can make contacts, and can account for any gaps in their resume? Are they looking for "a" job or "the" (perfect) job? Are they unwilling to work a minimum wage job until they find something better? "I can't afford a place." Is it that your child can't afford a place, or that they can't afford a place as comfortable as your place? Maybe they can't afford a place in your neighborhood and there's a reason for that; living in a nice neighborhood is one of the rewards of having a successful career. Look around: Where do other young adults live? Does your child feel like they're "too good" to live there? Do you feel like they're "too good" to live there? "I want to save up for a house, car, grad school, etc." This is probably the most legitimate reason to stick around at home, but only if your child is accountable to it. How much do they actually have saved up? What is the ultimate goal? Are they consistently putting money away, or do their savings patterns depend on how many good movies or video games are out that week? If they can prove that saving money is a priority for them, it's all good. But don't just take your kid's word for it. If that's the reason for staying home and getting a free ride, you're entitled to see pay stubs and bank statements, just like financial aid offices are entitled to see tax forms before they provide financial assistance. So you need to develop some strategies to establish a new adult-to-adult relationship. If you make up your mind that your adult child is ready to move out, set a deadline. Inform the child that the deadline stands or rent begins, along with associated requirements for paying a share of the water, the electricity bill, heating costs, service costs, etc. Being forced to chip in can often make living independently seem more viable. Have your adult child make a plan. For example, get a job, save paychecks, look for an apartment, and so forth. Pick up boxes and get a calendar; start marking off the days with great show. When it gets closer to the date, start going over what the adult child will/will not take with them. For example, furniture, bedding, etc. If the deadline passes, get serious. Send bills and part payment demands. If these are not met, start disconnecting services, cable, phone, etc. If they have made up yet another excuse about why they aren't quite ready to move out, charge rent for their room. Chances are they are not going to be too comfortable paying rent for a room. This will get them mad and they will want to move out fast!

Assess the situation as objectively as possible. Make a list of the reasons you want your child to move out. Don't be a snoop. Show a united front. Ask your child if they want to move out. If you make up your mind that your adult child is ready to move out, set a deadline. When it gets closer to the date, start going over what the adult child will/will not take with them. If the deadline passes, get serious. If they have made up yet another excuse about why they aren't quite ready to move out, charge rent for their room.

https://www.wikihow.life/Season-a-Cast-Iron-Skillet

How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet

To season a cast iron skillet that's new, start by washing it with soap and water. Dry it thoroughly then cover the skillet in a coat of vegetable or olive oil with a paper towel. Next, place the skillet in the oven for 2 hours at 350 °F (175 °C). Remove it from the oven and let it cool. Then, repeat the process 2 more times. Heating the skillet in the oven allows the oil to bake into it and create a strong, nonstick surface that won't strip off when you cook food. To maintain your seasoned cast iron skillet, wash it immediately after using it. Use your hand or a soft cloth and a mixture of salt and water to scrub off any food particles. Never use soap or a tough sponge or brush on a seasoned cast iron skillet. This can scrape off the seasoning, damage the nonstick surface, and allow moisture to react with the metal and create rust. Next, dry the skillet completely. Place it over a burner set to low heat for a few minutes. When the water evaporates, finish by adding a thin layer of oil to the skillet with a paper towel. Alternatively, if you want to clean and re-season a rusty cast iron skillet, soak it in a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water for 3 hours. Rinse the solution off, then re-season the cast iron skillet as if you were seasoning a new skillet.

Preheat the oven to 450 ºF (177 ºC). Don't plan on cooking anything else in the oven while you season the cast iron, since the process can be affected by steam created by cooking other food. Wash and dry the skillet. Use soap and a scrub brush to completely scour it. This is the only time you'll be using these items to clean your skillet; after it's seasoned, you no longer scour it. Coat the skillet in and out with lard, vegetable shortening, or olive oil. Make sure it is completely coated, and rub it in with a paper towel. Place the skillet in the oven for 30 minutes. Let the fat or oil bake into its surface for 30 minutes. Remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool. Repeat this process 2 or 3 more times. It takes more than one coating of oil to completely season cast iron cookware. To make sure you have a good nonstick surface that won't strip off when you cook food, give it another coat of fat or oil, cook it, let it cool, and repeat the process once or twice more. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid cooking anything else in the oven while you season the skillet. Make a solution of white vinegar and water. Find a large container big enough to submerge the entire skillet. Fill the container with a mixture of half white vinegar, half water. Place the skillet in the vinegar solution. Make sure it is completely submerged. Allow it to soak for three hours. The vinegar will dissolve the rust. Remove the skillet after it's finished soaking. If you still see rust on the skillet, use a scrub brush to scrub it off. It should come off easily at this point. Make sure no rust remains. Don't put the skillet back in the vinegar solution to soak. If you let it sit in vinegar for too long the cast iron will start to degrade. Rinse the skillet in water and wipe it dry. Make sure it is completely dry by heating it up over the stove or in the oven for a few minutes. Coat the skillet in a layer of fat or oil. Make sure it is completely covered. Use a paper towel to rub the fat or oil into the skillet's surface. Bake the skillet in the oven for 30 minutes. Season the skillet at a temperature of 450 ºF (177 ºC) for 30 minutes. Remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool. Repeat the seasoning process 2 or 3 more times. To make sure you build a good nonstick coating, coat the skillet with oil, bake it, allow it to cool, and repeat the process again. If necessary, you can follow the seasoning process a total of 3 or 4 times. Clean it right away. Cast iron is easiest to clean right after cooking, before the food has a chance to become one with the skillet. As soon as it is cool enough to touch, wipe out the food remnants with a towel and rinse it with hot water. If there's a layer of caked-on food at the bottom of the pan, use a mixture of kosher salt and vinegar to scrub it off with a paper towel. Afterward, rinse the skillet with hot water to make sure you wash off all traces of the vinegar. Caked-on food can also be burned off. Place your skillet in an oven turned to very high heat. The food will turn to ash, which can be brushed off once the skillet has cooled down. If you use this method you'll have to re-season the skillet, since the seasoning will get burned off, too. Don't use soap or a wire scrub brush on seasoned cast iron. It will scrape off the seasoning, removing the nonstick surface allowing moisture to react with the metal and create rust. Make sure the skillet gets completely dry. After you rinse out the food, dry the skillet completely. Use a dry dishcloth to wipe it off, taking care not to miss any crevices and make sure the back gets dried off, too. You can place the pan upside down over the burner that you used to cook on, if the burner is still a little warm. This will help the pan dry faster. To make extra sure the pan is dry, heat it up in the oven for a few minutes. Re-season the pan periodically. Every time you cook with a cast iron skillet, the oil you use infuses with the pan and helps keep it seasoned. However, you can help the process along and make sure your skillet stays completely nonstick by using the full seasoning process from time to time, especially if you had to use vinegar and salt to clean it. Store the skillet in a dry place. Make sure water from other kitchen supplies doesn't drip onto the pan. If you're storing it with other cookware, line it with a dry dishcloth or paper towel to protect the surface of the cast iron.

Preheat the oven to 450 ºF (177 ºC). Wash and dry the skillet. Coat the skillet in and out with lard, vegetable shortening, or olive oil. Place the skillet in the oven for 30 minutes. Repeat this process 2 or 3 more times. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Make a solution of white vinegar and water. Place the skillet in the vinegar solution. Rinse the skillet in water and wipe it dry. Coat the skillet in a layer of fat or oil. Bake the skillet in the oven for 30 minutes. Repeat the seasoning process 2 or 3 more times. Clean it right away. Make sure the skillet gets completely dry. Re-season the pan periodically. Store the skillet in a dry place.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Athlete

How to Become an Athlete

Becoming an athlete requires a lifetime of hard work, but you can get started today by training, dieting, and taking care of your body. If you have a sport you love, schedule 2 to 3 hours of practice for 4 or 5 days out of the week so you can work on improving specific skills. Try to space these sessions so you have 1 in the morning and 1 at night, which will give your muscles time to rest. To give your body the fuel it needs to practice, avoid greasy foods and get 55 to 65 percent of your daily calories from carbohydrates like whole grains, beans, and fruits. Protein is important for muscle growth, so eat plenty of eggs, nuts, and lean meats. To keep your body and brain functioning properly, aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night.

Get involved in a sport as soon as possible. Most athletes get involved in sports when they're children, but it's possible to become an athlete at any age. Pick a sport that you're interested in, and find a local club, team, or league to play with. When you're picking a sport, try to choose one that requires skills that you already know you're good at. For example, if you like to run, you might choose a sport like soccer or track where running is a main component of the game. If you like lifting weights and have good upper body strength, you might consider a strength-based sport like crossfit and powerlifting, or field sports like discus and javelin. If you are able to catch and throw a ball, you could try football or baseball. Devote 2-3 hours to practicing most days of the week. Becoming an athlete is a huge time commitment, so be prepared to spend a lot of time practicing the different skills that you need. Schedule your practices in 60 minute sessions, and try to do 2 or 3 of them 4-5 days per week. When you're just learning a sport, more practice is always better for improving your skills. Be sure to take at least 20-30 minutes in between practice sessions to rest your muscles. Ideally, you should space your practice sessions so that you have one in the morning and one in the evening. Many skilled athletes spend 4-5 hours per day on practicing their sport. However, if you have other commitments, this might not be possible. Try to make as much time as you can within your schedule. Focus on getting better at specific skills. When you're practicing, work on one specific skill at a time. Repeat that movement or motion over and over until you perfect it. Engage your mind by thinking about what you're doing and where you can improve. For instance, if you play soccer, you might spend 60 minutes working on dribbling. If you play baseball, you might spend 30 minutes working on swinging a bat in the right form without hitting the ball, and then spend 30 minutes hitting the ball. It may be helpful to practice with a friend or coach so that they can observe you while you practice and provide comments on where you can improve your game. Be patient with yourself while you're practicing. If you continue to mess up a movement, try doing something else and then come back to the skill you're having trouble with. Take 5-10 minute breaks in between repetitions. When you finish working on a skill, step away from your workout to rest and rehydrate during a break. Spend time stretching your muscles or jogging in place to keep your heart rate up. If you're in a rush, don't skip your break, as this can cause an injury. Instead, spend less time on your workouts and keep the rest the same amount of time. Make sure that 55-65% of your calories come from carbohydrates daily. Make meals that include healthy carbs, like fruits, whole grains, rice, beans, and whole wheat pasta. For an athlete, carbohydrates should make up the majority of your caloric intake for the day, since they give you the most energy for working out. Try to stay away from refined grains and processed carbohydrates, which are low in nutritional value and fiber. Eat protein for 10-15% of your calories each day. Protein is important for repairing and building muscles, so try to eat foods like eggs, vegetables, and meat, like chicken, pork, and beef. Incorporate nuts, like almonds and cashews, in your snacks, and eat fish, like salmon, tuna, or tilapia, for a leaner protein with your meals. You don't have to eat protein at every meal, but it should be an important part of your diet when you're regularly working out and practicing. If you're more muscular, you might need more protein in your diet to maintain your muscles. It's important to get protein from a variety of sources, like meat, vegetables, and nuts, to get more nutrients for your body. Avoid unhealthy fats and greasy foods for the most part. Stay away from trans fats, and avoid fatty foods in general before a workout, practice, or game. When you eat fatty foods, you can become tired and feel less alert, which can hurt your performance. It's important to note that you shouldn't restrict yourself completely from eating certain foods, or make any kinds of hard-and-fast "rules" about what you eat, but instead, you should try to make your diet healthier on the whole — you want to avoid becoming too restrictive. This can also be unhealthy. Some fats from foods like avocado, olive oil, nuts, and even dark chocolate can be healthy in moderation. Drink 64 fluid ounces (1,900 mL) of water every day to stay hydrated. Hydration is important for maintaining your energy and health throughout the day, especially as an athlete. Carry water with you throughout the day, and while you're working out or playing a game, aim to drink every 15-20 minutes. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. Normally, this means that you're already dehydrated. Do 60 minutes of cardio or weight lifting on days without practice. Keep your body moving, even on days when you don't have a scheduled practice or game. Try to go for a walk or jog, swim a few laps, or do body weight exercises to keep up your energy. On days where you have practice, try not to schedule an additional workout. Too much cardio or weight training can lead to exhaustion, which can negatively impact your game. If you stop working out regularly, try to ease back into a routine slowly to avoid overexertion. Get adequate rest after practicing or working out. Movement can quickly cause you to become tired, and it's important to listen to your body. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night, especially if you're going to be working out or playing a game the next day. If you get too little sleep, you can harm your focus and motor functions, causing you to mess up during the game. Visit a medical professional as soon as possible if you’re injured. Sports injuries are extremely common among athletes. Make an appointment to see your doctor if you're injured during a game or practice, and tell them exactly what happened. In some cases, waiting too long after an injury can cause permanent damage. If you've had a previous sports injury, be careful when using that part of your body, and let your coach know about the injury. Most injuries, like sprains or cuts, are easily treated. However, there are some injuries, like ligament tears and concussions, that are more serious and require immediate attention. Take a break from practicing if you feel overwhelmed or stressed. Maintaining your mental health is important for being the best athlete you can be. If you're feeling like you aren't enjoying playing your sport, experiencing stress outside of your sport, or feeling pressured by your coaches or teammates, take a step back and focus on yourself for a while. If possible, talk to your coach about what's going on and explain to them why you're taking a break. If you're playing a sport in high school or at the collegiate level, make an appointment with the school counselor or the wellbeing center. There, you'll be able to discuss how you're feeling and make a plan for how to improve your mental health.

Get involved in a sport as soon as possible. Devote 2-3 hours to practicing most days of the week. Focus on getting better at specific skills. Take 5-10 minute breaks in between repetitions. Make sure that 55-65% of your calories come from carbohydrates daily. Eat protein for 10-15% of your calories each day. Avoid unhealthy fats and greasy foods for the most part. Drink 64 fluid ounces (1,900 mL) of water every day to stay hydrated. Do 60 minutes of cardio or weight lifting on days without practice. Get adequate rest after practicing or working out. Visit a medical professional as soon as possible if you’re injured. Take a break from practicing if you feel overwhelmed or stressed.

https://www.wikihow.com/Set-Up-a-Hookah

How to Set Up a Hookah

To set up a hookah, start by pouring cold water into the vase and inserting the shaft into it. Next, connect the hoses to the sides of the shaft and put the metal tray on top. When you're ready to smoke, break up some pieces of tobacco and put it in the bowl. Then, cover the bowl with a piece of foil and poke holes through the foil with a toothpick. Once the hookah is set up, light a few coals before placing them on top of the foil. Finally, wait 5 minutes for the hookah to warm up before smoking.

Clean the hookah. Wash the hookah with water and a soft brush before using it for the first time, and whenever it gets dirty. Disconnect all parts first, and wash every one except the hoses; assume these are not water-safe unless labeled otherwise. Wipe it dry with a towel and leave it to air dry before you continue. Cleaning after every session is ideal, but definitely clean whenever you see residue on the vase, or when the smoke doesn't taste right. A long, thin brush helps you reach inside long parts. You might find good brushes at stores that sell hookahs. Pour cold water into the vase. This is the large glass container at the base of the hookah. Fill it enough to cover 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the metal stem, or slightly more. Leaving space for air is important to dilute the smoke and make it easy to draw on the hose. If you have a mini hookah, you may only be able to cover ½ inch (1.25cm) of the stem to leave room for air and avoid soaking the hoses. The stem is the metal tip at the bottom of the central hookah shaft. Slot the shaft on top of the vase to see how far down the stem goes. The water doesn't filter out nicotine and other chemicals nearly as much as most smokers believe. Adding more water won't make the hookah safer. Add ice (optional). Although hookah smoke, properly drawn, is not harsh at all, a nice cool temperature will make it even more pleasurable. You may need to pour out some of the water to adjust it to the correct level, as described above. Insert the hookah shaft into the glass base. Lower the shaft into the base, so the stem enters the water. There should be a silicone or rubber piece that fits around the top of the base to make it airtight. If the fit isn't airtight, the smoke will be thin and difficult to pull. If the rubber piece won't fit, wet it with a little water or a drop of dish soap. Connect the hoses. The hoses slot into holes on the side of the shaft. Just like the base, these holes should be airtight fits. Some hookahs seal the hole if there is no hose attached. On other models, you'll need to attach all the hoses even if you're smoking alone. Double check your water levels before connecting. If the water levels are too near your hose connections, the water could ruin your hoses. Check the air flow. Place your hand on top of the hookah stem to block air from entering the hookah. Try to inhale through a hose. If you can get any air, one of the connections is not airtight. Check them all for tight fits and rubber or silicone seals. If you're missing a seal, look for "hookah grommets" to find a replacement. Tightly wrapped athletic tape can make a temporarily, mostly airtight seal. Position the metal tray on top of the hookah shaft. This tray catches hot embers and excess tobacco if and when they fall. Stir the shisha. Shisha is just tobacco packed in liquids that add flavor and thick smoke. These liquids tend to settle to the bottom, so give it a quick stir to spread them around. For your first time smoking a hookah, consider using tobacco-free hookah molasses to practice the setup. Tobacco can be very harsh if you make a mistake. Shisha comes in many different flavors, which significantly change the experience. Sample several to see what you like as a novice hookah smoker. Break up the shisha and place it in the bowl. Fluff up pieces of shisha and drop them in the bowl. Press lightly down to make a flat layer without compacting the tobacco. It should stay fairly loose so air can easily flow through it. Fill the bowl nearly to the top, but leave at least 2mm (3/32 inches) of space above the tobacco so it doesn't burn. Cover with heavy-duty foil. Lay a piece of heavy-duty foil over the bowl, stretching it taut. Crimp it around the edges to secure. If you only have standard duty foil, use two layers. You can use a charcoal screen sold for this purpose instead, but most users prefer the foil. Place the bowl on top of the hookah shaft. This should fit securely into another rubber piece, for an airtight fit. Poke several holes through the foil. Using a toothpick or paper clip, poke about 12–15 holes through the foil surface. Test air flow by drawing on the hose as you do this. If you have trouble pulling air, add more holes. Some people like to poke all the way through the shisha to provide channels for heat and air. Light two or three coals. There are two types of coals used for hookah. Follow these instructions depending on which one you have: Quick light coals: Hold with tongs over a nonflammable area. Light with a lighter or match until it stops smoking, then wait 10–30 seconds until covered in light gray ash and glowing orange. These are convenient, but give a worse, shorter smoke. Some people even get headaches from smoking them. Natural coals: Heat directly in a stove flame or on an electric burner, but never where ash could fall into the gas line or on a glass stove. The coal is ready once glowing orange, usually after 8–12 minutes. Transfer the coals to the foil. Place the coals evenly ringing the edge of the foil, or even slightly overhanging the edge. A common mistake is to pile the coals in the center, which can easily char the shisha and create harsh, short-lived smoke. Many smokers prefer to let the shisha warm up for 3–5 minutes before they start smoking. This lets you smoke with gentle breaths, enhancing the flavor. Inhale. Once the bowl is warm — or right away, if you're impatient — inhale through one of the hoses. Your breath pulls air past the coals, causing them to heat up. If you pull too hard, the air will get hot enough to char the shisha, and you'll cough on a lungful of bad-tasting smoke. Pull with short, normal breaths. Smoke at a relaxed rate, pausing to give the shisha time to cool down. If no smoke appears in the vase, inhale in a series of short, sharp puffs to light the tobacco.

Clean the hookah. Pour cold water into the vase. Add ice (optional). Insert the hookah shaft into the glass base. Connect the hoses. Check the air flow. Position the metal tray on top of the hookah shaft. Stir the shisha. Break up the shisha and place it in the bowl. Cover with heavy-duty foil. Place the bowl on top of the hookah shaft. Poke several holes through the foil. Light two or three coals. Transfer the coals to the foil. Inhale.

https://www.wikihow.com/Exercise-with-a-Broken-Foot

How to Exercise with a Broken Foot

Having a broken foot can make exercising a challenge, but by adapting your workout a bit, you can still get in your gains or cardio while you recover. For cardio exercise, focus on upper body exercises, like using an arm bike at the gym or shadow boxing from a sitting position. Even walking with crutches can give your upper body a good workout. To keep up with your strength training, do dumbbell bench presses or sitting bicep curls. For a tougher workout, lift weights from an incline bench. If you can't get to a gym, you can still do pushups from your knees or with your good leg. You can also work with a physical therapist, who will help you recover and choose which exercises to do in the meantime. If you experience pain or swelling around your broken foot, ease off the exercise and let your doctor know.

Use an arm bike. An arm bike is a cardiovascular exercise machine that looks like a stationary bike, but the pedals are for your hands instead of for your feet. Arm bikes come in a variety of styles, from ones that you can place on a tabletop or desk, to arm bikes that include a seat and a variety of resistance levels. To use an arm bike, sit down, put your hands in the pedals, and move your arms back and forth to turn the pedals. Throw some punches. While you cannot do roundhouse kicks or other kickboxing moves with a broken leg, you can still punch. Punching the air, or shadowboxing, is a great cardiovascular workout. To shadowbox, sit in a sturdy chair and clench your fists. Then, start punching the air in front of you. Continue to throw punches for around 30 minutes or for as long as you can. You can even divide your shadowboxing workouts into three 10 minute segments throughout the day. Include various types of punches in your workout. For example, you can throw punches straight ahead of you called jabs, bend your arm in the shape of an "L" and throw a hook punch, or come up from below and deliver an uppercut. Go for a walk on crutches. If you have a broken foot, then you may have been instructed to use crutches. You can walk on your crutches using a three-point method, which is when you place the crutches about six to 12 inches (30.5 cm) in front of you and then use your good foot to step into that position. Use your hands to support the weight of your body. Do not support your body weight with your armpits. Do not put any more than light pressure on your broken foot. Try walking around in your home for a few minutes per hour. You might also consider going around the block a couple of times per day when you start feeling stronger. Do a push-up variation. Push-ups are a great way to build upper body strength and you may be able to do them with some slight modifications. Try doing push-ups on your knees or do incline push-ups while standing on one leg. Place your hands on a counter or a sturdy chair and do some push-ups. Make sure your injured foot is off of the ground and that you are not putting pressure on it. Use rings to exercise. If you have rings set up, or are able to get to a gym, try a set of ring rows, also called reverse push ups. Hold onto the rings with your arms straight. Pull up on the rings, bending your arms until the rings reach your chest. As you use the rings, allow your injured foot to rest on top of the good leg. You can also do regular pull-ups using rings but make certain that your feet don't hit the ground. Keep your knees bent and allow yourself back onto the floor gently. Complete a dumbbell bench press. Lie down on a bench with your back straight. Hold out your arms at right angles to your body with elbows bent. Lift straight up and lock, tightening your chest. Bring the weights back to your chest slowly. Your feet should be resting on the floor with the injured foot on a pillow or extended. This exercise works on the shoulders and triceps. Use the amount of weight you are comfortable with. Do the one-arm shoulder press while sitting. Choose your weight and then sit down with your back straight. Start with elbows bent and lift straight up. This works on the chest, shoulders and triceps. Try a sitting dumbbell upright row. Pick an amount of weight you can lift relatively easily. Sit down with your back straight. Start with your arms by your sides and lift so that the weights end up at your armpits. This works on the trapezoids (traps) and biceps. Do bicep curls. Sit down with your back straight and choose your weights. Start with your arms by your sides and then rotate the palms of your hands so the palms face inward. Lift out and up, turning the palms outward so that the weights end up at shoulder height and turned out (away) from your body. You can do these on an incline as well. Consult with your doctor about your desire to continue working out. Exercise can be beneficial for recovery, but in some cases, you may need to stay off of your foot completely for a few weeks Ask your doctor before you begin an exercise routine of any kind. If you experience any pain or swelling, let your physician know. Make sure you go back for any checkups your physician recommends Work with a physical therapist. Doing physical therapy may help with your recovery and it is also a good way to find out about appropriate exercises that you can do. Your doctor can refer you to a physical therapist who can work with you to develop an at-home exercise routine that is appropriate for your injury. Wear special foot gear as instructed. The bones in your foot will need to be immobilized for at least a few weeks so that they can reconnect. To help keep your foot immobile, you may need to wear special foot gear, such as a brace or a boot. If you have been instructed to wear something like this, make sure that you do. Do not stop wearing the foot gear until your doctor has said it is okay.

Use an arm bike. Throw some punches. Go for a walk on crutches. Do a push-up variation. Use rings to exercise. Complete a dumbbell bench press. Do the one-arm shoulder press while sitting. Try a sitting dumbbell upright row. Do bicep curls. Consult with your doctor about your desire to continue working out. Work with a physical therapist. Wear special foot gear as instructed.

https://www.wikihow.com/Caress-a-Woman

How to Caress a Woman

Caressing can be an easy way to show affection to someone special. To caress your woman while you're kissing, try cupping her neck or face. Then, stroke your thumb or fingers up and down in small motions. You can also brush her earlobes lightly, which many women like. Alternatively, stroke her hair or massage her scalp while you kiss to help her feel relaxed. When you're sitting together, show affection by running your fingers down her arms or back. Pay attention to where she likes to be caressed and focus on those spots. It's always a good idea to ask what she likes or doesn't like first.

Caress her lips with yours. When you lean in for a kiss, you shouldn't try to plant your lips on hers and ram your tongue in her mouth. Instead, be gentle and take things slowly, especially at first. You should move in to give her a soft kiss and then pause to caress her lips with yours by holding the kiss for a few seconds. You can caress the top lip and then the bottom lip, showing her that kisses really matter to you. Too many men look at kissing as a move that just leads to something else. You should treat kissing like it's a unique pleasure instead of making her think that all you want is more. Caress the sides of her face with your hands while you're kissing. As you kiss the woman, hold her face with one or more of your hands. Don't grab her face at once, but slowly ease into this gesture and make it feel natural. Then, gently place a hand on the side of her face and stroke her cheek, her ear, her hair, and the side of her face along the jawline. This will make her feel loved and will even bring its own pleasure. You shouldn't try kissing this way every single time. Instead, surprise her with this intimate gesture when the moment feels right. Caress her ears. While you're kissing, you should try to gently touch her earlobes, the sides of her ear, and the area behind her ears. Do this slowly and gently, as you're cupping her face. You can slide your hand under her hair, and stroke her ear as you continue to kiss. A woman's earlobes don't get nearly enough attention, and most women love this. If you're already intimate, you can also brush your lips along her ears — that will drive her wild. This is almost always a great move, but make sure you check her expression to see how she likes having her ears touched. Some women's ears are so sensitive that they prefer that you don't touch them. Caress her neck. The neck is another place where you can never touch a woman enough. Gently stroke the sides of her neck while you're talking, kissing, or just looking at each other. You can even toss her hair back so you can caress her neck a bit more, just by running the sides of your fingers up and down her neck, down to the base of her shoulder and all the way up to her earlobe. If you're doing this while standing behind her, you can even blow a little bit of hot air onto her neck for added pleasure. Stroke her hair. Stroking her hair is another wonderful caressing gesture. You can gently stroke the back of her head and massage her scalp, run your fingers through strands of her hair playfully, or even brush the hair away from her eyes as you make eye contact, leading her to want something more. You can also stroke her hair as a way to also touch her cheeks, her earlobes, and her neck, and eventually to give her a kiss. You can even tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear — this will give you an excuse to give her ears an extra caress. Stroke her lips. Caressing a woman's lips before you kiss her is another sensual gesture that she will love and be impressed by. The next time you're ready to kiss her, tease her a little by pulling back and then by running a finger along the middle of her lips. Give her a subtle smile as you do this before you lean in to give her a kiss in the place you just touched. She will be touched and surprised by this form of caress. You can also give her a gentle kiss, pull away, stroke her lips with your finger, and then lean in for another kiss. Caress her hands. Early in the relationship, caressing a woman's hands can be one of the safest and most intimate places to go. There's a difference between putting your hand in a woman's as if it's a limp fish, and in gently touching, stroking, and even massaging the woman's fingers and palms. If you and the woman are on a hand-holding or touching basis, then you can reach out to gently touch one or both of her hands and impress her with how loving and gentle you can be. Here are some things you can try: Lightly trace a circle in her palm Gently hold onto one of her fingers with two of yours and stroke it up and down Massage her palm, knuckles, and outer hands Caress her shoulders. If she is wearing a top that reveals her shoulders you should definitely run your hands along them. Gently touch her shoulder with the tips of your fingers and then stroke them downward with a bit more force. You can also run one finger along her shoulder to give her an extra bit of excitement. Remember that you don't have to caress her shoulders, ear, or the side of her face while you're kissing — this gesture can be intimate and special enough on its own. Women also love to get massages. If you're alone and the mood strikes you, you can use both hands to firmly push into the area above her shoulder blades to knead out some of the tension in her body. Caress her knee. The knee is another part of a woman's body that is overlooked all too often. If she is wearing a skirt or dress she will probably appreciate the warmth of your hand on her soft skin. You may also want to run your finger down into the bend of her knee. This is one of the many erogenous zones that can be found on a woman's body. Just don't try this move when it's hot out — she may sweat there a little, and you don't want to embarrass her. You can also caress a woman's knee just by lightly stroking it when you're sitting down, even if she's wearing pants. Caress her upper thigh. If you know she is willing, you can slowly run your hand along the top of her leg then down along her thigh. This can be more of a sexual move that leads to more, or you can just touch her thighs for the sake of it. You should be pretty familiar with each other for you to try this move, though. Don't think she'll be okay with it just because you've reached the kissing phase. When you're caressing her thigh, use a light touch instead of a squeezing motion, or she may feel a little overwhelmed. Caress her back and shoulders from behind. You don't always have to be facing each other or kissing each other for you to caress a woman. You can stand behind her and gently touch each of her shoulders, placing your head into the back of the side of her head and then moving your hands along her neck and shoulders with gentle and loving motions. You can also leave one hand more firmly placed on her shoulder while sliding the other hand down her back, along the sides of her neck, and even down her arms. Caress the bend of her waist. Stand behind the woman, move her hair to the side, and kiss the back of her neck while you move an arm to the bend of her waist and move your fingers up and down there gently, like you're kneading her. This is a place where women —as long as you're on intimate terms — really love to be touched. Caress the small of her back while you're hugging. Women love to be hugged and to feel the gentle affection of a man's love. You can embrace your woman for a long time, but you should keep things interesting. Without getting too handsy and moving your hands too much, you can place one hand on the small of her back and gently move it up and down. This will make your woman feel loved, and if she's upset, this will help reassure her. You can also place your hand on the small of her back when you're walking somewhere to lead her forward. Women love to be touched like this too. Stroke the inside of her wrist. If you're sitting down and holding hands, you can gently stroke the inside of her wrist. This is a very sensitive area and she will definitely feel a tinge of pleasure when you touch her here. You can even trace a circle around her palm and then make your way down to her wrist. Then, you can even stroke her forearms and up to the crooks of her elbows. Just make sure she doesn't feel ticklish — if she does, then she won't be feeling much pleasure. You want to keep your touch light but meaningful. Gently run your hand along her spine. Tracing the area of her spine above her lower back, up to her neck, and back down again can definitely make a woman feel more than a bit of pleasure. This is a very intimate gesture and it'll really send the message if you do it while you're hugging or holding each other. You can also try it when you're giving her a kiss, but that's not necessary. This works best when she is wearing a dress or another fabric that allows you to easily trace her spine. When you reach the bottom of her neck, consider giving her a kiss in that area. Caress her feet. There are few things that some women love more than a good foot rub. The next time you're alone, just have her lie or sit down and place one of her feet in your hands. Then, gently massage the soles of her feet, the knuckles of her toes, the pads of her toes and feet, and even the area on the top of her foot. Be very gentle, at least at first, because her feet may be sore, especially if she's been on them all day, and then work your way up to massaging them more thoroughly, by kneading her feet with your fingers. If you really want to give her a good foot massage, you can even rub some oil or lotion onto your hands. Caress her navel. This is a more sexual area, but if you're at that point with the woman, then sometimes nothing can be better than gently caressing her on the navel. Gently trace the area around her navel and then move your hands slightly up or slightly down to prolong the pleasure. You can caress other parts of her body and then return to the navel if you really want to drive her wild.

Caress her lips with yours. Caress the sides of her face with your hands while you're kissing. Caress her ears. Caress her neck. Stroke her hair. Stroke her lips. Caress her hands. Caress her shoulders. Caress her knee. Caress her upper thigh. Caress her back and shoulders from behind. Caress the bend of her waist. Caress the small of her back while you're hugging. Stroke the inside of her wrist. Gently run your hand along her spine. Caress her feet. Caress her navel.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Dremel-Tool

How to Use a Dremel Tool

Before you use a Dremel tool, read the user's manual to ensure you know how your particular model works. To insert a bit into your Dremel tool, place it into the hole at the end of the Dremel, then tighten the nut so the bit is secure and doesn't wiggle. Plug in the Dremel, then turn it on to the lowest setting. From there, you can switch it to different speeds. After you use the Dremel, remove the bit and wipe down the drill to remove any debris.

Choose your Dremel. Dremel was one of the first companies to manufacture rotary tools, and it is still best known for these tools. Dremel also produces a number of other types of tools, including powered screwdrivers and scroll saws. Research which tools they're currently selling to find one that fits your needs. The price range varies so it's especially important to find out if you're getting the right tool. Options on Dremels include: Fixed or cordless models Lightweight and mobile, or sturdier and stronger Longer battery life Fixed speed (usually cheaper and easier to use) or variable speed (better for intricate grinding projects and more expensive) Read the owner's manual. Your Dremel will come with a variety of drill bits and other attachments, the tool, and an owner's manual. Be sure to read the manual before using your Dremel for the first time. This will also help you become familiar with the controls. Find out where the speed controls, on/off switch, and button to change the bit are located. Since your model may be different than a previous year's model, it's important to read the manual that came with your tool. Wear proper safety gear. Always wear work or rubber gloves when you run the Dremel. Gloves will keep your hands safe from debris and sharp edges. You should also wear safety glasses, especially when cutting, polishing, or grinding with the Dremel. Keep your work space clean. You should also keep children and other people away while you're operating the tool. Practice inserting and securing bits. To insert a bit, place the bit into the hole at the end of the Dremel and back it out slightly. Tighten the collet nut so that the bit is secure and doesn't wiggle. To remove the bit, press down on the shaft lock button while turning the collet. This should loosen the bit so you can replace it. Make sure to practice inserting and changing the bit when the Dremel is turned off and unplugged. Some models are equipped with collets designed for quick and easy connection and release. You can also get collets in different sizes for use with different sized accessory shanks. In some cases, you will need to use a mandrel, a type of shank with a threaded head. This is a type of permanent shank for use with polishing, cutting, or sanding bits. Use the right bit for the job. You should choose your bit attachment based on the type of material you'll be working with. Dremel makes many bits with a variety of materials for almost any material. For example, for: Carving and engraving jobs: use high speed cutters, engraving cutters, structured tooth carbide cutters, tungsten carbide cutters and diamond wheel points Routing jobs: use router bits (straight, keyhole, corner, or groove). When using a router, take care to only use router bits. Small drilling jobs: use drill bits (purchased individually or as a set) Make sure your Dremel is switched off before you plug it in. Once you plug it in, turn it on to the lowest setting and practice switching to different speeds. To get a feel for the Dremel, try using different grips to hold the tool. For intricate jobs, you might want to hold it like a pencil. Or, for a larger job firmly grip the tool so that your fingers wrap around it. Use clamps or a vice to secure the material you are working on. Check your user's manual to determine the correct speed for the job you have in mind. Clean your Dremel after each use. Remove the bit and place the bits back in the case. Take the time to wipe down the drill with a cloth after each use. Keeping your Dremel clean will significantly extend the life of the tool. Consult the owner's manual before disassembling the tool for major cleanings. You will need to frequently use compressed air to clean out the Dremel's air vents. This will help prevent electrical failure. Use your Dremel for small cuts and detailing. The Dremel is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it deal for small detailing and little cuts. It can be difficult to give smooth, long curves, because you're mostly working free hand. But, you can make several straight cuts to get the kind of edge you're looking for and then even up the edge with the sanding bit. Avoid using the Dremel for long or large cuts that would be better suited to a larger saw. Secure the object. Depending on the object or material you're cutting, secure the object with a vise or clamps. Do not hold the material you're cutting in your hand. Cut at the appropriate speed for your bit and the material. A speed that is too high or too low can cause damage to your motor, the bit, or the material you're working on. If you're not sure, check your owner's manual to see what speed is recommended for your particular Dremel and material. If you're cutting thicker or tougher material, make several passes to cut it. If the material is too hard and thick to cut without difficulty, you may need to use an oscillating saw rather than a Dremel. If you see smoke and discoloration, your speed is too high. If you hear the sound of the motor dropping or slowing down, you may be pressing too hard. Lighten the pressure and readjust the speed. Try cutting plastic. Fit a flat saw blade onto your Dremel. Remember to put on eye and ear protection before you begin cutting the plastic. Set the speed between 4 and 8 so you have enough power, but don't burn out the motor. Sand any rough edges once you've made the cuts. Avoid pressing down too hard while cutting, which can damage your Dremel and your bits. Depending on your project, it may be helpful to draw an outline of your cuts onto the plastic. This will make it easier to ensure your cuts are where you want them to go. Practice cutting metal. Secure a metal cutting wheel onto your Dremel. Put on eye and ear protection before you start cutting. Turn on your Dremel and set the power between 8 and 10. Make sure the metal you're cutting is affixed firmly in place. Gently touch the Dremel to the metal for a few seconds at a time until you see the metal being cut. You'll also see sparks fly. Fiber reinforced disks are more durable than ceramic disks, which can shatter when cutting metal. Grind using your Dremel. For grinding, attach grinding stones which can be fixed to the mandrel/shaft. Slide the grinding stone into the front of the tool where it is fully inserted and tighten. Turn your Dremel on and grind on a low setting so you don't overheat the material. Gently hold the grinding stone against the material until it wears down. You can use grinding stones, grinding wheels, chain saw sharpening stones, abrasive wheels and abrasive points to grind a material. Carbide bits tend to work best on metal, porcelain, or ceramic. Use cylindrical or triangular tips for round grinds. To grind a notch into something or grind an inside corner, use a flat disc shape. Or, use cylindrical or triangular tips for round grinds. Start sharpening or sanding with your Dremel. Select a sandpaper bit and secure it in your Dremel. Sandpaper bits are available in fine through course grits, and all grades should fit on the same mandrel. Tighten the screw at the end of the sandpaper bit. Turn on your Dremel and set it between 2 and 10. Choose lower settings if you're sanding or polishing plastics or woods. Select a higher setting if you're sanding metal. While holding the material secure, run the bit across the material so that the sandpaper bit completely comes into contact with your material and sharpens or sands it. Make sure that the sanding bits are in good shape so they don't scuff or mark your material. They should fit in the drill snugly and shouldn't be worn. Have several sanding bits on hand so you can quickly replace them. To sand, you can use sanding bands, sanding discs, flap wheels, shaping wheels and finishing and detail abrasive brushes. Move from coarser bits to softer bits. If you've got a big job, begin with coarser bits before moving to softer bits. This can help you sand out larger scratches quickly and then you can have more control over working through the material. If you skip the coarse bit and begin with a softer bit, it will take you longer and you'll wear out the softer bit. Check the bit every minute or two to see if the bit is worn or torn. Remember to turn off and unplug the Dremel while you do this. Polish metal or plastics. The Dremel is an excellent tool for fine-detail polishing or polishing in tight spots. Rub a polishing compound over the surface of your object and fit your Dremel with a felt polishing tip or wheel. Start your drill at a low speed (2) and run it against the polishing compound. You should work the wheel in circles until the material is polished. Avoid using a much higher speed (don't go over 4). You can polish without using a compound, but you'll get shinier results with it. For cleaning and polishing jobs, use rubber polishing points, cloth or felt polishing wheels, and polishing brushes. Be sure to get the right kind of coarse polishing brush for the job. These bits are good for taking old paint off of metal furniture or cleaning up tools and grills.

Choose your Dremel. Read the owner's manual. Wear proper safety gear. Practice inserting and securing bits. Use the right bit for the job. Make sure your Dremel is switched off before you plug it in. Clean your Dremel after each use. Use your Dremel for small cuts and detailing. Secure the object. Cut at the appropriate speed for your bit and the material. Try cutting plastic. Practice cutting metal. Grind using your Dremel. Start sharpening or sanding with your Dremel. Move from coarser bits to softer bits. Polish metal or plastics.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-People-Who-Always-Complain

How to Deal With People Who Always Complain

To best deal with people who are always complaining you can start by trying to discreetly change the subject of the conversation to something more positive or neutral when someone starts to complain. If the person seems like they're about to start complaining, ask them a question about something else, maybe about their life or some current event. You can also set boundaries for conversations. Kindly say that while you want to help, you think it's best to focus on positives and working to change things rather than dwelling on negatives. For instance, if a coworker always seems to be complaining about your boss, you could say that while you might share their feelings, you find it more worthwhile to talk about ways to make a positive change in the office environment, or avoid speaking about your boss together completely.

Change the subject. It can be draining to listen to complaints. It can also make the conversation socially awkward. The next time a friend starts complaining, shift the focus. Maybe your aunt complains about your uncle's busy work schedule. Try saying, "I understand you've been busy, too. Tell me all about your new book club!" When you redirect the conversation, you are demonstrating that you would like to talk about something else. Just make sure to change the subject to something more neutral. Avoid potentially negative topics. For example, if you have a friend who constantly complains about work, don't bring up the subject. Instead, talk about a book you both recently finished. Set boundaries. Maybe your friends constantly use you as a sounding board. If people regularly complain to you, that means they see you as someone who can be trusted. But it can also be emotionally exhausting for you. Let your friends know that you need to set some boundaries. Try saying, "Sara, I'm always here for you. But sometimes I'd like to talk about my own life when I'm with you." Maybe your friend has problems that make you uncomfortable. Don't be afraid to make that clear. For example, maybe your friend regularly complains about her disappointing sex life. Try saying, "Sheryl, would you mind if we change the subject? That kind of personal detail makes me uncomfortable." Promote "I" statements. It is important to explain to your friends and family that it hurts you when they complain all of the time. You can use "I" statements to express your feelings and you can also ask the person who is complaining to rephrase his or her feelings using "I" statements. An "I" statement focuses on the feelings or ideas of the person talking, rather than the person who is listening. Promoting "I" statements in your interactions with others may help you to feel less stressed by the complaints that you hear. When you live with someone who is constantly complaining, it can make you feel like he or she is blaming you for everything that is wrong in the house. Instead of stating, "I'm sick of hearing you complaining," state, "It feels like I'm getting blamed for everything that is wrong in the house." You might also consider saying something like, "Always listening to the negative is very frustrating for me" instead of "You are such an awful complainer!" You can also ask others to rephrase their complaints using "I" statements. For example, ask your sister to say, "I feel like our holiday gatherings are very stressful" instead of saying, "Christmas at your house is horrible!" Try to use "I" statements yourself whenever you are communicating with someone who often complains. This will help you to demonstrate how useful "I" statements can be. Deal with an elderly person who complains often. Elderly people can offer up a lot of complaints. Your family gatherings might suffer if you count an aging family member who complains to your relatives. There are ways that you can learn to deal with this specific situation. Take a minute to listen. Elderly people are often lonely and just want someone to talk to. Change the topic to something cheerful and enjoy a chat. Offer to help. Many elderly people find themselves unable to cope with life's daily challenges. If your grandmother complains about traffic, offer a solution. Tell her you'll be happy to pick up some groceries for her so that she has to spend less time in the car. Cope with a complaining child. If you have kids, you've probably heard more complaints than you ever imagined. Pre-teens and teens in particular often complain a lot. You can choose how to respond to complaints made by a child. Try brainstorming. If your teen complains of boredom, ask him to list some things he would like to do. This will help him learn to find his own solutions. Be patient. Remember that kids are going through a lot of changes. Many times, the complaints of a child are based on anxiety, or even tiredness. Take care to locate the root of the problem. Be non-judgmental. Try not to criticize your child for complaining. For example, if your child complains that dinner is "gross", try saying, "It's unfortunate that you feel that way." If complaining does not earn your child a lot of attention, then he or she will be more likely to find positive things to say. Spend time in groups. When you are in a social situation, it can be awkward to listen to someone who constantly complains. If you have friends or family members who seem to enjoy whining, it can take the fun out of many situations. Try to avoid spending alone time with someone who complains a lot if it bothers you. People are less likely to complain if there are several people around. You don't have to avoid having a coffee date with your complaining cousin. Just ask others to join you. The next time your cousin asks you for coffee, just say, "That sounds great, but I already have plans with a couple of friends. You don't mind if they join us, do you?" You will feel less pressure to respond to the complaints if you are in a group. If your friend complains that she hates the pizza that's being served, you don't even have to respond if there are others sitting close by. Just allow other group members to carry on the conversation. Show empathy. Dealing with a complaining co-worker is a frustrating situation. Not only is it awkward, it can also make you less productive. If you regularly cope with complaining colleagues, take steps to handle the situation constructively. Try to be kind. Sometimes people just need to vent. If your co-worker regularly complains of overwork, try saying, "I'm in the same boat. Maybe we could take turns going on caffeine runs for each other." You can also try complimenting the complainer. Try saying, "Wow, you have been putting in a lot of hours. At least it paid off. I heard your presentation was fantastic." This puts a more positive spin on the situation. Offer to help. Remember that complaints are sometimes legitimate. It is possible that the complainer has a real problem. If you can, try to offer your assistance. For example, maybe someone in your office constantly complains about the frigid temperature. If you agree, try suggesting that the two of you talk to your boss about the situation together. Maybe your colleague feels that she is being treated unfairly by your boss. Try saying, "Have you considered talking to HR about the situation?" By offering advice, you are showing that you heard the complaint. You are also demonstrating that the problem can be fixed. Hopefully, the person who is complaining will heed your words. Ask questions. You might find yourself tuning out every time to talk to someone who regularly complains. But try listening. You might find that by asking questions and participating in the conversation, you can make your interactions more positive. Start with a simple question. Try saying, "What do you think you can do to solve the problem?" That puts the responsibility of finding a solution on them, not you. But it also indicates that you are listening. If the person says they don't know what to do, try asking more questions. You could say, "Why don't you spend some time thinking about it? How about we talk again next week if the problem is still happening?" Make an effort to understand the situation. If the person who is complaining says vague things like, "I hate it here", you can try saying, "Why?" This response is non-committal, but will allow you to determine if the complaint is valid. Then you can decide whether to devote more of your attention to the situation. Be honest. It can be fun to socialize with your co-workers. Maybe you have a group from your office who regularly gets together for happy hour. But if someone who often complains tags along, that can ruin the whole evening. Kindly but firmly voice your opinion. Try saying something like, "I really don't feel like discussing work after hours." You can also try gently taking the person aside. You can say, "I know it's helpful to vent, but maybe we could save the work problems for work, ok?" You can also simply turn to someone else and start a different conversation. Others will likely follow your lead and talk about more pleasant topics. Using "I" statements, explain your point of view. You can say, "I feel stressed when you talk about how unhappy you are at work." Take control of the conversation. You might feel anxious every time a negative co-worker approaches you. Instead of inwardly rolling your eyes, take control of the situation. You can choose how to direct the conversation. End the complaints before they start. When your co-worker approaches, immediately say something positive. For example, you could say, "Hey, Betty! I heard you ran a 5k this weekend. Good job!" By starting the conversation on a positive note, you might be able to head off complaints. If the other person starts to complain, you can end the conversation. Say, "Wow, that sounds frustrating. But I'm on a deadline, so I'm going to have to get back to work right now." Remove the negativity from your life. Other people's problems can be emotionally draining. If you feel that being around someone is negatively affecting your life, consider removing yourself from the situation. Be mindful of the amount of time that you spend with negative people. You can't always completely cut people out of your life. For example, the person who complains a lot might be a family member. You can, however, take the pressure off of yourself to attend every gathering. If Uncle Greg really stresses you out, it's okay to take a pass on the next family gathering. Just plead a prior commitment. If you have a friend who is really draining your energy, you might want to limit your time together. You can try saying, "John, I'm focusing on making some changes in my life and I'm going to have to stop meeting you for dinner each Tuesday." Practice positive thinking. Keeping a positive attitude can make a major difference in your life. Remember, you can't control how other people behave. But you can choose how to react. Make a conscious effort to remain positive. For example, the next time you are listening to complaints, try thinking to yourself, "Wow, my life seems pretty great in comparison." Positive thinking doesn't mean that you have to ignore problems. It just means that you can choose to focus on finding solutions and other, more positive issues. Positive thinking can help reduce your stress. This can benefit your physical and mental health. Commit to self-care. Remaining positive can help you feel better able to cope with constant complaints. In order to keep a positive attitude, you need to take care of yourself. Make sure to make self-care a priority. Self-care means making sure that you are meeting both your physical and emotional needs. Take time to check in with yourself each day. Ask yourself, "How am I doing? Do I need a break?" If the answer is yes, then take one. A simple five-minute walk around the block can do wonders for your mental health. Or you can try taking a relaxing bubble bath. Reduce your stress. If you reduce your overall stress level, you will be better able to cope with people who complain often. Try to find ways to ease your tension. There are many steps you can take to do this. Eat a healthy diet. Fast food can feel good in the moment, but a lot of sugars and fats can actually worsen your mood. Try to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Get moving. Physical exercise is a proven mood booster. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Rest up. If you are tired, you will find complaints more aggravating. Try to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night to help reduce your stress levels.

Change the subject. Set boundaries. Promote "I" statements. Deal with an elderly person who complains often. Cope with a complaining child. Spend time in groups. Show empathy. Offer to help. Ask questions. Be honest. Take control of the conversation. Remove the negativity from your life. Practice positive thinking. Commit to self-care. Reduce your stress.

https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Fun-Day-with-Your-Dog

How to Have a Fun Day with Your Dog

You can have fun with your dog by taking it on a stroll in the park or even just around the block to get some exercise. Additionally, if your dog does well with other pups, try taking it to the dog park for some socializing. When you're at home you can have fun with your dog by hiding some treats in the yard or around the house for it to find. Afterwards, if your dog still has energy, try playing fetch or keep away with its favorite toy!

Take your dog for a walk. Visit a park, take a stroll around the block, or go to a doggy park to let your dog interact with other pups. Dogs love going for walks, and it's great exercise for owner and pup. Make sure you obey leash laws. Even if your dog is well trained, other dogs may not be, so maintaining control of your pet is important. If you need your dog to socialize more, then this is a good way to do so! Always clean up waste after your dog when you go for walks. Bring water to keep your dog hydrated, especially on hot days. Take plenty of breaks so you don't overtire your dog or push it too far. Visit a dog beach. Many dogs like water, and going for a swim can be a really fun way to pass the time, especially if you live in a warm climate. Check at your local lake or ocean to see if they allow dogs. You may even be able to do fun water sports like kayaking and surfing with your pup in some locations. Always make sure your dog can swim by starting it in shallow water and letting it submerge gradually. Don't take your dog swimming if it has been sick recently as this can lead to relapsed illness. Hide toys or treats in the yard. Many dogs enjoy hunting, and this can be a fun way to keep your pup busy. Start by letting your dog see or smell the treat or toy. Get your dog excited by saying, “Do you want a treat?” Sound happy and excited to energize the pup. Then, leave the dog inside or have a friend distract it while you hide the toy or treat. Then, let your dog look for it. You may need to train your dog to fetch their favorite toy by name. Say something like, “Get the ball,” each time you throw or hide their favorite ball. That way, when you take the dog outside to find the hidden object, you can use this command to get started. Hide toys or treats in obvious spots at first. Then, place them in increasingly difficult locations as your pup gets better at finding them. Don't hide the treat underground, this could promote digging holes in your garden. Chase your dog. Dogs enjoy running and jumping, so by playing chase, you give your dog something to run from and remain a part of their play. If your dog ever looks or behaves fearfully or aggressively, stop chasing it immediately. Most dogs will love playing chase, but make sure to let your dog rest. Play keep away with your dog. This is especially fun if you have another person spending time with you and your pup. Use your dog's favorite ball or Frisbee and throw it over, around, and under your dog. This helps your dog improve agility and reflexes, and can be lots of fun that doesn't tire your pup out too quickly since it will only be moving a short distance between you and your helper. Play fetch. For dogs with lots of energy, this can be a great way to let your pup wear itself out, while you get some much needed rest. Stand or sit in one location and throw a ball, Frisbee, or other toy for your pup. Have your dog bring it back to you and throw again. Many dogs would do this all day, but make sure to give your dog plenty of breaks, even if it doesn't seem to want them. Catch up on some sleep. Nothing can be more relaxing than having a lazy day at the house with your dog. Take a nap, lounge around, and catch up on your rest. This is especially good if you and your dog are typically very active. It's important to maintain an adequate amount of quality sleep time, and snuggling up with your dog for a nap or a few extra hours of sleep in the morning is a great bonding opportunity. Hide a toy or treat inside the house. Just like outside, this is a fun way to keep your pet busy without having to overly exert yourself. Show the dog a treat or toy. Then, keep the dog in another area until you've hidden it, and tell your dog to find the toy. If it can't find the hidden object after a while, give it a clue or show your dog where it is. Your dog will get better at this with practice. If you have a dog that stays inside during the day, hide some treats or toys around the house. This will keep the dog occupied while it is not being directly observed. Teach your dog new tricks. Training is a great way to spend time with your pet. Dogs like to learn and make their owners happy. Take time to teach your dog tricks that are just for fun like shaking hands and rolling over, but devote the bulk of your training time to helping your dog learn how to ask for your help or get your attention. Reinforce with treats, but remember the goal of training for your pet shouldn't be getting food. It should be discovering how to get positive responses from you, so a simple, “Good job!” and a pat on the head are just as important. For instance, dogs who jump on people when they come to the door can be trained to stay calm. Go outside and wait a few moments. Knock on the door. Let yourself in. If the dog jumps, stand there until it returns to the ground, pet your dog, and tell it good job. Start a tug-of-war game. This is another game that's easy to play inside because it doesn't involve a lot of movement that could potentially break or damage your furniture or other items in the home. You can buy special tug of war ropes and toys for your pet, or tie a knot in an old gym sock. As you hold one end, let your pup pull the other. After a few seconds, give the toy to your dog, and tell it, “Good job!” Get some doggy chew toys. Dogs need strong, healthy teeth to thrive. Chew toys are a great way to keep their teeth healthy. Some chew toys are made of durable plastics, rubber, and other materials that will last your pup a long time. Others, like bones or rawhide, are edible. Make fun toys for your pet. If you don't have a lot of money to buy new toys for your pet, get creative. Your house is probably full of dog toys. Gym socks are a great toy option. You can fill the toes of old socks with treats that your pup will have to dig out, or tie a knot in the socks and play tug of war. Use an old tennis ball as a puzzle toy. Cut a small incision in the ball along the white lines. Pull back the flap, fill with treats, push the flap inside of the tennis ball, and give it to your pup. Your dog will have a blast getting the treats out. Do something different to clothes and other home-made items, so your pup knows which socks or clothes belong to it. For instance, tie a knot in socks or attach old clothes around a plastic bottle. Otherwise, don't give your pet old shoes, cushions, clothes, or other household items you've taught it not to chew. This will undo its training. Purchase puzzle toys. Challenging your dog to use its brain, teeth, and paws to get a reward is a great way to help it pass the time. There are numerous varieties of puzzle toys available for dogs of all sizes. Some of these toys are made to hide treats. There are also puzzle toys that your dog will need to pull apart. You can then put the toys back together, allowing your pup to start the fun all over again. Choose healthy treats. When purchasing foods or making them in the home, make sure to keep in mind your dog's health and weight. If you have a dog that is overweight or has other health concerns, look for treats that are lower in calories or that include health supplements. Remember a word of encouragement or petting your pup can be just as effective. Ask your vet for recommendations, or talk to a representative at your local pet store. Cheese, beef jerky, and lunch meats are all relatively affordable and healthy treats for your dog. Check the label on store bought snacks looking for high calorie counts, ingredients that you don't recognize, and other tell-tale signs the treats are less than healthy.

Take your dog for a walk. Visit a dog beach. Hide toys or treats in the yard. Chase your dog. Play keep away with your dog. Play fetch. Catch up on some sleep. Hide a toy or treat inside the house. Teach your dog new tricks. Start a tug-of-war game. Get some doggy chew toys. Make fun toys for your pet. Purchase puzzle toys. Choose healthy treats.

https://www.wikihow.com/Accent-Trees-With-Outdoor-Lighting

How to Accent Trees With Outdoor Lighting

To accent your trees, first decide whether you would like to add lighting to a few smaller trees or whether to make one tree a focal point. To create a focal point, position two or more lights a few feet away from the base of the tree to create crossbeams that highlight the tree. To accent several trees, use uplighting to emphasize the foliage or downlighting to emphasize the base of the tree. You can create silhouettes by positioning lights in front of a tree so it's shadow is cast against your home.

Position an in-ground, well light directly underneath a narrow tree. Small, spindly, or narrow trees will often appear more dramatic when up-lighted. Plant in-ground lights directly next to the tree's trunk, and face them upwards. This technique gives small trees, like dwarf palms, an arresting impact despite their diminutive size. Aim a spotlight directly up the trunk of a large, bushy tree. Position the spotlight (you can use one or several) close to the tree's trunk and aim it upwards, into the foliage. This technique will highlight the intricacy of its foliage, and illuminate the texture and form of the tree's trunk and branches. Use this technique when you want to accent a tree with an especially interesting trunk shape. Arrange a spotlight further away from a tree’s trunk for texture. This type of up-lighting will cast more shadows, and create a dramatic background surrounding your tree. Position the light at a 45 degree angle upwards to dramatize the tree's trunk and foliage. Make your tree a focal point. Use two or more spotlights to create a cross-beam of light. This will reduce shadows and cast an arresting and enchanting glow directly focused on the tree. To make the most of this technique, pick a tree that has impressive height, girth, or intricacy of branches. Arrange these spotlights further away from the tree than you would if you were up-lighting. Avoid spotlighting windows. Spotlights that may shine directly or indirectly into a window in your own or a neighbor's home can be a nuisance. If a tree is near a window, try down-lighting it, instead. Use spotlights as a safety feature. Try spotlighting a tree close to your front or back door, or in a part of your lawn that looks too dark. Spotlights tend to be brighter, and may deter unwelcome visitors. Create dramatic silhouettes by lighting trees against walls. If you have a tree that is placed near the wall of your home, try placing a bright spotlight in front of it and aiming it towards the wall. This will cast a dramatic shadow of the tree's form onto the wall. If lit from below, trees will cast a shadow that appears larger than the plant's actual size. For a more subtle effect, try lighting from above or using multiple lights to soften the individual shadows. A garage or fence can also be used as a backdrop for silhouette lighting. Use a floodlight for a large, open area. Place a floodlight far from the tree or area of lawn you wish to illuminate. Aim the light at the tree and its foliage, and towards a structure behind it. This technique is especially suited for trees with interesting shapes, as well as shrubs and topiary. Because this technique provides a wash of light over the wall of your house, it also increases security. Isolate focal trees. If you have multiple trees in front of a wall, place a floodlight closer to the tree you wish to silhouette. This will ensure that you project only one, distinct silhouette against the wall behind it. By choosing a focal tree, you will create a more distinct accent than if many trees were silhouetted in close proximity to each other. Use a narrow spotlight for a crisp beam of light. A narrow-style bulb will create greater contrast with the surrounding darkness. You can also space out narrow beams of light, or choose only one tree to silhouette within a ten-foot area. Install a small spotlight on the trunk of your tree. This will create a moonlight effect within the tree's foliage or against its root system, depending on which direction you angle the light. Try positioning multiple lights on a tree's trunk. By pointing lights both upwards and downwards, you will create a fuller, more natural moonlight effect. Position a swiveling spotlight within the tree's foliage. If you have a tree with lots of loose foliage, consider placing a spotlight facing downwards directly onto one of the tree's branches. This will cast enchanting shadows of the tree's foliage onto the surrounding ground, creating a dappled wash of light. Shine a swiveling spotlight down on your tree. Place a light high up and away from your tree for this technique. Tilt the spotlight at a 30 degree angle to the tree for a natural looking diffusion of light—it should shine through the branches and onto the ground or foliage below it. This will also make your tree a more subtle focal point of the yard, and lend a warm glow to the tree's surroundings. Conversely, this type of downlighting can also cast an eerie glow on the ground around your trees, especially in the fall and winter when foliage is more sparse.

Position an in-ground, well light directly underneath a narrow tree. Aim a spotlight directly up the trunk of a large, bushy tree. Arrange a spotlight further away from a tree’s trunk for texture. Make your tree a focal point. Avoid spotlighting windows. Use spotlights as a safety feature. Create dramatic silhouettes by lighting trees against walls. Use a floodlight for a large, open area. Isolate focal trees. Use a narrow spotlight for a crisp beam of light. Install a small spotlight on the trunk of your tree. Position a swiveling spotlight within the tree's foliage. Shine a swiveling spotlight down on your tree.

https://www.wikihow.com/Style-Straight-Hair

How to Style Straight Hair

To style straight hair, braid your hair while it's still damp, and spray it with a mixture of water and sea salt to make it wavy. If you want to curl your hair, apply hairspray before curling it with an iron in 2 inch sections. You can also create a tousled look by spraying dry shampoo on your hair and scrunching your locks. Alternatively, try wearing your hair in a ponytail or style it into a classic chignon.

Opt for a pixie cut. A pixie cut can provide short straight hair with a lot of volume and movement. To achieve a voluminous pixie, keep the sides cropped, the top long, and add lots of layers throughout your short locks. The pixie is a versatile haircut. You can wear it slightly tousled, slicked backed, or with edgy spikes. Try a bob. The classic bob and its modern variations are chic, timeless, and flattering. These haircuts are easy to style and maintain. By opting for a short to shoulder length haircut, you will reduce the weight of your hair, increasing your ability to add volume to your locks. The severeness of the blunt bob creates the illusion of fullness and volume. When teased, the stacked bob adds movement and volume to fine, limp hair. A lob, or long bob, is ideal for fine, thin hair—it allows you to maintain some length while getting rid of stringy ends. Cut your long hair bluntly. As straight hair grows, the ends can appear stringy and unkept. To avoid this ragged look, opt for a long, blunt cut. A blunt cut will allow you to maintain your hair's length while creating the illusion of full, thick hair. If you prefer a less severe look, ask your stylist to add a few face-framing layers. Too many layers will cause fine, straight hair to look thin and stringy. Shampoo your hair less frequently. Shampoo strips your scalp of its natural, nourishing oils. When you over shampoo your hair, it becomes dry and lifeless. Those with fine straight hair will need to shampoo their hair more frequently than those with thick straight hair. Fine straight hair becomes oily quick. Apply shampoo 3 to 4 times a week. Use a volumizing shampoo that does not contain any heavy conditioners. Thick straight hair benefits from the presence of your scalp's natural oils. Apply shampoo directly to your scalp 2 to 3 times per week. Purchase a product with natural oils, such as keratin and argan oils. Condition your hair according to your hair type. In addition to hydrating your locks, conditioners produce a glossier, healthier mane that is less prone to breakage and damage. The number of times you need to apply conditioner to your hair each week depends upon your hair type. If you have fine straight hair, over-conditioning will weigh down your locks and make it difficult to style your tresses. Apply conditioner sparingly after each time you shampoo. Do not apply any conditioner to your scalp, but from the middle of the hair shaft down to the ends. If you have thick straight hair, the hydrating qualities of conditioners will benefit your locks. Apply a generous amount of conditioner after each shampoo. Do not apply any conditioner to your scalp, but from the middle of the hair shaft down to the ends. Consider conditioning first and shampooing second. Reversing the order of your hair washing routine will transform oily, limp hair into bouncy, vibrant locks. First, nourish it with a rich conditioner. Then, apply shampoo to remove any excess oils and residue. Use dry shampoo between washes. Dry shampoo is ideal for the individual with naturally oily hair. Applying this product in between shampoos will absorb the oils produced by your scalp. Dry shampoo will transform your lifeless tresses into luscious locks in minutes. Begin with dry hair. Spray the dry shampoo onto your roots. Massage the product into your scalp with your fingertips. Brush through your hair to evenly distribute the product. Blow-dry your hair for additional volume. An excellent blow-dryer and a high-quality round brush are the keys to voluminous hair. Wrap a towel around your hair and squeeze the excess water from your locks. Unless you use a microfiber towel, avoid rubbing your wet hair. Doing so with a regular towel leads to frizz and split ends. If you have long, thick hair, apply a tennis ball sized amount of volumizing mousse to roots. If your hair is thinner or shorter, use a smaller handful. Dry your hair on a medium heat until it is slightly damp. Section off the top layer of your hair a secure it with a clip on the crown of your head. Section by section, pull your hair over a round brush and simultaneously run your blow-dryer down the length of your hair. Do not immediately remove the brush once the hair is dry. Allowing it rest while your hair cools will preserve your the shape and volume of your tresses. You can also run your hair dryer over the curls with the setting on cool to preserve the shape. Repeat this process with the top layer of your hair. Dedicate time to curling your hair. When curled, pin-straight hair tends to fall flat in a matter of minutes. With patience, time, and attention to detail, you can overcome your hair's inability to hold a curl. When you intend to curl your hair, do not apply conditioner in the shower. For fine hair, set your curling iron to 300°. For thicker hair, set your curling iron to 350°. Apply a coin-sized amount of volumizing mousse to roots of your damp hair. Find one that doubles as a heat protectant. Otherwise, spritz your hair with heat protectant spray before straightening. Blow-dry your hair for additional volume. Divide your hair into 2 to 4 layers. Secure the top layers with clips, leaving the bottom layer down. Take a 1 to 2 inch section of hair and coat it lightly with hairspray. Wrap the section around the barrel, pulling it tight to distribute heat throughout the hair. After five seconds, lift the clip and slide the barrel out without releasing the curl. Use a metal duck clip to secure the curl to your head. Repeat until all of your hair is curled. Once you have curled all of your hair, remove all of the duck clips and shake out your hair. Spray your hair with a light texturizer instead of hairspray. Use a straightener to achieve a sleek look. Straighteners aren't just for people with curly or wavy hair—using them on your straight hair will create sleek, chic, glossy locks. Set your straightener to an appropriate temperature for your hair type: If you have fine hair, set your straightener between 250° to 300.° If your hair is moderately thick, set your straightener between 300° to 350° If you have thick hair, set your straightener between 350° to 400°. Apply a heat protectant before straightening your hair. Heat protectants coat the follicle and seal in moisture. They prevent an array of damage, such as split ends and fried hair. Divide your hair into 5 to 7 sections. Secure the top layers with clips, leaving the bottom section unclipped. Divide the bottom section into 1 to 2 inch subsections of hair. To maintain volume, place the flatiron ½ inch below the roots of the first subsection. Quickly glide the straightener down the hair shaft. If you have thick hair, place a fine-toothed comb below the flat iron as you straighten your hair to achieve a sleek look. Repeat this process until you reach the top section. Divide the top section into 1 to 2 inch subsections of hair. Place the flatiron as close to the roots as possible and swiftly glide the straightener down the hair shaft. Repeat until you have completed straightening the top section. Spray your sleek hair with a shine boosting spray. Tease your hair for additional volume. Teasing your pin-straight locks will transform your flat hair into bouncy locks. Part your hair in the center or to the side. Use a comb to create two layers of hair on top of your head: a top layer and an underneath later. Secure the top layer with a duck clip. With a tailed comb, begin teasing the underneath layer 2 inches from your roots. After each downward stroke, fully remove the comb from your hair. Gradually increase your distance from the roots until you have created the amount of volume you desire. Unclip the top section and gently brush it over the teased underneath layer. Spray your teased tresses with hairspray to secure the look. Add texture to your straight hair. Achieving the perfectly textured do is extra challenging when you have straight hair. Attempt to add texture to your pin-straight locks through one or more methods: For a beachy look, curl the middle section of your hair only. To produce a wavy look, first plait your hair into one or more even braids. Slowly run your straightener down the length of each braid. Remove the elastic band, undo your plait, and observe your subtle waves. To achieve waves without the heat, braid your hair while damp and apply a sea salt spray. For a perfectly tousled look, spray your hair with dry shampoo and scrunch your locks. Wear your hair down and natural. One of the benefits of straight hair is that it requires very little maintenance and effort to style. Leave your tools and products in the drawer or under the sink. Simply run a brush through your hair and wear it down for the day. Wear your hair up. Up-dos are appropriate for every occasion. Put your hair in a simple ponytail or a classic chignon. Tease your hair and pull it back into a half-ponytail. Experiment with different braids—try a fishtail braid, a crown braid, or a series of small side braids.

Opt for a pixie cut. Try a bob. Cut your long hair bluntly. Shampoo your hair less frequently. Condition your hair according to your hair type. Use dry shampoo between washes. Blow-dry your hair for additional volume. Dedicate time to curling your hair. For fine hair, set your curling iron to 300°. Use a straightener to achieve a sleek look. Tease your hair for additional volume. Add texture to your straight hair. Wear your hair down and natural. Wear your hair up.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Flexible-Fast

How to Get Flexible Fast

You can get flexible fast by creating a stretching routine that incorporates dynamic, static, and isometric stretches and performing the routine 2-3 days per week. You can also supplement your routine with yoga or dance classes to ensure you're working on your full range of motion. Lifestyle changes like being more active, performing deep breathing exercises, and reducing your stress levels can help you achieve your flexibility goals even faster! Don't forget to warm up properly and avoid pushing yourself beyond your limits to prevent injuries.

Make sure you are doing the movements correctly. Always be sure that you follow research-supported recommendations, such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), when performing stretches. You can also consult a qualified professional like a doctor, sports medicine practitioner, certified trainer or physical therapist, to help establish a stretching program that's right for you. He or she should be able to show you the proper way to stretch and ensure that you are doing the right movements to become more flexible in the shortest amount of time. Listen to your body. Pay attention to your body's signals, such as pain and stiffness. The amount of flexibility that is best for you will also be specific to you. Having tight muscles and a limited range of motion indicates that you need to integrate stretching exercises. Loose, weak muscles with joint instability and dislocation is a sign that you may need to focus more on muscle and joint strengthening. The movements that you need to do regularly in your daily life or sport will help determine your optimum flexibility level. Baseball pitchers need more shoulder flexibility while martial artists need more leg flexibility. Even doing daily chores like putting groceries away or pushing a lawn mower require some flexibility. While you must stretch a muscle beyond its normal length to increase flexibility, the stretch should not cause pain. Pain tells you that you are stretching too much or pushing yourself beyond what is safe for you to do. You do not want to tear a muscle, sprain a ligament or dislocate a joint, so pay attention to what your body is telling you and stop when you feel pain. Injuries take time to heal and will slow down your progress. Create a routine. The ACSM recommends that you stretch at least 2-3 days a week after properly warming up with an activity, such as walking. Multiple stretches should be done for each major muscle group, including the shoulders, chest, back, arms, abs, butt, thighs and calves. Remember that your abilities, goals and flexibility level will be different than everyone else, so try not to compare yourself to others. Include dynamic activities as well as static and isometric stretches into a regular exercise routine to become flexible more quickly. You can modify stretches to suit your needs by including more or less joints in the stretch, doing or avoiding stretches that require balance and increasing or decreasing the length of time you hold the stretch. Warm up. Performing low-intensity, dynamic movements that are similar to the activity that you will be performing for exercise or sport is the best way to warm up your muscles. This activity will gradually raise your heart rate, increase blood flow to the muscles and raise your body temperature so that you will get the most out of your stretches. You should work up a light sweat to maximize your flexibility training and become flexible faster. Do some body-weight movements before your weightlifting, cardio workout or stretching session, such as squats, lunges, push-ups, side lunges, or jumping jacks. Do 3 sets of each movement and 20-30 reps per set. For bench presses, you might lift weights that are 30-50 percent lighter than what you will lift afterwards to build muscle. Do 1-3 sets of these at the lighter weight with 10-15 repetitions per set. If you are going to run or jog, you might warm up by slowly walking for 5 minutes and increasing the speed of your walk during that time period. Practice dynamic stretches. Dynamic stretching uses momentum to stretch muscles without holding the end stretch position. These type of movements can increase power, make you more flexible and increase your range of motion. Additionally, dynamic stretching before your workout will help you get better results with your static stretching exercises so that you see results faster. To do leg stretches, you could do some high knees. Walking lunges to warm up the muscles you intend to stretch. To do a toy soldier exercise, lift your left arm and kick your right leg toward your left arm. Let the leg return to the ground, and repeat with your right arm and left leg. Perform 10 kicks on each side. To stretch your calves, do toe raises by standing with your feet about the distance of a fist apart. Raise your heels off the ground as high up as you can on the balls of your feet. Now, slowly lower your heels back down. To stretch your hamstrings and back, do the inchworm. Bend over until your hands touch the ground. Walk your hands forward until you are in a plank position with your body weight resting horizontally on your hands and feet. Now walk your feet up to meet your hands. Rise up slowly from the stretch, and repeat 5 times. To stretch your arms, try doing arm swings.. Do arm swings by swinging both arms continuously overhead, forward, down and then backwards 6-10 times. Now, swing both arms out to your sides, crossing them in front of your chest 6-10 times. Incorporate static stretching. After your warm-up and workout, practice static stretching, which involves slowly stretching a muscle to its end position and holding the stretch for 10-30 seconds. This type of stretching helps to lengthen tightened muscles, increase flexibility and circulation as well as heal tears and reduce soreness. When you perform the stretches, you should feel a slight burning sensation in the target area. Dedicate at least 10-20 minutes to perform stretches, doing 2-3 repetitions per muscle group and holding static stretches for 10-30 seconds per rep. Stretch every day to see results more quickly. Remember to breathe deeply during a stretch. Exhale as you stretch the muscle to help relax you and get the best stretch possible. Some common static stretching exercises include the hip flexor stretch, which is performed by kneeling in the lunge position. Relax your buttocks, lean forward so your hips are square. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds and repeat with the opposite leg. Do isometric stretching. This type of static stretching uses muscle resistance and isometric contractions (tensing) of the stretched muscles to stretch more muscle fibers further. For this reason, isometric stretching is one of the fastest ways to become more flexible and also helps build strength and reduce stretching discomfort. You can apply resistance yourself, have a partner do it or use a wall or the floor. To do an isometric stretch, you will need to do a traditional static stretch, then tense the stretched muscle for 7-15 seconds while using some form of resistance that will not move. Relax for 20 seconds. To apply resistance to a calf stretch yourself, for example, you might hold onto the ball of your foot while trying to point your toes. Your partner could provide resistance by holding your leg up while you try to push your leg back down to the ground. You could use the wall as resistance by pushing your feet against the wall. Do not perform isometric stretching on the same group of muscles more than once per day. Sign up for yoga classes or practice yoga on your own. Yoga uses a combination of dynamic and static postures to improve flexibility, balance, strength, and promote relaxation. Yoga is especially useful if you don't have time for a full workout that includes dynamic movement and static stretching because yoga burns calories and increases flexibility at the same time. Try 2-3 classes per week to see your flexibility improve quickly. Take a dance class. Dancing uses steady movements that require both dynamic movements and static stretches. You might choose to stretch on a barre in ballet, groove in a salsa session, get active with Zumba, or some other dance form that repeatedly moves your major muscle groups through a wide range of motion. Not only is dancing regularly fun but it will ensure that you become more flexible in a short period of time too. Use a foam roller. Foam rollers can usually be found at sporting goods stores for 20-40 dollars. Choose one with a PVC core to get the best results. Using these can help relax contracted muscles, reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation as well as flexibility. As with all stretching exercises, focus on your main muscles groups and those that feel stiff. You will select a muscle group to exercise, then roll slowly back and forth from the start of the muscle to the bottom for 20-30 seconds. Remember to breathe deeply and avoid rolling the roller into your joints. For example, you can sit on the foam roller and extend your arms. Starting at the top of your gluteal muscles (butt), slowly roll back and forth until the roller reaches the end of the muscle. If you feel a tender spot, stop rolling then apply pressure for 30 seconds or until the pain diminishes. To begin incorporating foam roller exercises, start by using it every other day for 2-3 weeks before doing it once or twice daily after warm-ups or work outs. Get a deep tissue massage. Stiff, sore muscles can limit your range of motion. You can actually become more flexible the same day that you get an effective massage. This is especially true if your masseuse is able to release tension points and knots in your muscles and help you to move around better. Get a massage a few times a month or more. Relax. Stress can really make your muscles tense and stiff. Working out, doing heavy lifting or other physical activities can also cause your body to tighten up. For this reason, finding the time to do some relaxing activity is important to improve your flexibility and keep stress from limiting your range of movement. Some examples of relaxing activities are, walking, meditation, swimming or anything that helps you unwind. Learn to breathe properly. Most people take shallow breaths from the chest instead of deeper breaths from the belly. During exercise, it is especially important to engage the diaphragm for optimal breathing. Spend 5 minutes each day focusing on slow, deep breaths so that your belly button moves in and out with each breath. This will help relax you and improve your posture, which in turn will improve your range of motion more quickly. Drink a lot of fluids. Muscles are largely made of water, and for muscles to work properly, you must stay hydrated. A decline in performance or flexibility can be due to dehydration because dehydrated muscles cannot stretch to their full range of motion. Drink more water, particularly during and after workouts to improve your flexibility level. The 8 glasses of water a day recommendation is a starting point, but your body may need more or less fluid than this. For example, you may need to modify your fluid intake if you are more active, live in a dry climate or are sick. Check your urine to see if you are drinking enough fluids—it should be light yellow or colorless. You should also rarely feel thirsty.

Make sure you are doing the movements correctly. Listen to your body. Create a routine. Warm up. Practice dynamic stretches. Incorporate static stretching. Do isometric stretching. Sign up for yoga classes or practice yoga on your own. Take a dance class. Use a foam roller. Get a deep tissue massage. Relax. Learn to breathe properly. Drink a lot of fluids.

https://www.wikihow.com/Balance-Your-Professional-and-Personal-Life

How to Balance Your Professional and Personal Life

To separate your personal and professional life, try to work or study in a specific place, such as a library or home office, so you can leave your work behind when you're finished for the day. Additionally, avoid sacrificing your hobbies by including your regular club meeting or other activity in your weekly schedule just as you would with a professional task. You'll also want to learn to say no in a positive way so you can turn down work when you have other plans, such as by saying "That sounds like a great idea, but…"

Try to separate work and play. In the age of online learning and telecommuting, you can easily spend your whole day at home and get everything done. Attending school or working from afar may even add more flexibility to your home life. However, a downside is that work or school can creep over into home and/or family activities. It can be hard to back away when work is always within reach. Plus, without a clear separation between your home and office, it may be hard to transition from your work life to your personal life. To counteract this issue, you need a distinctive work zone. If you telecommute or go to school online, you might find it helpful to get work done at a local library, coffee shop, or cohab community for students or telecommuters. When your work is done, you can physically leave the environment, which might help you to transition to your personal life. If you have to work inside of your home, then do your best to keep a separate space for working. This might be a home office, or just a specific spot at your kitchen table. Don't stress if you occasionally work someplace else. If you work in a traditional office, make sure that you find a relaxing way to transition from work to personal life when you finish up for the day. For example, you might use your commute home to listen to music or a book on tape, or stop by the gym for a quick workout, or call up a friend and chat for a bit. Set priorities. To successfully walk the tightrope between professional and personal you need to understand where your priorities lie. Therefore, in a pinch or when faced with an urgent circumstance, you aren't conflicted about what's most important to you. Create a list of the most significant aspects of your life. Of course, you might include items like family, romantic relationships, work, and spirituality. You might also include volunteering, staying active, maintaining a social circle or other passions. Review your list and rank these items starting with #1 as the most important, #2 as the second most important and so on. Your rankings will show where your priorities lie. That way you can be sure to make an effort to incorporate these top priorities into your daily and weekly schedules. Create a schedule and try to stick to it. If your week goes by in a blur and you are unable to recount which tasks you do on which days, it can be helpful to spend a week logging everything you do. After this week has passed, you will have a better idea of how to factor in different work/school assignments and personal activities or errands into your schedule. It can be most helpful to develop a weekly schedule involving all the constants like work, classes, church, and social activities with other one-time events. Then, each night before map out a daily to-do list of the individual tasks you need to get done based on your priorities. For your daily schedule, highlight the three most important tasks you need to get done each day (aside from actually going to work or going to school). These might be professional items like working on a presentation or personal items like going to the dentist or your daughter's ballet recital. You may even create two separate lists if this one is to constricting - one with three major tasks for work/school and one with three major tasks for home. As long as you have accomplished these 3 to 6 tasks each day, you will have been productive. Manage procrastination. Procrastination is a major obstacle that could be standing in your way of striking a good balance. You may see your professional and personal lives seeping into one another because you often wait until the very last minute to get things done. This causes you to end up working late, or being distracted at work by personal tasks. One method to overcome procrastination is to write out your reasons for enrolling in school or being in a particular career path and so on. For example, if you want to help people, you can complete your assignments with the intrinsic purpose that they are helping you reach that goal. Keep this list in your work space for when you are feeling unmotivated. Another way to beat procrastination for getting things done is to break larger projects down. Doing so makes the overall project seem less daunting and increases motivation as you complete the smaller parts. Eliminate distractions. You'd be surprised how much distractions are impeding on your time and productivity. Research estimates claim most people spend about 20 minutes of every hour handling unplanned distractions. As a result, about two whole hours of each day is spent trying to refocus after being distracted. If you can minimize the distractions in your professional life, you can prevent it from constantly interfering with your personal life. Try these tips to eliminate distractions: Focus on important rather than urgent tasks - urgent tasks are reactive-based, important tasks are proactive-based Turn off the notifications on your phone or computer Create a clean and clutter-free work space Put your phone away Close any programs you're not actively using Get water, snacks or visit the bathroom during routine breaks to minimize physical interruptions Be inventive. Regardless of how hard you try, there will be some times when one or the other becomes more demanding in your life. Learn to be creative and think up possible ways you can meet the urgent priority while still attending to the other. For example, maybe you are working overtime every week and never get to go out with your significant other. You can make the special effort of lighting candles during dinner or choosing a film to watch on the couch one evening. This won't take up too much of your time and it may prevent your partner from feeling neglected. You may be able to pass off large projects or split the time with another coworker to ease your workload and make more time for relationships and family. If you can't afford to work less, plan to spend your lunch hour in the park with your family or bring your family to the work picnic. Assess your situation. As hard as you try to strike a balance, there may be some situations where crossover is necessary, especially if you have kids. Consider your personal and professional lives to identify situations where some crossover may be necessary. Think about your family members and your personal responsibilities. How often do these people and responsibilities require your attention while you are working? For example, if you have young children, then arranging your work schedule around your kids' schedules may be necessary. Or, if you are the primary caretaker of your children and you work from home, then you may need to put work aside and take a break whenever one of your kids needs something. It is also possible that work may have to take precedent over your personal life sometimes. For example, if you work as an on-call healthcare provider, then you may sometimes need to cancel something in your personal life to do your job. Be protective of your health. The needs of others at work, school, or home can quickly overwhelm our own physical needs. Unfortunately, neglecting your health can have costly consequences, such as missing work or classes and being unable to participate in social or family events. Being anxious about getting everything done creates stress, and if it is not tended to stress can have debilitating effects on your physical and mental health. To counteract stress and nurture your body be sure to get involved in some type of physical activity several times per week. It can be joining a company sports team, jogging around the block with your partner, or visiting a local gym. In addition to exercise, you can combat stress by consuming several balanced meals each day, getting adequate sleep, and pursuing your outside interests. Shield your passions. When work, school, or relationships become too demanding, we might give up our hobbies or interests to meet those demands. The problem is, giving up these things take away our ability to debrief from professional and personal stress. Make an effort to protect your leisure time and continue any social outlets or hobbies you participate in. Try treating yourself with a short break to engage in a hobby after completing a significant amount of work. Another way to shield your passions is to schedule them in. Work your pottery class or book club into your calendar just as you would with professional projects or family obligations. Learn to say "no". It may seem rude or selfish at first, but, with practice, you may find that selectively turning down different projects or opportunities is quite freeing. Say "yes" to those requests that meet your top priorities and that do not constrain your already packed schedule. Here's how to say "no": Show that you understand the significance of the request by saying something like "It sounds like a great opportunity, but..." Give a brief explanation, such as "Honestly, this is a bit outside my area of expertise" or "I have too many deadlines approaching." Recommend an alternative. For example, you might say "I can't, but I think I know someone who would be a great fit". Cut back. If work and home are constantly competing for your time, then you need to make the choice to cut back on one or the other. Otherwise, you will keep yourself stressed and unhappy. Take a look at your life to determine which side needs greater boundaries. Do you regularly get called away from home for work? Does your boss drop assignments on your desk at the last minute? Are you financially able to work a bit less? If the answers to most of these are "yes", work may have been intruding on your life, but it looks like you can afford to talk to your boss about cutting down your hours or workload. If you are a working mother, cutting down on your work hours may be the key to feeling more content. Research shows that women are generally happier when they cut back on work for the sake of meeting family needs. Does your partner or spouse frequently interrupt your work day for non-emergency family or home issues? Is your work performance suffering because you stay up all night partying with friends or your partner? Do you have to leave work to handle errands or do excessive amounts of housework? If you said "yes" to any of these, your home life may be stifling your capabilities at work. You need to decide if you need to set boundaries with individuals in your home that often intrude on your career. Have separate professional and personal profiles. With social media becoming an ingrained part of most people's work and home lives, it can be hard to separate the two. If you are active online in both your professional and personal lives, it's important to create a distinction between them to monitor what is being put out in the online world regarding that side of you. Many people choose to use LinkedIn for their career or academic connections and Facebook or Instagram for friends and family. Be clear about how to handle professional and personal data. If you telecommute, you need to be aware of your company's policy for dividing professional and personal data. Some companies may provide their employees with completely separate devices (e.g. phones and computers) strictly for work purposes. Others may allow the use of personal devices. Find out what the guidelines are about such matters. Also, be sure that any personal data, such as contacts, photos, and music are appropriately backed up. Create specific windows for being active online. If social media is a part of your professional life, you may find yourself spending excess time online beyond what's necessary for your job. Logging on several times a day or whenever a notification pops up is disruptive to both your professional and personal life. Make the choice to unplug for a few hours each day. Or, choose a short window to engage with your friends or followers online, then log off for the remainder of the day. Try to keep set work hours. It can be hard to maintain the same work hours every day when you work from home, but maintaining regular work hours can help you to keep your work and home life separate. Choose realistic work hours and stick to them. For example, you might decide to work from 8:00am to 4:30pm on Monday through Friday. Don't let your work hours creep into your personal time. When it is time to stop for the day, stop working, shut down your laptop, and step away from your work space. Try to set work hours that work with your personal life. For example, try to avoid working on the weekends if you know that there are things you will want to do. Dress for work even when you are at home. Change into work clothes in the morning and non-work clothes in the evening. Rolling out of bed and going straight to your workspace in your pajamas will make it harder for you to transition into your workday. The same thing goes for wearing your work clothes into the evening. Try getting up about 30 to 60 minutes before you want to start working for the day so that you can get dressed for work. Make sure that you change out of your work clothes when it is time to relax. For example, you can switch to pajamas or your favorite jeans and a t-shirt. Take a lunch break. When you work at an office, taking a lunch break is necessary and you may even have someone else reminding you to take one. However, when you work from home, it can be hard to remember to take lunch breaks and you may be tempted to work through your lunch or eat at your workspace. Instead, make lunch breaks a mandatory part of your day. Set a time for your lunch break to start and end every day. For example, you might agree to take lunch from 12:00 to 12:30 each day. Ask a family member or significant other to remind you when it is time for your lunch break. If you are worried about forgetting to take a lunch break, then ask one of your friends or family members to come get you when it is time for a break. Prevent yourself from doing household tasks. You may be tempted to do things around your house while you are taking a quick break or making a work phone call, but this can blur the dividing line between work and home. Try to prevent yourself from doing any housework or anything that is not work related while you are on the clock. If you notice a household chore that you want to complete, write it down on a notepad and save it for the end of your work day. Keep in mind that everyone is different. For example, if you find that folding laundry is a soothing way for you to spend a break, then go for it! Treat yourself at the end of the day. Finding a simple way to reward yourself for a hard day of work is also important. You can reward yourself with a walk outside, a cup of tea, a chat with a friend, or any other pleasant activity that indicates your work day is over. Consider doing something social at the end of each day. Working from home can be isolating, so it is important for you to find ways to interact with other people. You can do this by talking to your significant other, meeting up with some friends for coffee, or taking an aerobics class after work. Consider keeping a more flexible schedule. Working set hours does not work for everyone, especially for those who have young children. You may have to get used to getting your work done 5 to 10 minutes at a time to accommodate your kids' needs or you might have work in the evenings to complete what you didn't get done during the day. You may also need to keep some odd hours to balance your personal and professional life as a parent working from home. For example, if you have young kids at home with you when you are working, then you may need to work an hour or two after your kids go to sleep or after your partner returns home in the evening. Make sure you ask your employer or client if it's okay if you work on a more flexible schedule to accommodate your child's needs. Flexibility might not be an option if your employer expects you on the clock between certain hours every day. However, if you're a contractor, you might be allowed to work when you can throughout the day or night. Take advantage of childcare options. Asking someone to watch your kids for a few hours each day can also be a great way to get things done. If you have willing grandparents or other family members close by who are willing to watch your children for a few hours every day, then you may want to take advantage of that. Consider what works best for you and your babysitter. For example, maybe your parents can come over to the house, or you can drop your kids off for a playdate with grandma a few times a week. A trustworthy babysitter can also be a great option if you can afford to pay someone to watch your kids. If you do not have a good regular babysitter, then ask friends and family if they know anyone. Use busy boxes to entertain your kids while you work. If you don't have anyone to watch your kids while you work during the day, then you will often need to find other ways to keep them busy with something while you work. One way to do this is to create a busy box with lots of fun items in it to keep your child busy while you work. A busy box is filled with a variety of toys and activities that are meant to keep your child entertained while you work. For example, a busy box might include, crayons, clay, a coloring book, stickers, puzzles, and other toys for your child. Prepare busy boxes the night before and place them near your work space. You can use an empty shoe box or other small box and select from your child's toys and other items to create the box. You might even throw in a surprise now and then, such as a new coloring book or a new package of stickers. You can even create themes for busy boxes. For example, if you want to teach your child about colors, you can make boxes with collections of red items, blue items, etc. Or, you might create a theme for a busy box based on one of your child's favorite movies, books, shows, or characters. Work in the same room with your kids. It is a good idea to work in the same room with your kids so that you can supervise them and provide them with more entertainment options as needed. For example, if you work out of your home office, you might create an area for your kids by placing a special rug or play mat along with some of your child's favorite toys. You might also need to learn how to talk to your kids and play with them while you work. Being able to work and engage with your kids at the same time is a skill, but you can develop this skill with practice. If you have a backyard with a play area for your kids or a nearby park with a playground, then you might even consider taking your work outside for an afternoon.

Try to separate work and play. Set priorities. Create a schedule and try to stick to it. Manage procrastination. Eliminate distractions. Be inventive. Assess your situation. Be protective of your health. Shield your passions. Learn to say "no". Cut back. Have separate professional and personal profiles. Be clear about how to handle professional and personal data. Create specific windows for being active online. Try to keep set work hours. Dress for work even when you are at home. Take a lunch break. Prevent yourself from doing household tasks. Treat yourself at the end of the day. Consider keeping a more flexible schedule. Take advantage of childcare options. Use busy boxes to entertain your kids while you work. Work in the same room with your kids.

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

How to Be Diligent

To be more diligent at school, try writing down assignments and upcoming tests, which can help you be more organized and effective. At work, setting your phone to silent or turning off the radio to minimize distractions can help you focus on the task at hand. If you're trying to lose weight or start a new exercise program, look for a partner or group with similar goals to help keep you on track.

Keep a planner. A planner helps you organize your day and maintain diligence. You'll need to write down all major exams and due dates for a given semester or term. You should include allotted times for studying and stick to them. You'll be glad you've studied all semester so you won't have to cram for exams. Don’t overextend yourself with courses and extra-curricular activities. While everyone who wants to get the most out of college will want to take their money's worth of courses and participate in some extra-curricular activities, make sure you haven't overloaded yourself with obligations. If you're signing up for far more than the minimum of credits (or even taking the maximum), and participating in more clubs than you can keep track of, you may need to take stock and slim down your schedule so you can be diligent in all your pursuits. You'll want to watch drop/add periods to make sure you can drop a class if needed. Get an early start on projects. Waiting until the end of the semester to work on a big project will only make you more stressed than you have to be, especially when you're also studying for exams. Instead, talk to your professor early to get an idea of what the project entails, and what steps you can do when. Getting an early start will take a load off when you're swamped with studying for exams. It's not a good idea to start a project before you've gotten the assignment sheet or talked to the professor. You may waste a lot of time doing something other than what the assignment is really about. Spread out your work on the project as well. Don't try to do it all at once early on. Plan regular short work sessions over time and try to find a way to generate a natural curiosity about the task to help keep you motivated. Learn to be flexible. Sometimes life intervenes and makes it difficult or impossible to reach a goal when you want to, or to finish a project on time. You may have to re-schedule, re-work, and re-evaluate your goals. This is all okay and a normal part of progress. There is no need to be hard on yourself when this happens. However, don't confuse real reasons (like a sudden severe illness in the family or the loss of a job) with excuses (your friend called and wants to hang out when you have a deadline). Make sure you are communicating with professors and teachers when this happens. You may even want to contact your academic advisor or guidance counselor. Remove distractions. Too much time on the internet, your phone or in front of the television can distract you from your goals. It is easy to get off task if your phone is going off or you have social media tabs open on your computer while you're working. There are even apps that help you remove distractions for certain periods of time. You can turn off your notifications on your phone or turn on the "do not disturb" mode. Keep yourself organized with to-do lists. You can make separate lists for urgent, high-priority, and low-priority tasks. Or you can make lists by date. For instance you can list all of the tasks that need to be done today in one list, and all the things that need to be tomorrow on another list. By knowing what you want to accomplish, you can get a lot more done. Breaking larger tasks into smaller steps can help you see the overall time a task will take and its potential complexity. You can schedule time for each task or subtask. Keeping the list to three items can help you focus and get things done. Prioritize. Pushing back other things of less importance can help you focus on the task that will help you reach your goals. Deadlines can help you determine what's important, as well as the impact of completing or not completing a task will have on you and your employer. For instance, you can wait to answer a non-urgent email to a friend you see regularly when you're working on a work-project. If you're uncertain what to prioritize, ask your manager or boss. Use time efficiently. Making a schedule and having a plan for the day will help you see how you are using your time. This is where you can set deadlines, make appointments, and schedule breaks. Remember to give yourself enough time for each task. Focus your energy on your goal. Sticking to the plan can help you put your energy into achieving your goals. Remind yourself of your goals and why you're focusing on the task at hand. Sometimes devotion will seem easy, and other times you'll have to push yourself to maintain it. Making and repeating a mantra like “I can lose weight” or “I can get the kitchen remodeled by Thanksgiving” can help you keep your goals in mind when you're tempted to let them slide. Develop your self-awareness. Being self-aware will allow you to recognize when you are taking on too much or if you need to change something about your goals. Take stock of how things are going for you on a regular basis to determine when something is not working out and might need an adjustment. For example, if you notice that you have been feeling overwhelmed lately, then you may benefit from cutting back on your workload or taking a short vacation. Be on the lookout for burnout as well. If you start to notice that you feel emotionally or physically exhausted, cynical or detached, ineffective, or like you are not accomplishing anything, then you may be experiencing burnout. Reward yourself to spur motivation. The kind of reward will depend on the milestone you've reached and the type of goal you're pursuing. If you're intent on losing weight, don't reward yourself with an extra-large pizza when you lose a pound. You don't want to reward every little thing, because the rewards will lose their meaning. Rather, focus on rewarding real progress by setting up subgoals and rewarding yourself once you've met those goals. Realize the value of hard work. When you accomplish one goal, before you move on to the next one, make sure you take the time to appreciate your accomplishments. Each step usually builds upon the previous. With time, you'll see how your hard work has paid off. Find an accountability partner or group. This should be a person who knows you well enough to know what might get in your way. They will be helpful in motivating you to make progress on your goals. Sometimes, all you need is someone who is working on the same goals as you. For instance if you're trying to lose weight, you might try a weight-loss group. Be realistic. You may need to re-prioritize at times. You may realize after a few weeks or months of pursuing a goal that you need more time, sometimes a lot more time. Don't be too hard on yourself when this happens. Be careful not to lose heart when you've reached an obstacle to your goal. Realize when to give up. This is not a step to be taken lightly. Some goals like losing weight or getting a raise are totally reachable for most people. Other goals, on the other hand, like winning a gold medal, becoming President of the United States, or owning a multi-national corporation may be attainable by only a few people. This is not to say you shouldn't try, but that recognizing when to let a goal go and start something new can be empowering when a goal is no longer attainable. Asking yourself whether your drive to pursue a certain goal is negatively impacting your relationships with people you love can help you determine whether to give up on a goal.

Keep a planner. Don’t overextend yourself with courses and extra-curricular activities. Get an early start on projects. Learn to be flexible. Remove distractions. Keep yourself organized with to-do lists. Prioritize. Use time efficiently. Focus your energy on your goal. Develop your self-awareness. Reward yourself to spur motivation. Realize the value of hard work. Find an accountability partner or group. Be realistic. Realize when to give up.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Date

How to Get a Date

To get a date, strike up a conversation with someone you're interested in by making small talk or asking for a favor. Remember to stand up straight, make eye contact, and smile while you're talking to them so you appear confident and likable. If the conversation is going well, casually ask them on a date by saying something like "Do you have any plans for Saturday night?" Try to suggest something specific to do that you think the other person will enjoy so they're more likely to say yes.

Don't ask for a date immediately. Asking outright for a date can dramatically lower the chances of the other person agreeing. Instead of simply approaching someone and asking if they would like to go on a date with you, start by asking a simple question or favor first. You can also use this question to start a longer conversation and learn more about the person before asking them out. Try asking for a simple favor. Asking for directions or for any good restaurants nearby are some examples you can use to get the conversation started. After you ask your favor, you can ask if the other person might want to meet up with you later. Asking a favor first results in about a 15% chance of the person agreeing to a date. Asking directly for a date has only a 3% chance that the person will say yes. Say something positive. If you are approaching someone in a public space, it can be difficult to think of something to open your conversation with. When you open up this conversation you will want to focus on something positive about the area you find yourself in. Do not use “pick up lines”. These are off putting and are perceived as disingenuous. For example, if you are in a supermarket, you might comment about how tasty something looks and ask if they have tried it. Small talk can indicate interest and can help avoid the other person from feeling threatened. Keep the conversation going. After you start a conversation, you will need to keep it going. The key is to listen and pay attention to what they are saying, both verbally and with body-language. Start the conversation off slowly and look for details that they offer which you can use to keep the conversation going. Slowly work to uncover more details about the other person that you can talk about. Match the length of their response. Talking more than the other person can make you seem self-absorbed. Keep your responses no longer than a minute in length. Towards the end of this short conversation, ask for a date. Make a good first impression. First impressions are formed almost automatically when two people meet for the first time. These judgments are made quickly, based on behavior, dress, appearance, and anything that is said during the meeting. By making a good impression, you can help increase your chances of getting a date when you ask. First impressions can be hard to change. Looking good and dressing clean can help leave a good impression. Greet people with confidence and make eye contact to show self-assurance. Your first few words are important. Try to say something that demonstrates your character and shows intelligence. Use the right body language. There are many non-verbal methods that you can use to convey your interest in the person you are speaking with. By using these in conjunction with your verbal conversation, you can help express your confidence and let the other person know that you find them interesting Keep your shoulders back and stand up straight. Occasionally, you can tip your head to the side or nod to show interest. Smile. As you are talking with the other person wear an easy smile. However, smiling too much or too little can be off putting. Stand closer than you normally would to someone you aren't interested in. Make eye contact. Avoid staring, but make enough eye contact to show self-confidence and demonstrate you are paying attention. Speak slowly and relaxed. Don't be in a hurry when talking and leave a bit of a pause when the other person is done speaking. Wear the right colors. If you plan on going out to look for a date or are expecting to meet a new group of people, you should consider what colors you are going to wear. Color can have an effect on people and leave a certain impression, depending on which hue you are wearing. Make sure the colors you have on when looking for a potential date are sending the right messages. Men who wear blue are often perceived by women as being stable and loyal. Women who wear red can appear as being passionate and powerful by men. Grey can leave the impression of neutrality and quietness, which might not be ideal when looking for a date. Make the date a suggestion. When you are asking someone what their plans are and if they want to go on a date with you, asking indirectly can be the best way to do so. Using indirect phrasing can make the other person feel less pressure and allow them to answer honestly. When asking for a date, always phrase the question to be an indirect one. Try to suggest a date that's related to your common interests. For example, if you find out you both enjoy hiking, you could say something like, "I'm actually going on a hike this Sunday. Do you want to go with me?" Frame the date as their own idea. As you ask someone out on a date, you can try to phrase your request in a way that will make the other person feel as if it was their own idea. People are often more comfortable with their own thoughts and ideas and are more likely to agree to your plan for the date. For example, ask about any good restaurants nearby. When they suggest one, respond by saying that the restaurant sounds great and since they like it maybe you should both go sometime. Explain the benefits. One way of asking for a date involves phrasing your request in a way that highlights the benefits of going. By presenting a reason why it would be a good idea to go with you on this date, the other person will be more likely to agree to the date. Explain why a certain place is worth visiting. If they like the idea, let them know that you want to visit this place as well and suggest you go together. Ask directly. Some people won't like indirect questioning and it may come off as manipulative. If you think the person you are going to ask on a date would prefer the direct approach, you should ask them in that manner. This method avoids any potentially lost or misunderstood meaning and gets directly to the point. Simply ask if the other person would like to go on a date you have in mind. If you want to ask for the person's number, you could say something casual like, "I have to run, but let me grab your number so we can hang out some time!"

Don't ask for a date immediately. Say something positive. Keep the conversation going. Make a good first impression. Use the right body language. Wear the right colors. Make the date a suggestion. Frame the date as their own idea. Explain the benefits. Ask directly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Turtle-Healthy

How to Keep a Turtle Healthy

To keep a turtle healthy, make sure it's eating about 50 percent vegetables and water plants, 25 percent live protein, and 25 percent commercial foods so it's getting all of the nutrients it needs. You should also change out the water in your turtle's tank regularly so it doesn't get dirty, and use a canister filter to help keep the water clean. Also, if your turtle doesn't have access to sunlight, place UV light bulbs above or inside the enclosure so it has light to bask in.

Provide an enclosure with adequate space. Ten gallons per inch of your turtle is a general rule. 50 gallon (189.3 L) minimum for a baby turtle (younger than a year old) and 120+ for an adult. Make sure that you have a general idea of the size your turtle will reach when full grown so you are not blindsided with keeping a turtle you cannot maintain. Decide on a land or aquatic turtle. Common turtles like box turtles will require a desert like landscape. If you want an aquatic turtle make sure there is dry land and adequate room to swim, and that your enclosure is sealed enough to hold water. Provide proper filtration for aquatic turtles. A turtle needs a canister filter. A Rena Filstar XP3 or XP4 is highly recommended in keeping a turtle healthy. Without good filtration your turtle can get extremely sick as old food and feces can build up. Even with proper filtration, you'll need to regularly change your turtle's water. When you change the water, make sure that the filter is not clogged. If you see waste or old food lingering in the filter, it may cause a clog that prevents it from filtering the water properly. You can buy a dechlorinator or water conditioner at any pet store. Clean your tank regularly. Remove everything from the tank including all of its basking spots and empty the water. Wash everything with warm water and anti-bacterial soap. Let rocks sit in warm water and soap. Wash the soap out thoroughly. Let the tank sit until it is dry. Put everything back in and fill the tank with clean, non-chlorinated water. If it is a land turtle, make sure to replace with clean substrate on the bottom of the tank each time, such as sand, wood chips, or newspaper. How often a clean is necessary will depend on how messy your turtle is. It is generally a good idea to do this at least twice a month. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning the tank. Provide a balanced diet for your turtle. A proper diet for Red Eared Sliders and similar species should have the following proportions: Vegetables and water plants 50%; Commercial foods 25%; Live protein 25%. A turtle under a year old should be fed every day. A turtle over a year old should be fed every other day as to prevent them from getting overweight. An example of vegetation for your turtle are aquatic plants like duckweed, azolla, and water lettuce. They also enjoy fruits and vegetables like papaya, carrots, apples, and leafy greens like romaine lettuce. For protein, your turtle can eat cooked chicken, turkey, or raw beef. If you want to feed your animal live protein, mealworms, snails, wax worms, beetle larvae, or even small goldfish are great. There are also commercially available diets, such as pellets, that can provide complete nutrition for turtles. Make sure that you read the ingredients carefully and that proportions of protein and vegetable based matter are at proper ratios. Make sure your turtle has proper lighting. If your turtle does not have regular access to sunlight, you will need to provide UV light bulbs for basking. Turtles in the wild are exposed to sunlight every day and the nutrients they provide are essentially for healthy growth and development. The amount of light it needs will be based on the species with land turtles usually requiring more. Keep in mind that that UV cannot penetrate glass and will need to above or in the enclosure. Maintain proper water temperatures. You will need a water heater. Turtles are cold-blooded animals and thus rely on external heat to warm up their bodies. If the temps get too high or too low it can turn fatal. The water should be 80 - 82 degrees Fahrenheit ( 26.5 - 27.5 Celsius) for a hatchling or a sick turtle, and 77 - 80 degrees F (25.5 - 26.5 C) for a healthy turtle over a year old. The basking (dry land) area should be 10 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) warmer than the water to entice the turtle to warm up by basking. Look for signs of sickness in your turtle. Even if you do your best to keep your turtle healthy, there are many diseases that can commonly affect the health of your pet. However, most are treatable if you look for certain telltale signs, you can start quickly getting your pet better. Vitamin A deficiency. This occurs when your turtle is not getting a proper diet and manifests as lack of appetite, swelling of eyelids, swelling of ears, and persistent respiratory difficulties. This can also affect the buoyancy of your turtle when it's swimming. You can correct this by making sure your turtle has a balanced diet. Respiratory infections. The most common signs of this are wheezing, difficulty breathing, bubbles and mucus in their nose, and frequent coughing. If you see these symptoms, take your turtle to the vet who will give them an x-ray and determine the proper antibiotic course. The most common cause of these issues are improper basking and water temperatures or an exposure to drafty conditions. Shell rot. This is a fungal condition to the shell. The symptoms include: white, slimy, smelly appearance of the shell and sometimes puss. The symptoms may also include small abrasions on the turtle's shell. If you see any of these signs, take your turtle to the vet who will prescribe antibiotics. Parasites. These are the most common cause of illness. The most common parasites for turtles are: pinworms, roundworms, and hookworms. The signs include lack of appetite, undigested food in stool, weight loss and sometimes spit up of food. Your vet will ask you obtain a stool sample to test for parasites and give a medication targeted to rid the turtle of the specific parasite. Find a good vet that specializes in herpetology. Not all vets will deal with exotic animals. Make sure that whatever vet you choose has a specialty in herpetology and can help your turtle. Look online for a good local herp vet with strong reviews and demonstrated speciality background. Call local vet offices to see if they can treat turtles, or if they know a good colleague that can. Decide the type of turtle you want. There are different types of turtles available for purchase. These can present different difficulties in care, cost differences, and differences in how tame or docile the animal is. Painted turtles are a great aquatic species for beginners. This is a colorful variety of turtle, readily available, easy to care for and great for a new turtle owner. They stay small, only 4 to 5 inches, and are active. They're also commonly bred in captivity and years of breeding has created a docile and tame animal. They are recognizable for their colorful markings that make them appear "painted," hence the name. Common Musk Turtles. These are a small, relatively hearty, aquatic turtle. They can rest comfortably in a small tank (as small as 30 gallons) but do not generally like to be handled. Slider turtles. There are many varieties of sliders with two being the most common — the red eared and yellow bellied slider. They stay under 11 inches and are easy to care for. They also have tame and docile personalities. Diamondback Terrapin. This is another type of turtle commonly available in pet stores and amongst breeders. While these turtles stay small (9 inches at the most) and are friendly, they require a little more expertise than either painted turtles or sliders. They prefer brackish water (a slightly salted water) and thus will require more work. Find a reputable turtle breeder or seller. Many pet stores will sell a variety of turtles. However, you will want to know the provenance of your turtle before bringing it home. This can include whether it was captive bred or caught from the wild. In addition to this you will want to make sure that the turtle is being kept in a proper habitat and appears alert and healthy. Ask for proof that the turtle was captive bred. If the breeder cannot provide this, chances are the turtle was born in the wild. This can have detrimental effects on wild turtle populations and also make your turtle more prone to stress, which is potentially detrimental to the animal's health. Make sure you choose a healthy turtle. Since many turtles can be bred in poor conditions or undergo the stresses of being captured from the wild, it is important to choose a healthy looking turtle. The turtle should be alert, free of any parasites, and relatively active. You will want to see that the turtle has an appetite and looks properly fed. Their eyes should be clear, no bubbles from the nose while breathing or wheezing sounds. The limbs should be strong and moving when picked up; listlessness is a sign of illness. There should also be no cracks or pits in the shell or sign of wounds. Check the enclosure. The water should be clean, food should be available and adequate light provided. If any of these are missing, it can increase the likelihood you bring home a sick turtle. Make sure you are prepared for the turtle at home. Besides all of the commitment requirements, make sure that your turtle's habitat is ready to go before you pick the turtle up. This way they can start acclimating to their new life right away. Always practice safe handling. Whether you are the primary caregiver, or a child is regularly handling the turtle, be cognizant of potential diseases they may carry. Turtles can carry salmonella or other infectious diseases. This can also be contracted by contact with their enclosure. Make sure to practice safe handling measures and wash your hands thoroughly after each contact with the enclosure or turtle. Elderly people, children and infants are particularly susceptible to salmonella. Even if they are not directly interacting with the turtle or its environment, you will want to wash your hands thoroughly before coming in contact with at risk individuals.

Provide an enclosure with adequate space. Provide proper filtration for aquatic turtles. Clean your tank regularly. Provide a balanced diet for your turtle. Make sure your turtle has proper lighting. Maintain proper water temperatures. Look for signs of sickness in your turtle. Decide the type of turtle you want. Find a reputable turtle breeder or seller. Make sure you choose a healthy turtle. Make sure you are prepared for the turtle at home. Always practice safe handling.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Wine-Aerator

How to Use a Wine Aerator

To use a handheld wine aerator, start by placing the filter over the top of your aerator. Once you've chosen a glass, place it on a flat surface and position the aerator over the glass. When you're ready, pour the wine from the bottle into the aerator, taking care never to fill it more than half full. If you're using an aerator pourer instead, push the end into the top of an uncorked bottle of wine. When you pour the wine, do so slowly because the wine may come out of the aerator at a different speed than you're used to.

Place the filter over the aerator. The filter will prevent sediment and bits of cork from falling into the aerator (and from there, into your glass). The filter should clip directly onto the top of your aerator and fit snugly within the open recess. Position your wine glass for pouring. After selecting a wine and the appropriate wine glass, position the glass on a flat surface. You may not have a free hand, depending on your aerator's design, so ensure that the wine glass is positioned steadily. Position the wine aerator over your glass. Hold the aerator in such a way that you do not block the airholes. If air cannot flow freely through the aerator, your wine will not get aerated. Position the aerator's spout just below the rim of the wine glass. Pour the wine into the wine aerator. After opening the bottle of wine, you can pour the liquid through the aerator. Continue to hold the aerator carefully above the wine glass with one hand while pouring from the bottle with your other hand. The aerator will have a large opening at the top designed for easy pouring, and a nozzle at the bottom through which the wine exits after being aerated. Do not fill the wine aerator too fast. The aerator's chamber should never be more than half full as you pour. Affix the aerator to the wine bottle. After uncorking your wine, snap the aerator pourer into place. Generally, you can do this by simply pushing one end carefully into the top of the wine bottle. You can usually identify which end of the wine aerator pourer snaps into the bottle by looking for a rubber nozzle with a series of rings around it. Push this end into the wine bottle. You can identify the top of the wine aerator pourer by looking for a metal or plastic spout. Some aerator pourers feature narrow, straw-like extensions protruding from their tops. Pour your wine. With the aerator pourer in place, position a wine glass on a flat, stable surface. Pour your desired volume of wine into the glass. Pour slowly, as the rate at which your wine comes out with an aerator pourer in place may be different than the rate at which you're used to it coming out. Some aerator pourers require that you turn the bottle completely upside down in order to pour a glass. Others enable you to pour wine just as you would in the absence of an aerator pourer. If you find that your wine is not coming out of the bottle with the aerator pourer in place, continue tipping the bottle at a steeper angle until it does so. Seal the wine bottle. Some aerator pourers come coupled with a wine stopper or feature a twist-top mechanism. This enables you to avoid the hassle of attaching and then removing the aerator pourer each time you wish to have a glass of aerated wine. To use the wine stopper, push the pointed or narrower end into the aerator pourer when you've finished drinking. Some aerator pourers have a twist-operated stopper built into them. To use this, simply turn the aerator pourer (or some portion of it). You might have to turn the aerator pourer clockwise or counterclockwise. The wine will then be sealed just as it would be if it were corked. If your aerator pourer does not feature a stopper or twist-top mechanism, pull it out of the bottle and wash it according to manufacturer directions. Seal the bottle using the cork. Assemble the aerator. Assembly directions will differ depending on what model of automated aerator you select. Generally, you'll have to insert batteries and attach an aeration tube (a long, straw-like object) to the aerator head (the main portion of the automated aerator out of which the wine will actually come out). Attach the automated aerator to the wine bottle. Slip the long tube extending away from the head of the automated aerator into the wine bottle. Once the tube is completely inside the bottle, gently press down on the aerator head. The aerator head should be pushed down far enough that it is stable within the bottle. Some automated wine aerators might have a rubber seal attached to the inside of the area where the tube and the head meet. This seal will ensure that the aerator head remains firmly in place during use. Place your glass beneath the spout at an angle. The spout of the automated aerator is the portion that extends horizontally away from the aerator head. Bring your glass up toward the spout with one hand. Hold the glass at a slight angle so that the top tilts slightly toward the wine bottle. Position the spout just slightly below the rim of the glass. Do not place your wine glass beneath the spout on a flat surface. This could cause you to miss the glass or cause the wine to splash when dispensed from the automated wine aerator. Dispense the wine from the automated aerator. When your glass is positioned properly, use your free hand to press the dispense button on the automated wine aerator. This button might be located on top or on the side of the automated aerator head. Release the button after the wine glass contains the volume of wine you wish to consume. Remove the automated aerator from the bottle. Re-cork your wine. Without detaching it, rinse the automated wine aerator's tube off at the sink under running water. Then, fill an empty wine bottle with water and place the aerator in it. Dispense water from the automated wine aerator for about three seconds. Remove the aerator from the bottle and wipe the tube off with a clean cloth. Do not submerge your wine aerator in water or it will be ruined.

Place the filter over the aerator. Position your wine glass for pouring. Position the wine aerator over your glass. Pour the wine into the wine aerator. Affix the aerator to the wine bottle. Pour your wine. Seal the wine bottle. Assemble the aerator. Attach the automated aerator to the wine bottle. Place your glass beneath the spout at an angle. Dispense the wine from the automated aerator. Remove the automated aerator from the bottle.

https://www.wikihow.com/Properly-Maintain-Swimming-Pool-Water-Chemistry

How to Properly Maintain Swimming Pool Water Chemistry

To properly maintain the water chemistry in your swimming pool, put chlorine tablets in a floating chlorine feeder, and once a week, add 3 lbs of shock to the pool at night. The next morning, add algaecide to the pool. Use test strips twice a week to monitor the levels of the chemicals. The ideal pH for your pool is 7.2.If you need to adjust the alkalinity, do so first, then the bromine or chlorine, and then the pH.

Test the pool water before and after making chemical adjustments. Pick up several pool testing kits from a pool supply store or order them online. Plan to test the pool water twice a week whether it's been used or not. Also, always test the water after changing any element of the water chemistry to ensure the pool is safe to use. Follow the directions on your kit to measure the alkalinity, pH, free chlorine, and cyanuric acid levels in the water. Typically, you'll fill containers with pool water and add the specified number of drops of bleach or other chemicals to the samples. Then, dip a test strip into each container following the manufacturer's instructions to evaluate the water's chemistry. You can get free test strips online by visiting the Water Quality and Health Council website at https://waterandhealth.org/healthy-pools/. Run the pool pump at all times if possible. Properly circulating the water is essential for maintaining the chemistry in your pool. Let the pump run continuously so the water stays clean and chemicals like chlorine are evenly dispersed. If you can't keep the pump on all the time, run it at least 10 hours per day. Be sure to backwash your filter regularly so the contaminants travel out of your pool and into the waste port. Clean your pool at least once per week. Regularly cleaning your pool helps to remove contaminants like skin, oils, sunscreen, and hair products that disrupt the chemistry of the water. Use a net skimmer to remove bugs, leaves, and other surface debris. Vacuum the pool walls and floor to remove sunken debris and get a deeper clean. Clean the walls and floor of your pool with a pool brush to remove mildew and mineral buildup. Work from the shallow end to the deep end and be sure to clean and empty all the filters when you're done. Shock the pool once every week at night. To shock the pool, add 3 lb (1.4 kg) of calcium hypochlorite shock. As chlorine works to clean your pool, it binds to other chemicals like ammonia and nitrogen, which not only render it effectively inactive but also create an irritant that can cause skin conditions like jock itch. To eliminate combined chlorine, shock your pool on a regular basis. Shock your pool after rainstorms and pool parties as well to sanitize the water. Ensure the alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm. Alkalinity buffers the pH and can prevent large increases or decreases in the acidity and basicity of the water. Test and adjust the alkalinity before adjusting the pH. If the alkalinity is too low, mix baking soda with water and pour the mixture into the pool to increase it. If the alkalinity is too high, adjust it along with the pH using muriatic acid. Maintain a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8. The term pH refers to how acidic or basic your pool water is. Typically, the tap water you use to fill your pool has a neutral pH of 7, but additives or contaminants can change the pH. A pH of 7.2-7.8 is the ideal range for pool water, so if your reading is above or below these levels, it's important to adjust it. Having the right pH ensures the water won't irritate your skin or eyes and will also keep the water clear. If swimmers are having a problem with “burning eyes,” the pH is probably to blame, not the chlorine. Pool owners with zero CYA will notice that the chlorine is more effective at a low pH (around 7.2) while owners who have CYA in their water will see similar kill times even at a high pH. Lower the pool’s pH levels using muriatic acid. Find muriatic acid (AKA hydrochloric acid) at a pool supply store. Read the packaging to determine how much to add to your pool to lower the pH to an acceptable level. Pour the muriatic acid directly into the deep end of the pool while the pool pump is on and the water is circulating. Retest the water after about 6 hours of continuous filtration and readjust the pH as needed. This will prevent “bouncing,” which occurs when the pH levels switch between being high and low. Increase the pH with soda ash. Soda ash (AKA sodium carbonate) can easily raise the pH and total alkalinity of your pool water. In general, plan to use 6 ounces (170 g) of soda ash per 10,000 gallons (38,000 L) to raise the pH by 0.2. Pour the soda ash into a clean bucket then fill the bucket with water and mix the soda ash into it. Then, spread the mixture around the perimeter of the pool. Ensure the pump is on so the soda ash dissolves and gets evenly distributed. Adjust the chlorine levels if they are above or below 1-3 ppm. Chlorine is measured in parts per million, or ppm. If the levels are lower than 1 ppm, there may be harmful bacteria lurking in the water. Conversely, if the chlorine levels are too high, you might experience skin and eye irritation. Use chlorine tablets to easily increase the amount of chlorine in the pool. It's much less work to use chlorine tablets or sticks rather than granular chlorine, which has to be pre-dissolved in water and added on a daily basis. The most common and least expensive form of chlorine is 3 in (7.6 cm) tablets, which are slow-dissolving and require less maintenance. If you have an above-ground pool, a small in-ground swimming pool, a hot tub, or a spa, 1 in (2.5 cm) chlorine tablets are ideal. The active ingredient in chlorine tablets and sticks is called “Trichlor” (or Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione), and the active ingredient in granular chlorine is called “Dichlor” (or Sodium Dichloro-S-Triazinetrione). Look for a concentration of 90% Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione in chlorine tablets or sticks. If you choose to use granular chlorine, look for a concentration of 56% to 62% Sodium Dichloro-S-Triazinetrione in granular chlorine. Put the chlorine tablets in a floating chlorine feeder. Read the packaging on the tablets to find out how many to use based on the existing chlorine levels in the water and the size of your pool. Put the tablets in a floating chlorine feeder and put the feeder in the pool. As the feeder floats around, the chlorine will gradually dissolve and be distributed throughout the pool water. Instead of a floating feeder, some pools have a skimmer basket that hooks on the side of the pool. If your pool has this, drop the chlorine tablet right into the basket. Skimmer baskets are commonly used with above-ground pools. Other pools come equipped with chemical feeders. Chemical feeders slowly meter out precise amounts of chlorine into your pool water automatically and offer very precise control over the amount of chlorine being added to the swimming pool. If a feeder is adjusted properly, you may not have to worry about your chlorine level for a week or more. Lower the chlorine levels with a chlorine neutralizer. If you add too much chlorine or shock to your pool, you can easily lower it with a chlorine neutralizer, available at pool supply stores. Follow the instructions on the package to find out how much to add based on the size of your pool and how high the chlorine levels are. Then, pour the liquid into the pool while the pump is on and let it disperse. Maintain cyanuric acid levels at no higher than 40 ppm. Cyanuric acid (CYA, also called isocyanuric acid) must be used in outdoor pools to keep the sun from burning off the chlorine. It's included in the majority of commercial dichlor/trichlor tablets. Although cyanuric acid is a stabilizing ingredient in chlorine that prevents it from being destroyed by the sun, it does so at the cost of reducing the effectiveness of the chlorine. Test the water regularly to check the CYA levels and ensure that the chlorine won't lose its sanitizing ability. At 40 ppm, cyanuric acid will allow chlorine to perform optimally (high levels of CYA contribute to Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) which interferes with chlorine activity). If the CYA is too high, switch to chlorine tablets or sticks that don't contain it until the levels drop an acceptable amount.

Test the pool water before and after making chemical adjustments. Run the pool pump at all times if possible. Clean your pool at least once per week. Shock the pool once every week at night. Ensure the alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm. Maintain a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8. Lower the pool’s pH levels using muriatic acid. Increase the pH with soda ash. Adjust the chlorine levels if they are above or below 1-3 ppm. Use chlorine tablets to easily increase the amount of chlorine in the pool. Put the chlorine tablets in a floating chlorine feeder. Lower the chlorine levels with a chlorine neutralizer. Maintain cyanuric acid levels at no higher than 40 ppm.

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How to Tell if You Have PTSD

If you think you might have PTSD after having a traumatic experience, pay attention to intrusive memories or flashbacks that you can't control, as well as feelings of avoidance. If you have PTSD, you might stay away from people or places that remind you of the event or even deny that the event happened. Additionally, because trauma can cause your body to be in a heightened state of awareness, you might feel nervous or jumpy in response to things that usually wouldn't bother you. Pay attention to general feelings of hopelessness or apathy, difficulty maintaining close relationships, and memory loss surrounding the time of the trauma. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, know that you are not alone and there are people who can help you. Talk to a mental health professional who specializes in working with trauma victims. Your treatment options might include traditional talk therapy or exposure therapy, as well as medications that may alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety associated with PTSD.

Find out what PTSD is. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that you can develop after going through a frightening and disturbing experience. After a traumatic situation, it is perfectly normal to feel a myriad of negative emotions such as confusion, sadness, aggravation, helplessness, sorrow and others – this is the regular psychological reaction that people go through when faced with a traumatic situation. However, those feelings should pass with time. With PTSD, those emotional responses get more severe rather than disappearing. PTSD generally occurs when the event that you experience is frightening and life-threatening. The longer you are exposed to the trauma, the more likely you are to develop PTSD. Look for literature and resources to help you better understand PTSD. Don't deny symptoms of PTSD just because you weren't in the military. Since PTSD has long been associated with combat veterans, some people who have not been in war fail to identify their symptoms. If you have recently experienced a traumatic, frightening, or scarring experience, you might be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Furthermore, PTSD doesn't just happen to the actual victims of a life-threatening experience. Sometimes, if you only witnessed a terrifying event or had to deal with the aftermath, you may develop PTSD. Common events that trigger PTSD include sexual assault, being threatened with a weapon, natural disasters, sudden loss of a loved one, car and airplane crashes, torture, combat, or witnessing a murder. It is important to note that most people who struggle with PTSD develop the disorder because of an act that was committed by another person, rather than a natural disaster. Determine how long it has been since your stressful experience. As mentioned before, it is normal to have strong negative feelings after you go through something terrible. Within the first several weeks, this is called acute stress disorder. Nonetheless, after about a month passes, those negative feelings generally start to fade. PTSD becomes a concern when those feelings get stronger after more than a month has passed. Be aware of the risk factors that can make you more prone to PTSD. PTSD is strange in that two people can go through the exact same experience, but one person develops PTSD while the other does not. There are some factors that can make you more likely to develop PTSD if you experience a traumatic event. It is important to remember that not everyone develops PTSD, even if these factors pertain to them. These factors include: A history of psychological issues within your family. If you have relatives that suffer from anxiety or depression, you may have a higher risk of developing PTSD. The individualized way you respond to stress. Stress is normal, but some people have bodies that create larger amounts of chemicals and hormones that can cause abnormal reactions to stress. Other experiences you have had. If you have gone through other life traumas such as childhood abuse or neglect, this new trauma might only add to the horror you felt in the past, leading to PTSD. Recognize feelings of avoidance. When you go through a traumatic experience, it might feel easier to avoid anything that reminds you of the incident; however, confronting the memories head-on is actually the healthiest way to deal with the trauma. If you have PTSD, you may go out of your way to avoid anything that reminds you of the ordeal that you went through. Symptoms of avoidance include: Refusing to think about the situation. Staying away from people, places, or objects that remind you of the event. Not wanting to talk about the experience. Throwing yourself into a distraction, becoming obsessed with that activity rather than thinking about the event you experienced. Pay attention to intrusive memories you experience. Intrusive memories are memories that you can't control--they suddenly pop into your head without you actually telling your brain to access those memories. You might feel helpless and unable to stop them. Types of intrusive memories include: Vivid, out-of-the-blue flashbacks to the event. Nightmares that focus on what happened. A 'slide show' of images of the event that you can't seem to stop from playing in your head. Take note if you find yourself wanting to deny that the event happened. Some people with PTSD react to a traumatizing event by denying that the event ever occurred. They might act completely normally, like their life has not been disturbed in any way. This is a form of shock and self-preservation; the mind shuts down the memory and understanding of what has happened to keep the body from pain. For example, a mother may go into denial after the death of her baby son. She may continue to talk to him like he is sleeping, rather than accepting that he is gone. Monitor any changes in the way you think. People can have changes in opinion all the time. However, with PTSD, you will suddenly find yourself thinking about things--including people, places and things--in a way that you have never done before the traumatic incident. These changes in thought can include: Negative thoughts about other people, places, situations and yourself. Indifference or a feeling of despair when thinking about the future. Inability to feel happiness or pleasure; feeling numb. Inability or severe difficulty to relate to others and maintain relationships. Memory problems ranging from forgetting small things to large memory gaps about the event. Recognize any emotional or physical changes you have experienced since the incident. Like with changes in thought, emotional and physical changes that you should take note of should be those that you never experienced before the event occurred. It is important to remember that these changes might happen every once in a while--it is more important to take note of them if they are constantly occurring. These changes can include : Insomnia (which means an inability to sleep). Loss of appetite. Getting angered or irritated very easily and demonstrating aggression. Not being able to enjoy things that you found engaging before. Feeling overwhelmed by a strong sense of guilt or shame. Exhibiting self-destructive behaviors such as driving too fast, substance abuse, or making careless or risky decisions. Pay attention to any feelings of being on high alert. After a frightening and traumatizing event, you might find yourself feeling very nervous or jumpy. Things that normally wouldn't scare you send you into a panic. A traumatizing event can cause your body to develop a heightened state of awareness that is not necessary, but feels necessary because of the trauma that you experienced. For example, if you experienced a bomb going off near you, you might find yourself jumping or panicking at the sound of someone dropping their keys or slamming a door. Talk to a mental health professional who has experience working with trauma victims. A psychologist or therapist will be able to help you determine whether or not what you are experiencing is a normal reaction to the event or if it is PTSD. Your health provider will help you determine which treatments may be best for your case. Treatment options for PTSD may include: Traditional talk therapy has shown effectiveness in helping treat either the symptoms of PTSD or helping sufferers cope with family, life or career problems that arise as a result of PTSD. Psychotherapy may be in the form of exposure therapy, which focuses on slowly talking about the traumatic event more and perhaps visiting places and/or people you have been avoiding, or stress inoculation training, which helps you to build healthy coping mechanisms to stressful or anxiety-provoking life events. A psychiatrist might prescribe you medications that may alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or help to eliminate sleep disruptions. Look out for signs of depression. Living through a traumatizing experience can often cause people to feel depressed. If you think you have PTSD, you might also be experiencing depression. Look out for symptoms that include: Difficulty concentrating. Feelings of guilt, helplessness, and worthlessness. Decreased energy and a lack of interest in the things that normally make you happy. Feelings of deep sadness that won't seem to go away; also experienced as feelings of emptiness. Monitor any feelings of anxiety that you experience. After a frightening or horrifying experience, you might develop anxiety. Anxiety goes beyond the normal feelings of stress or worry that people experience in their day to day lives. Signs of anxiety disorder may include: Constantly worrying or obsessing over small or large concerns or issues. Feeling restless or having no desire to relax. Being easily startled or feeling tense and twitchy. Trouble sleeping and a feeling that you can't catch your breath. Pay attention to any Obsessive Compulsive (OCD) behaviors you may feel inclined towards. When you experience something that throws your whole world off-kilter, you generally strive to return to normal. However, some people go beyond this desire for normality by trying to overly control their environments. OCD can display itself in many ways, but if you are concerned you may have developed it, make sure to look for: The desire to wash your hands constantly. You become paranoid that your skin is dirty or that you have somehow become contaminated. Obsessively checking to make sure things are in order. For example, checking ten times to make sure that the oven is turned off or the door is locked. A sudden obsession with symmetry. You find yourself counting things and arranging things to make sure that they are symmetrical and even. A refusal to throw anything away because you are afraid that something bad will happen if you do. Talk to someone if you are having hallucinations. Hallucinations are something you experience with one of your five senses that isn't really happening. This can mean hearing voices that aren't real, seeing things that aren't really there, tasting or smelling phantom sensations, and experiencing the touch of something that isn't actually touching you. Someone who is having these hallucinations will have a hard time distinguishing them from reality. One way to figure out if you are hallucinating or not is to ask the people around you if they are experiencing the same thing. Be aware that these hallucinations may be a sign that you have an undiagnosed psychotic disorder like schizophrenia in addition to post-traumatic stress disorder. Researchers have found a high overlap between these two mental illness. It is really important to seek help as soon as you start seeing or hearing things that you are not sure really exist. Seek out a professional if you think that you might have amnesia. When you experience something traumatic, your body can actually shut that memory down in order to keep you from pain. You can also give yourself amnesia through repressing and denying that the incident actually occurred. If you suddenly feel like you are hazy about the details of your life or feel like you've lost time without knowing where it went, you should talk to a therapist or someone you trust.

Find out what PTSD is. Don't deny symptoms of PTSD just because you weren't in the military. Determine how long it has been since your stressful experience. Be aware of the risk factors that can make you more prone to PTSD. Recognize feelings of avoidance. Pay attention to intrusive memories you experience. Take note if you find yourself wanting to deny that the event happened. Monitor any changes in the way you think. Recognize any emotional or physical changes you have experienced since the incident. Pay attention to any feelings of being on high alert. Talk to a mental health professional who has experience working with trauma victims. Look out for signs of depression. Monitor any feelings of anxiety that you experience. Pay attention to any Obsessive Compulsive (OCD) behaviors you may feel inclined towards. Talk to someone if you are having hallucinations. Seek out a professional if you think that you might have amnesia.

https://www.wikihow.com/Sleep-with-Lots-of-Noise

How to Sleep with Lots of Noise

It can be frustrating when loud neighbors or even your roommates keep you up at night, but with a few adjustments, you'll be able to sleep through the night. Try using a white noise app or playing music to drown out sounds that are keeping you up. You could also wear earplugs when you sleep or turn on a fan. If you have thin walls, place larger furniture, like your dresser, against it to block out the noise. Then, move your bed against a wall that isn't shared. Covering your walls with acoustic panels is another good way to block out noise.

Move your furniture. If you share a wall with a loud neighbor or a noisy street, rearranging your furniture could help quell some of the sound coming into your home. Adding additional furniture to your bedroom can help muffle sound, and rearranging existing furniture could help distance your bed from the source of the noise. Move your bed to the side of the room farthest from the noise source. If you share a wall in an apartment building, for example, and your bedroom wall is in your neighbor's living room, try pushing your bed to the far side of the room. Positioning large, thick pieces of furniture against a noisy wall can help absorb and muffle some of the sound. Try putting a bulky bookshelf against the wall and filling it with books to help block out noise. Cover your walls. To absorb noise effectively from a wall that lets a lot of sound through, try covering the wall with an absorbent material. Acoustic panels work best, and for added absorption you can opt for acoustic panels wrapped in thick fabric. Choose panels that have a noise reduction rating of 0.85 or higher. Try acoustical blankets. These specialty cloths are designed to be hung on the wall to muffle outside sound. Insulate the floor and ceiling. If the noise in your home is coming from below, you can reduce noise by insulating the floor. You can do this by putting down carpets, or by actually insulating the floor below the baseboards. Cork works best for flooring materials. It insulates sound much better than most woods. If you can't put wall-to-wall carpeting down, opt for a thick, large area rug. If you own your own home and have an attic above your bedroom, you can also insulate the floor of the attic. Use R25 fiberglass at least eight inches thick to help insulate the space above your room. Use acoustically-rated ceiling tiles with a ceiling attenuation class (CAC) of at least 40 and an NRC of at least 55. This should help block most types of noise, as these ceiling tiles are designed for use on homes located near an airport. Sound-proof your windows. If noise keeps coming in from the street or from other noisy neighbors, you can try soundproofing your windows. Be sure to latch down your blinds because they may rattle. This option will require a bit of work and may get costly, but it should prove effective at blocking out the sound. Install double or secondary glazing windows. Both types of windows are effective at insulating your home and blocking outside noise. Hang thick curtains in your bedroom windows to help block some noise. Check the windows for gaps. These tiny spaces between the window and the wall don't just let in a draft of air, they can also let outside noise slip in. Use a safe insulating foam sealant made for use on windows and doors to stop up these gaps and help seal your room off from the noise outside your home. Purchase blackout curtains to keep light out if this is also an issue. Use white noise. Ambient sounds such as white noise are often helpful for blocking out louder, sharper sounds by "masking" those noises with a gentle, tolerable sound. That's because white noise delivers a uniform amount of sound at every audible frequency. White noise reduces the difference between typical background sound and sudden noises, like a door slamming or a car honking, that could potentially interrupt sleep. You can buy a specialty white noise machine, download white noise tracks online, or simply keep a fan blowing in your room while you sleep. Play something distracting. If you don't have a white noise machine or fan handy, you can try using household items to distract you and drown out undesirable noise. A television or radio can help block outside sounds, but researchers caution that leaving a TV or radio on all night could disrupt your natural sleep patterns. For best results, researchers recommend using a timer to ensure that the radio or television will automatically turn off at a certain time. Wear earplugs. Earplugs are an effective way to help block outside noises while you sleep. They're even more effective if you combine earplugs with white noise in your room. You can buy earplugs at many pharmacies, or online. Earplugs may take some getting used to and be uncomfortable at first. Always wash your hands before putting in ear plugs to minimize the risk of infection. To remove, twist the earplug while slowly pulling outwards. If an ear plug doesn't seem like a good fit, don't force it. Every brand shapes their product differently, and you may simply have to try a different brand. Familiarize yourself with the risks of earplugs before you use them. Removing them too quickly or pushing them in too far can lead to a ruptured eardrum. They can also introduce bacteria into the ear canal, which could cause an infection. In addition, the earplug may muffle important sounds, such as your alarm to wake up, a smoke alarm, or the sound of someone breaking in. Identify the source of the noise. The cause might be particularly obvious, but before you can address the problem you need to know its underlying cause. How you proceed will depend on the cause of your noise problem. Oftentimes, unwanted noise is caused by neighbors. Do you have a neighbor who plays loud music or throws loud parties while you're trying to sleep? Do you live next door to a particularly noisy couple? Depending on where you live, your noise problem may be caused by nearby bars, clubs, and restaurants, or traffic centers like airports, train tracks, and highways. . Talk to noisy neighbors Being honest and direct is the best approach, but it can be tricky. You don't want to upset your neighbors, but you also don't want to with perpetual noise, unable to sleep. Polite and friendly communication is generally considered the best way to address the noise problem when your neighbors are the cause. Don't come banging on the door while the noise is happening. That will only create tension and force your neighbor to feel defensive. Wait until things have died down, or approach your neighbor the next day. Likewise, don't call the police over noise complaints. The police generally have better things to do, and your neighbors will resent you. They may even try to retaliate or escalate the situation. No one likes having the police called on them, so be open and polite with your neighbors and leave the law out of it. Approach your neighbor with courtesy and kindness. Be honest about the problem and maintain an even temper and a friendly demeanor. Say something like, "Hi neighbor. I was wondering if I could talk to you about something. Do you have a few minutes?" Then speak with them about the noise issue. It might be best to approach them with a reasonable plan. For instance, you might say, "I hear you playing your guitar at night. That's cool, but do you think you could practice before 11pm? I have to get up early for work and it's difficult for me to get to sleep." If all else fails, contact your landlord or try bringing in a professional mediator. These professionals are trained to work with both parties to arrive at a mutual understanding. Address environmental noise. If the noise is caused by things in your community, such as traffic or construction, you can raise those concerns with a municipal representative. Some communities have a noise code task force in place. Others have a municipal noise control officer in place to review complaints and determine a course of action. For other communities, you may have to simply bring the issue before your local city council, and a vote may be taken on how to proceed. The process for filing a city complaint over urban noise pollution (i.e., noise not caused by a loud neighbor or other direct source) is vastly different from one community to the next. Search online to learn about the process in your community, or contact a representative at city hall to inquire about how to address noise pollution in your neighborhood.

Move your furniture. Cover your walls. Insulate the floor and ceiling. Sound-proof your windows. Use white noise. Play something distracting. Wear earplugs. Identify the source of the noise. . Address environmental noise.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Horse-to-Trust-You

How to Get Your Horse to Trust You

To get your horse to trust you, try approaching it from the side. Avoid direct eye contact, and as you get close, hold out your hand so the horse can sniff you. If the horse is still afraid, try bending at the waist while you hold out your hand. Try to spend time with your horse every day, even if it's only 10-20 minutes. This way, the horse can get used to your presence, and you can learn about its personality. Talk to your horse in a calm, assertive voice, and take it for walks, leading it by the reins, to help build a relationship.

Approach your horse correctly. If your horse is anxious as you approach him for training, you may be approaching him wrong. Some horses are fearful of humans (or any animals) that approach head-on. Try approaching from the side and avoid direct eye contact. As you get close to your horse, hold your hand out to allow the horse to sniff you. If the horse is still afraid, try bending at the waist while you hold out your hand and avert your gaze. Spend time with your horse. Other than grooming and riding your horse, how much time do you really spend together? You can learn a lot about a horse's personality and behavioral tendencies by observing your horse for any period of time. Try sitting nearby while your horse roams or interacts with other horses, and let him get comfortable with your presence. You may also get a pretty good idea of why your horse behaves the way he does by watching him and spending time with him. Try to spend some time with your horse every day. Even if you only have 10 or 20 minutes, you can spend that time grooming your horse or squeezing in a short warm-up ride. Talk to your horse. Some people might feel awkward talking to an animal that can't talk back. But some horse owners find that talking to a horse can help gain the horse's trust and get him used to being around humans. Try speaking to your horse using a calm yet assertive tone. Your horse will learn that he can feel comfortable in your presence and that you are a reliable leader. Walk together. If your horse hasn't earned your trust yet, riding him for prolonged periods may be difficult or even dangerous. But that doesn't mean you can't get out of the stable with your horse. Try taking your horse for a long walk in the woods, leading him by the reigns as you would lead a dog on a leash. This can help your horse learn to grow comfortable traveling with you and being guided by your lead. Use relaxation techniques to train your horse. Part of training your horse and building trust should include learning how to calm your horse. It's important not to rush this part, as forcefully laying your hands on a horse that doesn't trust you could result in further mistrust and even injury. Once your horse gets used to your touch, you can use a variety of relaxation techniques to help facilitate training if your horse is being stubborn or fearful. Stand next to your horse's head, facing the same direction as he is. Hold the lead rope in your hand and slowly bend down at the waist with your head down. Gently guide the horse's head down with you. This should pull your horse out of his alert, guarded pose, and over time he will see that he can safely let his guard down around you. Stroke or scratch your horse, but don't pat him. Patting is not something that horses do to each other in the wild. Stroking or scratching mimics the way a horse might rub against another horse in the wild, and it's the best way to soothe an anxious horse and get him used to your touch. Use an index finger to gently stroke the groove that runs down the top of your horse's muzzle. Stroke gently and run your finger down the entire length of the muzzle. This can be incredibly relaxing in some horses, and will help desensitize your horse to your touch. Hold your horse's muzzle with one hand and gently slide one finger from your other hand into the back corner of your horse's mouth. Horses shouldn't have teeth in that part of the mouth, but it's still important to proceed cautiously. Don't force this exercise if your horse still isn't comfortable being touched by you. Once your finger is in, gently and very briefly stroke your horse's tongue. This teaches the horse to submit to you, and over time will earn his trust. Train in increments. This might sound like common sense, but it's easy to forget that expecting too much too soon from an animal can be stressful and confusing. Training is a great way to build trust with your horse, but it should be done in a scaffolded approach. Start with small, easy to accomplish tasks and work your way up to more challenging training lessons. Start with what your horse already knows. Then add easy challenges that you know he will be able to accomplish without too much effort. If your horse isn't ready to jump over a new obstacle, that's okay. Get him comfortable standing near the obstacle and smelling/looking at it, so that, over time, he'll be comfortable and mentally prepared to jump over the obstacle. Don't rush your horse. If he's still not comfortable jumping over obstacles, forcing him to jump will only make him more distrustful of you, and could cause harm to both you and your horse. Let your horse investigate the obstacle as much as he needs to before he's ready to jump over it, and be sure he's comfortable being around the obstacle before you attempt to jump it. Reward successful training. Any time you train your horse to accomplish a new task and he attempts the challenge, give him a reward, even if he doesn't fully accomplish the task. The key is to teach your horse that it's advantageous to try for you. Eventually, with enough reassurance and reward, your horse will want to try for you, not just for a treat. Choose healthy treats as rewards. Vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery make excellent treats for horses if cut into small enough pieces. Do not give your horse vegetables that tend to cause gas like cabbage or Brussels sprouts. Never give your horse any plants from the nightshade family, including onions, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. Always give treats in moderation. Giving too many treats or giving treats too often can also create problems like constant expectations of food, which can lead to nipping. For this reason, it's important to set some kind of boundaries when it comes to how you reward your horse's behavior. Generally speaking, one or two pieces of horse-appropriate vegetables should suffice as a treat or reward. Be cautious with hand-feeding your horse treats. If your horse doesn't trust you yet, he might try to snatch treats as quickly as possible, which could result in your hand getting bit. Instead, offer treats in a bucket or feeding trough. Confront his fears. If your horse has certain anxieties - like crossing water, for example - you'll need to help your horse confront those fears. But that doesn't mean you should force your horse to run recklessly into whatever he's afraid of. Forcing a horse to confront a fear too quickly could frighten the horse and may cause injury to you, but over time he should confront those fears. The best part about helping your horse confront his fears is that he'll remember your role in the process, and he should come to respect and trust you. Build your horse's confidence by leading him to whatever he's afraid of - say a creek that runs across your property. Use relaxation techniques to calm your horse, then lead him slowly toward the water. Let him watch the water, sniff the shore, and once he feels comfortable stepping into the water, let him stand in the water for a few moments to understand that it's not a threat. Recognize your own fears. If your horse hasn't learned to trust you, you might be part of the problem. Horses can sense when a rider is tense or anxious, and any hesitation on your part could cause your horse to lose his trust and confidence in you. Try confronting your riding fears with your horse, using relaxation techniques and a soothing but confident voice. As you get more comfortable riding your horse through scenarios that previously made you nervous, your horse should get more comfortable confronting those scenarios with you. Consider lessons for your horse. If you simply can't earn your horse's trust, you might need to hire a professional. Professional trainers can work with you and your horse to learn why your horse may be reluctant to trust you, and can teach you how to overcome those obstacles. Bucking, bolting, and rearing up are all examples of bad horse behavior that need to be corrected. These actions are generally caused by your horse not trusting or respecting you, and can cause serious harm to you or other riders. If your horse engages in any of these behaviors, contact a qualified horse trainer before any further attempts at riding your horse. Look for a trainer or other qualified expert through a professional organization, like the American Quarter Horse Association. Search online for a trainer near you.

Approach your horse correctly. Spend time with your horse. Talk to your horse. Walk together. Use relaxation techniques to train your horse. Train in increments. Reward successful training. Confront his fears. Recognize your own fears. Consider lessons for your horse.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Onion-Smell-From-Hands

How to Remove Onion Smell From Hands

To remove the onion smell from your hands, combine 1 tbsp (15 ml) of liquid soap and 1 tbsp (17 g) of salt in a small bowl. Scoop up some of the mixture and scrub your palms, wrists, the back of your hands, in between your fingers, and under your nails with it, then rinse your hands under cold water. Then, while your hands are still wet, grab a stainless steel item, like a pot or utensil. Hold the item under running water and rub it on your hands for 1 minute to eliminate any lingering onion smell.

Make a salt and soap scrub. To remove leftover food particles and the majority of the onion smell, start by washing your hands with an exfoliating scrub. To make the scrub, combine 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of liquid soap and 1 tablespoon (19 g) of salt in a small bowl. You can use any type of liquid soap, including dish soap, laundry detergent, hand and body soap, or shampoo. For the salt, you can use table, Himalayan, sea, kosher, coarse, or any other type of salt. As an alternative to the exfoliating salt, you can also use toothpaste, coffee grounds, or baking soda Wash your hands with the scrub. Scoop the soap and salt scrub into your hands. Scrub the paste into your hands, including your palms, back of your hands, wrists, in between your fingers, and under your nails. When you've thoroughly scrubbed your hands, rinse them under cold water to remove the scrub and the majority of the onion smell. For the most effective cleaning, use a nail brush to scrub the soap and salt into your skin and under your nails. Rub your hands with stainless steel. When your hands are still wet, find something made of stainless steel, such as a pot, colander, utensil, or other metal object in the kitchen or around the house. Hold the item under running water and rub it on your hands the way you would with a bar of soap. Do this for a full minute. Stainless steel may have the power to neutralize the sulfur molecules on your hands that cause the onion smell, so rubbing your hands with stainless steel might remove leftover odors. You can also buy an odor-eliminating stainless steel bar that's specifically designed for washing hands and removing onion, garlic, and fish smells. These are available online and at home and bath stores. Rinse your hands with something acidic. To remove any lingering onion odors, dampen a clean cloth with vinegar or lemon juice and rub it all over your hands. Be sure to get in between your fingers, under your nails, and other areas where onion smell might be hiding. Let the vinegar or juice air dry, and then rinse your hands with clean water. As an alternative to lemon juice and vinegar, you can also try: Peanut butter Tomato juice Celery juice Potato juice Mustard Alcohol Aloe Mint leaves Eat the right foods to get rid of onion breath. The smell of onions can actually stay on your breath for a few days after eating them. Luckily, there are certain foods you can eat after having onions to get rid of onion breath. For fresh breath after an onion dish, try eating or drinking: Kiwi Fresh parsley Raw mushrooms Eggplant Raw apples Lemon juice Green tea Remove onion smell from containers. Cut onions will stay freshest if you store them in an air-tight container, but this often leaves the container smelling of onions as well. To get rid of this smell from plastic containers: Wash the dish with hot, soapy water Rinse the dish with water Wipe the dish with a cloth that's damp with vinegar or lemon juice, or sprinkle in some baking soda Leave the dish in the sun to air dry Get rid of oniony cooking smells. Onions taste great in dishes, but not too many people like when their house keeps smelling like onions for days after cooking them. There are a few ways you can absorb onion cooking smells from your house, and some of the most popular include: Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat for at least an hour. Alternatively, you can also fill a bowl with plain vinegar and leave it near the stove overnight. Fill a small saucepan with water and add lemon, orange, and other citrus peels. Bring the water to a boil and simmer it for at least an hour. Pour ¼ cup (55 g) of baking soda into a spray bottle and fill the bottle the rest of the way with water. Shake well and spray liberally around the house, and especially in the kitchen. Spray clothes with alcohol to remove onion and cooking smells. When you cook with onions, the smell tends to get into everything, including the clothes you're wearing. To get rid of that onion smell from fabrics, hang the clothes somewhere to air out. Mix equal parts vodka or rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the affected garments. Leave the clothes to air dry. You can also use this method to remove cooking smells from furniture, drapes, and other fabrics. Wash your hair with baking soda and citrus to get rid of onion smell. Onion smell even gets into your hair, and this can be difficult to remove sometimes. When your hair does smell like onions, or other cooking smells, get rid of the odor by: Mix ⅛ cup (29 ml) of shampoo with a teaspoon (5 g) of baking soda and a tablespoon (5 ml) of lemon juice. Wash your hair with the mixture, lathering thoroughly and rubbing the mixture into your scalp as well. Rinse your hair with clean water. Rinse your hands with vinegar before chopping. Vinegar is great for absorbing smells, and it may even prevent your hands from absorbing onion smell when you're chopping. Before you cut an onion, dip your hands in vinegar, and then pat them dry. Cut the onion as usual. Be very careful when using a knife, especially if your hands are damp. Wear gloves to chop onions. One of the best ways to prevent onion smell on your hands is to protect your hands when you're chopping, and you can do this with latex or latex-alternative gloves. Before you chop the onion, put on a pair of snug-fitting gloves, and don't take the gloves off until you're finished with the onion. You can use the same trick to prevent garlic and fish smells on your hands. Use a food processor. Another trick to prevent your hands from smelling like onions is to avoid chopping them! When you do need to use onions in a dish, peel them first, and then use a food processor to cut them up. That way, you get to cut your onions and your hands will stay fresh and clean smelling.

Make a salt and soap scrub. Wash your hands with the scrub. Rub your hands with stainless steel. Rinse your hands with something acidic. Eat the right foods to get rid of onion breath. Remove onion smell from containers. Get rid of oniony cooking smells. Spray clothes with alcohol to remove onion and cooking smells. Wash your hair with baking soda and citrus to get rid of onion smell. Rinse your hands with vinegar before chopping. Wear gloves to chop onions. Use a food processor.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fish-Bowl-Drinks

How to Make Fish Bowl Drinks

To make a classic fish bowl drink, mix vodka, coconut rum, blue curacao liqueur, sweet-and-sour mix, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime soda in a large pitcher. Divide Nerds candies across the bottom of 3 fish bowls, then fill each bowl with ice. Place 4-6 Swedish fish into each fish bowl, tucking them into the ice. When you're ready to serve the drinks, pour the drink mixture over the ice in the fish bowls. Garnish with lemon, lime, and orange slices, then put 3 straws into each bowl and enjoy responsibly!

Gather the ingredients and supplies. This summertime drink requires several liquors, a few candies, fresh fruit, and a few fishbowls! You will need: 10 ounces Vodka 10 ounces Coconut Rum 6 ounces Blue Curacao Liqueur 12 ounces Sweet-and-Sour Mix 20 ounces Pineapple Juice 32 ounces Lemon-Lime Soda Blue food coloring 1 6 ounce box of Nerds® candy 12 to 18 Swedish Fish candies 1 Fresh Lemon 1 Fresh Lime 1 Fresh Orange Ice 3 small Fishbowls 9 Drinking Straws Mix the liquids. Find a large pitcher or container. Pour the Vodka, Coconut Rum, Blue Curacao Liqueur, Sweet-and-Sour Mix, Pineapple Juice, and Lemon-Lime soda into the pitcher or container. Stir with a spoon. Cover the pitcher or container tightly and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to serve the drink. Prep the fishbowls. Thoroughly wash and dry the 3 fishbowls. Divide the Nerds® candy evenly between the 3 fishbowls. The Nerds® should cover the bottom of the fishbowl. Fill the fishbowl with ice. Wedge 4 to 6 Swedish fish candies between the ice and the glass—the ice will hold the fish in place. Pour the drinks. Grab the pitcher or container out the of the fridge. Uncover and add the blue food coloring to the mix. Add a few drops at a time and stir until the liquid becomes the perfect shade of ocean blue. Pour or ladle the mixture into the 3 fish bowls. Try to divide the mixture between the 3 fishbowls as evenly as possible. Add the finishing touches and serve. Wash the lemon, lime, and orange before thinly slicing the fruit. Add 2 to 3 slices of each fruit to the top of each fishbowl. Top each drink off with Lemon-Lime soda. Put 3 straws into each fishbowl and serve the drinks to your guests. Gather the ingredients and supplies. While this classy fishbowl drink doesn't have candy rocks or fish, it has the same great taste! You will need: 3 ounces Coconut Rum 3 ounces Blue Curacao Liqueur 3 ounces Vodka 1 ounce Pineapple Juice ½ cup Sweet-and-Sour Mix 1 can Lemon-Lime Soda 1 Fresh Lemon 1 Fresh Lime Ice 1 Pitcher 4 Glasses. Mix the liquids. Combine the Coconut Rum, Blue Curacao Liqueur, and Vodka. Add the Pineapple Juice, Sweet-and-Sour Mix, and Lemon Lime Soda into the pitcher. Stir with a spoon.. Make the drinks. Fill each glass with ice. Pour the liquid over the ice. Carefully quarter the lemon and lime. Garnish each drink with 1 lime quarter and 1 lemon quarter. Serve the festive summer drink to your guests. Gather the ingredients and supplies. Kids and adults will love this non-alcoholic fishbowl drink! You will need: 3 tablespoons Water 3 tablespoons Sugar 1 teaspoon Coconut Extract 3 drops Blue Food Coloring 2 12 ounce cans Lemon-Lime Soda Ice 1 6 ounce box of Nerds® candy 9 to 12 Swedish Fish candies 3 Straws 1 pitcher 1 microwave safe bowl 3 glasses Mix the drink. Pour the water and sugar into a microwave safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Take the bowl out and stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into a pitcher. Pour in the coconut extract and soda. Add 3 drops of blue food coloring to the pitcher and stir. Prep the glasses and serve the drinks. Divide the Nerds® candy between the 3glasses. The Nerds® candy should cover the bottom of each glass. Add ice to each cup. Position 3 to 4 Swedish Fish candies between the ice and the glass. Pour the mixture over the ice and add a straw. Serve the delicious non-alcoholic beverage to your guests! Finished.

Gather the ingredients and supplies. Mix the liquids. Prep the fishbowls. Pour the drinks. Add the finishing touches and serve. Gather the ingredients and supplies. Mix the liquids. Make the drinks. Gather the ingredients and supplies. Mix the drink. Prep the glasses and serve the drinks. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-French-Fast

How to Learn French Fast

To learn French fast, memorize 30 words and phrases a day by labeling things in your house with the French word. Continue to immerse yourself by reading French children's books, as they're an easy entry into French sentence structure. Also, try listening to French radio stations and repeating as many phrases as you can. To practice your writing skills, keep a French journal, even if you only write a few sentences a day.

Know your learning style. Are you a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner? This means do you learn best through looking at the words yourself, through hearing them spoken to you, or through listening and seeing and associating actions or feelings with them. If you've learned languages before, go back over how you learned them and see what worked for you and what didn't. In most classroom settings you will do a lot of writing, but less speaking. Speaking the language and immersing yourself in it is extremely important and a way to become more efficient at the language more quickly. Memorize 30 words and phrases each day. In 90 days, you'll have learned about 80% of the language. The most common words make up the greatest percent of interactions, so start by memorizing the most common words. Make sure that you keep practicing the words you've used previously, so you don't forget them as you memorize new words. The top ten most common French words are: être (to be, being), avoir (to have), je (I), de (of, from, by, than, in, with), ne (not), pas (not; step, pace), le (the; him, it (referring to a masculine singular noun)), la (the; her, it (referring to a feminine singular noun)), tu (you), vous (you, yourself). Label everything in your house with the French word and make sure you say the words out loud whenever you read them. Make yourself flash cards and use them when you're on the bus, during commercials while you're watching t.v. or whenever you have a bit of downtime. Learn the structure of the language. Learn how the verbs work with nouns and with each other. Things that you learn in the beginning of French make more sense as you become more proficient in the language. Look at things like how the pronunciation works. Grammar is incredibly important to learning a language. To speak it properly, you'll need to understand how verbs work, how present, past, and future tenses work, and how genders work with nouns. We say things forward in English e.x. The bathroom, whereas the french (and the rest of the world) say things backward, taking longer to say it e.x. the room of bath. Learn pronunciation. This is especially important with French, where to English speakers, the written words look nothing like the spoken language. For instance, French has vowels like "eau" which is pronounced "o" or "oi" which is pronounced "wa." You will need to know how these pronunciations work. Read and write in French. To familiarize yourself with the language, you'll need to read and write in it. This will help you use the words you've been memorizing and keep them in your head. Children's books are a great place to start when learning to read any language. Since they help children learn their native language they are a great way for someone learning the language can get a handle on reading it. Another idea is to find your favorite books in French. This will help keep your interest and will help you decipher the text since you already know the plot. It's good to start simple, since a too-challenging book at the start of your learning will only frustrate you. Keep a French journal. Even if you only write a few sentences in it every day, it will help show you how much you've improved and will give you a chance to practice the language. Listen to things in French. Put on some French music, or your favorite movie dubbed in French. Seek out French cinema, and French television shows and radio stations. Practice imitating what you're hearing. Many polyglots (folks who know more than one language) swear by the "shadowing" technique for learning a language quickly. Go outside and put your headphones on. While you play the language, walk briskly. As you're walking repeat out loud and clearly what you're hearing. Repeat, march, repeat. This will help you connect movement with the language and to retrain your focus so that you aren't obsessing about memorization. Listening to natural French speakers will help you get a handle on how quickly French is spoken and how the intonation works. The more you listen, the better you will get. In the beginning, while you're watching a movie, have the French subtitles on so you can better follow along with the dialogue and can start to see how the words you've been reading act when spoken. Speak in French. This is one of the most important components to learning French. You have to speak the language, even if you feel embarrassed by how little you know. Everyone starts off not speaking well, but with practice you'll improve. Find a penpal, or skype buddy who speaks French as their native language. There are lots of programs over the internet or through colleges and local language schools that can set people up with people who speak French. Don't be upset by critique of your pronunciation. Instead, thank the critic and work on improving Talk out loud to yourself in French. Narrate what you're doing. If you're doing the dishes, or driving a car, talk about that. Pay attention to your intonation and pronunciation. Practice frequently. Without practicing what you learn, you're not going to get very far. Even learning a language quickly takes a certain amount of commitment and time. As long as you work hard and practice what you're learning, there's no reason for you not to learn French well! Think in French. Set aside time during the day to practice thinking in French.Go to the grocery store and think about the items in the store and the conversations you have with people. Practice reworking those interactions into French. Turn your Facebook (or other social media) settings to French. You still know where everything is, but it makes you have to practice what you're learning in a practical manner. Don't give up! Sometimes it can seem like you're never going to get it, but you will. As long as you practice and vary your learning methods, there's no reason for you to not learn French. Learn greetings and goodbyes. These are useful phrases and words to start with, since most people begin their interaction, and end their interaction in similar ways. The "zh" in the following pronunciation guides sounds like "j" and "sh" mixed together. "Bonjour" which means "Hello" is pronounced "bohn-zhoor." "Je m'appelle..." means "My name is..." and is pronounced "zhuh mah-pehl." "Au revoir" means "goodbye" and is pronounced "oh-reh-vwar." Learn how to ask for help. This is important particularly if you need the other speaker to speak more slowly or to repeat themselves. Make sure to look up the individual words while you're practicing, as the English translation and the French meaning can be different. "Parlez lentement" means "Please speak slowly" and is pronounced "par-lay lehn-ta-mohn." "Je ne comprends pas" means "I don't understand" and is pronounced "zhuh nuh kohn-prahn pah." Remember to thank the people who help you. Say "merci" or "merci beaucoup" which mean "thank you" or "thank you very much."

Know your learning style. Memorize 30 words and phrases each day. Learn the structure of the language. Read and write in French. Listen to things in French. Speak in French. Practice frequently. Learn greetings and goodbyes. Learn how to ask for help. Remember to thank the people who help you.

https://www.wikihow.com/Motivate-Yourself-to-Work-Out

How to Motivate Yourself to Work Out

If you're trying to motivate yourself to work out, remind yourself why you wanted to work out in the first place. Write down a list of attainable goals, like performing 50 sit-ups or finishing a marathon, and put the list somewhere that you can see it. Whenever you look at it, visualize accomplishing that goal. If you need even more motivation, set up rewards for when you complete a workout or hit a new goal. Try to focus on workouts that are fun for you, like rock climbing, swimming, or dancing, so you'll look forward to exercising.

Write down a list of attainable goals and look at it often. Think about the reasons you want to work out, and a few fitness goals you'd like to achieve. Make sure that your goals are very specific, with a clear target and timeline. Put the list somewhere you'll see it often, like on the refrigerator or near your bathroom mirror. Try to include both short-term and long-term goals on your list. For instance, you might include, “Be able to do 50 sit-ups,” as well as, “Finish a marathon.” Do not make your workout all about appearance. Looking good is as good a reason as any to work out. However, this has shortcomings as goal in and of itself. Losing weight will probably make you happier with your appearance, but your looks are a mixture of your weight, complexion, fashion, facial features, and other things that working out will not solve. If you're working out just because you want to look like a supermodel, you're probably going to get discouraged because your goals are only achievable for a very, very few. Avoid comparing yourself to other unrealistic goals. If you are 45, even if you got down to your high school weight you will not look 17 years old. "Looking good" is a vague goal, so it may be hard to measure. It can get discouraging if you do not feel you look better, even if maybe you do. Or if your appearance is due to a bad hair day rather than your waistline. Work up to big goals. If you haven't exercised in months, don't list something impossible (like you want to bench press over 200 pounds). You will be quickly discouraged if you set unattainable goals. Replace the word “should” with the word “want. ” If you tell yourself you “should” do something or you “have to” do something, you'll find it harder to get started. Instead, look at your list of goals and remind yourself why you want to work out in the first place. For example, if you think, "I should go for a run right now, but I don't want to," try reminding yourself of a goal, like, "I want to feel stronger and more confident, and running today will help me accomplish that." Buy yourself some cool new workout gear. If you only have one pair of gym shorts or yoga pants, it's easy to skip working out because you haven't done laundry. Treat yourself to a few new pieces of athletic wear that you really love. You'll be excited to work out just to have an excuse to wear them! Quality running, walking or hiking shoes are important to be fitted properly to you, to prevent injuries and make your experience more pleasant. Cheap, ill fitting shoes will lead to issues like shin splints, foot issues, knee and back pain. It is OK to use what you have. Putting down money on athletic gear helps you commit to an activity. But that might not be affordable for you if you do not have the cash handy. Ask for loaner gear if necessary. Usually a gym, team, or organization will be happy to provide a new person with loaner gear to try before committing. For example, an ice hockey rec league may have some extra pads and skates available if asked. Workout gear can be expensive, so don't try to buy it all at once if you don't have the extra money. Just buy one or two pieces whenever you can, and keep your eye out for good sales. Try setting your workout gear on a chair or a table so it's out in the open. That way, it will keep the idea of working out at the forefront of your mind. Set up rewards for when you complete a workout or hit a new goal. Think of something that will motivate you when the workout gets tough or you don't want to get off the couch. Your rewards can be anything that you look forward to, from getting a smoothie or watching your favorite show after your workout to buying a new pair of shoes that you've been eyeing. Find a workout buddy if you like having an accountability partner. Some people prefer to work out alone, but you might find motivation from having a friend to help keep you on track. The two of you can plan to work out together, or you can just talk at the end of each day and discuss whether you both met your goals. Talking to a friend can be really helpful for identifying the barriers that keep you from working out. Having to explain the reason you didn't hit the gym will force you to really think about the underlying cause, whether it be due to self-doubt, stress, or feeling overwhelmed. A group fitness class can be a great way to find a supportive group of people who will motivate you to work out. Make a playlist that makes you want to move. Music that is between 125-140 beats per minute has been shown to be the most effective for working out. Pick fast-paced music with a strong beat that you can jam out to while you exercise. Songs at 140 bpm include "Womanizer" by Britney Spears, "Beat It" by Michael Jackson, "Mr. Jones" by Counting Crows, and "OMG" by Usher. Start listening to your playlist while you're getting dressed to get you in the right frame of mind before your workout even starts. Aim to work out 3 days per week. Setting a manageable goal, like exercising 3 times a week, makes it more likely that you'll meet your goal, because you won't feel discouraged if you miss a day. When you are able to work out without feeling pressured, you might even find that you're motivated to work out more often than your goal! In general, you should do 150 minutes of cardio a week, and add resistance training on at least 2 days of the week. Add both cardio and strength training to your routine. When you're focusing on getting in shape, it's important to balance endurance training, or cardio, with strength training exercises like lifting weights. Some workouts will have both, like a well made Zumba workout or circuit training. Combining resistance training and cardio is a great way to do both at once. Jump squats, burpees, and mountain climbers can be added into your cardio routine. Crossfit and circuit training are other options. Depending on your level of fitness, it's perfectly OK to start with just one type of exercise. You might want to start by just walking, or a 15 minute strength workout you found on YouTube. Aim for a well balanced workout, but start wherever works for you. Schedule your workout into your day. Life can get hectic, and you probably have a lot going on in your day. You plan meetings for work, doctors' appointments, and even lunch with your friends, so make working out a priority by scheduling time for your workout. Working out doesn't have to take a lot of time out of your day. Schedule 20 minutes into your day — 10 minutes for a high-intensity workout, and 10 minutes for a quick shower. Sign up for fitness classes to motivate yourself. One way to motivate yourself to work out is to put your money on the line. If you sign up for a class you have to pay for even if you don't attend, you'll find yourself feeling more inclined to show up. Fitness classes are also a great way to find a supportive community, and you get the benefit of a trainer who can critique your form. Look for fitness classes that combine cardio and resistance training. Circuit classes and Crossfit may be good options. Depending on your interests, you could try yoga classes, spin class, kickboxing, or dance lessons. Start with short workouts that you’re likely to complete. Don't try to force yourself to work out for an hour the very first time you exercise. Instead, start with small goals that you feel are manageable, like doing 10 jumping jacks and 10 push-ups. The next day, try to increase the number to 15 of each, and add in 10 squats. Set mini-goals during your workout. Spending 20 minutes on the treadmill might seem intimidating if you're out of breath 2 minutes in. Instead of focusing on the big picture, tell yourself you can make it to 3 minutes, then 5, then 7. If you need to, slow your pace during the workout so you can keep going and meet your goals. Make bargains with yourself if you're having trouble getting started. Sometimes the hardest part of working out is taking the first step. If you're finding it hard to get started, try bargaining with yourself. Tell yourself you just have to put on your workout clothes, but you don't have to do anything else. After that, try telling yourself to just go outside and stretch, do your warm-up routine, or drive to the gym. Find exercises you think are fun. Most people think of activities like running or lifting weights when they think of working out, but as long as you're being active, you're making yourself healthier. Find an activity you really love, like rock climbing, swimming, or dancing, and make that your workout. Even just a quick dance party in your living room a couple of times a day can help you get in better shape! Other examples of fun workouts might include Tai Chi, Zumba, parkour, or even joining an amateur sports team! Switch up your exercises so you don't get bored. If you do the exact same thing every day, whether it's running around the block or doing the same workout video, you'll start to get bored. You may stop seeing the same results once your body is used to the exercise, and this can affect your motivation. Try to change up your workout routine to keep challenging yourself. You might want to run one day, lift weights another, and go swimming on the weekends, for example. Keep a fitness journal and write down your feelings after each workout. You can use this journal to keep up with your progress, too. When you don't feel like working out, take out the journal and read how good each workout made you feel, and look at how far you've come. One of your journal entries might read, “I finally beat my best time on running a mile! I feel excited and strong, but I think I can still go faster!” Use TV to help you work out. Pick your favorite show, and make a list of things that happen at least once per episode. Pair each item on your list with an exercise. As you're watching, pause the show and do the exercise every time something on your list happens. Check out some sample games below.

Write down a list of attainable goals and look at it often. Replace the word “should” with the word “want. Buy yourself some cool new workout gear. Set up rewards for when you complete a workout or hit a new goal. Find a workout buddy if you like having an accountability partner. Make a playlist that makes you want to move. Aim to work out 3 days per week. Add both cardio and strength training to your routine. Schedule your workout into your day. Sign up for fitness classes to motivate yourself. Start with short workouts that you’re likely to complete. Set mini-goals during your workout. Make bargains with yourself if you're having trouble getting started. Find exercises you think are fun. Switch up your exercises so you don't get bored. Keep a fitness journal and write down your feelings after each workout. Use TV to help you work out.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Old-Fashioned

How to Make an Old Fashioned

To make a classic Old-Fashioned, start by pouring 2 ounces, which is 60 milliliters, of bourbon whiskey into a glass. Then, add 1/4 of an ounce, or 7.5 milliliters, of simple syrup. If you want to make your own simple syrup, just boil equal parts water and sugar until you can't see the sugar crystals anymore. Then, add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to your glass, though you can also use orange bitters in a pinch. Finish with a handful of ice cubs or, if you have one, one large ice cube. Stir everything together for 15 seconds, garnish your drink with an orange peel, and enjoy!

Add the bourbon whiskey and simple syrup to a mixing glass. Measure out 2 ounces (60 ml) of bourbon whiskey and 1/4 ounce (7.5 ml) of simple syrup and pour both of them into the mixing glass. You can use store-bought syrup or make your own simple syrup at home. You can also use rye whiskey for this cocktail, if you'd like. Simple syrup is the best choice for cocktails because it's already in liquid form, but for a traditional Old Fashioned, you would use 1 sugar cube instead of the simple syrup. Place the sugar cube in the bottom of the glass, then add 1 bar spoon of water and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixing glass. Alcoholic bitters help to bind cocktail ingredients together and boost the flavors. They come in a range of flavors, but Angostura bitters are preferred for this beverage. Simply add 2 quick dashes to the mixing glass. If you don't have Angostura bitters on hand, use orange bitters. It's important to stick to 2 or 3 dashes of bitters. Any more or less won't create the classic flavor you're going for. Place a handful of ice cubes into the mixing glass. It's best to use cubed ice cubes. You can buy them or make your own with tap or filtered water. Using filtered water may make a small difference in the overall flavor. Most people probably won't be able to taste the difference between tap water and filtered water. Stir the ingredients together with a bar spoon for 10-15 seconds. You often hear about cocktails being shaken or stirred, and stirring is customary for this drink. Use the bar spoon to swish the ingredients around in the mixing glass until they're evenly distributed. Don't stir the ingredients for more than 30 seconds. You want to chill the liquid without melting the ice too much. Fill a rocks glass with large cubes of ice. As before, use store-bought or filtered water ice cubes for the best flavor. Use large ice cubes since they'll melt slower and create less dilution than small cubes or crushed ice. A rocks glass is traditional for an Old-Fashioned, but you can use any glass you have on hand. You can skip the ice if you don't want a chilled beverage and to prevent dilution. Strain the cocktail mixture over the ice into the rocks glass. Hold a strainer over the mouth of the mixing glass and carefully pour the cocktail into the glass. The finished cocktail plus a handful of ice will fill a standard-sized rocks glass about halfway. Garnish the drink with an orange peel. Cut off a 2 in (5.1 cm) piece of orange peel and twist the peel over the Old-Fashioned to express the oil. Then, lightly graze the orange peel around the rim of the rocks glass before dropping it into the cocktail. Your classic Old-Fashioned is ready to enjoy! Old-Fashioned cocktails were originally enjoyed before meals to stimulate the appetite. Give this a try, or simply enjoy the cocktail any time you like. Replace the whiskey with gin, brandy, or rum for a unique flavor. Bourbon or rye whiskey are classic choices, but if you don't like the taste, you can certainly switch things up. Just substitute the same amount of your favorite gin, brandy, or rum for the whiskey. Dark, aged rum is particularly delicious! You can also experiment with using different bitters or even liqueurs in your cocktail. Experiment with sugar syrups for a range of sweet flavors. Regular simple syrup is common cocktail ingredient made from white granulated sugar. If you want to try something more exotic, experiment with gum syrup, demerara syrup, brown sugar syrup, or sugar cane syrup. Agave syrup can also add a unique spin on the flavor. You can also experiment with honey, maple syrup, and molasses to achieve customized flavors. For a smoky take on an Old Fashioned, use mezcal or tequila as your spirit, and swap the sugar cube for a bit of agave. Use ice balls instead of ice cubes for a fun alternative. Cubes of ice work perfectly fine for Old-Fashioned cocktails, but sometimes you'll see ice balls being used by fancier bar establishments or cocktail connoisseurs. You can easily make ice balls at home and enjoy them in your favorite cocktails. Try a variety of citrus garnishes or add cherries to your cocktail. Orange is the traditional garnish, but maraschino cherries are a popular and tasty alternative! Drop 1 or several cherries into the rocks glass before serving the drink. For a fruity variation, drop an orange wheel or slice into the drink with the cherries. Try using a lemon or lime peel instead of the traditional orange peel for a slightly different flavor. For an herbal cocktail, infuse rosemary into simple syrup and use that in the drink, then garnish with a sprig of the rosemary, as well.

Add the bourbon whiskey and simple syrup to a mixing glass. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixing glass. Place a handful of ice cubes into the mixing glass. Stir the ingredients together with a bar spoon for 10-15 seconds. Fill a rocks glass with large cubes of ice. Strain the cocktail mixture over the ice into the rocks glass. Garnish the drink with an orange peel. Replace the whiskey with gin, brandy, or rum for a unique flavor. Experiment with sugar syrups for a range of sweet flavors. Use ice balls instead of ice cubes for a fun alternative. Try a variety of citrus garnishes or add cherries to your cocktail.

https://www.wikihow.com/Study-So-You-Can-Remember-Everything

How to Study So You Can Remember Everything

While there's no real way to study so that you remember everything, it is possible to improve your memory with techniques like breaking up the material into smaller chunks. For example, if you're trying to memorize a long list of vocabulary words, work on memorizing 7 to 8 words at a time. If you're studying from a textbook, test yourself by doing the exercises or practice tests that are built into your textbook. To memorize facts, try using a mnemonic device such as "ROY G. BIV" to remember the colors of the rainbow.

Break the material down into small pieces. It's easier to process and remember information if you break it up into bite-sized chunks. Instead of trying to memorize an entire chapter of your textbook, focus on one short section or key piece of information at a time. For example, if you're trying to remember vocabulary for a language class, don't try to memorize more than 7-8 words at a time. If you're studying from a textbook, it can be helpful to work with the structure of the book. Textbook chapters are usually divided into shorter sections that each provide a manageable amount of information. Focus on understanding and remembering one section before moving on to the next. Switch between different topics. It can be helpful to alternate between studying different subjects, so that your brain compartmentalizes the information more effectively. Switching between topics that are very different from each other can help keep your brain from getting bogged down with trying to remember too much about one subject (or 2 very similar subjects) at once. Additionally, switching between topics will help you avoid getting burned out on any one topic. For example, memorize a poem , then move on to studying some algebra rules. Try spending about 50 minutes on each topic, then take a break for about 15 minutes before going on to the next one. Taking breaks will boost your productivity and help you concentrate. Take notes. As you're listening in class or reading your text, write down important pieces of information. Don't write down every word you hear or read. Instead, summarize key concepts. This will force your brain to process the information and condense it to its most important elements. If you can, take notes with a pen and paper. Writing notes by hand engages your brain in a different way than typing on a keyboard, and makes you take a little more time to think about what you are writing down. If you like to doodle while you take notes, that's great! Doodling can help you pay attention and retain information. Test yourself. As you study each section of the material, take breaks to quiz yourself. You might do this by making flash cards, writing study questions for yourself, or doing the exercises or knowledge checks that are built into your textbook. If you're studying with a friend, you can quiz each other. Quizlet can be a great help for quizzing yourself, either alone or with a friend. You can create your own digital flashcards based on your course material, or you can use flashcards prepared by other members. One way to test yourself is to ask yourself basic questions about the material as you go. For example, “What is the main point of this section of the text?” Self-quizzing not only helps you get a better idea of how well you understand the material, but it also forces your brain to work a little bit harder to remember. Space out your review sessions. When you're trying to remember something, repeated exposure is important. This method works best if you give yourself enough time between reviews that you start to forget what you studied. Reviewing after a little time has gone by flexes your memory muscles and helps you learn the material at a deeper level. When you're spacing out your review sessions, keep the intervals short at first, then gradually increase them. For example, if you studied something one day, sleep on it and do a little review the next day. Test yourself a couple days later, and then again a week after that. Try a study timer app like SuperMemo or Ultimate Study Timer to help you schedule your study intervals. Create memory cues, called mnemonic devices. One of the easiest ways to access memories is to create associations that trigger those memories. That might mean using an acronym to remember information (for example, ROY G. BIV for the colors of the rainbow), using a pun or word play, or creating a distinctive mental image. The most common mnemonic devices are creating acronyms that represent the words you're trying to remember, making an acrostic sentence where the first letter of each word represents what you're trying to remember, and using rhymes to remember. However, you can also use image association, especially if you're a visual person. Music is also a powerful memory trigger, so putting the information to a melody can be very helpful. There's a reason countless generations of kids have been taught the alphabet in song form! Your memory cue doesn't have to make sense to anyone but you. In fact, the weirder and more specific it is, the better. For example, if you're trying to remember the ancient Greek word hepomai (“to follow”), you might picture a cool cartoon cat singing “I'm hep! Oh my! Everybody follow me!” Explain the material to someone else. Teaching is one of the best ways to learn. To be able to explain something, you must be able to understand it yourself. You have to summarize and express the material in a way that is clear and understandable to another person, and doing so can help you absorb and understand the material better. Give yourself plenty of time. If you really want to build enduring memories, you need plenty of time to understand, process, and review the information. Give yourself at least a couple weeks to study before a test. Last-minute cramming is ineffective at helping you retain what you've learned, and will leave you feeling tired, stressed, and overloaded with information. Sleep on it. Most people need 7-9 hours of sleep every night to be at their best. Getting enough sleep not only gives you energy and helps you concentrate, but it can also help you learn and remember. Your brain processes new information while you sleep, so you may find that you understand those difficult concepts better after a quick nap or a good night's rest. Get the most out of your sleep by practicing good “sleep hygiene”: Don't nap for more than 20-30 minutes during the day. Avoid using stimulants, such as caffeine or nicotine, 4-6 hours before bedtime. Having more than 1-2 alcoholic drinks in the evening can also disrupt your sleep. Exercise at least 10 minutes a day to improve the quality of your sleep. Avoid eating evening meals that might cause heartburn or indigestion, such as spicy, acidic, or fatty foods. Develop a regular, relaxing bedtime routine. Put away your computer or smartphone, do some meditation or light stretching, and take a warm shower or bath. You might also try reading to help you fall asleep. Set aside about 30 minutes before bedtime each night to unwind. Eat well. Eating a healthy diet can help give you the energy you need to concentrate and retain information. Eat lots of lean proteins (fish, lean meat, and leafy greens), whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and foods with healthy fats (like vegetable oils, fish, and nuts). Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Some healthy fats, like DHA, may actually improve your memory. Eat plenty of fish, or take fish oil supplements to get more DHA in your diet. Take breaks. If you try to force yourself to study for too long in one sitting, you'll soon start to nod off, or find your mind wandering. To make your studying more manageable and effective, try studying for an hour at a time. Take 5-15 minute breaks between study sessions to snack, stretch your legs, or put your head down for a quick catnap. Find a comfortable study space. If you're not comfortable, you'll have a hard time concentrating on what you are studying. Find a space that is tidy, private, and comfortable, and that gives you plenty of room to spread out. If your preferred space doesn't have a comfortable chair, consider bringing your own cushion with you. Good study spaces could include a desk in your room, a study carrel or cubicle in your school library, or a table in a quiet coffee shop. Keep it quiet. It can be very hard to concentrate with a lot of background noise. Find a place to study where you won't be distracted by people talking, construction sounds, or other people's music. If you can, put on a little quiet, non-distracting background music to help drown out bothersome noise. If you have to study around other people, such as family or roommates, let them know in advance that you need to be left alone for a certain period of time while you study. Make sure there’s plenty of light. Dim or flickering lights can distract you and make it harder to see what you are studying. If you are studying during the day, pick a spot with plenty of natural light. For nighttime study, or if you don't have access to a sunny window, choose a spot with a full-spectrum fluorescent light. Stay away from tempting distractions. It's easy to get sidetracked when you have easy access to social media, games, or things to watch while you're studying. Try to work in a room without a TV, or at least keep the TV off while you are studying. If you can, turn your phone off or put it on airplane mode to reduce the temptation to browse social media. If you're working on your computer, try a productivity-boosting browser extension like StayFocused to keep you away from time-eating websites. Avoid studying in bed. If you get too comfy, you may find that the temptation to nod off is overwhelming. If you're feeling sleepy, it might also be best to avoid studying on a couch or in a cozy armchair. Sit at a desk or table instead. If you come to associate being in bed with studying, this can also make it harder for you to fall asleep there at night.

Break the material down into small pieces. Switch between different topics. Take notes. Test yourself. Space out your review sessions. Create memory cues, called mnemonic devices. Explain the material to someone else. Give yourself plenty of time. Sleep on it. Eat well. Take breaks. Find a comfortable study space. Keep it quiet. Make sure there’s plenty of light. Stay away from tempting distractions. Avoid studying in bed.

https://www.wikihow.health/Alleviate-Back-Pain-During-Pregnancy

How to Alleviate Back Pain During Pregnancy

If your back hurts during pregnancy, try pregnancy-safe exercises such as walking, swimming, and stationary cycling. You can also reduce pain and strain by maintaining a good posture when you stand or sit. To loosen up your muscles and prevent stiffness, try doing lower back stretches, like the “cat and cow” stretch. Another great way to limber up and reduce pain and stress is to take prenatal yoga classes or do prenatal water exercises. Finally, protect yourself from back injuries by squatting and lifting with your legs if you need to pick something up.

Do light exercises regularly. Continuing light physical activity during uncomplicated pregnancies has been shown to be beneficial and not risky. However, if your back pain develops late in pregnancy, you should be cautious and ease slowly into new routines. If, however, you experience any pain while exercising, stop and seek medical attention. Look for pregnancy-safe ways to strengthen your core, abdominal, and back muscles. Avoid traditional crunches and oblique exercises, which can put pressure on important veins and separate abdominal muscles from each other. Instead, try standing crunches or tucking your tailbone while standing. You may also try getting on your hands and knees and touching alternate elbows with your knees, switching between sides. Walking, swimming, and stationary cycling are particularly safe options for exercise during pregnancy. Ask a doctor or physical therapist for other suggestions. Stand with your back to a wall. Bend your knees and work to straighten your spine. Engaging in high impact exercises before pregnancy, such as running and jogging, have been shown to reduce the risk of pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy. Maintain good posture. As your center of gravity shifts forward during pregnancy, you might start to strain muscles to avoid falling over. Practicing good posture can shift your center of gravity, reducing strain on your back. When standing, envision an imaginary cord pulling your body up into perfect alignment from above your head. Use a comfortably wide stance, don't lock your knees, and rest one foot occasionally on a step stool if you have to stand for a long time. When sitting, sit up straight and don't slouch your shoulders. Instead, keep your shoulders back and relaxed. Stretch your lower back. Get on your hands and knees and alternate rounding and then flattening your back. Hold each position for several seconds, but be gentle, gradually working up to ten repetitions. This is sometimes called “cat and cow” stretching. Enroll in a prenatal yoga class. In addition to relieving back pain, prenatal yoga can improve sleep, reduce stress, and alleviate other symptoms such as nausea and headaches. It may also strengthen the muscles you will use in childbirth. Always let your yoga instructor know that you are pregnant. You can also do gentle yoga poses at home. However, be sure to avoid poses that involve lying on your stomach, lying on your back after 16 weeks, inversions (going upside-down), strong twists, backbends, holding your breath, or taking short, forceful breaths. If something feels difficult or like a strain, don't do it. There are many safe poses during pregnancy. These include hip-opening squats (malasana), chair pose (utkatasana), warrior poses I and II (virabhadrasana), tree pose (vrksasana), and legs up the wall pose (viparita Karani). Swim or do prenatal water exercises. In addition to being a great workout, water exercise relieves pressure from your back and joints. Since the water supports your weight, even walking or floating in the pool will help relieve the pressure. Squat and lift with your legs when picking something up. Do not bend at your waist or lift with your back muscles. Ask for help if you need it. When carrying bags, try to distribute the weight evenly. Carry a similar amount of weight in each hand. Distinguish between normal back pain and early labor. Always call your doctor if you suspect that a symptom may be a sign of labor. A backache that can't be eased by changing positions or seeking comfort other ways can be a sign of labor. Rhythmic cramping pains may also be a sign of early labor. Use pain medication. You should consult with your doctor about what medications are safe to use. In general, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually safe during pregnancy, while aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are not. Consult a physical therapist or chiropractor. A physical therapist or chiropractor can assess your back pain and offer therapeutic options or refer you to the right health professional. If you are going to consult one, make sure you go to someone who specializes in pregnancy and has had years of experience in this. Ask a primary care physician for referrals to local specialists. In a recent study, it was found that 6.1 % of pregnant women consult an osteopath. A chiropractor and physical therapist may perform osteopathic manipulation therapies, and have been shown to be helpful in women with low back pain while pregnant. Try acupuncture. Find a certified acupuncturist with experience in treating pregnant women. Acupuncture has been shown to relieve lower back pain in pregnant women. Ask for recommendations from friends or other medical practitioners when searching for an acupuncturist. Ask a potential acupuncturist about what kind of training and continuing education she receives, what her recommended course of treatment for you is, and whether she can work with your insurance (if applicable). Work with someone who makes you feel comfortable and whose office is convenient. Apply a heating pad or ice packs. You may get relief by alternating between ice packs and heat. Get a massage. Ask a loved one to gently rub your back. You may also get a prenatal massage from a trained massage therapist. Seek counseling to deal with stress. Ask your physician, midwife, friends, or faith leader about finding a good counselor. You might need to speak with a few therapists before you find a good match. Ask a potential therapist about their experience treating your issue and about their areas of expertise. You might also find relief from talking about your stress or worries with a trusted friend or relative. Wear flat shoes with good arch support. Sensible footwear can help you walk evenly without putting excess pressure or strain on your back. Research has shown that during week 20 and 32 of pregnancy, there is a shift in where the full pressure of the body is distributed over the foot. That's why it's important to see a foot specialist to see if an arch support may be useful for you. Avoid high heels as well as shoes that offer little to no support for your arches or ankles, such as flip-flops or “Crocs.” The back of the shoe should be rigid and vertical. Lacing shoes may also provide more support. Use a lumbar support pillow when sitting. You might appreciate having a pillow in the office and another in the car. Elevating your feet on a footstool may also help relieve back pressure while sitting. Sleep on your side using extra pillows. Bend one or both knees. The pillows should be placed strategically to help relieve aches and pains. Use a firm pillow for your head and place another pillow between your legs. Place a small pillow under your abdomen to relieve pelvic and back pressure while you sleep. Some pregnant women find full-length body pillows to provide relief. Be careful when you're getting in and out of bed to avoid straining your spine. Wear a maternity support belt. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, these thick elastic bands are worn under the belly cradle and around the hips to support your abdominal muscles. Models are also available with bust and shoulder straps to provide relief for all-over back pain. Support hose might also offer relief.

Do light exercises regularly. Maintain good posture. Stretch your lower back. Enroll in a prenatal yoga class. Swim or do prenatal water exercises. Squat and lift with your legs when picking something up. Distinguish between normal back pain and early labor. Use pain medication. Consult a physical therapist or chiropractor. Try acupuncture. Apply a heating pad or ice packs. Get a massage. Seek counseling to deal with stress. Wear flat shoes with good arch support. Use a lumbar support pillow when sitting. Sleep on your side using extra pillows. Wear a maternity support belt.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Baby-to-Sleep

How to Get a Baby to Sleep

Before putting your baby to sleep, change their diaper and feed them so they are as comfortable as possible. Put the baby in some soft pajamas to keep them warm. After dressing your baby, you may find that rocking your baby, singing quiet songs, or bouncing your baby gently in your arms will help them relax. When your baby is starting to show signs of being tired, such as fussiness or droopy eyes, lay them down on their back in their crib. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthy babies be put to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). If your baby is under 2 months old, you can swaddle them to imitate the cozy, confined feelings of the mother's womb, which many babies find relaxing. Stop swaddling them once they are more than 2 months of age since swaddling restricts the baby's movements. Once your baby is safely on their back inside their crib, turn off the lights and try turning on a fan or a white noise machine or app, which helps soothe babies and block out noises that can keep them awake. Keep in mind that no matter what you try, your baby is likely to wake up a few times during the night. They also might not be able to go to sleep when you put them down. If your baby is having trouble falling asleep, or getting back to sleep after waking up, try singing to them, rocking them in your arms, changing their diaper, feeding them again if they are hungry, or walking around the house, gently bouncing them, possibly while wearing them in a sling or carrier. To help your baby to sleep more easily, maintain a consistent routine, and start it at the same time each night.

Make a sleep schedule. A nightly routine will help your baby adapt to going to sleep at the same time every evening, which should help to make it easier to get her to sleep. Create a routine that works for you. It can include things like bath time, comfortable bedtime clothes, a story, a final feeding, a massage, or anything else that helps your baby wind down before bed. You don't have to follow every aspect of your routine every single night (nor in the order listed), but make sure that you always do things in the same order according to your routine, so that your baby knows what to expect and recognizes relaxation cues. Even if she's too young to understand, tell your baby when it's bedtime so that she will begin to understand the verbal cues. Feed your baby. Don't give her so much that she's overly full and uncomfortable, but give her enough so that she's satisfied and not hungry before bed. Give her a gentle massage. Before bed, try a short massage. For 10 to 15 minutes, use slow, long strokes and moderate pressure to massage her arms, legs, hands, feet, back, and tummy. Try a baby-friendly oil, such as sunflower or grapeseed. Gently rub her face, including her forehead, the bridge of her nose, and her head. Have bath time. A warm bath is relaxing for adults and babies, and it's a nice addition to your nighttime routine. Consider skipping this step if your baby finds baths too exciting or dislikes being in the water. Avoid having toys or other stimulants in the nighttime bath, as the purpose of this bath is quiet, soothing time before sleep. Put on a fresh diaper and pajamas. Use a good, thick, nighttime diaper to prevent leaks and unnecessary mid-night changes. Choose soft pajamas made from a breathable fabric, because babies sleep better when they are cool versus warm. Use booties and sleeping sacks instead of blankets, as blankets pose a suffocation risk. Read your baby a story. Be sure to use a low, quiet, monotone voice that won't startle or stimulate her. Every baby is different and responds to stimuli differently, and if your baby doesn't relax during story time, try other soothing methods, such as: Walking around with her in your arms or in a carrier Rocking her gently in a chair or in your arms Singing her a song Playing her quiet music Put her to bed when she is sleepy but still awake. Look for signs of tiredness, such as yawning, heavy eyes, whininess, making fists, and eye rubbing. Putting her to bed and letting her fall asleep on her own will help her learn to soothe herself to sleep. Avoid eye contact at this stage, as it might stimulate her and wake her up again. Lay her down on her back. Babies should always sleep on their backs, as babies who sleep on their tummies are at an increased risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Soothe your baby with physical contact as you transfer her to bed. Gently lay your hand on her stomach, arms, or head to reassure her that you are there and make her feel safe and secure. Turn off the lights. This includes bedroom lights, lamps, nightlights, monitors and screens, and anything else that might create artificial light. Unnatural light can interfere with our circadian rhythms, which is our natural sleep-wake cycle. Consider dimming the lights during your pre-bed routine to reduce your baby's exposure to light before it's time to sleep. Keep the room dark all night. Nighttime exposure to artificial light can suppress the body's production of melatonin, which is the hormone responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Feed her before you go to sleep for the night. A mid-night feeding while she's still asleep can stave off hunger longer, and may prevent your baby from waking up for an extra couple hours. Since she'll be drinking slower and won't swallow as much air, try forgoing burping after bedtime or mid-night feedings, because this may wake her up and make it difficult to get her back to sleep. Keep an empty crib. Remove all blankets, toys, pillows, and other items. Not only are these distractions for a sleepy baby, but they also pose a danger in terms of suffocation risk and SIDS. Swaddle her. Try swaddling your baby if she doesn't easily sleep through the night and wakes often. The careful wrapping of the blanket will prevent her limbs from jerking and possibly waking her up, keep her warm, make her feel safe, replicate conditions in the womb, and may help her sleep better. Moreover, the tight and careful wrapping of the blanket will prevent it from coming loose and creating a suffocation risk. Don't swaddle children over two months old during unsupervised sleep time, as babies this age begin attempting to roll over. Don’t tiptoe around. In the mother's womb, a baby hears the noises of everyday life 24 hours a day. Making noise or creating white noise in your baby's room will help replicate what she heard in the womb, and prevent her from becoming a light or sensitive sleeper. Try calming essential oils. For babies older than six months, essential oils like lavender and chamomile can be used in small quantities in their rooms to create a relaxing scent that promotes sleep. Try these scents in a diffuser, or place a couple drops on a tissue or facecloth near the crib or bassinet Remove allergen sources from the room. This is especially important if your baby tends to wake up congested or with a stuffy nose. As much as possible, keep your baby's room and the entire house clean, dry, and dust free. Common irritants that could disrupt sleep and should be kept out of the bedroom include: Smoke and paint fumes Pet dander, lint, and dust that collect on stuffed animals, canopies, and drapes Feathers from pillows or comforters Baby powder Perfumes and hairsprays Plants Be efficient and quiet. Late night interaction with your baby can help soothe her back to sleep, but it may also encourage more wake-ups in the middle of the night. Don't make eye contact, and keep talking and singing to a minimum. Try gentle touching on her belly, head, and face, and speak in soft a voice. The most likely reason your baby has awoken in the middle of the night is because she's hungry, because babies generally get hungry every one to three hours, and newborns especially shouldn't go more than four hours without eating. Keep the lights off. Especially with older babies whose bodies have begun to develop a circadian rhythm that's guided by light and dark, don't turn on the lights or take your baby into a lit room when you are trying to soothe her back to sleep in the middle of the night. Avoid diaper changes. While a wet and stinky diaper certainly needs to be dealt with, an unnecessary diaper change can wake your baby up more than she was and make it more difficult to get her back to sleep. Your baby doesn't need her diaper changed after every feeding, so at night, only change a dirty diaper. Try a pacifier. Not only can this help soothe your baby back to sleep, it may also help prevent SIDS. Be sure to use a cord- and clip-free pacifier to prevent choking and strangulation hazards. Recognize the signs of teething discomfort. Particularly fussy babies may be suffering from teething pains, which can start as early as three months. Talk to your doctor about baby-safe painkillers if you suspect teething is preventing your baby from getting a good night's sleep. Teething signs include: Excessive drooling or a wet bed sheet under her head Tender and swollen gums Mild fever

Make a sleep schedule. Feed your baby. Give her a gentle massage. Have bath time. Put on a fresh diaper and pajamas. Read your baby a story. Put her to bed when she is sleepy but still awake. Lay her down on her back. Turn off the lights. Feed her before you go to sleep for the night. Keep an empty crib. Swaddle her. Don’t tiptoe around. Try calming essential oils. Remove allergen sources from the room. Be efficient and quiet. Keep the lights off. Avoid diaper changes. Try a pacifier. Recognize the signs of teething discomfort.

https://www.wikihow.life/Reduce-Cellulite

How to Reduce Cellulite

To reduce cellulite quickly, apply an over-the-counter cream with caffeine to get a temporary tightening effect on the skin that will last for a few hours. You could also try dry skin brushing where you massage your whole body with firm, circular strokes using a natural-bristle brush. To fight cellulite with your diet, drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, avoid sugar and high carb foods, and eat food with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids like fish and walnuts.

Apply a prescription retinol cream. Retinol can help thicken your skin's outer layer, which can help hide cellulite. Products with about 0.3% retinol seem to work the best and are available at any drugstore or beauty store. Apply your retinol cream to the affected area once a day. The best time to do this is at night, because retinol can make your skin susceptible to sun damage. Results from using retinol can take up to 6 months to appear, and they should last as long as you continue using the product. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use retinol. Visit a dermatologist for subcision. With subcision, a needle is inserted into the site of the cellulite and is used to alter the connective tissue under the skin. This has been shown to reduce skin dimpling, and the results from one procedure can last up to 2 years or more. You'll have to pay out-of-pocket, though, since cellulite treatments are not usually covered by medical insurance. Visit a medical spa to try Cellulaze. Cellulaze is an FDA-approved treatment which uses radiofrequency to melt the fat and cut away the septa (or connective tissues) that surround fat cells. It also heats up the skin to encourage it to produce more collagen. If your skin is stronger, cellulite won't be able to push through as easily. Cellulaze isn't covered by insurance and it can be costly (upwards of $5000 out of pocket) but it's a one-time procedure that offer a significant reduction in cellulite. Try the Godoy & Godoy method for reducing cellulite. A combination of lymph drainage and massage, known as the Godoy & Godoy method, was recently found to be effective at treating cellulite. Lymphatic massage uses gentle pressure to move fluids away from the affected area, and it can be performed by a physical therapist. In a recent study, patients underwent 10 4-hour procedures over the course of 2 weeks, and all of the patients saw significant results. Slather on an over-the-counter cream that contains caffeine. When used in a lotion, caffeine has a temporary tightening effect on the skin, which reduces the appearance of cellulite. The effects will only last a few hours, but this is a great trick if you have a date or other special occasion and you want to look your best! Try endermologie. A favorite of celebrities, endermologie involves visiting a massage therapist who uses rollers to soften the connective tissue and cellulite below the skin. It won't make your cellulite go away, but it can change the structure of the connective tissue and temporarily reduce the dimpling associated with cellulite. It usually takes several treatments to see results, and you can return for treatment every 4 weeks. Cellulite usually returns within about a month of stopping treatment. You can get an endermologie machine to use at home, but the results are often inconsistent, so it's best to visit a professional. Apply a self-tanner. Getting a spray tan or applying self-tanner will give your skin an even, smooth appearance. Self tanners usually last 3-4 days, while spray tans last about a week. This can help hide the lumps and bumps caused by cellulite, even if it's only temporary. As a bonus, self-tanner has a slimming effect! Natural sun tanning and tanning beds can temporarily mask cellulite, but they'll also make it even more noticeable in the future. Sun damage weakens your skin, allowing the fat to show through after the tan has gone away. Try dry skin brushing. Use a natural-bristle brush with a long handle, and brush your whole body with firm, circular strokes. Focus especially on areas that are prone to cellulite. Massaging is thought to improve circulation and help the body target and burn fat. You can do this daily, and results last as long as you continue the treatment. . Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day If you're dehydrated, it affects your skin and causes cellulite to be more apparent. Try to drink at least 64 fluid ounces (1,900 ml) of water per day to stay hydrated and healthy. Carry a bottle of water with you as you go about your day to help keep hydration on your mind. Eat a low-sodium diet. Eating foods that are high in salt can cause your fat cells to swell, making cellulite appear more pronounced. Try to eat less salt throughout the day. Avoid boxed and frozen meals and processed foods like deli meats, because these can all be hiding high levels of sodium. Avoid sugar and high-carb foods. Carbs and sugars are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to causing cellulite, so avoid pasta, breads, and sweets. Opt for healthy foods instead. Fill your plate with plenty of fiber by choosing whole-grain foods, fruits, and veggies. Look for These will keep you feeling full longer, so you'll eat less in the long run. Lentils, berries, barley, bran, almonds, and broccoli are all great examples of foods that are high in fiber. . Eat more fish The omega-3 fatty acids in fish like salmon, tuna, and trout can help repair skin tissue and fibers and make them stronger. In addition, the antioxidants in fish can break down the fat cells in cellulite. You should eat these fish at least twice a week to get the omega-3 fatty acids you need. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include cod liver, flaxseed oil, canola oil, soybeans, and walnuts. Practice an active lifestyle. Even if it's hard to find time to get to the gym, you can still be active in your free time. Try to get up and move around while you're watching TV, walk the dog an extra lap around the block, or take a break every 30 minutes at work to stretch. Living a healthier lifestyle will help you lose weight and reduce cellulite. . Do a cardio workout Cardio has been shown to have tons of healthy benefits, including its effect on reducing cellulite. Try to work in 30-60 minutes of cardio 3 times a week. Vary your cardio routines between moderate aerobic exercises designed to give you endurance, like running, swimming, and dancing, and interval routines which push you to become stronger, like weight training, sprinting, and jumping. Focus on strength training. If you build muscle, you're going to reduce the layer of fat that creates cellulite. Twice a week, try a 30-minute strength-training routine that works your lower body, including your hamstrings, quads, hips, and glutes. Focus on squats, planks, step-ups, and lunges to erase cellulite, but remember to balance your workout with some upper-body training too.

Apply a prescription retinol cream. Visit a dermatologist for subcision. Visit a medical spa to try Cellulaze. Try the Godoy & Godoy method for reducing cellulite. Slather on an over-the-counter cream that contains caffeine. Try endermologie. Apply a self-tanner. Try dry skin brushing. . Eat a low-sodium diet. Avoid sugar and high-carb foods. . Practice an active lifestyle. . Focus on strength training.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Lettuce-Has-Gone-Bad

How to Tell if Lettuce Has Gone Bad

To tell if your lettuce has gone bad, look for brown or black spots on its leaves, which indicate that it ha started to decay. The leaves may also be slimy, soft, droopy, or wrinkled if they've gone bad. Fresh lettuce usually has little to no smell, so if it smells bad or pungent, it's best to throw it out. Similarly, if your lettuce tastes sour or strange, it's probably gone bad.

Look for brown or black leaves that indicate rotting. Discolorations are very recognizable when they appear. Normal lettuce is typically a light-green or yellow color, although varieties such as Red Coral have purple leaves. When the dark spots appear on multiple leaves in place of these colors, your lettuce is on its way out. Discolored lettuce often feels slimy and smells bad as well. Small brown spots usually aren't harmful if you eat them. You can also cut around them if the rest of the lettuce leaf is still healthy. Throw out lettuce with a strong, rancid smell. Fresh lettuce has little to no smell. You may be able to detect an earthy scent from the soil the lettuce grew in. Lettuce that smells pungent is rotting. The rotten smell will be very unpleasant, so it is easy to detect. The smell will be so off-putting that you won't want to eat the lettuce anyway, but it is often accompanied by discoloration and slime on the leaves. Check the leaves for signs of wilting. Fresh lettuce is firm and crisp. As lettuce ages, it becomes soft, droopy, and wrinkled. You can spot these changes by eye or by touching the leaves. These leaves may not yet feel wet, but the lettuce is still near spoiling when it begins to wilt. Lettuce wilts right before it begins to turn brown. You will have to discard it or find a use for it right away. Wilted lettuce is safe to eat if it hasn't begun rotting. You can try soaking it in ice water for up to 30 minutes, which may restore its crispness. Touch the leaves to see if they feel wet. In case your leaves aren't noticeably rotten, be aware of their texture. You may be able to see moisture on the leaves as well as feel it. A sticky or slippery substance forms on the leaves as they begin to degrade, indicating softness and rot. Although wet leaves may still be safe to eat, they won't taste very good. The leaves become soft as they wilt. Throw away bags of lettuce that look swollen or moist. You won't be able to smell or touch the lettuce until you open the bag, but you may still see some signs of spoilage. The bag will puff up as moisture escapes the leaves. You may see beads of water collecting on the inside of the bag. Moisture creates the perfect growing spot for bacteria and mold, so don't eat the lettuce. You may be able to see brown spots in a spoiled bag of lettuce. You can also try opening the bag. The lettuce will have that nasty, rotten smell if it has gone bad. Taste the lettuce to see if it is sour. Find a piece of lettuce that looks safe to eat and nibble on it. You are most likely familiar with the inoffensive, watery taste of fresh lettuce. Spoiled lettuce will taste the same way rotten lettuce smells. It will have a very strong, rancid, sour taste that will make you want to spit it out. Avoid eating the lettuce if it is sour. Throw it away immediately. Store full heads of lettuce without cutting them. Full heads of lettuce tend to last longer than individual leaves. You don't need to do anything special to store them. Leave them intact and place them in a cool, dry spot in your refrigerator. Heads of lettuce last around 10 days when stored this way. A vegetable crisper is a great place to store heads of lettuce, but not all refrigerators have this drawer. You can also wrap the lettuce in paper towels to absorb damaging moisture. Keep lettuce away from ethylene-producing fruit such as bananas and tomatoes. Place loose leaves in a paper-lined plastic storage container. Place 2 or 3 layers of paper towels in a resealable plastic container. If you don't have a container, you can also use plastic sandwich bags. Set the leaves on top of the paper towels, then cover them with more paper towels. The paper towels absorb moisture, keeping the lettuce crisper for longer. Seal the storage container when you are done. This will help keep out harmful moisture and gas. However, unsealed lettuce will still survive well in a crisper. You may want to do this for pre-cut lettuce in a bag as well. Moisture can't escape the closed bag, so the lettuce may rot faster than you would like. Store the lettuce in a cool, dry spot in your refrigerator. Keep the area well-ventilated so that moisture drains from the lettuce. A vegetable crisper drawer is the best spot. If this isn't possible, stick the lettuce on the front end of a shelf away from ethylene-producing fruits like bananas and tomatoes. Lettuce leaves usually last up to 5 days but may last longer if stored properly. Be careful when storing lettuce in the back of the refrigerator. Not only does this make forgetting about the lettuce easier, but the cold from the freezer can damage the lettuce. You can also move the container of lettuce to the freezer. Since lettuce has a lot of water in it, it won't stay crisp, but you can still use it for cooking. Replace the paper towels daily if you use them to store lettuce. The paper towels will get damp as they collect moisture from the lettuce. You can replace them when you notice them getting damp, but to be safe, replace them every day. You may be able to keep your lettuce fresher for longer this way. While changing out the paper towels, take the time to pick out any wilted or decaying leaves so they don't spoil the rest of the batch. Wash lettuce right before using it. Rinse lettuce off by filling your sink with cold water, then swishing the lettuce around in it by hand for a few minutes. This should remove any dirt still on the lettuce. Try to wash only as much lettuce as you need so that the rest of the lettuce doesn't have excess moisture lingering on it. Moisture causes lettuce to soften and decay, so you want to avoid it as much as possible. You may rinse the lettuce off under running water, but lettuce is delicate and may bruise. Bruised or damaged leaves tend to decay faster. Dry the lettuce completely before storing it. If you have leftover lettuce leaves, they need to be free of moisture before being put into storage. The easiest way to do this is to put the leaves in a salad spinner. Spin them until they are completely dry. You can also pat the lettuce with a paper towel or roll it up in a towel to gently squeeze out the moisture.

Look for brown or black leaves that indicate rotting. Throw out lettuce with a strong, rancid smell. Check the leaves for signs of wilting. Touch the leaves to see if they feel wet. Throw away bags of lettuce that look swollen or moist. Taste the lettuce to see if it is sour. Store full heads of lettuce without cutting them. Place loose leaves in a paper-lined plastic storage container. Store the lettuce in a cool, dry spot in your refrigerator. Replace the paper towels daily if you use them to store lettuce. Wash lettuce right before using it. Dry the lettuce completely before storing it.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Baked-Potato-on-the-Grill

How to Make a Baked Potato on the Grill

To make a baked potato on the grill, start by washing the potato under cool running water and removing any blemishes or green spots with a knife or vegetable peeler. Then, pat the potato dry, poke holes in the skin using a fork, and wrap it in aluminum foil. Place your foil wrapped potato on the hottest part of the grill, then cover the grill and cook for 40 minutes on high heat. Alternatively, remove the potato from the foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking if you want to brown the skins.

Wash the potatoes. Run each potato under cool water and use your hands or a soft sponge to scrub it clean of dirt. Prepare each potato. Using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, remove any blemishes or green spots. Pat the potatoes dry. Dry potato skins absorb oil, butter and seasonings better, making the potatoes more flavorful. Poke holes in the potatoes. Before wrapping your potatoes in foil, use a fork to poke a few holes across the skin. This allows the heat to vent from the potatoes for even cooking. Wrap your potato in aluminum foil. Tear off sheets of foil for all the potatoes you plan to cook and wrap them tightly in the foil. Be sure the potatoes are covered completely. You can roll them in the foil and pinch the sides closed or fold the foil over them and fold the sides. Place your potatoes on the grill. Turn on your grill and adjust the heat to high. Spread your foil wrapped potatoes out over the grill. Place them close together and on the hottest part of the grill. If you are cooking many potatoes, you can pile them in even thickness over the hottest part of the grill. This way, once the bottom row begins to char, it will be time to flip them. Cover and cook. Close the grill lid and let the potatoes cook for 40 minutes. If cooking multiple rows of potatoes, flip half way through cooking time. When you first try this method, you might want to use slightly shorter cooking times and check the potatoes (unfold the foil with tongs; the steam will be hot enough to burn). If they are not fully cooked, rewrap them and grill for a few more minutes. If they're too charred but not done in the middle, put them back on, away from the hottest part of the grill, and cover the grill. The amount of heat and the size of the potatoes determine their cooking time. Generally, when grilled with the lid down, whole foil wrapped potatoes take 30 to 45 minutes to cook through. In the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking, you can remove the potatoes from the foil and return them to the grill, unwrapped. This will brown the skins. Wash the potatoes. Rinse your potatoes in cool or cold water to wash away any dirt. Scrub them gently with a soft sponge to clean them. Prepare each potato. You may have to cut away some green or brown spots. Use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to carefully slice away the blemishes. Pat the potatoes dry. If you plan to season the skins, dry potatoes are much better at absorbing seasonings. Do not pierce the skins of the potatoes if you are not wrapping them. Piercing allows the moisture to escape, which will dry out the potato. Brush the skins with oil. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking to the grill and create a crispier skin. In a small bowl, mix cooking oil with a small amount of butter, salt, pepper, and garlic for a tasty seasoning spread. Place potatoes on metal skewers. Placing your potatoes on skewers makes the grilling process easier. Place 3 to 4 potatoes on each skewer depending on size. You can also place your potatoes directly onto the grill if you prefer. Put your potatoes on the grill. Using indirect heat, place the skewered potatoes on the edge furthest from the direct heat source. Cook your potatoes. Cook over the indirect heat for 30 to 40 minutes with the grill lid down. Gradually roll the potatoes toward the direct heat. Wash your potatoes. Rinse your potatoes with cool water and scrub them with a soft sponge. Remove the blemishes. Most potatoes have a few green or brown spots. Use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to cut these parts away. Peel and soak the potatoes (optional). Remove the skin by peeling with a vegetable peeler or using a sharp utility knife. Remove all the skin and then remove any green spots or blemishes that remain. When the potato is completely peeled, place it in cold water immediately until ready to cook or ready to cut to desired size. The cold water will prevent the outer surface of the potato from discoloring. Always peel or cut away from your hand when skinning potatoes. Cut the potatoes. Cut lengthwise into 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick slices. Leave your potatoes in slices to make wedges or cut again into chunks. Brush the potato pieces. Brush your potatoes immediately with cooking oil and seasonings. Brushing potatoes right away prevents them from turning brown and sticking to the grate when placed on the grill. In a small bowl, mix cooking oil with a small amount of butter, salt, pepper, and garlic for a tasty seasoning spread. Place the potato pieces directly on the grill. Place them toward the center of the grill with one of the cut sides down. If you cut your potato pieces into chunks, you can place them on a piece of foil or on skewers before putting them on the grill to keep from loosing them in-between the grates. Cook your potatoes. Adjust your grill to medium heat and cook for 5 to 6 minutes and turn to the other cut side. Cook on second side for 5 to 6 minutes and then turn wedges so the skin side is down. Finish cooking until tender. Potato wedges should be nicely brown. Serve while hot. Toss your potatoes in a seasoning mix before grilling. Try olive oil with coarse salt, freshly ground pepper or a few hot red pepper flakes and chopped hardy herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage. You can also try garlic, butter, seasoning salt, or anything you prefer. Create a sauce and coat your potatoes before grilling. Try mustard, mayonnaise, and herbs. Save some of the sauce and use it as a dip for your cooked potatoes. Create a dry rub. Coat the potatoes well with olive oil before sprinkling your favorite dried spices over the potatoes. Rub the spices all over the outside and edges. Try salt, cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, allspice, freshly ground black pepper, and dried thyme with about 1-1/2 tsp. salt and a little sugar, if you like. Combine your potatoes with other vegetables. If grilling in a packet, try adding other cut up vegetables to the same package to create unique taste combinations. Sliced onions, carrots or squash are good combinations for grilling with potatoes.

Wash the potatoes. Prepare each potato. Pat the potatoes dry. Poke holes in the potatoes. Wrap your potato in aluminum foil. Place your potatoes on the grill. Cover and cook. Wash the potatoes. Prepare each potato. Pat the potatoes dry. Brush the skins with oil. Place potatoes on metal skewers. Put your potatoes on the grill. Cook your potatoes. Wash your potatoes. Remove the blemishes. Peel and soak the potatoes (optional). Cut the potatoes. Brush the potato pieces. Place the potato pieces directly on the grill. Cook your potatoes. Toss your potatoes in a seasoning mix before grilling. Create a sauce and coat your potatoes before grilling. Create a dry rub. Combine your potatoes with other vegetables.

https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Piano-Man

How to Play Piano Man

To play Piano Man, start by listening to the song several times, paying special attention to how the verses repeat. Breaking the song down this way will make it simpler to learn. Next, learn the right hand placement, which will mostly play the chords. Then, the left hand will play the basic bass accompaniment. As you practice, keep a light touch on the keys to get the right feel of the song, which is a wistful waltz.

Learn the basic chords. While it takes technique and rhythm to play the song the way it is meant to be played, you've got to start by learning the basic chords. There are a few basic chord patterns, the Intro, the verse/chorus, the little riff that he uses to transition between the instrumental parts and singing, and the bridge. The chords to the Intro are : D minor 7 D diminished 7 The chords to the verse/chorus are : C major C diminished/B A minor A minor/B F major D minor/F# G major 7 The chords to the transition riff are : C major F major C major 7 G major The bridge chords (where he sings "la la la") are : A minor A minor/G D major/F# F major G major Learn the right hand placement. In this song, the chords are mostly played with the right hand while the left hand follows them in a basic bass descending bass accompaniment (marked above with the note after the "/". Throughout the singing part, play the chord with your right hand and follow along providing bass with your left about an octave down. The bridge is the same. A big part of the song is the descending bassline, which moves the song forward. In the verse, for instance, the right hand will basically hand on the C chord position, but the bass will descend from C to B ("Play me a song…"). Listen to the song to get the timing right and practice some to get the right bass notes. The Intro lick and the riff between the verses is chorded with the left hand and while the right hand plays melodic flourishes on the basic chord. Understand the structure of the song. When you've got the chords down, playing the song itself isn't too complicated. The song features several short verses of four lines each, and features the distinctive harmonica break between some of them. Before each chorus ("Sing us a song, you're the piano man…") he plays the bridge chord sequence to build up the dynamics, and after each chorus, he plays the harmonica break and the transition chord sequence. The most complicated part is that some of the verses involve more 4-line sections than others, and he also varies the pattern some, so it takes some practice to get the whole thing right. The basic structure of the song is as follows: Intro riff / Verse / Harmonica Break / Verse / Bridge Chorus / Harmonica Break / Transition Verse / Verse / Bridge / Verse / Harmonica Break / Verse / Piano Solo Chorus / Harmonica Break / Transition Verse / Verse / Bridge Chorus / Harmonica Break / Transition Get the right feel. The song is a bar-room ballad in 3/4, which means it should be played as a wistful waltz. It should also be played loosely, like a drinking song that might be hammered out on an out-of-tune piano in the corner of a smoky bar. Practice with a light touch on the keys, listening closely to get the right dynamic shifts that Joel uses in his version. The verses are basically played straight, without many right-hand frills, following the descending bassline and the right-hand chords, while the Intro fill, which repeats periodically throughout the song, is more dynamic. Listen to the song repeatedly to get a sense of the nuances. Even sheet music can't quite capture the feel of the song and the little licks Joel throws in to improvise. The feeling of the song is more important than getting all the notes right. Get a C harp. If you want to really kick your performance of the song into high gear, you've got to strap on a harmonica. And you can't just play any song on any old harmonica. Make sure you get a harmonica in the key of C or it'll sound off. In general, most starter harps that you get will be in this key, so play along to a song you know is in C and see if it sounds right to check whether or not you've got the right kind of harp. Marine Band harmonicas can be upward of $30, but are durable and have a high-quality sound, while other cheaper started harps can be much less. Get a harp rack. Following in the footsteps of Joel, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan, put your harmonica in a harp rack around your neck to free-up your hands to play piano and harmonica at the same time to complete the song. Typically, harp racks are available at guitar stores and other music stores and only cost a few bucks. They're cool tools to have on hand to add a little harmonica color to your songs. Put your lips to the harmonica correctly. Purse your lips together as if you were going to whistle, and place them on the center-most hole of the harmonica's keyholes, which should be the fifth from the left. By blowing through (exhaling) this hole only, you will create the note "E." Experiment a bit to learn how to make different sounds on the harmonica. By inhaling through this or any keyhole, you will create a sound one note higher than the blown note. The notes follow standard piano formation, meaning the blown notes to the right of the E are, in order; G, C, E, G, and C, while the inhaled notes are F, A, B, D, F, and A. Play the melody during the harmonica break. Billy Joel would be the first one to tell you that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to play the harmonica part. Since the harp's in C, you won't be able to really blow a bad note, so it's mostly about experimenting with blowing and inhaling in the proper positions to get the melody close. Basically, you'll play E, G, E, C, alternating sucking in and blowing out. Listen to the song and you'll be able to get it after a few tries.

Learn the basic chords. Learn the right hand placement. Understand the structure of the song. Get the right feel. Get a C harp. Get a harp rack. Put your lips to the harmonica correctly. Play the melody during the harmonica break.

https://www.wikihow.pet/Teach-a-Dog-to-Track

How to Teach a Dog to Track

To teach your dog to track, start by teaching it to sit and stay so it can develop the patience needed for tracking. While your dog is seated in one place, show it one of its favorite toys, then allow your dog to watch you place it somewhere in plain sight. After that, practice commanding your dog to retrieve the toy, using a common cue like “seek.” When it has the toy in its mouth, run back to the starting position and encourage your dog to follow. Then, tell your dog to drop the toy and reward it immediately after each successful retrieval.

Choose an area to train your dog. Training your dog to track can be done indoors or outdoors. Because various weather elements (e.g., wind, temperature) can affect scent molecules, you may want to start his training inside to keep the scent in one place, so to speak. Whether you train inside or outside, try to eliminate potential distractions, such as other pets, people and loud noises. Select an object for your dog to track. Although there are many ways to hone your dog's natural tracking instincts, most dogs will enjoy following the scent of their favorite toy. Choose your dog's favorite toy, and use it for each training session. Play fetch with your dog. Playing with your dog before your training session will get him warmed up and excited to train. Fetch is a great game to get your dog warmed up because it is so similar to tracking. Play with your dog for about 10 to 15 minutes before beginning your training session. Command your dog to sit and/or stay. Spend some time teaching your dog these commands if he is not yet familiar with them. Having him stay in one place will teach him patience and will help your track training go more smoothly. Attach your dog's leash to his collar when he is situated in one place. Hide your dog’s toy in plain sight. Although your dog's tracking sense is likely very sharp, his training should first involve him retrieving his toy when it is plain sight. While your dog is seated or standing in one place, hold the toy in front of him. Allow your dog to watch you as you place the toy where he can see it. Command your dog to retrieve the toy. Pick up your dog's leash and give him a verbal cue to get the toy. Common cues include 'search,' 'seek,' and 'find it.' Your dog may follow your command with ease the first time. On the other hand, your dog may not initially understand what you want him to do. If your dog needs extra help, guide him with his leash to the toy. When he has the toy in his mouth, run back to your starting position and encourage him to follow you with the toy still in his mouth. Tell your dog to drop his toy when you and he reach the starting position. You may need to practice hiding the toy and giving your dog the verbal cue several times until he can retrieve the toy without your guidance. Reward your dog immediately with verbal praise and a treat when he retrieves the toy. Hide the toy where your dog cannot see it. To challenge your dog, hide your dog's toy so that it is out of his line of sight. This will allow your dog to use his nose, rather than his eyes, to find his toy. Examples of where you can hide his toy include a different room, under furniture, or under a cardboard box. As you did before, command your dog to sit or stay, hide the toy, then command him to find it. Remember to allow him to sniff the toy before you hide it. Reward him immediately when he finds the toy and brings it back to you. Use the wind to improve your dog’s tracking skills. Once your dog has gotten good at using his nose to find his toy, challenge him even more by incorporating wind into your training. After you hide the toy, stand downwind of it with your dog. By facing downwind, the wind will carry the scent of your dog's toy to his nose, allowing him to find it more easily. Downwind means that the wind will be in your face. If you stand upwind, your dog will actually have to run past the toy until he is downwind of it. He probably won't mind doing this, but it may increase your training time. Have a helper hide the toy. This is another way to challenge your dog during your track training sessions. As you stand silently with your dog, have someone else hide the toy while your dog is watching him or her. Command your dog to retrieve the toy when the helper comes back to you. Your helper may need to initially hide the toy in an easy place so your dog can adjust to someone else hiding the toy. Your helper can then escalate the difficulty by hiding the toy in a harder place to find and not having the dog follow his or her movements. Make sure not to verbally encourage your dog to follow your helper's movements. Your dog will probably look at you rather than your helper. Purchase a track line and track harness. A track line is used for more advanced track training. The line serves as a means of communication between you and your dog as he tracks. Track lines are typically made of rope, leather, or webbing and attach to your dog's collar or track harness. Rope is strong and inexpensive, but can burn your hands if you are not wearing gloves. Leather has a natural feel and is less likely to burn your hands, but can stretch over time. A track line made of webbing is durable and long lasting. The ideal webbing is 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick. Track lines vary in length, but 20 feet should be a sufficient length for your training purposes. You can purchase a track line and track harness at your local pet store. Lay the track. You will need a large outdoor space to lay the track. You will also need a few items to create the track: several flags, food morsels, and two objects. The first object will be the object your dog needs to find, and the second object will be the one you allow your dog to sniff before he begins tracking. Fabric objects (e.g., socks, gloves) are ideal to use, since they hold a scent fairly well. To prevent scent contamination, place the second object in a plastic bag until you give your dog the command to track. Place one flag at the beginning of the track, and another one at the end (about 10 to 15 feet away). Place several flags in between so your dog knows to walk in a straight line. Spread food morsels along the length of the track. Starting at the beginning of the track, take small steps and place the morsels where you step. The morsels should only be a few inches away from each other. The food morsels should be a tasty treat that you know your dog will want to eat. Place the first object at end of the track. Return to your dog. After you finish laying the track, walk back to your dog without walking back down the track. This will likely confuse the scent along the track, thus confusing your dog. Rather, hop sideways off the track and walk back to your dog. Attach your track line to your dog's harness when you are at the start of the track. If you have to walk him to track, attach the track line to your dog's collar first. You want to make sure your dog associates the track line-track harness attachment with only tracking. Command your dog to track. After you have attached your track line to your dog's track harness, pull the second object out of the plastic bag and allow your dog to sniff it. Then, give your dog your verbal cue and let him move out in front of you as he begins to track. Use your hands to feed him more track line as he progresses down the track. When he retrieves the second object at the end of the track, walk up to him and reward him immediately with verbal praise and a treat. Shorten the distance of your track line as you walk up to him. Detach your track line from his track harness and attach it back to his collar as you lead him away from the track. Challenge your dog with more advanced tracks. It may not take long for your dog to master a short, straight track. You can challenge his tracking even more by adding distance to the track, or adding twists and turns. You can also increase the distance between the food morsels along the track.

Choose an area to train your dog. Select an object for your dog to track. Play fetch with your dog. Command your dog to sit and/or stay. Hide your dog’s toy in plain sight. Command your dog to retrieve the toy. Hide the toy where your dog cannot see it. Use the wind to improve your dog’s tracking skills. Have a helper hide the toy. Purchase a track line and track harness. Lay the track. Return to your dog. Command your dog to track. Challenge your dog with more advanced tracks.

https://www.wikihow.com/Induce-Labor-at-Home

How to Induce Labor at Home

If you want to try to induce labor at home, eat pineapple or drink pineapple juice, since it contains bromelain, which can help soften the cervix. You can also use herbal supplements to soften the cervix by taking 500mg primrose oil capsules 3 times a day. Alternatively, consider going for a 15-minute walk up a steep hill, which could help stir the baby into moving downward in your body. To encourage your muscles to start contracting, consider trying acupressure, where you apply direct, firm pressure to the webbing between your thumb and index finger, as well as the skin about 3 inches above the inside of your ankle bone. If none of these methods work, call your doctor, who may recommend inducing labor by manually breaking your water.

Eat pineapple. Pineapple is one fruit that may trigger labor. It contains bromelain, which may help soften and “ripen” the cervix. This is a key stage in bringing on labor. Eat pineapple plain, drink pineapple juice or make a fruit smoothie with pineapple. Eat licorice. Black licorice might stimulate labor. Get natural licorice that contains less sugar. You can also get licorice in pill form. Licorice can stimulate cramps in the bowel by having a laxative effect. Bowel cramps may help induce uterine cramps. Eat plenty of fiber. Foods that are rich in fiber will help you avoid being constipated. If you are constipated, you will have a full bowel or rectum, which takes up space that the baby may need to move lower down in your body. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables during the last few weeks of your pregnancy. Eating prunes, dates, and other dried fruits can help as well. Drink red raspberry leaf tea. This tea can strengthen and tone the uterus, and can help the muscles start to contract. Brew a cup by pouring 6 fluid ounces (180 mL) of boiling water over one tea bag. Let it steep for 3 minutes. Let it cool and drink. Make red raspberry leaf iced tea in the summer for a refreshing drink. Rest on all fours. Resting on all fours may help the baby into a good position. When the baby's head puts downward pressure on your cervix, the cervix starts to efface, or shortens and thins out. Resting on all fours for 10 minutes at a time, several times a day, can help move the baby's head into the optimal position. Don’t recline backward on the couch. You are probably exhausted at this late stage of pregnancy and ready to just relax. But reclining or sitting back on the couch can be counterproductive to making sure the baby is in the right position for labor. Instead, lay on the couch on your left side, slightly rolled forward. Prop yourself up with cushions to make it comfortable. Bounce on a birth ball. A birth ball is a large bouncy ball (they are also used in exercising) that can help you sit comfortably towards the end of pregnancy. You can also use this ball to help you cope with labor. Sitting or bouncing on the ball, while spreading your legs wide, can help the baby move downward. Go for a walk. Walking can help stir the baby into moving downward in your body. Once the baby's head puts pressure on the cervix, labor isn't far behind. Try walking for 15-20 minutes. Getting out in the fresh air can also be beneficial. Try walking up a steep hill. This will force your body to lean forward at an angle. Leaning at a 40-45 degree angle can help the baby move in the right downward direction. Have sex. Having sex with a partner can help release prostaglandins, which are similar to hormones in your body. Prostaglandins can bring on labor. Sperm from an ejaculation inside the vagina can help to soften and dilate the cervix, also readying the body for labor. Having an orgasm stimulates prostaglandins, so if you don't feel comfortable having sex, you can still have an orgasm on your own. Do not have sex if your water has already broken, as this can put you at risk for infection. Stimulate your nipples. Nipple stimulation is another way to induce uterine contractions. Use your thumb and forefinger to roll the nipple for 2 minutes. Give it a rest for 3 minutes. Continue this process for about 20 minutes. If you don't feel any contractions, increase the rolling part to 3 minutes, with the rests lasting 2 minutes. Use olive oil on your fingers to prevent irritation. Try castor oil. Ingesting castor oil causes intestinal cramps and stimulates the bowels. By contracting intestinal and bowel muscles, you may cause uterine contractions. These methods will cause diarrhea, which can be extremely uncomfortable. Mix 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of castor oil in a glass of juice. Drink it all at once. Alternately, you can try an in-home enema. However, use this method only once, and proceed with extreme caution. It can clear out your bowels and leave you quite dehydrated and uncomfortable. Take a warm bath. Sitting in a warm bath can help you relax your body and release tension in your muscles. Make sure the water is not so hot that your skin turns red. You don't want to stress the baby with excessive heat. Try visualization. Sit in a meditative state and imagine the start of the birth process. Breathe deeply and visualize your contractions starting. Visualize your cervix dilating. Imagine your baby moving further down your body to the birth canal. Search online for an audio meditation for inducing labor. These are often available as downloadable mp3 tracks. They may also be available by searching for “hypnobirthing,” which uses similar techniques to sustain you throughout the entire natural birthing process. Have a good cry. Crying can release tension in your body, which can help your body relax enough to bring on labor. This point in your pregnancy can be a very stressful time, so give yourself the opportunity to cry it out. Grab a box of tissues and watch a good tearjerker movie to get the tears started if you need to. Get a massage. Getting a relaxing massage can be a great way to help your body stay calm. Make sure your massage practitioner is knowledgeable about giving prenatal massage. When you are getting your massage, lie down on your left side with a pillow between your knees to support your body. Know when a would doctor will induce labor. If you are committed to a home birth, you should still have a doctor or midwife present. Most doctors will not rush to induce labor unless there are extenuating circumstances, including when: Your water breaks, but there are no contractions. You are two weeks past your due date. You have a uterine infection You have gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or not enough amniotic fluid. There is a problem with the placenta or baby's positioning/growth. Expect the doctor's first action to be to strip the membrane from the amniotic sac. With gloved fingers, the doctor will reach into the cervix and rub the membrane of the amniotic sac until it separates from the uterine wall. Naturally-released hormones then usually kick-start labor. Expect the doctor to potentially break your water manually. Known medically as an "amniotomy," the doctor uses a thin hook to break the amniotic sac. This almost always brings on labor within a few hours. While it is short, this may be painful and uncomfortable. Prepare to be prescribed prostaglandin, a natural hormone. It may be applied directly to the vagina or taken orally. This usually happens in a hospital, and it thins out the cervix to prepare it for labor. This often leads to strong cramping and some pain. Expect to be prescribed oxytocin through an IV at the hospital. This is generally for slowed or stalling labor. In emergencies, like those outlined above, it can also help induce labor. Labor induced with oxytocin often leads to more frequent contractions. Understand the risks of inducing labor. These strategies do not always work, especially if the body is not quite ready to go into labor. If you've tried to induce labor and it failed, it is imperative to get to a medical facility. The following risks and precautions should be carefully minded: Infection (especially if water has broken) Tears in the uterine wall Late pre-term babies (beginning labor prematurely) Irregular contractions. Get to the hospital if your water breaks. When you go into labor, you need to get to the hospital immediately. A sure sign that you've started labor is your water breaking. When your water breaks, call your doctor and start heading to the hospital. When your water breaks, your baby is exposed to the outside environment and is at risk of infection. Go straight to a hospital. You should start to feel contractions after your water breaks, but if you don't you still need to go to the hospital to make sure everything is okay. Go to a doctor if you fall or injure yourself. Physical activity like walking or galloping is great for naturally promoting labor, but you could possibly injure yourself or fall down. If you do, you need to get to a doctor as soon as possible to make sure your baby is okay. A small injury like a twisted ankle shouldn't require medical care, but call your doctor to be sure. If you do fall down on your belly, don't panic. Go to the hospital to get checked out. Stay calm so you don't stress your baby. Seek emergency care if you have an allergic reaction to herbal treatments. Even the mildest of herbs can cause adverse reactions in some people. Because you're pregnant, you need to take extra precautions if you have a negative reaction to an herbal treatment. Go straight to the hospital if you have an allergic reaction. Even mild symptoms like hives, itchy eyes, or splotchy skin can be harmful to your baby. Serious symptoms of an allergic reaction include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and asthma-like wheezing. Talk to your doctor if you experience anxiety or depression. You may be worried or depressed about going into labor. Your doctor may be able to help you cope with the road ahead of you or provide assistance to help stimulate labor. Don't keep your negative feelings to yourself, reach out to your doctor and tell them what's going on. Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist who can help you cope with your issues. Depression is a common symptom during pregnancy, so you're not alone in feeling this way. Many symptoms of depression or anxiety will go away after you deliver your baby.

Eat pineapple. Eat licorice. Eat plenty of fiber. Drink red raspberry leaf tea. Rest on all fours. Don’t recline backward on the couch. Bounce on a birth ball. Go for a walk. Have sex. Stimulate your nipples. Try castor oil. Take a warm bath. Try visualization. Have a good cry. Get a massage. Know when a would doctor will induce labor. Expect the doctor's first action to be to strip the membrane from the amniotic sac. Expect the doctor to potentially break your water manually. Prepare to be prescribed prostaglandin, a natural hormone. Expect to be prescribed oxytocin through an IV at the hospital. Understand the risks of inducing labor. Get to the hospital if your water breaks. Go to a doctor if you fall or injure yourself. Seek emergency care if you have an allergic reaction to herbal treatments. Talk to your doctor if you experience anxiety or depression.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cite-a-Source-in-APA-Format

How to Cite a Source in APA Format

The right way to cite a source using APA depends on what you're sourcing. To write an in-text citation for a book in APA, start with the author's last name, then the year the material was published, and finally the page number. Place this information in parentheses at the end of the sentence with the quoted or paraphrased material. To cite a book in your reference list at the end of your essay, start with the author's last name, then their initials. Follow this with the year of publication and the title of the book. If this is a second edition or later, or if there was a translator, note this information after the title. Finally, add the city of publication, the state's abbreviation, and the publisher.

Use the author's last name first to create a citation in the reference list. In APA style, you only use initials for the first and last name. Follow the last name with a comma, then add the person's first and middle initial, if both are included. For instance, your citation would begin like this one: Ford, R. G. If the source has more than one author, separate them by commas and an ampersand. Ford, R. G., Macintosh, J. P., & Rose, P. M. Add the year of publication next. Place the year in parentheses, and follow it by a period. You can find the year of publication on the front or back of the title page. Your entry will be like this: Ford, R. G. (2015). Put the title of the book next. Place the title in italics. Use sentence-style capitalization, which means you capitalize the first word only (and any proper nouns). That includes capitalizing the first word after a colon. Your citation now is like this: Ford, R. G. (2015). The benefits of natural grass. Place the location and publisher next. Add the city of publication, a comma, and the state's abbreviation. Then, put a colon, followed by the publisher. Use a period after the publisher. Now, your entry will look this way: Ford, R. G. (2015). The benefits of natural grass. Eugene, Oregon: University of Oregon. This citation is complete if you have no other information. Add the addition after the title if second edition or later. Put the edition in parentheses using numbers (2nd, 3rd, etc.) and the abbreviation "ed." Put it before the title's final period. You can find this information on the back of the title page. The citation would be like this: Ford, R. G. (2015). The benefits of natural grass (3rd ed.). Eugene, Oregon: University of Oregon. Include the translator after the title if it has one. Place the translator in parentheses with the initials, then the last name. Add the abbreviation "Trans." after the person's name. It should go after the title's final period. Your citation will look like this: Ford, R. G. (2015). The benefits of natural grass. (Frank Roberts, Trans.). Eugene, Oregon: University of Oregon. Create the in-text citation. This citation goes in the sentence where you're citing the information. Use the author's last name, either in the sentence or in parentheses before the end punctuation. Then, add the year of publication, a comma, and a page number. While the page number isn't strictly necessary unless you're using a direct quote, it's still a good idea to include it. Your citation will look like this: As noted by Ford (2015, p. 124), AstroTurf isn't a good alternative to grass. At the end of the sentence, it would look like this: AstroTurf is not a viable substitute for real grass (Ford, 2015, p. 124). If you need to add multiple authors, write it this way: As noted by Ford, Macintosh, & Rose (2015, p. 88), AstroTurf can be damaging to players. After the first citation with multiple authors, write it like this: As noted by Ford et al. (2015, p. 75), AstroTurf is detrimental. Begin with the author's last name, followed by their initials for your reference list citation. Just like a book entry, use the author's last name at the beginning. Use a comma between the last name and first initial. Add a middle initial if the book includes it or a middle name. The reference page entry will begin this way: Cole, B. R. If it has more than one author, include all of them, separated by commas and an ampersand. Only use initials for the first and last name, like this: Cole, B. R., Jackson, G. H., & Briar, J. P. Add the year of publication next. Put the year in parentheses. Typically, you can find the year at the beginning of the article or on the database entry for the journal article. Use a period after the end parenthesis. Your reference will look like this: Cole, B. R. (2010). Use the journal article title next. Do not put it in italics, and use sentence-style capitalization. That means that you only capitalize the first word, proper nouns, and the first word after a colon. Now the entry will look this way: Cole, B. R. (2010). Why we should use grass for playing fields. Add the name of the journal after the article title. Capitalize the journal title like the journal does it, and put the name in italics. Use a comma after the journal name. The reference will look like this: Cole, B. R. (2010). Why we should use grass for playing fields. Sports Field Journal, Add the volume, issue, and/or page numbers. Some journals are paginated by volume. In that case, you add the volume number in italics, a comma, and the page numbers of the article. Some journals are paginated by issue. In that case, add the volume in italics, the issue in parentheses but not in italics, and then the page numbers. So for a journal paginated by volume, it will look like this: Cole, B. R. (2010). Why we should use grass for playing fields. Sports Field Journal, 66 , 859-863. For a journal paginated by issue, you'll do it this way: Cole, B. R. (2010). Why we should use grass for playing fields. Sports Field Journal, 16 (6), 20-16. If that's all the information you have, the citation is complete. Add the DOI if your journal article has one. Most articles will have a DOI, which is the digital object identifier. It's sort of like an ISBN for journal articles. New journal articles will usually have one, but if yours doesn't, you can leave it off. Now your citation looks like this: Cole, B. R. (2010). Why we should use grass for playing fields. Sports Field Journal, 66 , 859-863. doi:10.1434234234 Use a web link for online articles if they don't have a DOI. The URL will help your readers find the article. Add "Retrieved from" and the URL address at the end of the entry. For an article that has its own publicly accessible URL, put that in: Cole, B. R. (2010). Why we should use grass for playing fields. Sports Field Journal, 66 , 859-863. Retrieved from http://www.sportsfieldjournal.com/why_we_should_use_grass If it doesn't have a publicly accessible URL, use the home page of the journal: Cole, B. R. (2010). Why we should use grass for playing fields. Sports Field Journal, 66 , 859-863. Retrieved from http://www.sportsfieldjournal.com/home Make an in-text citation for the sentence where you're citing information. If you use the author's last name in the sentence, you don't need to put it in the citation; just place the citation directly after the last name. Otherwise, place the author's last name, a comma, the year of publication, a comma, and the page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence. You must include the page number with direct quotes; otherwise, it's optional. If the author's name is in the sentence, the citation will look this way: As noted by Cole (2013, p. 45), AstroTurf is a bad way to cover a field. At the end of the sentence, it takes this form: AstroTurf is not a viable substitute for real grass (Ford, 2015, p. 124). If you need to add multiple authors, use this form: As noted by Cole, Jackson, & Briar (2014, p. 58), AstroTurf is bad for scoring goals. After the first citation with multiple authors, add "et al." instead: As noted by Cole et al. (2014, p. 66), AstroTurf is a problem when playing football. Treat essays in books similarly to journal articles in your reference list citation. While you won't include all the same information, an essay in a book is similar. Use the author's name, the date, and the essay title, then add the name of the book. You'll use "In" with the editors names before the title, followed by a comma and the title. Then you'll add the location and publisher. So an essay entry would look like this: Braxton, N. K. (2011). Finding the right playing field. In J. L. Washington and M. P. Hicks (Eds.), AstroTurf versus real grass: The dilemma (55-74). Miami, OK: Small Town Press. You need the "Eds." in parentheses to tell the viewer that those are the editors. The numbers in the parentheses after the title (in italics) are the page numbers of the essay in the book. Note whether a dissertation is unpublished if citing it. Treat it like a book, mostly, but add "Unpublished doctoral dissertation" after the title in parentheses if it's unpublished. Then put the name of the institution, a comma, and the location. So a basic entry would look like this: Harbor, L. R. (2010). Astroturf and the playing field (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of Oregon, Eugene, OR. If it's published, use "Doctoral dissertation," a period, then "Retrieved from" and the database. You'll also need the accession or order number in parentheses, like this: Price, H. F. (2012). Why AstroTurf should be outlawed (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from Sports Central Database. (244412321) Put the organization's name first if that's the author. Some pamphlets and informative documents are authored by organizations or corporations. Instead of an individual, use the organization's name in place of the author's name. If it has an individual author, put it at the end, after the location. Your citation might look like this: The Society for the Best Playing Fields. (2009). Data on injuries across different types of fields. Eugene, OR: G. H. Roberts. Do the same for a government document, but add any publication numbers after the title in parentheses, and use the publisher at the end: National Institute of Sports. (2001). Study of various types of turf for playing fields (DHHS Publication No. ADM 553234-131). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Add the URL at the end of the citation for a webpage. If you're using a report or document from online, put the author and date of publication first. Then, use the title of the document in italics. Finally, add "Retrieved from" and a URL for the webpage. For instance, you might write: Vicks, H. R. & Jackson, G. H. (2014). The advantages of AstroTurf. Retrieved from http://www.astroturfinformationfoundation.com/advantages_of_astroturf/Vicks_Jackson Add the in-text citation to the sentence you're citing. When making an in-text citation, you can use the author's name in the sentence; in that case, the citation can go directly after the name in parentheses without the author's last name in it. Otherwise, the citation goes in parentheses at the end of the sentence. Include the author's last name, a comma, the publication date, a comma, and the page number. Use the page number with a direct quote; if you're not making a direct quote, it's nice to have, but not necessary. If the author's name is in the sentence, use this form: As noted by Ford (2015, p. 124), AstroTurf isn't a good alternative to grass. At the end of the sentence, the citation will look this way: AstroTurf is not a viable substitute for real grass (Ford, 2015, p. 124). If you need to add multiple authors, list all of them: As noted by Ford, Macintosh, & Rose (2015, p. 88), AstroTurf can be damaging to players. After the first citation with multiple authors, put in "et al." instead: As noted by Ford et al. (2015, p. 75), AstroTurf is detrimental.

Use the author's last name first to create a citation in the reference list. Add the year of publication next. Put the title of the book next. Place the location and publisher next. Add the addition after the title if second edition or later. Include the translator after the title if it has one. Create the in-text citation. Begin with the author's last name, followed by their initials for your reference list citation. Add the year of publication next. Use the journal article title next. Add the name of the journal after the article title. Add the volume, issue, and/or page numbers. Add the DOI if your journal article has one. Use a web link for online articles if they don't have a DOI. Make an in-text citation for the sentence where you're citing information. Treat essays in books similarly to journal articles in your reference list citation. Note whether a dissertation is unpublished if citing it. Put the organization's name first if that's the author. Add the URL at the end of the citation for a webpage. Add the in-text citation to the sentence you're citing.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tone-Your-Thighs

How to Tone Your Thighs

To tone your thighs, do resistance exercises like squats or lunges. Alternatively, attach resistance bands to a chair and do leg raises to give your thighs a workout. Combine this with cardiovascular exercises, such as running or swimming, which will help you lose fat and tone your leg muscles. If you have access to a gym, try using the elliptical or leg press machines, because they focus specifically on your thighs.

Do squats. Squats are a great way to build lean muscle and tone your inner thighs. Keeping your feet shoulder-width apart bend your knees to a 90-degree angle. You can do this up against a wall or not, and keep your shoulder blades and lower back pressed up against the wall. Stay in this position for one minute, take a 30-second break, and repeat. Do about ten reps a day. Try squat jumps. Squat down, keeping your back as straight as possible and your eyes straight ahead. Touch the ground with your fingers. The lower you get the better, but don't let your knees come in front of your feet. Now jump straight up, keeping your core centered beneath you. Do as many as you can, then take a one-minute break, then do three-quarters of whatever number you just did. Do exercises like this three or four times a week if you can. Try the curtsy lunge. Lunges are great for your thighs and target the muscles directly. Step one leg back behind and across your backside, bending the front leg 90 degrees to lower yourself closer to the floor. Keep as much weight as possible on the front leg. Return to an upright position with your feet side by side. Repeat. Do this exercise on both sides. . Do dumbbell lunges Lunges are a great way to build muscle and burn fat. Begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, with a 5-10 pound dumbbell in each hand. Step forward with one foot and make sure the front thigh is parallel with the ground. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Repeat with the other leg. Do about 20 lunges a day. This is an exercise that you can do at home if you have dumbbells available, or try it without dumbbells, which is still a really good body-weight exercise. If lunging with dumbbells is too difficult, try doing them without weights. . Use resistance bands You can use resistance bands to tone your thighs as well. Try using resistance bands to make certain exercises hard, such as by doing leg extensions while sitting in a chair. You can loop the resistance band around the chair legs, and then loop the ends of the bands around your ankles and alternate extending your legs. Try doing squats with a resistance band. If you don't have resistance bands, sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you, then lift one of your legs as high as you can while keeping your knee locked. Lower it to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the floor. Repeat 15 times for each leg. Use the leg press machine at the gym. You probably don't have a leg press machine available at home, but you can usually find these at a gym. This machine is great for working on your thighs and butt. Sit in the chair and choose a comfortable weight. Starting with half your body weight isn't too ambitious, and you can move the weight up if it feels too easy. Place your legs on the rack and start with your knees at a 90-degree angle, and your ankles lined up with your knees. Now push! This exercise will lead to great results. Go for a run. Running is good for your body and helps you stay fit. Running outside, such as on a trail or around the neighborhood, is great cardio and can help you achieve firmer and more muscular thighs. It will also help you shed fat which will make your thighs look even more toned. Running is good for your heart, your lungs, and even your brain. It's a great habit to get into. Remember that running can be stressful on your body, especially your knees and feet. Start slowly and try to run on softer surfaces whenever possible. If you haven't run for years try going on a ten-minute run at a comfortable pace. Don't push yourself until you feel like you will collapse, otherwise you'll never want to run again. Pay attention to your body. Take a Zumba or kickboxing class at your local gym. The great thing about taking a class is that you have a lot of other people to support and push you. It's much easier to stay diligent if you are working out with a lot of other people. Kickboxing is a great way to target your thighs, and you can even approach the instructor and tell him or her about your goal. Both Zumba and kickboxing are forms of cardio that will help burn fat and tone your thighs. Go swimming. If you have access to a pool, then swimming is a great option. Trimming down in general is a great way to make your muscles look more toned. Sometimes this can work even better than just targeting a specific muscle group. The great thing about swimming is that you will work out your thighs and get your cardio workout at the same time. If you think you could shed a few pounds this is a great option. Work out on the elliptical. If you go to the gym, spending about 60 to 90 minutes on the elliptical will help tone your thighs. The elliptical machine specifically targets your thighs even more than running does because of the motion of the machine. The stair climber is also a great option. Keep track of your calories. Use an app or food journal to track all of the food you eat and make sure that you are within your calorie limit for the day. This will help you to be more aware of what you are eating and how many calories are in the foods you eat. Eat foods that are low in fat. A big part of having toned thighs is having low body fat. That means exercising regularly and eating healthy. Load up on vegetables and greens. Choose a whole-grain cereal versus a sugary cereal. Easy dietary changes can have a huge impact on your body. Ditch the sweets. Sweets won't help you fuel up for a good workout and they end up just being empty calories. Try replacing your candy with fruit if you have a sweet tooth. Drink a lot of water. Drinking water will help keep your body hydrated and cleanse your system. If you find that you are feeling hungry all the time it might just be that you are dehydrated. Drinking a lot of water will keep your body functioning properly and also stop you from overeating. Eat foods that are high in protein. Consuming protein, such as grilled chicken, cheese, and whole-grain bread, helps build muscle. Try to eat healthy lean meats like fish and chicken rather than steaks and hamburgers. You might think a hamburger is high and protein, but it's also very caloric. Try to incorporate more healthy carbs into your diet. Brown rice, quinoa, and barley are a lot better options than chips and salsa. Avoid refined foods and stick to whole grains. Prepare your own meals. It's a lot easier to eat healthy if you prepare your own meals. Buy healthy ingredients at the store and you'll only be able to eat healthy meals. Stock up on vegetables along with everything else that has been mentioned.

Do squats. Try squat jumps. Try the curtsy lunge. . . Use the leg press machine at the gym. Go for a run. Take a Zumba or kickboxing class at your local gym. Go swimming. Work out on the elliptical. Keep track of your calories. Eat foods that are low in fat. Ditch the sweets. Drink a lot of water. Eat foods that are high in protein. Try to incorporate more healthy carbs into your diet. Prepare your own meals.

https://www.wikihow.com/Convert-from-24-Hour-to-12-Hour-Time

How to Convert from 24 Hour to 12 Hour Time

24-hour time, sometimes called military time, is a way of measuring a full 24-hour day instead of splitting it up into two 12-hour shifts. To go from 24-hour time to 12-hour time, keep in mind that the 24-hour day starts at 00:00 instead of 12:00 AM. However, the minutes are still the same. For the first hour of the day, simply add a “12” where you see the initial 0 to convert to 12-hour time. For instance, 00:25 in 24-hour time is 12:25 AM in 12-hour time. After that, the rest of the hours of the morning look the same. For any time after 12:59 in 24-hour time, subtract 12 to get the 12-hour time. For example, if the time is 17:00, subtract 12 hours to get 5:00 PM in 12-hour time.

Add 12 to the first hour of the day and include “AM. ” In 24-hour time, midnight is signified as 00:00. So, for midnight hour, add 12 and the signifier “AM” to convert to 12-hour time. This means that, for example, 00:13 in 24-hour time would be 12:13 AM in 12-hour time. Include the signifier “AM” for times between 1:00 and 11:59. Since 24-hour times moves from 00:00 (midnight) to 1:00, all you have to do is add “AM” to the time from 1:00 up until 11:59. You can also eliminate any leading zeroes. For instance, 06:28 in 24-hour time is equivalent to 6:28 AM in 12-hour time. This means that: 01:00 = 1:00 AM 02:00 = 2:00 AM 03:00 = 3:00 AM 04:00 = 4:00 AM 05:00 = 5:00 AM 06:00 = 6:00 AM 07:00 = 7:00 AM 08:00 = 8:00 AM 09:00 = 9:00 AM 10:00 = 10:00 AM 11:00 = 11:00 AM Add the signifier “PM” for 12:00 to 12:59. For the noon hour, simply add “PM” to the end of the 24-hour time to make it 12-hour time. So, for example, 12:45 would become 12:45 PM. Subtract 12 from 13:00 to 23:59 and include “PM. ” For the hours after noon, subtract 12 hours from the 24-hour time. Then add “PM” at the end. For instance, to convert 14:36 to 12-hour time, subtract 12, which is 2:36, then add “PM.” There's no need to include a leading zero for single-digit numbers in 12-hour time. Therefore: 13:00 = 1:00 PM 14:00 = 2:00 PM 15:00 = 3:00 PM 16:00 = 4:00 PM 17:00 = 5:00 PM 18:00 = 6:00 PM 19:00 = 7:00 PM 20:00 = 8:00 PM 21:00 = 9:00 PM 22:00 = 10:00 PM 23:00 = 11:00 PM Use 00:00 to signify midnight in 24-hour time. Rather than using “12:00” twice in a 24-hour period, like in 12-hour time, 24-hour time uses “00:00” for the midnight hour. That means all you need to do is record the minutes. For example, 12:30 AM becomes 00:30. Eliminate “AM” for the hours between 1:00 and 11:59 AM. Changing the hours between midnight and noon from 12-hour time to 24-hour time is super simple. All you have to do is take away the “AM” signifier. If the hour number is a single digit, add a leading zero. So, for example, 6:00 AM is 06:00 and 10:15 AM is 10:15. Therefore: 1:00 AM = 01:00 2:00 AM = 02:00 3:00 AM = 03:00 4:00 AM = 04:00 5:00 AM = 05:00 6:00 AM = 06:00 7:00 AM = 07:00 8:00 AM = 08:00 9:00 AM = 09:00 10:00 AM = 10:00 11:00 AM = 11:00 Leave the noon hour as-is, but remove "PM. " You don't need to do anything to change 12:00 PM to 12:00 in 24-hour time, except for eliminate the "PM" signifier. So, 12:22 PM would simply be 12:22, for instance. Add 12 to the hours between 1:00 and 11:59 PM and eliminate "PM. " For the afternoon, evening, and night hours, simply add 12 to the 12-hour time to convert it to 24-hour time. Also, eliminate “PM.” That means that 2:57 PM would become 14:57 and 11:02 would become 23:02. Therefore: 1:00 PM = 13:00 2:00 PM = 14:00 3:00 PM = 15:00 4:00 PM = 16:00 5:00 PM = 17:00 6:00 PM = 18:00 7:00 PM = 19:00 8:00 PM = 20:00 9:00 PM = 21:00 10:00 PM = 22:00 11:00 PM = 23:00

Add 12 to the first hour of the day and include “AM. Include the signifier “AM” for times between 1:00 and 11:59. Add the signifier “PM” for 12:00 to 12:59. Subtract 12 from 13:00 to 23:59 and include “PM. Use 00:00 to signify midnight in 24-hour time. Eliminate “AM” for the hours between 1:00 and 11:59 AM. Leave the noon hour as-is, but remove "PM. Add 12 to the hours between 1:00 and 11:59 PM and eliminate "PM.

https://www.wikihow.com/Compost-Horse-Manure

How to Compost Horse Manure

To compost horse manure, start by building a compost bin that allows your pile to be 3 feet high and wide. Then, put the horse manure in the bin along with carbon-rich materials like sticks, dried leaves, and cardboard to encourage decomposition. Next, lay a tarp over the bin to protect it from the elements. Once a week, turn your compost over with a pitchfork to supply it with oxygen and add some water if it seems dried out. Finally, allow the compost to decompose for at least 3 months before using it.

Select a site. Find a place on your property that is on high ground. A compost pile that is too low to the ground will become damp easily. You also want to make sure that the area is close to your horses' stalls. The closer the spot is to the stalls, the easier it will be to move the manure to compost pile. Your site does not necessarily need boundaries. However, having enclosures can keep your compost in one place. Some prefer bins to piles. For example, you can create a system where you use 2 bins to store waste and compost. Once the first bin has been filled with waste, you should leave it to compost. You should store any extra waste in the second bin. Create a properly-sized compost area. In order to get the right amount of air into your compost pile, your compost heap needs to be a certain size. You will want your heap to be about 3 feet (0.91 m) tall, wide, and long. You want your bin to be able to contain the right amount of manure need to make compost. The way you do this will depend on what type of system you want to use. Mix carbon-rich materials into the horse manure. Examples of carbon-rich materials are sticks, dried leaves, dried evergreen needles, sawdust, cardboard, and paper. To avoid anaerobic decomposition, a type of composting that happens without oxygen, gather these materials and mix them into the manure. Cover your pile. You compost needs to be covered properly in order to be protected by the elements. In order to do that, you will need to lay tarp over your pile of compost. Find a tarp that can cover your bin and place it on your compost. You want to make sure that your compost does not get too wet due to precipitation or too dry because of heat. Therefore, covering your compost is a good way to keep it in a state that will be beneficial. Air your bin. Compost needs the right amount of air. If the center of your pile does not receive enough air, then the composting will take a long time. Air can be added in several ways. You can turn the pile again and again. You can also place long pipes into the compost so the ends stick out like chimneys. Drill holes every few inches/cm to increase airflow to the compost matter. Turn your compost. Every few days (or up to a week), it is a good idea to use a pitchfork to toss the compost around and redistribute it. This allows a fresh supply of oxygen to penetrate the compost and feed the aerobic bacteria that drive the decomposition. Mix your ingredients. You should make sure that the material that you are composting has been completely blended. You can do this by using a pitchfork to turn your pile. Keep turning till everything has been mixed together. Keep the pile damp. You should pour water on your compost pile. Do not add too much water. You should add just enough to give the pile moisture, like that of a wet sponge. Give your compost time. Composting takes a long time. Leave the pile to sit and decompose; the entire process can take at least three months.

Select a site. Create a properly-sized compost area. Mix carbon-rich materials into the horse manure. Cover your pile. Air your bin. Turn your compost. Give your compost time.

https://www.wikihow.com/Press-Leaves

How to Press Leaves

To press leaves, start by finding a heavy book that you don't mind getting a little wrinkled or stained. Then, cut out a piece of paper that's the same height as the book and twice the width. Next, fold the piece of paper in half and place your leaf inside of it. Slip the folded paper inside of the book and then set a few other heavy books on top of it. Finally, place the pile of books in a dry place and check on your leaf regularly until it's completely dry.

Learn to identify poison ivy or oak before collecting leaves. Although these leaves will give you a nasty reaction, they're really quite beautiful. If you want to press these, always wear latex gloves when you're collecting them and when you're handling them. Once pressed you will need to seal them with clear acrylic sealer so you don't get a rash. Choose leaves that range from very young to at their prime maturity. If you wait until they're too mature and on the drier side the color will be more prone to fading. Your leaves can be collected any time of the year, but if you want to keep them as green as possible you should collect them earlier in the season, before they're exposed to hot summer temperatures that can damage chlorophyll. Choose leaves that are in good condition, with no bruising, tears, or insect damage as these flaws will be more prominent when dried. That said, also take a good look at any leaves that the insects have been feasting on. These can have a nice lacy, naturally skeletonized look, either fully or partially, and lend a nice touch to your project. Make or buy a press. Presses are simple devices made with wood, cardboard, paper, and either metal screws, heavy weights, or straps that buckle. The idea is to dry the leaf under pressure. They are available for purchase at craft and hobby stores, on-line, or you can make your own. To make your own press, follow this process: Buy two pieces of plywood that are 9" x 12," and about ½ " (2.5 cm) thick; or any size that works for you. Stores that sell lumber usually will cut this for you. Drill holes for bolts in each corner of both pieces of wood. It's best to measure the placement of your holes to ensure they will line up no matter which way you put it together. Place bolts through the four holes in one piece of wood, with washers between the bolt and the wood. Cut clean cardboard and paper to the size of the press. These should be clean, so replace them when needed. Recycle cardboard boxes to cut your own to size. If the press is not square, cut your cardboard so the channels run in the direction of the shorter side for better air circulation. Fill the press. For each layer in the press, you will need two pieces of cardboard and several sheets of absorbent paper cut to size. Put the bottom wood on your work surface. Place a piece of cardboard on it, followed by paper, then the leaves, another sheet of paper, and finally a piece of cardboard. Repeat as many times as you'd like. It's fine to let the leaves overlap unless there's really prominent veining. Don't let stems lie on top of leaves as this will make ugly lines in the dry leaf. Remove the leaves from the press when they're dry. Check the leaves after a couple of weeks. Place your hand on the top paper in a layer… if it feels cool, the leaves are not yet dry. Put them back in the press to finish drying. There's no need to change the paper when pressing leaves. Choose a heavy book to use as a press. Use an old book that you don't mind getting a bit wrinkled or stained; the moisture from the leaves could damage the pages slightly. The book should be as large, or larger than your leaves. Thicker books are best, but any book will do as long as you add weight on top of it. Weight can be in the form of a pile of books; these will not get damaged so it's okay to use books you want to keep. Cut pressing papers. Measure your book and cut papers the same height of the book. Paper should be cut to double the width, of the book, and then folded. Fill the Press. Open the book and add one piece of pressing paper. Arrange your leaves on one side of the paper, close the fold in the pressing paper, then close the book and set it aside with a couple of books or weight on top until the leaves are dry. If you're layering more than one sheet of leaves in the book, leave about a quarter inch (0.6 cm) of pages between layers. Stack more books on top of the book. Place it under several other heavy books, or another heavy object. Stack this in a dry place. Remove the dried leaves when they’re completely dry. They're ready for your project. Buy or make a microwave press. Microwave presses are made with two pieces of microwave-safe material, such as ceramic, thick cardboard, or books. You can buy these at a craft supply store or make your own. This is the procedure to make your own Gather either two large ceramic tiles or two pieces of heavy cardboard. For a ceramic press, cut two pieces of cardboard and some pressing papers For a cardboard press, cut pieces to the same size. Find a couple of strong rubber bands large enough to wrap around the ceramic tiles or cardboard. Arrange the leaves in the press. Lay a ceramic tile or cardboard on your work surface. Lay a couple sheets of pressing paper on the tile or cardboard. Arrange your leaves and then cover them with a couple more sheets of pressing paper, a piece of cardboard, and the second tile if using tiles. Band the press together with the rubber bands. Dry the leaves. Place the filled press in the microwave and set it on low for no longer than a minute. Remove the press and open it to let out steam. Once it cools, put it back together and put it back in the microwave for 30 seconds. Continue microwaving the press in 30-second increments until the leaves are dry, venting and cooling after each zap. Always vent and cool to avoid cooking your leaves. The idea is to dry them flat, cooking is never a good idea.

Learn to identify poison ivy or oak before collecting leaves. Choose leaves that range from very young to at their prime maturity. Choose leaves that are in good condition, with no bruising, tears, or insect damage as these flaws will be more prominent when dried. Make or buy a press. Fill the press. Remove the leaves from the press when they're dry. Choose a heavy book to use as a press. Cut pressing papers. Fill the Press. Stack more books on top of the book. Remove the dried leaves when they’re completely dry. Buy or make a microwave press. Arrange the leaves in the press. Dry the leaves.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Bouncy-Ball

How to Make a Bouncy Ball

To make a bouncy ball, mix warm water and borax. In a separate container, add a drop of food coloring to white school glue. Then, add cornstarch to the glue mixture and combine it with the borax solution. After waiting 10 seconds for the glue to harden, you can remove the lump of glue from the remaining solution and roll it into a ball. Once formed, place the ball back in the solution for a few seconds to solidify. Finally, remove the ball, pat it dry and bounce away!

Mix 1/2 cup (120 mL) of warm water and 1 tablespoon of borax. Pour 1/2 cup (120 mL) of warm water into a cup. Add 1 tablespoon (25 g) of borax, then stir the 2 ingredients together with a fork or spoon until the borax dissolves. Set the cup aside. You can find borax in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores. Don't get borax on your skin or you may have an allergic reaction. If you are messy, put on a pair of plastic or rubber gloves. If you want to make a multicolor ball, prepare a separate borax solution--one for each color that you will be using. Stir food coloring into 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of white school glue. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of white school glue into a different cup. Add 1 drop of food coloring, and give it a stir. If the shade isn't dark enough add another drop of food coloring and see how you like it. You can use clear school glue as well. The ball will end up being a little translucent. If you want a multicolor ball, simply repeat the process with more glue and different colors. Instead of food coloring, you could try a few drops of paint instead. Try glow-in-the-dark paint to make a glow-in-the-dark ball. Add 1 tablespoon (9 g) of cornstarch into the glue. Measure out 1 tablespoon (9 g) of cornstarch and add it to the glue mixture. Stir the 2 together until they combine. The cornstarch will make the glue even thicker. If you can't find cornstarch, use cornflour instead. Don't use cornmeal, though. If you are making a multicolor ball, you'll need 1 tablespoon (9g) of cornstarch per color. Pour the glue mixture into the borax solution. Make sure that you get all of the glue mixture into the borax solution. Use a regular spoon or rubber spatula to scrape the excess glue out and into the borax solution. Do not stir the ingredients. If you don't get all of the glue into the cup with the borax solution, your ball may not turn out as big. If you are making a multicolor ball, pour each glue color into its own borax solution. Wait 10 seconds, then take the lump out of the borax solution. After about 10 seconds or so, the glue will harden into a lump. Use a fork or slotted spoon to lift the lump out of the borax solution. Don't use a spoon; you don't want to take any of the borax solution out. Roll the lump into a ball until it becomes firm. The borax should be harmless by this point, but if you have sensitive skin, it would be a good idea to put on a pair of gloves first. Roll the glue lump between your palms to make a ball. Try to make it as neat as possible. If you are making a multicolor ball, roll all of the colors together to make 1 big ball. Add some glitter into your palm as you roll the lump. The lump will pick up the glitter as it rolls into a sparkly ball! Place the ball back into the borax solution for a few seconds. Take the ball and carefully lower it into the borax solution with a spoon. Do not plop it in, or it will splash borax water everywhere. Wait a few seconds, then take it out and pat it dry with a towel. This will help solidify the ball and make it less sticky. If you are making a big, multicolor ball, pour all of the borax solutions into a single cup first. Be aware that if you added glitter to your ball, some of it may come off during this point. Keep the ball in an airtight container when you aren't playing with it. You can bounce this ball just like any other bouncy ball. Because it is made from glue, however, it will eventually dry out after a couple of days. You can make it last longer by putting it into a zippered baggy or airtight container when you aren't playing with it. The ball should be ready to play with as soon as you are done rolling it. If it still feels too wet, let it dry for about 10 to 15 minutes. The ball will start to flatten when you don't play with it. If that happens, simply roll it back into shape. Pour 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of liquid latex into a plastic cup. You can buy liquid latex online or in costume stores. It is used to help blend latex prosthetics into your skin. The most common color is peach, but you can get it in white too. For best results, use white liquid latex. This way, you can change the color. If you use peach, the food coloring will make it turn muddy. Do not use clear liquid latex. It does not have the same ingredients. Stir some food coloring into the liquid latex. Start with 1 drop of food coloring. Stir it in until no streaks remain. If the color is too light for you, add more food coloring. Because you are working with such a small amount, however, 1 to 2 drops should be plenty. Add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of white vinegar into the liquid latex. This is where the magic starts to happen. Liquid latex contains polymer micro-particles. A preservative, such as ammonia, helps keep them in liquid form. When you add vinegar, however, you neutralize the ammonia. This allows you to shape the liquid latex. Stir the ingredients together to form a blob, then roll it into a ball. Use a spoon or craft stick to stir the ingredients together. As you stir them, the liquid latex will clump together to form a lump. Once the lump forms, take it out and roll it into a ball with your hands. The ball may end up looking wrinkled, but this won't stop it from bouncing! Poke the ball with a needle to drain the liquid. There is still going to be some vinegar trapped inside the ball, so you need to get rid of it. Stick a needle or pin into the ball, then pull it out. Carefully squeeze the ball to drain the vinegar out. Point the hole away from your eyes so that the vinegar doesn't accidentally squirt into your face. Set the ball on a paper towel to dry. This should only take a few minutes, but if you can't wait, you can gently pat the ball dry with a towel. Once the ball is dry, you can bounce it around! Store the ball in an airtight container when you aren't playing with it. The ball will eventually shrink and harden as time goes by, but you can make it last longer by keeping it in a plastic zippered baggie or an airtight container when you aren't using it. After a week or so, the ball will eventually start to dry out and harden. Once it stops bouncing, you should discard it. Scrunch up a broken Rainbow Loom bracelet. If you don't have any, you can make a simple Rainbow Loom bracelet, then scrunch it up into a ball. You can also take several regular rubber bands (like the kind used for newspapers) and roll them into a ball. The color of the bracelet or rubber bands does not matter. Use the entire bracelet. Don't take it apart. This will up create the "center" of the ball. Slip 2 Rainbow Loom bands over the scrunched up bracelet. Keep your finger hooked over both bands; don't let go of them just yet! The color of the bands does not matter because you will be adding more layers. You are using 2 bands because it will make things faster. You don't have to use the actual Rainbow Loom brand; you can use an off-brand or a generic brand. As long as the bands look like the Rainbow Loom bands, you're good. Twist the bands, then loop them back over the scrunched up bracelet. Hold the bracelet between your fingers in 1 hand. Twist your other hand in order to twist the bands. Loop the bands back over onto the scrunched up bracelet, then let go. Continue to add bands until the ball is half the size you want it to be. Always work 2 bands at a time. Twist each set of bands as you wrap them around the ball. Alternate the directions you wrap the bands in so that the entire ball gets covered. Again, the color does not matter at this point. If your first set of bands was horizontal, make the next set vertical, and the next 2 sets diagonal. The finished ball will be about 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter. Your ball should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) at this point. Wrap more bands around your ball, but use the colors you want. Again, take 2 bands, then wrap and twist them around your ball. This time, start using the colors you want your ball to be. When your ball is about two-thirds of its final size, stop. You can use all 1 color, or you can use multiple colors. Your ball should be about 1 ⁄ 3 inches (4.2 cm) at this point. Add more bands without twisting until the ball reaches its final size. Continue to use bands in the color you want your ball to be. This time, just wrap them around the ball, but without twisting them. This will help make your ball bouncier. You should still be using 2 bands at the same time. Your ball will be about 2 inches (5.1 cm) at this point. Add 2 to 3 more sets of bands with a twist. Take 2 bands and stretch them around your ball. Give them a twist, and slip them back over the ball. Do this 1 or 2 more times, alternating directions. This will help hold everything together. You should still use the colors you want your ball to be for this step. Play with the ball! This type of ball is very bouncy. Keep in mind that the bands may come off if you play too rough with it. If that happens, simply put the band on. Twist the bands as you put them on.

Mix 1/2 cup (120 mL) of warm water and 1 tablespoon of borax. Stir food coloring into 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of white school glue. Add 1 tablespoon (9 g) of cornstarch into the glue. Pour the glue mixture into the borax solution. Wait 10 seconds, then take the lump out of the borax solution. Roll the lump into a ball until it becomes firm. Place the ball back into the borax solution for a few seconds. Keep the ball in an airtight container when you aren't playing with it. Pour 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of liquid latex into a plastic cup. Stir some food coloring into the liquid latex. Add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of white vinegar into the liquid latex. Stir the ingredients together to form a blob, then roll it into a ball. Poke the ball with a needle to drain the liquid. Set the ball on a paper towel to dry. Store the ball in an airtight container when you aren't playing with it. Scrunch up a broken Rainbow Loom bracelet. Slip 2 Rainbow Loom bands over the scrunched up bracelet. Twist the bands, then loop them back over the scrunched up bracelet. Continue to add bands until the ball is half the size you want it to be. Wrap more bands around your ball, but use the colors you want. Add more bands without twisting until the ball reaches its final size. Add 2 to 3 more sets of bands with a twist. Play with the ball!

https://www.wikihow.com/Harness-a-Horse

How to Harness a Horse

To harness a horse, start by putting a collar around the horse's head if it's pulling a heavy carriage, or skip the collar and put a breast strap around the horse's chest if the carriage is fairly light. Next, buckle the traces to the collar or breast strap on both sides of the horse's body, put the saddle on the horse's back, and fasten the crupper around the tail. Then, place the bridle over your horse's head and connect the reins!

Use a collar if your horse is pulling a heavy carriage. The collar is padded to help your horse pull heavy carts like passenger carriages. Gently put the collar over the top of the horse's head. The collar should sit at the base of the horse's neck where it meets their body. You can put the collar on upside down if your horse has a large head or sensitive ears. After the collar is around the horse, twist it around to the correct position. The collar should fit snug across the horse's shoulder blades. The horse pulls the cart by pushing its shoulder blades into the collar. Use a breast strap if you are driving a lighter cart. The breast strap is a wide leather band that fits around the horse's chest. It is a good idea for this to be padded if possible. Bring the breast strap in front of and around the horse's chest. To hold the breast strap in place, attach the martingale to the girth and the neck strap over the horse's withers. Most drivers connect the center of the neckstrap (over withers) to the top of the belly band of the harness. Fasten the buckle so the neckpiece sits securely and comfortably in the center of the horse's chest. The martingale is a strap on the breast strap that helps control the horse's head. The horse pulls the cart by pushing their chest into the breast strap. If the breast strap sits too high, it can push into the horse's windpipe and cause breathing troubles. If the breast strap sits too low, it may get in the way of the horse's leg movements. Buckle the traces to the collar or breast strap on both sides of the horse. With most light harnesses, the traces are made onto the breast strap itself. If not, on the collar or breast strap, there is a leather strap and buckle used to attach the traces. Insert 1 end of the traces and fasten it with the buckle, then attach the traces to the other side. The traces are what the horse pulls the cart with. They should be run through the bellyband tie-downs and back toward the cart. They can be wrapped around the shafts or most often run through leather shaft guides then fastened to the cart itself at special hooks. Place the saddle and breeching around the horse’s body. Put the saddle on your horse so sits just behind the withers (base of the neck above the shoulders). Secure the saddle strap around the horse behind its front legs. Place the end with the breeching around the back end of your horse. Then, gently pull the horse's tail above the breeching. The saddle is made from leather straps and doesn't look like a riding saddle. The saddle and breeching also have small leather straps that sit across the horse's back called ornaments. You can simply slide them apart across the saddle area. Attached to the saddle are leather loops called tugs, which hold the shafts of your cart in place. The breeching works as the brakes of the cart or carriage. Fasten the crupper around the horse’s tail. The crupper is a padded leather loop that goes around the horse's tail to keep the saddle in place. Loop the crupper around the horse's tail, and fasten the buckle to secure it in place. Your crupper should not be too tight that it raises up the horse's tail or pulls back on the saddle. Attach the girth around your horse’s body to keep the saddle in place. On the saddle are leather straps called the girth (or the belly band). Feed the leather strap into the buckle, and secure it so the girth is tight. You should be able to fit your fingers underneath the strap. The girth stops the shafts from going backward if the cart or carriage gets unbalanced. Run the traces behind the girth. Take the leather straps of the traces, and place each of them behind the leather straps of the belly band. They should sit on top of the saddle's leather strap (behind the horse's front legs). Place the bridle around your horse’s head and the bit in their mouth. The bridle will easily fit over their head. Then, place the bit inside the horse's mouth so their tongue lies underneath. Attach the curb chain to the hook on both sides of the bit so the bridle stays put on their head. The bit is a slightly curved metal piece that sits in the horse's mouth. This helps control the horse. Connected to the bit is a curb chain and 2 rings for the reins. Connect the reins to the bridle and the saddle. After the bit and curb chain are in place, strap the reins to both of the rings on the bit. You can use the lower loop for more control over the horse. Run the reins through the rein tariffs on the harness and buckle up the ends. More control of the horse is helpful if you are driving on roads with traffic, for example. The rein tariffs keep the reins straight and tangle-free. Check each strap to make sure it fits securely and comfortably. Inspect each buckle and ring to ensure each strap is properly fastened. They should fit snugly around the horse, and you should be able to fit your fingers underneath. Tighten or loosen the straps as needed. Roll the cart towards the horse and push the shafts through both togs. The horse should be familiar with the cart before you try hooking it up. The shafts are the ends of the cart that attach to the harness of the horse. The togs are small leather loops in the straps of the girth. Insert the end of the shaft into the loop of the tog on both the left and right side of the horse. Attach the traces to the hooks on the swivel tree. The trace hook is a swirly hook at the end of the swivel tree. Line up the hole in the leather strap of the traces with the pointed end of the trace hooks, and push it around the hook until it reaches the base. Do this for both traces. The swivel tree balances out horse's movements. Buckle the breeching around the shaft to attach the cart or carriage. There are metal loops on the shaft to secure the breeching. Loop the leather straps of the breeching around the shaft at these metal hooks, and feed the leather strap through the loop a 2-3 times before you buckle it. The breeching controls the stopping of the cart and prevents it from running into the horse. Ensure the shaft is properly placed by checking the belly band. The girth or the belly band helps hold the shafts in place. Lift up on the shafts to make sure they are properly placed inside the togs and the belly band is securely holding the shafts. Without the belly band, the entire cart or carriage could flip over. Walk your horse 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) feet to check the straps and buckles. To make sure everything is properly fastened and the horse is comfortable, check your harness after you let your horse walk a few feet. Tighten or loosen the straps as needed.

Use a collar if your horse is pulling a heavy carriage. Use a breast strap if you are driving a lighter cart. Buckle the traces to the collar or breast strap on both sides of the horse. Place the saddle and breeching around the horse’s body. Fasten the crupper around the horse’s tail. Attach the girth around your horse’s body to keep the saddle in place. Run the traces behind the girth. Place the bridle around your horse’s head and the bit in their mouth. Connect the reins to the bridle and the saddle. Check each strap to make sure it fits securely and comfortably. Roll the cart towards the horse and push the shafts through both togs. Attach the traces to the hooks on the swivel tree. Buckle the breeching around the shaft to attach the cart or carriage. Ensure the shaft is properly placed by checking the belly band. Walk your horse 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) feet to check the straps and buckles.

https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Pet-Rabbit

How to Choose a Pet Rabbit

To choose a pet rabbit, only get a large breed, like an English Lop or Silver Fox, if you have enough room for a cage that's at least twice the rabbit's length. If you don't have a lot of space, consider getting a smaller breed, like a Lionhead or Mini Rex. For an easy-going, sociable rabbit, look into getting a Mini Plush Lop or a French Lop. Or, you can get a Dutch Rabbit, which is a breed that's usually great with kids.

Buy a large rabbit only if you can provide a cage that’s twice its length. A rabbit cage should be at least double the length of the rabbit it houses, based on the rabbit's length when it's stretched out (for instance, lounging on the floor). So, before you decide whether you want a larger or smaller rabbit breed, make sure you have adequate space in your house for an appropriate cage. So, if an average adult in a certain rabbit breed is 1 ft (30 cm) long from front to back paws when stretched out on the floor, it needs a cage that's at least 2 ft (61 cm) long. Keep in mind that this is the minimum enclosure size. Bigger is always better. Lionheads and Mini Rexes and considered small rabbit breeds; Belgian Hares and Silver Martens are medium breeds; and English Lops and Silver Foxes are large breeds. Rabbits with an average adult weight of at least 12 lb (5.4 kg) are considered giant breeds. Look for breeds with sociable reputations. Some rabbit breeds are known for having friendlier personalities than others. Sociable rabbits are more likely to accept being picked up, while less friendly breeds may get fearful or aggressive. Take time to look into breed personalities—for example: French Lops and Silver Foxes are large rabbits that tend to be very sociable and easygoing. Mini Plush Lops are a smaller breed that can be very affectionate. Think twice about breeds with known temperament issues. While some breeds are known to be sociable, others are less friendly. While it's true that each individual rabbit is different, breed characteristics should be an important consideration when choosing a rabbit. For example: Britannias are known to have nipping issues. Watch for nipping while observing a rabbit of this breed that you're considering adopting. Lionhead rabbits tend to be very needy and will require a lot of your time. If you have lots of time to give, though, they make good lap pets. English Spots often have a nervous temperament that can make them fearful of all human interaction. Find a kid-friendly breed if you have children. Some rabbit breeds are typically more patient and calm than others, and these breeds usually do better around children. Do some research on the kid-friendly qualities of different breeds before making your choice. For example: Smaller breeds, like the Netherland Dwarf, tend to be nippy and may bite or scratch if handled roughly. If you only have space for a smaller rabbit, Dutch Rabbits tend to handle children better. Medium breeds, like Belgian Hares, can still be rather fragile and easily injured through mishandling by a child. Larger breeds, like the French Lop, tend to be less fragile and more sociable, which makes them better choices as family pets. Research any common health problems for breeds you’re interested in. Some rabbit breeds may be more prone to particular health problems, or may require special diets. While these issues aren't necessarily deal-breakers, you should take the potential extra time and money required into consideration. Do some research on your own, and talk to breeders and knowledgeable rabbit owners about health and care issues related to particular breeds. For example, French Angoras, American Fuzzy Lops, and Giant breed rabbits require special diets for optimum health. Special diets usually are more expensive. As another example, although Mini Lops are one of the most family-friendly breeds, they also are prone to frequent ear infections and dental issues. Avoid rabbits with extra care needs if you lack experience. The more physically unique the breed is—for instance, having extra long ears or fur—the more extensive the care routines they usually require. So, if you're new to keeping rabbits, it's best to stick to less distinctive breeds with simpler care routines. English Lops, for instance, have long ears that drag along the ground, which can lead to frequent infections. Angoras, as another example, have long fur that requires extensive and frequent grooming. Adopt a rabbit from an animal shelter or rescue organization when at all possible. As compared to a pet store, the staff at an animal shelter or pet rescue tend to have deeper knowledge of rabbit care. Also, the rabbits often receive better care and socialization at shelters and rescues. By adopting from a shelter or rescue, you'll also be providing a good home to a rabbit that needs one, rather than encouraging the breeding of additional rabbits to fill the cages at a pet store. Because the staff members at a shelter or rescue tend to be knowledgeable and eager to help, you can ask plenty of questions about the background and care needs of particular rabbits before making a decision. Rabbits at shelters or rescues might cost a little more initially, but they're usually already de-sexed, vaccinated, de-wormed, and microchipped, which can save you money in the long run. Avoid buying rabbits from pet stores. Pet store rabbits usually come from mass-breeding operations, which tend to put profit over the health or happiness of the rabbits. Buying from pet stores only further encourages this practice. Pet store rabbits are often more prone to digestive issues, due to being fed an inadequate diet and being exposed to excessive stress. If you do go to a pet store, ask lots of questions about where the rabbits come from and the type of care they have received. If the staff can't or won't provide you with satisfactory answers, go elsewhere. Buy from a breeder only if they are well-regarded and experienced. Not all breeders provide the same level of care or have the same degree of knowledge about the rabbits they raise. If you want to buy from a breeder, take the time to find one who is knowledgeable about rabbits and provides proper care for them. Talk to friends with rabbits and local veterinarians to get recommendations on reputable breeders in your area. Always visit the breeding facility before buying. Look around and make sure it is clean and that the rabbits look well-fed and cared for. Ask questions and get answers about rabbit care from the breeder or rescue. Ask the breeder or rescue staff lots of questions about the care they provide for their rabbits, and about the background of any particular rabbits you're interested in. A reputable seller should always be happy to answer your questions. For instance: “What do you feed your rabbits?”; “Do they receive regular veterinary care?”; “What can you tell me about this rabbit's parentage?”; “Has this rabbit had any illnesses, and if so, how were they treated?” Ask for references if you want to buy from a breeder and contact some of these clients to see if they're satisfied. A quality breeder should be willing to offer a written health guarantee, which gives you the right to return the rabbit within a certain period if a health issue arises. Buy a rabbit that’s at least 8 weeks old. By this age, the rabbit should be fully weaned and able to eat solid food. A reputable breeder or seller should not offer rabbits that are under this age or not weaned. If you are interested in taking in baby rabbits from a shelter, rescue, or other source, make sure you get extensive instruction on the care you need to provide. Check the rabbit for signs of illness before buying it. A rabbit chosen from a reputable source will usually be healthy, but it's always a good idea to check it for signs of illness. Ask the breeder, staff at the shelter or rescue, or—best of all—a veterinarian to walk you through the process of evaluating a rabbit's health. Look for things like: A runny nose or trouble breathing, which may indicate a respiratory infection. A tilted head, which can indicate an inner ear infection. Wetness of discharge from the nose or ears—these should be dry. Cloudy or goopy eyes—they should be clear and sparkling. Improperly aligned teeth—the rabbit should have a slight overbite. Stool that isn't firm and dry—this indicates potential digestive issues. Consider buying more than one rabbit to ensure their happiness. Rabbits are social animals by nature, and usually do best in groups of 2 or more. However, not all rabbits get along, so you may need to allow for a trial period first. Same-sex pairings can work, but male-female pairings (when both have been de-sexed) are typically recommended by experts. Allow the rabbits to meet and interact in a neutral setting—that is, not on the “home turf” of one of the rabbits—to see if they make a good pairing. You can usually get a good idea of how they'll get along within a few hours at most. Make sure you have all the initial supplies you’ll need. Before bringing your rabbit (or rabbits) home, make sure you have all the necessary supplies ready to go. Talk to the breeder or staff at the point of purchase to get the specific list for your rabbit. Generally speaking, the list will include: A roomy, multi-level rabbit enclosure. A nesting box for sleeping A food dish and water bottle. A litter box, litter scoop, and litter. Rabbit chew toys. Bedding (e.g., aspen chips, paper, straw) to line the floor of the enclosure. Food pellets, hay, and fresh fruits and vegetables. An appointment with a veterinarian who has experience dealing with rabbits. Pet rabbits should receive regular checkups.

Buy a large rabbit only if you can provide a cage that’s twice its length. Look for breeds with sociable reputations. Think twice about breeds with known temperament issues. Find a kid-friendly breed if you have children. Research any common health problems for breeds you’re interested in. Avoid rabbits with extra care needs if you lack experience. Adopt a rabbit from an animal shelter or rescue organization when at all possible. Avoid buying rabbits from pet stores. Buy from a breeder only if they are well-regarded and experienced. Ask questions and get answers about rabbit care from the breeder or rescue. Buy a rabbit that’s at least 8 weeks old. Check the rabbit for signs of illness before buying it. Consider buying more than one rabbit to ensure their happiness. Make sure you have all the initial supplies you’ll need.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Venison-Jerky

How to Make Venison Jerky

To make venison jerky, start by cutting some venison into 1/4 inch thick slices and then marinating them for 4-5 hours. Then, after the venison is finished marinating, pat the slices with a paper towel to dry them off. Next, spread the venison out on a baking sheet and dry it for 4-8 hours in a smoker, dehydrator, or oven at 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, store the jerky in a sealed container for 2-4 days before serving, shaking the container once a day to dislodge any remaining moisture.

Whisk together the original jerky marinade. Measure all of your ingredients into a large bowl. Whisk them together until the sugar and spices dissolve in the cold water. Keep the marinade in the bowl or pour it into a sealable plastic bag. Heat the sweet and spicy jerky marinade over medium heat. Place all of the marinade ingredients into a small saucepan. Stir and heat the marinade over medium heat until it starts to bubble gently. Turn off the burner and stir the marinade until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool to room temperature before you marinate the venison in it. Mix together a teriyaki marinade. Measure savory teriyaki into a large mixing bowl and add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and liquid smoke. Stir in the remaining spices until the sugar and salt dissolve. If you'd like to marinate the venison in a sealable bag, pour the marinade into a sealable plastic bag that's large enough to hold the meat. Combine a spicy venison marinade. For hot jerky, mince 2 habanero peppers and transfer them to a large bowl. Stir cayenne, red pepper flakes, and paprika into the remaining marinade ingredients until they're combined. To marinate the meat in a bag, transfer the marinade into a sealable plastic bag that's large enough to hold the meat. Cut the venison into 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm)-thick slices. Take your piece of venison and set it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the meat into evenly sliced strips that are ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm)-thick. Remember to slice against the grain so the jerky is easier to chew. Marinate the meat in 1 of the marinades for at least 4 to 5 hours. Place the trimmed venison into the bowl or sealable plastic bag with your marinade. Stir the venison so it's completely coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate the meat for at least 4 to 5 hours or overnight. Avoid marinating the meat at room temperature because this will allow harmful bacteria to grow. The longer the meat marinates, the more flavorful the jerky will be. You can marinate it for up to 1 day. Lift the venison strips out of the marinade and dry them. Remove the marinating venison from the refrigerator and lift each of the strips out of the marinade. Set them on a plate or cutting board and use a paper towel to pat them dry to remove the excess marinade. Turn the meat over and pat the other sides dry. Arrange the venison on the dehydrator trays. Lay the meat in a single layer so the strips aren't touching or overlapping. Leave at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each piece of meat so air can circulate and dry the meat. Turn the dehydrator on to 150 °F (66 °C). Put the dehydrator tray with the venison in the dehydrator and close the door. Ensure that you're using a dehydrator with a temperature control instead of preset settings. Dehydrate the venison for 4 to 8 hours. Begin checking the jerky at 4 hours to see if it's dry and chewy. The jerky is finished once it bends and you don't feel any wet spots. Avoid dehydrating the venison too long or it will become brittle. Arrange the venison on baking sheets. Lay the strips of venison in a single layer on baking sheets. If your oven racks are clean, you can even lay the strips directly on the racks. Leave at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each piece of meat so air can circulate easily. Heat the oven or smoker to 150 °F (66 °C) and put the meat in. If you're using an oven, set the sheet of venison in the center rack. If you're using the smoker, place the meat as far away from the heat source as you can. Keep in mind that while you can put more than 1 sheet of meat in the oven, you'll need to rotate them as they dehydrate so they dry evenly. Dry the venison for 4 hours and flip it. Use tongs to turn each piece of meat over. This will ensure that the meat dries evenly. If you're using the smoker, check the jerky to see if it's completely dry and finished. If you laid the venison directly on the oven racks, you don't need to flip them over. Cook the jerky for another 4 hours, if you're using the oven. Feel the meat to see if there are any wet spots. The jerky should become dry and bendable. Avoid overcooking the venison or the pieces will break in half. Store and shake the jerky for 2 to 4 days at room temperature to condition it. Put the cooled jerky into a glass or storage container. The container should be 2/3 full of jerky. Seal the container shut and shake it once a day for 2 to 4 days. Shaking the container will help the dry pieces absorb any moisture that may be in the other pieces. Transfer the jerky to storage containers. Place your conditioned jerky in an airtight container that's about the same size as the jerky you want to store. Avoid using a storage container that's too large or too much air will become trapped in the container. This can make the jerky spoil faster. Keep the jars of jerky in a cool, dry location. For short-term storage, you can put the jerky in small plastic baggies. Vacuum-sealing is a great way to remove air from the storage container. Store the venison jerky at room temperature for 1 to 2 months. Homemade venison jerky can be safely stored and used for 1 to 2 months. If you'd like to store it for 3 to 6 months, keep the jerky in the refrigerator. You can also freeze venison jerky for up to 1 year. Finished.

Whisk together the original jerky marinade. Heat the sweet and spicy jerky marinade over medium heat. Mix together a teriyaki marinade. Combine a spicy venison marinade. Cut the venison into 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm)-thick slices. Marinate the meat in 1 of the marinades for at least 4 to 5 hours. Lift the venison strips out of the marinade and dry them. Arrange the venison on the dehydrator trays. Turn the dehydrator on to 150 °F (66 °C). Dehydrate the venison for 4 to 8 hours. Arrange the venison on baking sheets. Heat the oven or smoker to 150 °F (66 °C) and put the meat in. Dry the venison for 4 hours and flip it. Cook the jerky for another 4 hours, if you're using the oven. Store and shake the jerky for 2 to 4 days at room temperature to condition it. Transfer the jerky to storage containers. Store the venison jerky at room temperature for 1 to 2 months. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Concluding-Paragraph-for-a-Persuasive-Essay

How to Write a Concluding Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay

To write a concluding paragraph for your persuasive essay, you'll need to briefly summarize your main arguments. Use the first sentence to restate your hypothesis from your introduction in different words. Then, spend 2 or 3 sentences reminding the reader of the main arguments you made throughout the essay. Use strong, simple language to emphasize your conclusion. You can also add a call to action or tell the reader what you think should happen as a result of your conclusions. For example, "If this competitive nature of school work were replaced with a more community-based learning approach, we might see happier, healthier children."

Re-read your paper or paper outline. Organize your thoughts before writing your concluding paragraph by re-reading the rest of the paper, or the outline you made before writing it (if you made one). Isolate the key arguments made within the body of your writing, as well as the hypothesis proposed in the introductory paragraph. If it helps, print out a copy of the body of the paper and highlight the main points to be summarized. Summarize your main arguments. Your concluding paragraph should repeat the main points that you made within your paper in different words. Briefly summarize the key arguments that make up the body of your essay in a clear and concise manner. Make sure to include important keywords from each point in your conclusion. For instance, "Gun laws should be changed to reflect the evolving needs of today's generations.” Avoid introducing any new ideas. When concluding any kind of essay, avoid introducing an idea that isn't already in the body of the paper. If you feel the need to add something new to the conclusion, consider editing the body of your paper to include that information. For example, avoid adding a point about how fashion magazines provide unrealistic portrayals of the male body if your paper has focused solely on how these magazines affect women. You can, however, create a call to action or end with a creative and engaging hook statement. Keep it brief. In an academic paper, your concluding paragraph should only be about 3-5 sentences long. Be efficient in your writing and communicate what you need to say as briefly as possible. To stay within this sentence range, try: Using the first sentence to restate the hypothesis in your introduction, in different wording Writing the next 2-3 sentence to summarize the key arguments made in your paper Having the last 1-2 sentences be a grand statement of conclusion, saying what your final findings are Try parallel sentences. When summarizing parts of your research or arguments, use parallel sentences. This writing technique uses patterns of similar words to organize thoughts or ideas and show the reader that they are similar, or equal in value. In a concluding paragraph, parallel sentences can help organize information in a way that allows you to avoid writing too much. For instance, "Regular exercise reduces stress, improves your sleep, and promotes weight loss." Use strong, simple language. Your concluding paragraph should drive your point home in a straightforward, assertive way. Avoid too much detail in your writing (such as lengthy adjectives or descriptions), as it can be distracting. Choose the simplest manner to say what you want to communicate. For instance, instead of writing, "The traditional American Dream is not dead and gone," write, "The American Dream is not dead.” However, keep in mind that in some cases, more elaborate wording may be necessary to drive home your point. Avoid being obvious. A well-written paper does not need to use phrases like "to conclude" or "to summarize" in its conclusion. Restate your ideas in a different way, in a paragraph that can stand alone as a summary of your research. Your reader, having read the rest of your paper, will understand on their own that you are summing up the contents of your essay and presenting your conclusion. Use the "Panning to the Horizon" technique to assert the importance of your research. In addition to summarizing the main points of your paper, your conclusion should point towards how your findings will be relevant in the future. You can achieve this by refocusing the topic within a larger context, and inviting the reader to reflect on how it will play out within a bigger picture. Use a thought-provoking question to communicate that the issue deserves further thought. For example,"What will happen to small businesses as different industries continue to go digital?" Put out a call to action to engage your reader in a memorable way. Establish the importance of your essay's conclusion by challenging your reader to do something about it. Turning your final findings into a real life challenge will emphasize the relevance of the topic and your hypothesis. For example, "Being environmentally responsible is a necessary step for all people, in order to save the parts of nature that we have left." Present an ideal picture to improve your reader's relation to the text. If your essay has presented a hypothesis about how something is bad, create a picture of how things could be better. The optimistic focus will re-frame your arguments in a more positive way. The possible solutions to the issue your have arguments have established gives merit to your thesis without undermining the structure of your paper or altering the arguments you made. For example, "If this competitive nature of school work were replaced with a more community-based learning approach, we might see happier, healthier children."

Re-read your paper or paper outline. Summarize your main arguments. Avoid introducing any new ideas. Keep it brief. Try parallel sentences. Use strong, simple language. Avoid being obvious. Use the "Panning to the Horizon" technique to assert the importance of your research. Put out a call to action to engage your reader in a memorable way. Present an ideal picture to improve your reader's relation to the text.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Spanish-Letter

How to Write a Spanish Letter

To write a Spanish letter, start by putting your name and address in the top right corner and the address of the person you're sending it to on the left-hand side of the page. Next, add the date at the top of the page starting with the day, then the month, and finally the year. Choose the appropriate opening greeting, such as "Querida" followed by the person's name if you have a close relationship with them. For your closing greeting, include "Besos" if you're writing to a family member or close friend.

Format the addresses. If you're writing a formal letter, put your name and address in the top right-hand corner of the page, followed by the name and address of the person to whom you're writing on the left-hand side of the page. Most word-processing applications have a business-letter template that will automatically format your letter this way. If you plan to print your letter on letterhead, you don't need to include your name and address. When writing an email, you normally don't include the addresses at the top of the page. Include the date. If you're sending a formal letter, it is customary to write the date the letter was written at the top. In Spanish letters, the date may be preceded by the city where you are located when you write the letter. For example, you might write "Acapulco, 23 de diciembre de 2016." Spanish dates follow the convention of writing the day first, followed by the month, with the year last. If you're using just numbers, you would write the same date "23-12-16." For letters printed on letterhead, or more casual letters to friends or acquaintances, place the date in the top right-hand corner where you normally would put your name and address. Formal business letters typically have the date on the left-hand side of the paper below the names and addresses. Write the appropriate greeting. How you greet the person to whom you're writing in Spanish depends on the person's relationship to you and how well you know them. Casual greetings that might be appropriate for a friend or acquaintance might be offensive to someone who is older than you, or who you don't know personally. You can address your letter A quien corresponda: (or "to whom it may concern") if you don't know the name of the specific person who will read the letter. This greeting is appropriate for general business letters, such as when you're seeking more information about a product or service. If the person is older than you, or if you're writing them for the first time, use Estimada/o plus the person's surname. Address them as señor or señora where appropriate. For example, you might write "Estimado Señor Lopez." This greeting literally translates to "Esteemed Mr. Lopez," but is similar to writing "Dear Mr. Lopez" in English. When you have a close relationship with the person, you can use Querido/a followed by their first name. For example, you might write "Querida Benita," or "Dear Benita." In a Spanish letter you should follow your greeting with a colon, rather than with the comma that is commonly used in English. Introduce yourself. In the first line of your letter, you want to let the person know who you are. Begin your letter by saying Mi nombre es and writing your full name. If it's important to your letter, you also should add your job title or relationship to the receiver of the letter. For example, you might write "Mi nombre es Sally Sunshine." Follow that with a sentence that explains who you are, such as if you are a student at a university or you are related to a friend of theirs. If you're writing on someone else's behalf, you would add Escribo de parte de followed by the name of that person. For example, you might write "Escribo de parte de Margarita Flores." State your reason for writing. Immediately after you've introduced yourself, you need to explain briefly why you're writing to that person or what you want from them. You'll go into more detail in the body of your letter, but you want to set up the purpose of the letter immediately. You can think of this as a summary of your letter. For example, if you're writing a letter to inquire about a job or internship being offered, you might write Quisiera postularme para el puesto, meaning "I wanted to apply for the post." You would then go on to describe where you saw the post advertised or how you came to know about it. This section should be no more than a sentence or two, and will conclude the first introductory paragraph of your letter. Keep your language formal. Even if you're on relatively good terms with the person to whom you're writing, Spanish letter writing uses more formal and polite language than you might use if you were writing the letter in English. In Spanish, formal writing tends to be more passive than language you might be more accustomed to using in English. Speak conditionally ( quería saber si ustedes estarían disponibles or "I wanted to know if you would be available") and use the formal "you" ( usted or ustedes ) unless you are on close personal terms with the person. If you're unsure how formal your letter should be, err on the side of formality. You are less likely to offend someone by being overly polite and formal than by being too casual or overly familiar. If you've met the person several times before, or if you're responding to a letter they've written you, use those previous exchanges to guide your formality. You should never be less formal than the other person was to you. Even if you're writing an email, colloquialisms or slang and abbreviations used in texting or casual conversation on the internet are not appropriate to use when you are writing a letter in Spanish. Start with your most important point. For the body of your letter, state your points or information in decreasing order of importance. Aim to write in a clear, concise way so that your letter ends up being no more than a page long. A personal letter, such as a letter to a friend describing your experiences on vacation, can be as long as you like. But for a business or other formal letter, be respectful of the receiver's time. Avoid going off on tangents that are unrelated to the purpose of the letter. You will impress the person more with your ability to write a formal letter correctly. It may help to outline your letter briefly before you start writing, so that you know exactly what points or statements you want to make, and how you want to make them. Having your organization down ahead of time makes writing easier, especially if you're not writing in your first language. Break the information into paragraphs. Your letter should be single-spaced, with a double-space between each paragraph. A paragraph doesn't need to be more than two or three sentences long. For each separate idea or point in your letter, you should have a separate paragraph. For example, suppose you're writing a Spanish letter to apply for an internship. You have two basic points that you want to get across: your experience, and why you would be the best applicant for the internship. Your letter will include an introductory paragraph, a paragraph about your experience, a paragraph about why you're the best applicant, and a closing paragraph. Summarize the purpose of your letter. Begin your closing paragraph with a sentence or two that summarizes your reason for writing. You also want to include any closing remarks that are relevant to the subject of your letter. For example, if you are writing to apply for a job or internship, you might include a statement in your closing that you have references that are available upon request. If your letter is only a couple of paragraphs, this may not be necessary. However, it can be helpful for longer letters that are a couple of pages long, as it will bring your reader back to the reason you wrote to them in the first place. This portion of the closing paragraph also typically isn't important if you are writing to a close friend or family member. Write your closing sentence. To end your letter, let the person to whom you're writing know what you expect as a result of the letter. In this final sentence, you will let them know what decision you hope for them to make or when you expect to hear from them. For example, if you simply want a reply, but don't have any definite timetable, you might write Espero su respuesta, which means "I await your reply." If you anticipate that the recipient may have questions or want to talk to you further, you might write Cualquier cosa estoy a su disposición, which means "I am available should you have any questions." Provide a final greeting. Much as you would end a letter in English by writing a word or phrase such as "Sincerely yours" or "All the best," a similar word or phrase in Spanish will close out your Spanish letter. Closing greetings in Spanish tend to be a bit more formal than they are in English. Commonly, you would use something such as Saludos cordiales, meaning "Cordial greetings." If you're asking the person for something, you might use Gracias y saludos, meaning "Thank you and greetings." If you don't know the person at all, and they are older than you or in a position of authority, you might use Le saludo atentamente. This phrase is the most formal closing greeting, and can be literally translated as "I attentively send greetings." It is so formal that you're almost implying that you may not even be worthy of greeting the person. When writing to a close friend or family member, use a closing greeting such as Besos, which means "kisses." It may seem more intimate than a closing greeting you would use in English, but it's a common way to close Spanish letters. Proofread your letter carefully. Particularly if you wrote your letter using a word-processing application that defaults to English, you may have significant errors in punctuation or spelling. A sloppy letter reflects poorly on you and may signal that you don't respect the person to whom you're writing. If you have auto-correct enabled on your word-processing application, check your words carefully – especially if the application's default language is English. It may change some words to their closest English equivalent without you noticing. Pay particular attention to punctuation. For example, Spanish questions begin with a "¿" and end with "?". This construction is unique to Spanish, and if you're not used to writing in Spanish you may omit the opening mark. Include your contact information. Even if you have contact information at the top of the letter, it is customary to include direct contact information under your typed name. This is particularly important if you are writing in your capacity as an employee. For example, if you're typing your letter on your employer's letterhead, the letterhead typically includes general contact information for the company – not contact information for you personally. Include the information that corresponds to your preferred method of communication. If you want the recipient of the letter to call you, put your phone number after your name. On the other hand, if you'd prefer they send you an email, give them your email address. Sign your letter. When you're certain that your letter is error-free, print and sign it just as you would an English letter. Typically you'll leave a few blank lines under the closing greeting and then type your name. When you sign your letter, sign it above your typed name. If the letter is for an official purpose, you may want to make a copy of your signed letter for your own records before you mail it off.

Format the addresses. Include the date. Write the appropriate greeting. Introduce yourself. State your reason for writing. Keep your language formal. Start with your most important point. Break the information into paragraphs. Summarize the purpose of your letter. Write your closing sentence. Provide a final greeting. Proofread your letter carefully. Include your contact information. Sign your letter.

https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Your-Oil

How to Check Your Oil

Checking your oil is a quick way to keep your engine running smoothly without any tools or spending any money. Before you check your oil, wait at least 10 minutes after you've turned the engine off so your car can cool down and you don't burn yourself. Then, open your hood and pull out the dipstick, which is connected to the oil tank in your engine. Clean the dipstick with a cloth to remove any oil, then reinsert it into the pipe of the oil tank. Make sure to push it all the way in to get an accurate reading. Pull the stick back out a second time and look at where the oil's film ends. If the oil film reaches up to or below where the stick says “ADD,” you need to add more oil. If the oil film is close to the “FULL” mark, you don't need to add more oil yet.

Make sure the engine isn't hot. You can burn yourself if you handle engine parts right after you turn off your car. Wait at least 10 minutes or plan to check your oil while the engine is cold. A cool engine ensures that the oil enough time to settle at the bottom of the oil pan and will give you a more accurate reading of how much oil is in the car. Open the hood. Most cars have an interior hood-popping lever located under the steering column. Pull the lever, then walk to the front of your car and unlatch the hood. Raise the hood so that it is completely open, and prop it up with a metal prop if your car has one. In a small number of cars (such as the Mini Cooper) the hood release on the passenger side. Make sure the vehicle is on a flat and level surface or the dipstick will provide an inaccurate reading. This is done best at a gas station where the surface is flat and even. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it off with a clean rag. The dipstick is connected to the oil tank in your engine, and is used to determine how much oil is still in the oil tank. When the car is in motion the oil splashes around and covers the entire stick. To check your oil level you need to start with a clean stick. The dipstick is often located near the front of the engine. When you locate it, give it a tug; it should pull out smoothly. Take care not to pull out the transmission fluid dipstick. If you're not sure which dipstick is connected to the oil tank, check the user manual that came with your car, or ask a gas station attendant for help. Reinsert the dipstick. Carefully place the dipstick back into the pipe connected to the oil tank. Push it all the way down until it is completely reinserted. If it gets rattled or caught along the way, pull it back out, wipe it off, and try again. Remove the dipstick a second time to gauge the oil level. Look at the end of the dipstick to see where the oil's film ends. The end of the stick will have the word "ADD" toward the end, and "FULL" toward the middle. If the oil film reaches up to or below the ADD line, it's time to add more oil. If the oil film is close to the FULL line, you don't have to add more oil quite yet. Determine whether the oil needs to be changed. In addition to checking the quantity of the oil, you should also check the quality. The oil should look clean and smooth. If the oil looks like it contains debris or looks cloudy, it needs to be changed. Find out what kind of oil to use. Oil comes in different "weights," and different cars require different weights. Check your car's user manual to figure out what kind of oil you need to use, then buy a quart of it from a gas station or convenience store. Unscrew the oil cap. You don't pour oil down the same pip where the dipstick is located; instead, unscrew the cap located a few inches away. Pour in the oil. If your oil was very low, pour in the entire quart. You can use a funnel if you wish, or just pour it directly from the bottle into the tank. Check the oil again. Go ahead and pull out the dipstick, wipe it with a rag, reinsert it, and check the oil level to make sure the car now has enough oil. It should now come up to the FULL line. Replace the cap and close the hood. Screw the cap back on tightly, lower the hood and make sure it is firmly closed before starting your engine. Know how often to change your oil. How often you need to change your oil depends on the type of car you own. Some cars need an oil change every 3,000 miles (4,800 km), while others can go up to 10,000 or even 15,000 miles (24,000 km) without an oil change. Research your car and talk to the manufacturer or your mechanic to determine how often your oil should be changed. Change your own oil. Changing your car's oil can save you between $25 and $75 dollars. If you don't have an aptitude for working on cars, there's no reason why you can't do it yourself. Make sure you have the right oil and tools before you begin. Hire someone to change your oil. Most people take their car to a garage to have the oil changed. Simply drive up to an "oil and lube" facility and let the mechanic there know that your oil needs to be changed. The service usually takes about half an hour and is done by a mechanic while you wait in the lobby.

Make sure the engine isn't hot. Open the hood. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it off with a clean rag. Reinsert the dipstick. Remove the dipstick a second time to gauge the oil level. Determine whether the oil needs to be changed. Find out what kind of oil to use. Unscrew the oil cap. Pour in the oil. Check the oil again. Replace the cap and close the hood. Know how often to change your oil. Change your own oil. Hire someone to change your oil.

https://www.wikihow.com/Control-Your-Bladder-on-a-Bus

How to Control Your Bladder on a Bus

To control your bladder on a bus, first check if there's a bus bathroom you can use. If not, avoid looking at, thinking about, or drinking liquids since it will make you have to go more. Sit straight and still with your legs uncrossed or stand with your legs crossed, but don't lean forward. After positioning yourself so you place less pressure on your bladder, try loosening your pants or skirt if they are tight. You can also try distracting yourself by reading, listening to music, or talking to friends. However, avoid coughing or laughing, as these may cause your pelvic muscles to give a little and make the urge to use the bathroom worse. If you can't hold it anymore, quietly ask the bus driver if they can stop at a nearby rest stop.

Don't drink too much before you board the bus. Staying hydrated is important for your health, but if you're about to board a bus for a long ride, it's wise not to chug water or any other liquid just before boarding. If you can't stand being thirsty, bring a water bottle and wet your mouth with tiny sips throughout your trip, rather than drinking it all at once. Say no to that large latte or giant soda before you get on the bus! Caffeine is a diuretic, and will cause you to pee more often than usual. If you need your morning coffee, try to drink it well before it's time to get on the bus, so it has time to get through your system. Even worse than caffeine is alcohol, which prompts your body to produce more urine than the same amount of water would do. Avoid drinking it in any form before or during your bus ride. Check to see that the bus has a bathroom. Most buses that will be traveling for more than a few hours have bathrooms these days. You can call ahead and ask the bus line you're traveling with just to make sure. The problem is that bus bathrooms are often less than clean, being very dirty at worst, as they aren't always cleaned for each new trip, and on a full bus there's frequently a line to use them. If the bus bathroom is very dirty, or if there is likely to be a line, then the best approach is to board armed with tips and tricks you can use to hold your bladder for as long as possible, and think of the bus bathroom as a backup you can use if you really have to go. See if and when the bus will pull over for rest stops. On very long bus rides, there's usually a rest stop or two. Even if the bus doesn't have a usable bathroom, you'll eventually have somewhere to relieve yourself. Again, calling ahead to check on the situation will help you get mentally prepared. If you know when the next stop is going to be, it'll be easier to distract yourself for the allotted amount of time. If you have no idea when you'll get the opportunity to go, holding your pee will feel like endless torture. Go while you still have the chance. Remember when your parents made you pee before road trips, even if you didn't have to go? This is especially important when you're about to go on a long bus trip with few or no stops before the destination, and especially if there's not a bathroom on the bus. Take advantage of your last chance to use the bathroom at home so your bus ride will be as trouble-free as possible. Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. For both men and women, the amount of urine that's released from your bladder is controlled by your pelvic floor muscles. The Knack maneuver is an exercise designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles so you'll have more control when it comes to urinating. If you're on a bus and you really need to go, doing the Knack maneuver can send a message to your brain telling it that now's not a good time to pee, and the urge will become less strong. Try this before your trip: Find your pelvic floor muscles. They're the muscles that tense up when you're holding your pee, or when you stop peeing mid-stream. Tense the muscles, then cough at the same time. Keep the muscles tensed until you're done coughing, then release. Repeat 10 to 15 times every day leading up to your bus trip. Consider wearing pads or adult diapers, just in case. If you have a long trip coming up and you predict you're going to have trouble holding your bladder, there's no shame in protecting yourself in case of emergency! Head to the drugstore and pick out some protective supplies so you don't have an accident. Just make sure you put on the diaper before boarding the bus. Adult diaper products were designed to help people deal with urinary incontinence, but they're commonly used by people with all sorts of needs, like brides with wedding dresses too puffy to remove for a bathroom break. You can buy small protective pads similar to sanitary napkins or larger, full-coverage diapers depending on what you think you'll need. Loosen tight clothing. If you're wearing pants or a skirt with a tight waistband, your clothes could be making matters worse by putting pressure on your bladder. Make yourself as comfortable as possible by loosening your tight clothing. If you're wearing a belt, unbuckle it. Unbutton or unzip your pants or skirt. To hide the fact that you're unbuttoned, pull your shirt down or place a sweater or another item over your lap. For similar reasons, you may also find it helpful to uncross your legs, particularly when sitting. Try not to move around too much. Squirming around jostles your bladder and creates an urge that feels more extreme. You might want feel like tapping your feet or shifting from side to side, but that's just going to make matters worse. Try to get in a comfortable position and stay that way. Read or watch something to distract yourself. This is one of the best ways to deal with having to pee on a bus. If there's really nowhere to go to the bathroom for the next hour or two, make the best of the situation by trying to forget about your uncomfortable physical state. Pick up your reading material or turn on a video absorbing enough to keep your mind off of your urge to relieve your bladder. Avoid coughing or laughing. Both of these actions can cause the pelvic floor muscles to give a little, making the urge to pee worse. You probably can't do much about it if you have a coughing fit, but you can make sure the book or video you choose isn't funny enough to make you laugh so hard you pee in your pants. Don't think about running water. Having an unbearable urge to pee is partly psychological, so thinking about whitewater rafting and spouting geysers really will make you feel worse! Let your mind dwell on deserts (without mirages) and other things that are dry. If you have a mean friend who thinks it's funny to sing "Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls" while you're trying to hold it in, tell him it won't be so funny if you pee in your seat right next to them. Know that holding it for a long time won't hurt your bladder. There's no chance that you're going to burst your bladder just by holding your pee for a long time, so let your mind be eased. If it gets to the point where your body can't hold it anymore, it will simply stop doing so. Hopefully by then you'll have gotten to a rest stop! If you fear the time has come and you're still sitting there wedged between a stranger and a window, read on. Talk to the bus driver. See if there's a chance the driver can stop the bus at a nearby rest stop so you can use the bathroom (other passengers will probably take advantage, too). Be careful not to distract the bus driver, though. It's important not to raise your voice or do anything that could create a dangerous situation. It is possible that the bus driver will say no, and you'll just have to keep waiting. If it's a charter bus on a schedule the driver isn't going to be likely to want to pull over. Still, it's worth a try. If the driver says no, ask when you'll be stopping next, so you can resume your seat at least knowing when you'll get to relieve yourself. See if you can discreetly pee into a container. When it comes, it comes, so have somewhere to put it. Cover your lap with a jacket or something and pee into a container of some kind. Choose one with a lid so you can keep things as sanitary as possible and close it up when you're done. If your seatmate is a friend, have him or her stay positioned in front of you while you use the window seat to pee discreetly into the container. Wait for a time when the bus is running over smooth highway and not driving through city streets and running over potholes. Avoid peeing in your pants. You wouldn't be reading this article if you saw peeing in your pants as a viable option, but it's worth pointing out that peeing on a bus seat is unsanitary and rude to your fellow passengers. If there's just no way you can avoid it, and you can't find a container fit to use, do your best to hold in as much as possible until the bus finally comes to a stop. Remain calm, if you do end up peeing in your pants. If you panic, you'll attract attention to your wet pants, adding to your embarrassment. Simply stay where you are until the bus stops and wait for others to leave, then inform the driver you've had an accident. If there are still others on board who notice you peed in your pants, don't sweat it! You may never have to see them again.

Don't drink too much before you board the bus. Check to see that the bus has a bathroom. See if and when the bus will pull over for rest stops. Go while you still have the chance. Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Consider wearing pads or adult diapers, just in case. Loosen tight clothing. Try not to move around too much. Read or watch something to distract yourself. Avoid coughing or laughing. Don't think about running water. Know that holding it for a long time won't hurt your bladder. Talk to the bus driver. See if you can discreetly pee into a container. Avoid peeing in your pants. Remain calm, if you do end up peeing in your pants.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Treadmill

How to Use a Treadmill

To use a treadmill safely and effectively, start by familiarizing yourself with the display and control panel, and consider using the safety clip until you get comfortable with the machine. Next, start walking at a slow pace on a slight incline to warm up your joints and muscles. Be sure to keep your shoulders back, your head up, and avoid looking at your feet. Then, gradually build up your speed in 5-minute intervals.

Warm up your joints and muscles by walking before running. Your joints and muscles work best when they're warmed up for about 5 minutes. Get your blood flowing by walking at a slow pace on a slight incline, such as at a 2% incline. This will help you avoid injuries such as muscle strains or tears. Follow your run with a few minutes of walking to cool down. Build up your speed gradually. After warming up for a few minutes, increase your speed to a light jog. After 5 minutes, increase your speed slightly. Proceed to increase speed until your pace is a sprint, then gradually decelerate in 5 minute intervals. Consult your treadmill's manual or talk to a trainer at your gym to learn about interval training regimens that are programmed into your machine's computer. Never set your speed beyond your abilities. Always underestimate your maximum speed on a treadmill to avoid injury. Remember that the way you run on a treadmill is a little different from how you'd normally run. Get used to how this slight change feels before sprinting. Vary speed and distance training days. Switching up your workout routine will help you keep interest and avoid doing any damage to particular muscle groups. If you focus on speed training and you try to run at a full sprint on 1 day, focus on the distance the next. Sprint for 5 to 20 minutes on your speed day, then jog for 20 to 60 minutes on the next day. Remember to begin and end your workouts with walking to warm up and cool down. Check your control panel, consult your manual, or talk to a gym trainer to learn about automatic terrain settings that can simulate walking over hills. If you live on flat land but you're training for a race or marathon that'll take place in a hilly area, using terrain training functions can be a great way to build your endurance. Avoid grabbing the handrails. Holding onto the handrails will take some of your body weight off the muscles of your legs and core. This will burn fewer calories and give you less intense of a workout. If you need to take a break, bring the belt to a stop and step off for a minute. Don't hold onto handrails while running or sprinting, as this can put you at a greater risk of falling. The major exception to this rule is if you have any balance issues or special needs to take into account. Use handrails when walking to maintain your balance, and be sure to consult your doctor about any further precautions you should take. Walk with your hands above your head. Raising your arms above your head while speed walking can improve your workout and maximize the number of calories you burn. It raises your heartbeat, making your workout more challenging, and strengthens your upper-body. Try moving your arms up and down with each stride in addition to holding them above your head for an extended period of time. Add upper-body exercises to your treadmill workout. Consider including an upper-body routine with your treadmill workout by using the handrails to do chest presses and triceps presses. Turn the belt off, or step off the belt onto the treadmill's side tracks. Grip the front rail, setting your hands as wide as the rail's length will allow. Do a set of standing chest presses by bending your arms and bringing your upper-body close to the front rail and display panel, then push yourself back up so your arms are straight. Face the rear of the treadmill, extend your arms, and take hold of the handrails. Do another set of chest presses using a pushup motion. Do overhead tricep presses with dumbbells. Grab a pair of light weights, such as 3 or 5 pounds, and do biceps presses as you walk for even more upper-body strengthening. Walk sideways. When you've gotten the hang of walking normally on a treadmill, consider lateral walking exercises, or walking with a slow side shuffle. Position yourself sideways on the belt and side-step at a speed of 1 to 1.5 miles (1.6 to 2.4 km) per hour. Use a handrail as you begin your shuffle to help keep balanced. Begin with walking on the treadmill as normal. Hold the handrail in front of you as you walk straight, then grab hold of the handrail in the direction you'll be turning. In one quick step, turn and shuffle. Practice on flat ground if you're unsure of the motion. Walk an equal amount of time on each side so you work your muscles evenly. Walk backwards. Start off walking normally on the treadmill. Make sure the speed is set to less than 2.5 miles (4.0 km) per hour. Turn by keeping hold of the rail on the side you're turning into as you did when you shifted into a side shuffle. Reach for the other side rail and grab hold to keep your balance as you pivot from the shuffle position to backwards walking position. Use a high incline setting to maximize your leg workout. Switch backwards and forwards walking every two minutes to mix up your routine and exercise different muscles. Consider enrolling in a class or purchasing a treadmill workout video. Check to see if there are any treadmill classes available at your local gym. If you enjoy social settings, classes can help you stay engaged in your exercise routine. If you have a treadmill at home, look into workout videos, which offer challenging and unexpected ways of using a treadmill set to a pace and order designed by a fitness professional. Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise routine. Before taking on any aerobic routine, talk to a doctor about your heart health. Ask your doctor about any limitations you should place on your workout regimen. When seeking medical evaluation, consider your spine and joint health, particularly your knee and ankle joint health. If you have low cartilage, arthritis, or other joint problems you should ask your doctor if a treadmill's belt cushioning would be hard on your joints. Your doctor might recommend walking on grassy or soft surfaces to prevent further joint damage. Familiarize yourself with the display, control panel, and safety features. Before using any treadmill, make sure you go over its control panel, workout options, and safety features. Seek guidance from a trainer at your gym, or if you're purchasing a treadmill for your home, consult the salesperson or other professional at the store. Locate the emergency stop button and determine whether the treadmill has a safety stop tether or clip. Use the safety clip. If your treadmill does have a safety tether or clip, always use it. This feature clips to your clothing and automatically stops the machine if you pull away from the control panel. While most people skip out on the tether, it's the best and most recommended way of avoiding serious harm when using a treadmill. If you suddenly fall, you will not be able to stop the machine using the emergency stop button, as it'll be out of your reach. Stopping the belt can prevent burns, abrasions, and other forms of bodily harm. Keep shoulders back, your head up, and don't look at your feet. Always use proper form when walking or running on a treadmill. Your body should be straight and upright, with your shoulders held back and chin up. Your abdominals should be tight, and your gaze should be fixed straight ahead. Don't look down at your feet. Take a break from screen time. One of the most common causes of treadmill-related injury is distraction due to looking at a cell phone. Consider leaving your phone elsewhere or putting it on airplane mode so you won't be tempted to answer any calls or texts. If you use your cell phone to listen to music while running, use an arm strap for hands-free use, and keep it on airplane mode. Come to a complete stop. Avoid jumping off a treadmill while the belt is in motion. Instead, wait until it's come to a stop to dismount. Turn the machine off or use any available pause function if you need a break, and never jump back on a belt in motion. Use your treadmill away from walls or windows. Your gym will most likely have positioned its treadmills to avoid injury in case of a fall, but you choose where you place your home machine carefully. If a treadmill is positioned too closely to a wall, you are at a greater risk of becoming pinned between the moving belt and the wall. This can result in significant bodily harm. Make sure you have 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 m) of clearance between the rear of the treadmill and the nearest wall. Never position the rear of your treadmill close to a window or glass door, or a fall could put you at risk of colliding with the glass. Make sure you take measurements of the area in your home where you're placing the treadmill before purchasing one. If you're purchasing a treadmill to use at home, go with one that has both an emergency stop button and a safety tether clip. Making sure the machine stops in the event of a sudden fall is especially important at home, since there won't be any trained professionals to offer assistance as there are at a gym. Consider all members of your household when purchasing a treadmill. Make sure it's located in a room where you can keep young children from accessing it.

Warm up your joints and muscles by walking before running. Build up your speed gradually. Vary speed and distance training days. Avoid grabbing the handrails. Walk with your hands above your head. Add upper-body exercises to your treadmill workout. Walk sideways. Walk backwards. Consider enrolling in a class or purchasing a treadmill workout video. Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise routine. Familiarize yourself with the display, control panel, and safety features. Use the safety clip. Keep shoulders back, your head up, and don't look at your feet. Take a break from screen time. Come to a complete stop. Use your treadmill away from walls or windows.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Yourself-from-Beating-Someone-You-Hate-Up

How to Stop Yourself from Beating Someone You Hate Up

Beating someone up usually makes things worse, but if you learn to control your emotions and handle conflicts in a non-violent way, you'll have an easier time letting it go. The best way to avoid a fight is to just walk away and let yourself cool down. Take some slow, deep breaths to help yourself calm down and try to remember that this person is not worth your time or energy. It's okay to be angry at this person, but remember that beating them up won't make you feel better. If you still feel keyed up, try doing something to distract yourself. Exercising or doing a hobby you enjoy, like playing video games, are both great ways to get your mind off of things. If you often have trouble controlling your anger, talk to someone about what you're going through. See a therapist or join an anger management class to help solve the issues that are causing you to lash out.

Leave the area. Get away from the person that you want to beat up. If you feel very angry, it's better to just walk off (even without telling anyone why) and give yourself time to cool down than to get into a physical altercation. If you are with a friend, decide whether it would be better for you to be alone or to talk through your anger with your friend. Take deep breaths. To benefit from the potential relaxation of deep breathing, you need to take deep breaths into your abdomen. Place your hand on your diaphragm (between your belly and chest) and breathe so deeply that you hand moves as your belly begins to expand. Then slowly breathe out. Keep your focus on your breath, breathing in and out 8-10 times or until you feel like you have regained control of your emotions. Use progressive muscle relaxation. Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and releasing your body in progressive stages. Consciously tensing your own muscles can help you redirect the outlet of the anger you're feeling. To practice progressive muscle relaxation, take a few deep breaths, then do the following: Begin with your face and head muscles. Hold the tension for 20 seconds, then release it. Work your way down your body, tensing and releasing your shoulders, arms, back, hands, stomach, legs, feet, and toes. Take deep breaths, feeling relaxation from your toes all the way up to your head. Speak to yourself positively. Repeat a helpful mantra such as “I can control my actions” to yourself. Try to reframe your negative thoughts towards the person in a more positive way. Changing your thinking (known as “cognitive restructuring”) from focusing on unreasonably negative or angry thoughts to more realistic, positive thinking may help you resist violent actions. For example, instead of thinking “I hate this person and I want to beat him up,” you can think, “I do not care to spend time with this person, but I am above violent behavior.” Distract yourself from the anger. Finding a pleasant distraction from the person who is making you angry can help you move on and maintain control of your actions. A distracting activity can be something you enjoy such as playing a video game, shopping, going for a walk, engaging in a hobby, or playing a game of pool with a friend. Remind yourself that it’s not worth it. Even if you think you may feel some genuine satisfaction from punching someone you hate, it is unlikely to make you feel better the way you think it will. Additionally, you could end up getting arrested or sued for assault, which could be expensive and time-consuming. You might say to yourself, “This guy, even though he is irritating me, is not worth my time. I cannot afford to lose time at work to be in jail or at a trial, and I am not willing to give this guy power over my walk. I am going to walk away instead of engaging with him. Limit alcohol consumption. If you are going to be in a situation where you may be around someone you don't like, do not consume alcohol. Alcohol consumption can interfere with reason and hinder your ability to control your actions effectively. Practice becoming self-aware. Knowing when you are going to lose it and possibly turn violent can help you stop yourself before you lose control. Monitor your thoughts and your physical body for signs of oncoming anger. You might be on your way to violence if you begin to feel: Tense muscles and clenched jaw Headache or stomachache Increased heart rate Sudden sweating or shaking A dizzy feeling Work on developing impulse control. Most people do not plan to engage in physical violence; it happens in the moment as a response to strong emotions or as a result of escalating conflict. You can prevent yourself from responding to a trigger with violence if you strengthen your impulse control. Some strategies for developing or strengthening your impulse control include: Practice delayed gratification. Practicing delayed gratification in other areas can actually help you develop impulse control generally. For example, if you always sit down and watch your favorite show as soon as you get home from work, try pushing the habit back an hour and getting a bit of housecleaning done first. Accepting this delay will develop your willpower. Develop “if-then” scenarios ahead of time. For example, you might decide ahead of time, “if this person insults me or my friends, I will walk away.” Strengthen your body. Some studies have linked strengthening your muscles and body through regular exercise to increased impulse control and willpower. Acknowledge your feelings. Accept that you dislike someone and that you feel angry whenever you are around him. Know that that's okay. You may not be able to change the way that you think or feel about another person, but you can always choose how to act towards him. Each time you speak or act, you are making a choice about what words and actions you use. For example, you can think to yourself, “I do not like this person. The way he is talking to me and my friends makes me want to beat him up. It is normal to feel angry and to dislike people, but I will not let him get the best of me by drawing me into a physical altercation. Get some moderate exercise. Exercise can help you get your “angry energy” out. It can also help you feel better by triggering endorphins in your brain, which are neurotransmitters that make you feel happier. Consistent exercise can help regulate your emotions and strengthen impulse control over time as well as making you feel better in the moment. Identify a conflict. A conflict occurs when a difference in opinion escalates to the point of interfering with an interpersonal relationship. There are often strong emotions associated with conflicts. Conflicts generally don't go away on their own without specifically dealing with them. Focus on maintaining or recovering a relationship. Even if you feel that you dislike or hate the person with whom you are in conflict, it may be the conflict itself that is causing you to feel that way. Framing your approach to conflict resolution with the idea of helping your relationship with the person Stay calm and alert. Staying calm will help you listen and respond reasonably to other people's perspectives. Remaining calm will also likely keep the conflict from escalating, as the other person involved in the conflict may respond positively to your calm demeanor. Keep your emotions in check. This can be quite difficult, but it is important to maintain control over your emotions when involved in a conflict. This does not mean that you can't feel or even express your emotions; it just means that you shouldn't allow your emotions to inform your actions or demeanor. Additionally, being aware of your own emotions can help you understand the emotions of other parties involved in conflict. This can help you sympathize with others' perspectives. Acknowledge the feelings and words of the other party. Again, this can sometimes be difficult if you are in conflict with someone who you don't like. However, accepting and allowing for the feelings of the other person involved in a conflict can help you resolve a conflict. It helps you understand why the person may be acting the way he is. Acknowledging another's feelings aloud can help him see that you understand where he is coming from, which may de-escalate the situation. Remain respectful of differences in personality or opinion. Some conflict arises from a difference of opinion that may not be resolved. It is possible to remain respectful towards someone even if you do not reach an agreement about a specific conflict. Find a solution to the conflict between you. The key to finding a solution or resolution to your conflict involves working together to identify the specific problems and brainstorming for solutions together. This may involve some flexibility and negotiation, but if both (or all) parties are willing to work together to find a solution, it is likely that you can find one. Determine whether you have a problem with anger. If you feel inclined to beat someone up, you could have an anger problem. While anger can be healthy, it can also be unhealthy. You may need to deal with an anger problem through self-help or professional help if the following are true: Insignificant things make you very angry. When you're angry, you display aggressive behaviors, including yelling, screaming, or hitting. The problem is chronic; it happens over and over again. When you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your temper gets worse and your behavior more violent. Learn to meditate. Meditation can help you regulate your emotions. If you feel that you are overly focused on your negative feelings for another person, give yourself a little mental vacation through meditation. Meditating regularly can help you control your emotions, which can help you maintain control over your actions. Take slow, deep breaths. Maintaining this breathing will likely bring down your elevated heart rate. Your breaths should be deep enough that your belly extends on the “in” breath. Visualize a golden-white light filling your body as you breathe in, relaxing your mind. When you breathe out, visualize muddy or dark colors leaving your body. Making a habit of meditating every morning, even when you're not angry, will make you feel more calm in general. Take an anger management class. Anger management programs have been proven to be highly successful. Effective programs help you understand anger, develop short-term strategies to deal with anger, and build your emotional control skills. There are many options available for finding a program that is right for you. Individual programs may be available in your area for specific age groups, occupations, or life situations. To find an anger management program that is right for you, try searching online for “anger management class” plus the name of your city, state, or region. You can also look for appropriate programs by asking your physician or therapist, or consulting the self-improvement course offerings at your local community center. Seek therapy. The best way to learn to keep yourself from beating up other people is to identify and treat the root of your anger. A therapist can give you relaxation techniques to use while dealing with people you dislike. She can help you develop emotional coping skills and communication training. Additionally, a psychoanalyst who specializes in helping resolve problems from someone's past (such as neglect or abuse from childhood) can help mitigate anger tied to past events. You can search for a therapist specializing in anger management in North America here and in the United Kingdom here.

Leave the area. Take deep breaths. Use progressive muscle relaxation. Speak to yourself positively. Distract yourself from the anger. Remind yourself that it’s not worth it. Limit alcohol consumption. Practice becoming self-aware. Work on developing impulse control. Acknowledge your feelings. Get some moderate exercise. Identify a conflict. Focus on maintaining or recovering a relationship. Stay calm and alert. Keep your emotions in check. Acknowledge the feelings and words of the other party. Remain respectful of differences in personality or opinion. Find a solution to the conflict between you. Determine whether you have a problem with anger. Learn to meditate. Take an anger management class. Seek therapy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Dog%27s-Dew-Claw

How to Care for a Dog's Dew Claw

To care for your dog's dew claw, which is the claw on the lower part of its leg, check it every week or so for cracks, breaks, or tearing. If you find an injury down to the claw, you should take your dog to the vet. However, if the injury has not reached the quick, you should clean and bandage it at home. If you find that your dog's dew claw is starting to curl towards its leg, you should trim it, since this can cause pain and discomfort, but be careful not to cut it too short, which could injure your dog. For example, if your dog's claws are dark and opaque, you should probably leave trimming them to a professional, since you could risk cutting into the quick. If you're not confident about doing it yourself, you should go to a groomer.

Find the dew claw. The dew claw is the claw that most dogs have on the inner portion of their lower leg, little ways above the rest of the paw. Almost all dogs naturally have dew claws on their front legs, and some have them on the back, as well. Some dog owners opt to have their dog's dew claws removed when they are still puppies to avoid potential injury or tearing. If you have a rescue dog or a dog from a renowned breeder, it is possible that they may not have dew claws per the choice of their previous owners. Check for a healthy dew claw. The dew claw is prone to cracks, breaking, and tearing, so it is important to check regularly to ensure that the claw is healthy and not causing your dog any pain. Look carefully at the claw once every week or so to see if there is any chipping, peeling, extended cracks, or other symptoms of an injured dew claw. A healthy dew claw should be smooth and a relatively consistent color. Some color variation along the claw is normal, but discoloration such as red or brown within the claw may indicate bleeding or another injury. Decide whether to declaw. While there are no strict veterinary guidelines regarding if you can have your dog's dew claws removed, the general school of thought on the subject is leaving it there unless otherwise necessary. Declawing generally happens when the dog is still small and must be done by a trained veterinarian. Declawing may be beneficial for dogs that work, hunt, or otherwise, spend a lot of time being active outdoors or in variable environments. Farm dogs, hunting dogs, service dogs, and police dogs are often declawed to help prevent the claw from catching or sustaining injury. If your dog is not going to be performing intense physical activity and will live more like a household pet, it is generally considered easier to keep the claw and maintain it properly. Examine your dog's dew claw. Trimming your dog's dew claw is important for their continued health and well-being. Trimming too close or with the wrong tools could actually cause injury to your dog, though. Decide whether you are capable and comfortable trimming your dog's claw. If your dog has dark, opaque claws, trimming them is likely best left to a professional. The claws have a fleshy bed called the quick that extends partway down the claw. Cutting into the quick is painful and could seriously injure your dog. If you cannot see the quick, it is best not to cut their nails yourself. Make sure that you have a nail trimmer meant specifically for dog's nails. The types of nail trimmers humans use can cause cracking and splitting on dog nails. Head to your local pet shop to get trimmers that will keep the claw healthy. Visit your groomer. If you do not feel comfortable trimming your dog's dew claw on your own, take your dog to your local groomer. Many groomers offer walk-in and a la carte nail trimming or grindings. Generally, your groomer will be faster, safer, and less traumatic for your dog than trying to trim the nails yourself. Ask your groomer about nail grinding options, as well as nail trimming. A grinding uses a rotary nail file to slowly grind the claw down to an appropriate length. This not only trims the nail, but rounds it out to prevent catching, cracking, and splitting. Find the right length. If you decide to trim your dog's nails, you need to determine the right length of the nail. The nail is too long and needs trimming if it starts to curl and wrap around upward and back toward the dog's leg. Trim the nail to a length that cuts away the curl, but leaves visible room between the quick and the cut. It is imperative to not cut the dog's claw too short. Always opt for longer if you are unsure. You can go back and trim more if necessary, but cutting too close could cause serious pain and injury to your dog. Trim the nail. Once you have found the right length, trim the nail using nail clippers made specifically for trimming dog claws. Unlike nail trimmers meant for human use, these put pressure on the sides of the nail, instead of the top and bottom, which helps prevent painful and potentially dangerous cracking and splitting. Using dog nail trimmers is advisable for at-home groomers instead of using a grinder. Those unexperienced with grinders may cause accidental injury to the nail or nail bed. Go to the vet. If your dog has a nail injury that has cut them down to the quick, get your dog to your vet or the nearest animal hospital immediately. This is a painful injury for your dog, and requires professional treatment and often sedation. If your dog will let you, treat the bleeding using gauze or a band-aid. Then, rush your dog to the vet for further evaluation and treatment. Treat a break or crack. If your dog sustains a dew claw injury that has not cut them to the quick, treat the break or crack in the nail quickly to prevent further damage. In these cases, it is still a good idea to call your vet for advice and further information. Remove the broken pieces. If your dog breaks or chips part of their nail, remove the broken pieces using your claw trimmers to prevent further injury. Stop any bleeding by covering the injury using clean gauze and applying pressure to the area for a few minutes. Clean the wound by bathing the paw in warm water to remove any immediate dirt or debris. Then, use an antiseptic spray or wipe only on the toe that was impacted to prevent potential infection. Bandage the wound with a gauze wrap or a bandage meant to work on a pet's foot, available from your vet or at local pet stores. Change the bandage daily to keep the wound clean until it heals. Consult your vet to ensure that your dog does not need to be brought in and to get further recommendations for treatment. Treat an infection. Your dog's dew claw may become infected due to trauma or injury around the claw, or due to fungal infections. Treat an infection of the dew claw quickly with evaluation and care from your vet. Symptoms of a dew claw infection include soreness and inflammation around the dew claw, nail overgrowth, unexpected peeling and chipping of the nail, and discoloration. If you believe your dog may have an infected dew claw, contact your vet immediately to schedule an appointment. Your vet will best be able to advise you on proper physical and medicinal treatments. Treatment may include antibiotic or antifungal medication, as well as medicated foot baths or soaks. In extreme circumstances, removal of the nail plate may be necessary.

Find the dew claw. Check for a healthy dew claw. Decide whether to declaw. Examine your dog's dew claw. Visit your groomer. Find the right length. Trim the nail. Go to the vet. Treat a break or crack. Treat an infection.

https://www.wikihow.com/Convert-Millimeters-to-Inches

How to Convert Millimeters to Inches

To convert millimeters to inches, simply divide the millimeters by 25.4. Using that method, 50.8 millimeters would be the same as 2 inches because there are 25.4 millimeters in an inch.

Learn the conversion factor. One inch is the same length as 25.4 millimeters. You can write this "conversion factor" as a fraction: 1 i n c h 25.4 m m {\displaystyle {\frac {1inch}{25.4mm}}}. Any two units have a special conversion factor for converting between them. If you don't know what it is, you can look it up online or in a textbook. Understand the conversion factor. The top and bottom of the fraction are the same length, just written in different units. This means the fraction is equal to 1, just like the fractions 3 3 {\displaystyle {\frac {3}{3}}} or 8 8 {\displaystyle {\frac {8}{8}}} simplify to 1. Remember, multiplying a number by 1 doesn't change its value. That means you can multiply your measurement by this factor and the length will be the same. The only difference is the units: your answer will be written in inches instead of millimeters. Write down the multiplication problem. Make sure to write down all units in your measurement. For example, here's what you would write down to convert 16 millimeters (mm) into inches (in): 16 mm x 1 i n 25.4 m m {\displaystyle {\frac {1in}{25.4mm}}} = ? Cancel out the units. If the same unit appears on the top and bottom of a fraction, they cancel out. If you've set up your problem correctly, the millimeters will cancel out and you'll be left with just inches. 16 mm x 1 i n 25.4 m m {\displaystyle {\frac {1in}{25.4mm}}} = ? Cancel out the millimeters: 16 x 1 i n 25.4 {\displaystyle {\frac {1in}{25.4}}} = ? Since the only unit left is inches, your answer will be in inches. Solve the problem. Finish the math problem by hand or on a calculator. 16 x 1 i n 25.4 {\displaystyle {\frac {1in}{25.4}}} = 16 in ÷ 25.4 = about 0.63 inches Memorize useful conversions. If you can remember that 1 mm = 1 25.4 {\displaystyle {\frac {1}{25.4}}} inches, that's great. But this conversion doesn't come up very often. It's more useful to memorize these common conversions: 1 cm = about 0.4 inches 1 cm = 10 mm 1 inch = exactly 2.54 cm (you don't need this for this conversion, but it's a good one to know) Convert millimeters to centimeters. This is easy to do in your head. Just divide the millimeter measurement by 10. All you have to do is move the decimal point one digit to the left. If you're not sure why this works, look at this example: 430 mm = 430 mm x 1 c m 10 m m {\displaystyle {\frac {1cm}{10mm}}} = 43 cm. Estimate the centimeter to inch conversion. The 1 cm = 0.4 in is close enough for most purposes. But how do you multiply by 0.4 in your head? Here are two different ways to do it, continuing with the same example: Divide by two, then subtract 1/10 of the cm value: 43 cm ÷ 2 = 21.5 → 1/10 of 43 is 4.3 → subtract the second number from the first: 21.5 - 4.3 = 17.2 in. Or divide by ten, then multiply by four: 43 cm ÷ 10 = 4.3 → 4.3 x 4 = (4 x 4) + (0.3 x 4) = 16 + 1.2 = 17.2 in. Understand that this is an estimate. Learning how to do this will come in handy for quick real-life estimates, where the exact answer is usually not important. It's not a good idea for homework problems that require an exact answer, but you can use it to double check your answer and make sure it's in the right ballpark. In the example, the exact answer is actually 16.921 inches. The estimate is less than a third of an inch off, which is pretty good for mental math.

Learn the conversion factor. Understand the conversion factor. Write down the multiplication problem. Cancel out the units. Solve the problem. Memorize useful conversions. Convert millimeters to centimeters. Estimate the centimeter to inch conversion. Understand that this is an estimate.

https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Two-Pounds-a-Week

How to Lose Two Pounds a Week

If you want to lose two pounds a week, eat nutrient-dense foods like chicken, fruits, and vegetables to help you stay full. You should also try to cut back on processed foods and foods that are high in sugar and fat since they're unhealthy and can make you gain weight. In addition to eating well, try doing cardiovascular exercise like jogging or swimming a few times a week to help you lose weight. Aside from high-intensity exercise, you can take the stairs instead of the elevator, or go on a walk during lunch to aid your weight loss.

Fill up on lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. These three food groups are relatively low in calories, high in nutrients, and are very filling and satiating. Combining them at most meals can help you lose weight. When you're trying to lose weight and cut calories, you'll need to choose nutrient-dense foods. These are items that are relatively low in calories, but also high in nutrients. Produce (fruits and vegetables) are high in a variety of nutrients including fiber. Higher amounts of fiber helps you feel full and stay satisfied for longer. This may help you eat less and snack less throughout the day. Include one to two servings of fruits or vegetables at each meal. Make sure to measure your portions to 1/2 cup of fruit, 1 cup of vegetables and 2 cups of leafy greens. Protein is another type of food that can help you feel satisfied longer throughout the day and moderate your appetite. It also helps support your metabolism during the day. Include a source of lean protein like chicken, fish, tofu, beans, shellfish, or low-fat dairy at each meal. Stick to a 3–4 oz portion of these lean proteins. Eat moderate amounts of whole grains. Including a few servings of whole grains helps balance out your diet. These foods also contain moderate amounts of fiber and may help you stay more satisfied. Although whole grains are more nutritious compared to refined grains (like white bread or white rice), they do not offer as many nutrients as protein, fruits, or vegetables. Choose whole grain foods over simple carbs, or refined grains, as in white bread, crackers, baked goods. Try: brown rice, quinoa, oats, farro, whole wheat bread, or whole wheat pasta. Measure your portions of whole grain foods to help you lose weight. Measure out 1 oz or about 1/2 cup of grains. Remember that one slice of bread is one serving but a bun or bagel is two servings. Limit highly processed foods. Highly processed foods include bread, pastries, sweets, fast food, and frozen prepared meals. Try to avoid these often as they are typically more calorie-dense compared to less processed foods. Eating many processed foods throughout the day may prohibit weight loss. Many processed foods are higher in calories, fat, sugars and other additives. If you currently rely heavily on processed foods, slowly make the switch to less processed foods. Start by making one meal or snack at home or pack to bring with you. Also, meal planning and meal prep can help you be more prepared and have meals and snacks ready-to-go which may make it easier to pass up processed items. Drink water. Drink adequate water is great for your overall health; however, it's also great for weight loss. One way in which water can help you lose weight is by making you feel physically full. Like food, water takes up space in your stomach. Drinking a large glass before a meal can help you feel satisfied before your meal starts. Also, drinking a glass of water when you're feeling hungry before a meal can help you feel satisfied without a snack. Drinking adequate fluid all day can also help your weight by maintaining adequate hydration. Even when you're slightly dehydrated, you may feel hunger signals when in fact you're only thirsty. Aim for at least 64 oz (2 litres) of clear fluids each day. Stick to no-calorie and decaffeinated beverages like water, flavored water or unsweetened decaf tea. Eat slower. Eating slower may help you eat smaller portions, fewer calories and lose weight. It gives your body time to register that you are satiated. Most health experts recommend taking about 20–30 minutes to eat a meal. This allows your GI system to send satiation or satisfied signals to your brain. When you eat much faster than this, you're more likely to overeat or eat too much in one sitting. Try setting a timer, putting your fork down in between bites, taking a sip of water in between bites, and talking to your friends or family. These tricks can help slow you down. Take a multivitamin. Taking a daily multivitamin may be a good idea when you're trying to lose weight. This will not speed weight loss, but may help meet nutrient needs when you're cutting calories. Multivitamins and any vitamin doesn't cause weight loss. Only cutting out calories and exercising can cause weight loss. However, if you're cutting out a significant amount of calories (500-1,000 to lose 2 pounds in a week), you may not be able to eat enough to meet your daily nutrient needs. Always talk to your doctor prior to starting any supplementation. He or she will be able to tell you if this is safe and appropriate for you. Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). Your basal metabolic rate or BMR is how many calories your body burns per day performing basic metabolic functions, such as breathing, digesting food, or blinking. This calculation is important for determining your basic caloric needs. You can do it by hand or use an online calculator, like the one here. If you are a woman, calculate your BMR using the following formula: BMR = 655.1 + (9.563 x weight in kg) + (1.850 x height in cm) – (4.676 x age in years) 655 + (4.3 x weight in pounds) + (4.7 x height in inches) – (4.7 x age in years) If you are using metric measurements, use the following formula: Example: A 5'7", 135 pound, 30-year-old woman's BMR would be 655 + (4.3 x 135 pounds) + (4.7 x 67) – (4.7 x 30) = 1408.5. If you are a man, calculate your BMR using the following formula: 66 + (6.3 x weight in pounds) + (12.9 x height in inches) – (6.8 x age in years) If you are using metric measurements, use the following formula: BMR = 66.5 + (13.75 x weight in kg) + (5.003 x height in cm) – (6.755 x age in years) Example: A 6', 180 pound, 30-year-old man's BMR would be 66 + (6.3 x 180 pounds) + (12.9 x 72) – (6.8 x 30 years) = 1924.8. Add in a physical activity factor. After you've determined your BMR, you'll need to account for your physical activity during the week. Multiplying your BMR by a physical activity number results in an estimate of the number of calories you burn per day. If you are sedentary, multiply your BMR by 1.2. If you are moderately active, multiply your BMR by 1.3–1.4. If you are very active multiply your BMR by 1.4–1.5. Example: If you, like the above man, had a BMR of 1,924.8 and lived an active lifestyle then you would need to multiply your BMR by 1.4. If you did this, you would find that you burn approximately 2,694.72 calories per day. Calculate your calorie goal. You can use the number of calories you burn every day to help you calculate a calorie limit to help you lose 1–2 pounds per week. There are approximately 3,500 calories per pound of fat. In order to lose a pound of fat, you must consume 3,500 less calories than you burn. To lose 2 pounds of fat in a week you must consume 7,000 less calories than you burn in that week. In other words, you must have a daily deficit of 1,000 calories to lose 2 pounds of fat in a week.BMR = 66.5 + (13.75 x weight in kg) + (5.003 x height in cm) – (6.755 x age in years). To calculate how many calories you should eat to lose 2 pounds per week (given your current activity level) subtract 1,000 calories from the calories you burn in a day as calculated in the step "Account for how active you are." Example: If you normally burn about 2694 calories/day then you would need to eat 1694 calories per day to lose 2 pounds per week. Note that smaller women will have a difficult time achieving a 1,000 calorie deficient. If your calorie intake is less than 1,200 calories/day after subtracting 1,000 calories for weight loss you might want to consider a slower weight loss plan. Eating less than 1,200 calories a day can lead to nutrient deficiencies and inhibit your long-term weight loss goals. Example: If you are a woman with a BMR of 1,408 who is mildly active (x 1.3) and therefore burns about 1,831 calories per day, a deficient of 1,000 calories would require that you eat only 850 calories per day. This is too low for a long-term diet and will prevent you from getting the nutrients your body needs. Eat until you're satisfied. In addition to counting calories, you can also pay attention to how your body feels when you're eating. It has a natural way of telling when you've eaten just the right amount (without calorie counting). Our bodies have many mechanisms to help tell us when we've eaten enough food at one sitting. There are cells in both the stomach and intestines that help tell our brains that we've had enough food and we're satisfied. Listening and paying attention to these cues can help you stop eating when you're satisfied — not full or overly full. This is your body's natural "calorie counter." Aim to stop when you're satisfied. This feels like a lack of hunger, general sense of contentment, and a knowledge that you won't be hungry for another few hours. You should not feel uncomfortable. If you feel full, you might have had a few bites too many, finished the entire serving, or had second servings. If you feel full or uncomfortable, you have had too much and you've overeaten. Strength train. To help maintain your muscle mass while in a caloric deficit, consider taking up weight training. When in a caloric deficit, your body will burn its reserves for energy both fat as well as muscle. Ideally you want to burn fat, not muscle. Including regular strength training can help minimize the loss of lean muscle mass. Health experts recommend including at least one to two days of strength training. Ensure that you work each major muscle group when you're exercising. Try lifting weights or using weight machines, doing yoga or pilates, or using isometric exercises to help maintain or build lean muscle mass. Do a little cardiovascular exercise. Cardiovascular exercise is good for overall health. However, it also helps your body burn calories and fuel weight loss. Regular cardiovascular or aerobic exercise has been associated with a variety of health benefits in addition to weight loss. It has been shown to help improve mood, decrease your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure, helps improve circulation, and improves your energy. Cardio is also the main form of exercise that will burn calories and help support weight loss. The combination of a diet and physical activity is the best for weight loss. Include 5 days of cardio for at least 30 minutes. This will help you meet the minimum guideline set of adults in the US. Include exercises like jogging, fast walking, dancing, using the elliptical, or swimming. Take more steps. In addition to strength training and cardio exercises, also try to just move more or take more steps in the day. Studies have shown that lifestyle activities can also help support weight loss. Lifestyle activities are those that you do on a normal day. These could be walking to and from destinations, taking the stairs, vacuuming the floor or mowing the lawn. Lifestyle activities burn small amounts of calories; however, if you're moving more all day long, you can make a significant impact on your weight. Try to move or walk more throughout your day. Take a walk break at lunch, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk further than needed when you are walking, park farther away, or even do jumping jacks during commercial breaks.

Fill up on lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. Eat moderate amounts of whole grains. Limit highly processed foods. Drink water. Eat slower. Take a multivitamin. Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). Add in a physical activity factor. Calculate your calorie goal. Eat until you're satisfied. Strength train. Do a little cardiovascular exercise. Take more steps.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Up-for-Forgetting-Someone%27s-Birthday

How to Make Up for Forgetting Someone's Birthday

If you want to make up for forgetting someone's birthday, apologize for missing their big day and plan a surprise for them. For example, organize a day out doing something they love, like going for a picnic, having dinner, or going on a road trip. Alternatively, make a set of apology coupons with different things you'll do for them. For example, on one you might put, “Watch a movie I don't like with you.” If it's your partner's birthday you forgot, surprise them with a romantic, candlelit dinner and flowers. You can also leave a treasure hunt of sticky notes around the house with cute notes, jokes, and photos of you together.

Know how to apologize. When you hurt someone, like forgetting a person's birthday, express that you recognize what you've done and are concerned about their feelings. When deciding how you will apologize, think about the person to whom you're apologizing. Who are they to you? What is the person like? What would that person find most meaningful? Let the answers to these questions guide you in creating your apology. Design and mail a personalized jigsaw puzzle. One way to apologize and demonstrate you truly mean it is to spread your apology out over the course of several days or more. Here's one way to do this. There are websites online that allow you to upload photos, which they then use to create a jigsaw puzzle for you of varying sizes. Choose a photo of the two of you based upon your relationship and the message you want to convey in your apology. Upload the photo and when you get the puzzle, write on the back of each piece expressing that you're sorry and, if you choose, what the person means to you. It doesn't have to be sappy or sentimental; something funny might be best for the person whose birthday you forgot. When you're done, mail one piece (or more) of the puzzle every day to the other person. Create “I’m Sorry” coupons. Another way to spread out your apology is to create apology or “I'm Sorry” coupons or vouchers for services or activities that the other person can redeem at times of his or her choosing. Again, think about who the person is and what would be most meaningful when deciding what you'll be giving. You can either make the coupons yourself using art supplies or your computer and printer or you can go to websites like givecoupons.com or spottedsparrow.com and have them printed for you. On the back, write what each coupon is “worth.” Apologize on social media. Making a public apology not only shows that you have humility (or simply don't get embarrassed easily) but also that you're willing to accept responsibility for and go the extra mile to make up for your lapse. If you don't think the other person would be embarrassed by this approach, post an apology on his or her Facebook page and tweet an apology on his or her Twitter feed. Tailor it to your relationship and the person's personality. Add a photo, quote or song that is particularly poignant (or funny) to you both. It's highly unlikely he or she will be the only person to respond. Go on air to apologize. Another way to publicly apologize is to say you're sorry on air. If you know what radio station the person listens to every day on the way to work – or at another time – contact the program's DJ and explain the situation. Ask if you can get 30 seconds of scheduled on-air time to make your apology. Also see if they'll play a particular song right after it, a song that is special to you and the other person. Be persistent if you don't get a response right away. If they agree, write out what you plan to say and rehearse it. You'll only have one chance, and you want to nail it. To ensure the other person turns on the radio that day and at that time, you may need to enlist the help of someone you can trust to keep it a secret. If that's not an option, call the other person shortly before you go on air and say he or she should turn on the radio because they're playing some really good music or something to that effect. Wait for National I Forgot Day. July 2nd is National I Forgot Day. Believe it or not, there does, indeed, exist such a day. If the other person's birthday wasn't too much before July 2nd, you could use this day to your advantage. Go to nationalcalendar.com and order a National Day Wall Calendar. When you get it, circle July 2nd and write a personalized apology for missing his or her birthday. Ask the person over for dinner at your place on July 2. If he or she can't do dinner, try lunch. Make a home-cooked meal with all of their favorites and set the table with only the calendar as the other person's place mat so it will be sure to stand out. When you sit down to eat, point to the calendar and make your apology – one that likely won't be forgotten! Bestow a night of babysitting. Obviously, this would be for someone who has a child or children, but as apologies go this is golden for the stretched-too-thin parents of today. Get creative about how you might present it and your apology. If the other person has an infant, for example, show up one day unannounced with a baby doll in a stroller. Tucked into the doll's hand or side, have a card expressing your apologies for missing their birthday, along with a certificate you made for a day or evening of free babysitting. You'll probably need to stipulate that you'll need some advance notice, but do it in the fine print. Clean up their computer. We all know someone who isn't particularly tech-savvy and has so many files on his or her desktop that it's amazing anything can be found, let alone opened. Generally, it's become quite the nightmare for the person, too. One way to apologize to someone like this, and make quite an impact, would be to give his or her computer a little sprucing up, assuming you know how to do such things. Email the person a personalized, belated birthday card, letting him or her know you feel badly about forgetting and that you'd like to redeem yourself by breathing new life into the contraption they're staring at now. Take on the yard work. While there are a few people in the world who genuinely enjoy mowing the lawn, trimming edges and pulling weeds, it's safe to say the vast majority would rather spend Sunday afternoons doing other things, like watching football or going shopping – in the air conditioning. Thus for many, taking this off their hands in the way of an apology could mean an awful lot. Consider who the person is when thinking about how you'll deliver your apology and this gift of your time. For example, if it's your father, perhaps you could sneak into his closet and get his work clothes and boots, dress up in them and deliver your apology written on a watering can or a bag of leaves you've already raked and sacked. Atone with a night of romance. One of the birthdays you most don't want to forget – and typically suffer the most consequences from – is that of your romantic partner or husband or wife. Not a good thing. Nor easy to remedy. However, a surprise candlelit dinner for two with roses and a thoughtfully written card, followed by a hot bubble bath, a long massage and whatever comes after, well, that probably has some mileage in helping to make up for forgetting your loved one's birthday. And it likely won't be a much of a burden for you to bear either! Create a happiness jar. When you feel badly enough about forgetting a person's birthday that you want to make it up to them somehow, it signals that you have a special relationship of some kind. It indicates you truly care. Making that person a happiness jar can show this. All it takes is a Mason jar with a lid, paper and a pen. Of course you can get more creative, but what matters most is what you write. On each piece of paper that you put in the jar, write down a memory you have of the person – something you experienced together, something you remember the other person saying or doing one day, the way he or she looked on a special occasion, how you feel about the person now and at different times since you've known one another. Include one larger piece of paper or a small card saying you're sorry for missing his or her birthday. If there's room left, throw in their favorite candies, tokens to the arcade if you do that together, small items the person might collect and so forth. Decorate the jar if you'd like. Tie a ribbon around it, paint on it, hodge podge a photo of the two of you on one side. Bake a cake from far away. Sometimes the person doesn't live nearby, and while you can call, email, send a card or a traditional present, maybe you're also looking for something with a bit more punch behind your apology. Here's one idea. Videotape yourself as you make the person his or her favorite kind of birthday cake. You could make it humorous or you could pretend as if you're the star of a cooking show, which the other person might also find quite funny. You could even light the candles, sing him or her “Happy Birthday” and then express your apologies. Burn your video to a disc, write out the cake recipe and wrap it like a birthday present before you send it in the mail. If you think the cake will survive the journey, send it, too, or perhaps just a slice. Download their favorite tunes. If you've never looked online before, USB flash drives now come in all shapes, sizes, colors and materials. There are even action hero USB flash drives. You can also have them customized from a variety of online sites, which is exactly what you want to do. Since they're small and you won't have much space to convey your message, keep it simple, or consider using a symbol or photo. Then fill it with the other person's favorite music (music that you own, of course). Add photos of you together. Create a special playlist. Before you give it to the other person, go online and print a piece of blank sheet music. Write your apology and birthday wishes on it when you present the USB drive. Post Post-It notes. If you have access to the person's home, buy a package of multi-colored Post-It notes and write a variety of messages on them, tailored to the person and your relationship – memories, quotes, feelings, jokes. Tape small photos or other mementos, such as a ticket from a concert you went to together, to mention some of them. While he or she is not home, stick them in both obvious and more hidden places throughout the house so they're found not only when the person comes home and sees them everywhere, but also over time. Then tape several together to create a card expressing your apology that you can either leave after you've gone Post-It note crazy or that you can be waiting to hand deliver. Plan a day of awesomeness. Very few things show you care more than wanting to spend time with another person. Knowing them well enough to plan a day of awesomeness only amplifies that. Here's how it works. Think about all the things they love to do in your city or area – favorite places to eat, favorite activities, favorite places to go – and then plan a day touching on all those things. It could even be a surprise day of awesomeness. Arrange it so you pick the person up in the morning. When you arrive, present the day's itinerary – taped to the menu from the restaurant where the day begins with the person's favorite eggs Benedict. Enjoy a picnic. Food and sunshine, maybe a lake, river or ocean. Perhaps even a grill. Who doesn't love a nice picnic? You can go with just the other person or invite others along. All it requires is picking a time, a location and packing food, drinks, a blanket and whatever you might want to play with or ride while you're there. You don't even need a car. When you invite the person to the picnic, pack a sack lunch in a brown paper bag and write your apology in Sharpie on the bag. Place the bag on a Frisbee, tie a ribbon around both and pass it to your loved one with a smile. Pack up and hit the road. This might require a little more planning, and more money depending upon where you go, but taking a trip – getting away and spending time one-on-one – may be just the apology needed in some cases. Or, it could just be an immensely fun time with someone you care for and whom you want to make sure knows it. It might be a one-night stay in a quirky town two hours away, a weekend in NYC or a week long trip to Australia. Budgets and schedules vary, but one thing is constant – the importance of making time for and spending time with people who matter most. What better way, then, to invite them on the trip than to give them a bell alarm clock with your apologies written on the back? If you're splurging, buy a watch and have it engraved! Design a scavenger hunt. Decide upon where you want the scavenger hunt to end, which will be at a place where the two of you will do something together that the other person really enjoys. It might be at a bowling alley, movie theater, restaurant or even a river where you can canoe. Then start creating clues that are relevant or significant to the other person or to you and the other person. For example, they might be inside jokes, memories, things you've discussed doing, etc. Write or print them on whatever type of paper or material will be appropriate for their locations. The first, for example, might be on a piece of scratch paper taped to the bathroom mirror while the third might need to be laminated (or even put in a jar) because it's buried by the tree you used to climb as kids. Don't tell the other person the scavenger hunt is your apology! Go to your ending point before the scavenger hunt begins and drop off a bunch of balloons that say “I'm sorry.” Include a gift, if you want, and express your apologies before spending the day having fun together. If this isn't possible, get just one balloon, stuff it in your pocket, blow it up when you arrive and give it to the other person, along with your apology.

Know how to apologize. Design and mail a personalized jigsaw puzzle. Create “I’m Sorry” coupons. Apologize on social media. Go on air to apologize. Wait for National I Forgot Day. Bestow a night of babysitting. Clean up their computer. Take on the yard work. Atone with a night of romance. Create a happiness jar. Bake a cake from far away. Download their favorite tunes. Post Post-It notes. Plan a day of awesomeness. Enjoy a picnic. Pack up and hit the road. Design a scavenger hunt.

https://www.wikihow.com/Post-While-Trotting-on-a-Horse

How to Post While Trotting on a Horse

To post while trotting on a horse, start by making sure your back is straight, chest lifted, and shoulders are back as you prepare to move yourself up out of the saddle. When you're ready to post, use your inner thighs to squeeze yourself forward and up at the same time, then down and back in rhythm with the horse. As the horse's outside front leg moves forward, rise up out of the saddle slightly, and when the same leg moves back, sit softly into the saddle again.

Understand why posting is done. The main reason to post while riding is to avoid being jostled around in the saddle during a particularly bumpy gait - the trot. This makes things more comfortable for the rider and is easier on the horse's back. Once you become more experienced with the rising trot, it is also possible to change the horse's rhythm simply by posting more quickly or slowly. The horse will alter his rhythm to match with your own, thus sometimes eliminating the need for hand and leg signals. Understand diagonals. Urge your horse into a steady forward trot. Now, pay attention to the horse's strides - notice how the trot has two beats? Good. This will help you to understand how posting works. During a trot, the horse's left hind leg and right front leg (which are diagonal to one another) move simultaneously, and vice versa. This is what riders are talking about when they refer to "diagonals" - the simultaneous movement of diagonal front and back legs. These diagonals will greatly influence your rising trot. When performed correctly, the rider will rise from his/her seat when the inside hind leg and outside front leg are moving forward and sit when the outside hind leg and inside front leg are moving forward. The reason for this is because the horse's inside hind leg is the one which propels him forward. Rising out of your seat while this leg is in motion will encourage the horse to stretch the leg further under his body, and therefore producing a more effective stride. At first, it can be difficult to tell which diagonal your horse is on. A good trick is to watch your horse's outside shoulder. You should rise out of your seat as his shoulder moves forward and sit back down as it moves back. If the movement is difficult to pinpoint, stick a bandage or piece of colored tape on the horse's shoulder. This makes the movement easier to see. Realize that posting should be done using your thigh muscles, not your legs. Once you start posting your legs will likely be sore, but you'll gain more thigh muscles over time. Gather the reins so you're in contact with the horse's mouth. Don't pull back, rather act like your elbows are removed from your moving body and you're holding the horse's hand (or, rather, his mouth). Post forward and up simultaneously, then down and back. As you rise your pelvis should go forward and up, gliding up into the space between your hands without any interruptions. Your back should be straight, with your chest up and your shoulders back. As you go down, sit softly into the saddle only for enough time as takes to rise again. The entire movement of posting should be very upward based, and when your seat touches the saddle it should be done very lightly, and immediately be proceeded by rising again. Firstly, sitting straight up and down takes too long and will cause you to lose your rhythm. Secondly, standing up straight in the stirrups will cause your legs to involuntarily shoot forward, throwing you off balance. And thirdly, rising straight up will cause you to land heavily in the saddle, which puts pressure on the horses back and defeats the purpose of posting in the first place. Instead, you should try to move forwards and backwards while rising, as this is a much more organic movement. When your horse's outer front leg goes forward, move your pelvis forwards towards the top of the pommel. You should only rise an inch or two out of your seat - just enough to clear the saddle. Don't use your feet to propel yourself - in fact, your legs don't come into the equation at all! Point your knees towards the ground, then squeeze your inner thigh muscles to lift your pelvis out of the saddle. As you rise out of your seat, lean forwards at a 30 degree angle. This helps you to move more naturally with the horse, allowing him to trot better. The one exception to this is in dressage, where the shoulders stay straight, in line with the hips. As the horse's outside shoulder move back, sit down softly into the saddle. Change your diagonal when you change rein. When you change rein (that is, change direction when riding in an arena), your horse's inner hind leg and outer front leg will switch diagonals, which means you will have to change your posting rhythm. To change diagonals, remain seated for one extra stride, so when you rise from your seat it will be in sync with the forward motion of your horse's (new) inner hind leg and outer front leg. In other words, instead of doing up - down - up - down you will do up - down - down - up. It sounds complicated, but it's easy once you get the hang of it. You don't need to worry about changing diagonals when you're out on a hack, as the horse has no "inner" or "outer" legs outside of the arena. However, this gives you a good opportunity to practice posting and changing diagonals, as you can decide to switch sides as often as you like. Avoid sitting too heavily. Sitting down too heavily is a major problem for riders new to the rising trot. It puts pressure on the horses back, causing him to shorten his stride and possible throwing him off balance. As long as you are posting by moving forwards and backwards instead of straight up and down, you should be able to avoid a very heavy landing. However, stiffness can also be an issue, so make sure to soften your knees and try to move naturally with the horse. Ensure your legs are positioned correctly. If your legs are two far forwards, you will end up leaning backwards and if your legs are too far back, you will end up leaning forward - neither of which are ideal for the posting trot. Try to keep your legs at the girth ( the middle of the horse) as this will ensure your back stays in the correct position. You should also try to avoid making involuntary leg movements (which are common while posting) as this can give the horse mixed signals, as he thinks you are kicking him or urging him forwards. These involuntary movements usually occur when your lower legs are too loose, but your knees and thighs are too tight. You can combat this by relaxing your upper legs and tightening your lower legs, keeping your calves pressed lightly against your horse's barrel at all times. Keep your eyes up. Many riders become so absorbed with matching their rising movement to the horse's gait that they spend the whole time staring at the horse's shoulders and forget to keep track of their surroundings. This is an easy habit to get into, but a hard one to break. Not only are you less aware of what's going on around you, you will also be inclined to slump your shoulders forward which affects your posture and ability to post. Get out of this habit by picking a point to look at while you post, whether it's the top of the trees or a nearby roof. This will also help you to learn how to time your rising trot correctly through feel alone, rather than by sight. Keep your hands and arms steady. Many riders have a tendency to bounce their hands and arms up and down as they post. This is incorrect, as it disrupts your contact with the horse and confuses your aiding system. Try to keep your hands and arms steady, keeping them in the exact same position, even as the rest of your body moves forwards and backwards. If it helps, imagine your hips moving between your elbows as you rise.

Understand why posting is done. Understand diagonals. Realize that posting should be done using your thigh muscles, not your legs. Gather the reins so you're in contact with the horse's mouth. Post forward and up simultaneously, then down and back. Change your diagonal when you change rein. Avoid sitting too heavily. Ensure your legs are positioned correctly. Keep your eyes up. Keep your hands and arms steady.

https://www.wikihow.com/Let-Your-Ferret-Out-of-Its-Cage

How to Let Your Ferret Out of Its Cage

To let your ferret out of its cage, choose a cool room for it to play in, since ferrets can overheat easily. Next, block any narrow gaps behind furniture, cover electrical sockets, and remove choking hazards, like cables, since ferrets are inquisitive creatures. Let your ferret have at least 4 hours out of its cage every day, including 2 hours of human interaction. Make sure to provide it with toys, like tunnels, dig boxes, and rope, to keep it stimulated. You should also ensure that your ferret can return to its cage whenever it wants, which it may do if it feels unsafe.

Choose a cool room. Ferrets are very vulnerable to heat stroke, and they won't show signs of overheating when they start to get too hot. Since the ferret will be scurrying around, make sure that the room is cool so that your ferret is safe. The temperature should be kept between 50–80 °F (10–27 °C). Choose an air conditioned room. Use a ceiling fan. Don't use a small fan that the ferret can crawl on and endanger itself. Ferret-proof a room in your home. Your ferret needs a safe space to play, especially if you're going to let it play alone. Ferrets are very inquisitive, so they can get into trouble. Block off narrow spaces so that your ferret won't crawl in and get stuck. Close gaps between furniture and the wall, as well as beneath furniture. Cover up electrical outlets. Remove choking hazards. Remove small items that your ferret could carry off. Train your ferret to use a litter box. Ferrets can use a litter box if you're willing to work with them. Use a small cardboard or plastic box that is at least 3–5 inches (7.6–12.7 cm) in height. Fill the box with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of pellets made of paper or plant fibers for use as litter. Empty the litter box often. Never use clumping litters because they can harm your ferret's eyes or respiratory system. Set up a playpen. A playpen can help you keep your ferret safe outside its cage in a room that you haven't had time to ferret-proof. Provide your ferret with toys and tunnels for exercise. Don't leave your ferret unattended while it's in the playpen because your ferret could get out and/or get stuck in something, which could result in injury. You can find a playpen specifically for a ferret at either a pet store or online. Install a pet door in your ferret’s cage if you can. If you're able to maintain a safe space for your ferret to run around outside its cage whenever it wants, consider installing a door that allows the ferret to come and go from its cage whenever it wants. Wear closed-toed shoes. Ferrets like to bite toes, and often do so to get your attention. When they play with other ferrets, biting is an acceptable way to invite the other ferret to play. If your ferret is out of its cage, then you'll need to protect your toes. Allow your ferret to have at least 4 hours out of its cage per day. The hours don't need to be consecutive, so you can break up the time over the course of the day to make it more convenient. It can also be better for your ferret, since they often take rest breaks between play. Your ferret also needs at least 2 hours of human interaction every day. Provide toys for your ferret. Your ferret needs toys outside of its cage that are different from the ones inside its cage. While your ferret will spend plenty of time running around when you let it out, it also needs to have other forms of stimulation. Aim to provide at least 4 different toys for each play session. For example, you could provide a series of tunnels, a dig box, a knotted rope, and a paper bag to play in and tear up. Look for interactive toys that allow your ferret to use its intelligence. Make a dig box by cutting holes into the top of a box, filling the box with rice or sand, and letting the ferret climb in and dig. Give it balls and tease toys to chase. Give it a rope to chew and use for tug of war. Choose toys they can crawl through, such as tubes, pipes, and paper bags. Expect your ferret to scurry around the room. Your ferret will have lots of energy and will enjoy running free. While it's out, your ferret will explore every part of the room and will enjoy running at high speeds. Don't leave out items that can get damaged, and don't think that certain parts of the room can be left untouched. If you leave your ferret unattended in the room, slowly open the door when you return, watching to make sure that the ferret does not escape. Initially, you may want to put a harness and a leash on the ferret instead of letting it roam free. You can then find out how far it is likely to go and what rooms it enjoys the most. Play games with your ferret. Spend time bonding with your pet while it's out of its cage. One of the best ways to do that is by playing with it. Sit in the room and wait for your ferret to come to you. Play tug-of-war with a rope. Play chase. Try using a tease toy like a rope or a feather. Get your ferret's attention, allow it to start playing with the toy, then start moving the toy away in a teasing fashion. Set up tunnels and interact with the ferret as it runs through. You can interact with the ferret by waiting for it at the holes of the tunnels with treats or a toy. You can also encourage them to rummage by making their cloth tunnels crinkly again, which the ferret will enjoy. Avoid sudden movements, and talk to your ferret as you approach because ferrets have poor eyesight and can easily be spooked. Supervise your ferret if another animal is around. Ferrets can be friends with other animals, such as dogs and cats, but you need to be present during their interactions. If you have other pets, they can make great playmates for your ferret if the animals get along. To introduce your ferret to another animal, put the ferret in a harness with a leash attached. Hold your ferret while someone else holds the other animal. Allow the animals to smell each other. If the animals react calmly to smelling each other, put them down together, but stay close. Alternatively, you can let them watch each other from inside their cages. Keep dogs and cats with a strong prey instinct away from your ferret. Don't allow your ferret around reptiles, birds, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, or other rodents. Ferrets are carnivores and may treat smaller animals as prey. Allow your ferret access to its cage. Your ferret may decide it wants to retreat to the security of its cage, so make sure that it can return to its cage while it's spending time out of it. You can accomplish this by leaving the door to the cage open or by installing a pet door. Pick it up carefully. Ferrets are fragile, so use caution when picking it up. Wait for the ferret to approach, then use both hands to pick it up. Place 1 hand under its chest and the other under its hips. Alternatively, you can pick up the ferret by the scruff of its neck while cradling its bottom in your other hand. Don't ever pick up your ferret by the tail. Teach your ferret to come to you by using food or treats. Hold the treat 3 feet (0.91 m) away from the ferret, then call the ferret by name. Repeat this daily until your ferret comes quickly. Then hold the treat 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the ferret and call it. Continue working with your ferret until it comes any time you call it.

Choose a cool room. Ferret-proof a room in your home. Train your ferret to use a litter box. Set up a playpen. Install a pet door in your ferret’s cage if you can. Wear closed-toed shoes. Allow your ferret to have at least 4 hours out of its cage per day. Provide toys for your ferret. Expect your ferret to scurry around the room. Play games with your ferret. Supervise your ferret if another animal is around. Allow your ferret access to its cage. Pick it up carefully.

https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Body-Piercing-Mistakes

How to Avoid Body Piercing Mistakes

By preparing for your piercing and looking after it while it heals, you can avoid some common body piercing mistakes. Research your piercing studio and make sure it has good reviews, which should mean they follow high health and safety standards. Don't drink any alcohol or caffeine before your piercing, since these can thin your blood and make you bleed more. If you have a metal allergy, let the studio know and make sure they don't use nickel or brass-plated jewelry to prevent a reaction. Once you've gotten your piercing, clean it at least once a day with salty water to keep it sterile. You should also avoid touching your piercing or picking any scabs while it heals.

Consider the commitment a piercing requires before getting it. Many people make a spur-of-the-moment decision to get a piercing, without taking into account the money and care that a body piercing requires. Before you go in to get your piercing, think about how long the piercing will take to heal and if it will interfere with the dress code at your job or school. You should also think about whether or not your piercing can be covered up easily if need be. That said, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Even if you get the piercing and decide you don't like it as much as you thought you would, you can always remove the jewelry once it's healed and let the piercing close up. Get a doctor’s note if you have a serious medical condition. If you have a condition or are taking medication that could affect your blood's clotting ability, make sure to check with your doctor beforehand and obtain a note. Let your piercer know about your condition and show them the doctor's note before you start the piercing process. For example, if you have diabetes, a bleeding disorder, a heart condition, or are currently on antibiotics, you will need to show the piercer a doctor's note. If you're currently on any medications, you should check with your doctor just in case. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine before or right after your piercing. This can cause blood thinning and lead to excessive bleeding, bruising around the piercing site, and extra pain. Drinking directly afterwards can also slow down the healing process. To be safe, avoid drinking any alcohol until a few days after you've had the piercing done. It's also technically illegal for piercers to pierce anyone under the influence, so make sure to save the celebratory drinks for later! With oral piercings , it's especially important to avoid alcohol for a few days. Alcoholic drinks can irritate the piercing and cause swelling, especially when you're dehydrated. Eat a meal at least 6 hours beforehand to keep your blood sugar up. If you skip a meal and come to get pierced on an empty stomach, you're more likely to feel dizzy and even faint. Make sure to eat a full meal 6 hours beforehand, and even have a small snack about 2 hours before the piercing, to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. Shower and dress in loose, comfy clothing before getting pierced. Not only is this healthier for the piercing and the healing process, but it's also respectful to the piercer. Wash away any sweat, makeup, or grime lingering on the skin in the shower, then put on some loose, breathable clothes that let you access the piercing site easily. For example, if you're getting your belly button or nipples pierced, you'll need to wear something that you can easily slide out of the way, such as a loose shirt or tanktop. Showering beforehand is especially important with below-the-belt piercings. Make sure to wear a pair of comfortable underwear that you don't mind getting stained. With oral piercings, make sure to brush your teeth as well. Call ahead to make an appointment. If the piercing studio is busy, they may not be able to take walk-ins. Instead of dropping in for an appointment, always call in first and talk to a piercer at the studio. This way, you can ask any preliminary questions you might have and confirm the date and time before coming in. Choose a professional piercer to make sure the piercing is done safely. Professional piercers know to use sterile materials, practice safety procedures, give instructions for aftercare, and have a strong understanding of anatomy. If your piercer dodges questions, pressures you to get a piercing, or doesn't keep a clean workspace, you should definitely find someone else. Check the reviews on Yelp before you go into a piercing studio. Look at what other people wrote about their experiences at the studio, especially with customer service, cleanliness, and professionalism. Look at the piercing studio's website before you go in. Staff, rates, and general information should be presented in a professional, confident, and knowledgeable way. Check with the studio beforehand if you have a metal allergy. Make sure they have a clean, professional environment and sells only hypoallergenic jewelry. You should also make sure they use sterile and nickel-free metal or surgical-grade stainless steel needles that come in sealed packages for piercing. If the studio is sloppy or sells jewelry with nickel, look for a new piercer. Common metal allergies include nickel, copper, cobalt, and certain alloys. If the studio uses piercing guns, ask them if the part that comes in contact with the person getting pierced isn't re-used on other customers. If you find that itchiness or a rash occurs within 12-48 hours of wearing earrings or necklaces, you likely have a metal allergy. Contact your doctor for further testing and treatment, if needed. Choose quality, hypoallergenic jewelry instead of nickel or brass. This metal will be in contact with your body for a long time, so it's important to choose high-quality materials! Look for jewelry made of hypoallergenic materials, such as acrylic, titanium, or surgical-grade steel. Make sure that the jewelry backings also are made of hypoallergenic materials. Other safe metals options include stainless steel, palladium, platinum, 18-karat yellow gold, nickel-free yellow gold, and argentium  sterling silver. Avoid jewelry made of alloys with nickel and brass. These can turn your skin green or cause serious allergic reactions. Keep in mind that surgical-grade stainless steel may contain a little nickel, but it's generally considered hypoallergenic for most people. Ask your piercer any questions you might have afterward. Many piercers say that the only bad questions are the ones you don't ask. After the piercing, your piercer should provide you with basic information about the healing time and aftercare instructions. If you have any other questions or concerns that haven't been answered, now is the time to ask! For example, you could ask about what foods to avoid with an oral piercing. You could also ask about what you should do if you piercing site starts swelling. Clean your piercing once a day to prevent infection. Some of the most common mistakes that people make after getting a piercing are cleaning it too often or not cleaning it enough. Once a day should be enough, unless your piercing becomes infected. If you notice any signs of infection, start cleaning your piercing 2-3 times a day until the infection goes away. Use a gentle saline solution to clean your piercing. You can either purchase saline solution or make your own by mixing 0.25 teaspoons (1.2 ml) of sea salt with 8 fluid ounces (240 ml) of warm water until it dissolves. Use a Q-tip to apply the saline solution to both ends of the piercing, wiping away any buildup or grime. Rinse away any residue with warm water, then pat the area dry. If possible, it's even better to let the whole piercing soak in a small cup of saline solution for a few minutes. For example, you can use this method on ear, nipple, and lip piercings. Make sure not to clean your piercings with harsh solutions like rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. A gentle saline solution, or even gentle hand soap, will disinfect and soothe the piercing site without irritating it. Don’t twist or tug on your jewelry often while it’s healing. Not only does this keep the piercing from healing properly, it transfers oil and dirt from your fingers to the piercing. Only twist and turn slightly while cleaning, as directed by your professional piercer. For example, you shouldn't twist, turn, or tug on nipple piercings at all. In fact, you shouldn't touch the piercing besides washing it gently in the shower, for several weeks. Genital piercings are also extremely sensitive to tugging and irritation. You'll need to wait to have sex for 6-10 weeks after having the piercing done. Keep your original piercing in for the directed amount of time. Changing out your jewelry too soon is a common mistake that many people make, and it can lead to infection and keep the piercing from healing properly. Make sure to follow your professional piercer's instructions for how long to keep the jewelry in. Monitor your piercing closely until it heals to prevent health risks. Many people ignore or forget to check for warning signs like redness, swelling, or more excessive discharge. Check your piercing once a day for any issues or concerns. Each body piercing will have a different healing time, so make sure you know how long you'll need to monitor the piercing. For example, above-the-lobe ear piercings generally take 12-16 weeks, belly buttons take 6-12 months, nipples take 6-8 weeks, noses take 12-24 weeks, and oral piercings take 6-8 weeks. Call your doctor if you notice any major issues with your piercing. If you have a persistent infection or your piercing is causing you pain, call your doctor. Infections, if ignored, can worsen and even become life-threatening. For example, if you see a red streak across your nipple, this likely means your nipple is rejecting the piercing. Contact your doctor to see if you need to have the piercing removed.

Consider the commitment a piercing requires before getting it. Get a doctor’s note if you have a serious medical condition. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine before or right after your piercing. Eat a meal at least 6 hours beforehand to keep your blood sugar up. Shower and dress in loose, comfy clothing before getting pierced. Call ahead to make an appointment. Choose a professional piercer to make sure the piercing is done safely. Check with the studio beforehand if you have a metal allergy. Choose quality, hypoallergenic jewelry instead of nickel or brass. Ask your piercer any questions you might have afterward. Clean your piercing once a day to prevent infection. Use a gentle saline solution to clean your piercing. Don’t twist or tug on your jewelry often while it’s healing. Keep your original piercing in for the directed amount of time. Monitor your piercing closely until it heals to prevent health risks. Call your doctor if you notice any major issues with your piercing.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Face-Sweating

How to Stop Face Sweating

To stop face sweating, try applying an astringent containing tannic acid, like witch hazel, to your face twice a day using a cotton ball. Additionally, you can apply an antiperspirant spray to your scalp, temples, and upper forehead to temporarily block your sweat glands. Alternatively, try using a dry shampoo to manage scalp sweating by holding it 8 inches from your head, then spraying it in 2 inch sections of your hair at a time. After that, massage the dry shampoo into your scalp for even distribution.

Lower the room temperature or use a fan to cool off. Sweat is the natural reaction that your body has to becoming overheated, so staying cool is the simplest way to stop sweating. Turn down the thermostat to make your space cooler, if you can. You can also use a fan to stay cool. For example, keep a fan at your workstation to blow on your face. When you're on the go, you can take a portable fan. This allows you to blow cool air on your face, even on the hottest of days. Use an astringent containing tannic acid. After washing your face, apply the astringent to a cotton ball or pad, then dab it over your face. Pay special attention to your temples and forehead near the hairline. You can then continue your skincare routine. You can use the astringent in the morning and evening. If your skin becomes irritated, reduce or discontinue use. You can find an astringent over-the-counter at a drug store or online. Check the ingredient list for tannins. For example, witch hazel is a common astringent that contains tannins. Apply an antiperspirant to your scalp, temples and upper forehead. It will temporarily block your sweat glands from producing sweat. Most people apply antiperspirant at night before bed. However, for facial sweating you may prefer to apply it in the morning after washing your face. Don't get the antiperspirant in your eyes, nose, or mouth. You may want to cover the center of your face when you apply the product to protect it, such as with a towel. Talk to your doctor before using an antiperspirant on your face. Clean your scalp with a dry shampoo, as needed. Facial sweating often starts along your scalp. A dry shampoo can help you clean your hair and scalp even if you don't have time to take a shower. It will remove sweat residue and help you stay clean longer. Hold the dry shampoo about 8 inches (20 cm) from your head. Starting at the front of your part, spray 2 in (5.1 cm) sections of your hair, moving from your hairline to the nape of your neck. Massage the dry shampoo to evenly distribute it. You can carry dry shampoo with you throughout the day for touch-ups. This helps manage your excessive facial sweating. If you get extra sweaty during exercise, you might carry the dry shampoo in your gym bag. Avoid caffeine to reduce sweating. Caffeine is a common culprit behind excessive sweating, and it can make your sweat smell worse. Skip coffee, soda, and caffeinated tea if you want your face to stay dry. If you love coffee, you could try switching to decaffeinated coffee. Avoid hot beverages when you're sweating. Drink 8 cups (1,900 ml) of water a day to stay hydrated throughout the day. Cut out spicy foods, as they can increase sweating. Spicy foods can make you sweat more. Additionally, they can intensify the smell of your sweat. Avoiding these foods is an easy way to limit how much sweat your body produces. Stay away from dishes that contain peppers, including pepper sauces like harissa and sriracha. Even black pepper adds spice. Instead, look for dishes that are seasoned with herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary. Engage in relaxation techniques to help manage stress sweating. You can do your relaxation techniques to help you stay calm during moments you're more likely to sweat. For example, you might use a relaxation technique before giving a big presentation at work. Here are some great ways to relax: Meditate to calm your mind and lower your heart rate. This can help you calm down before a big meeting or after an upsetting situation occurs. Do yoga daily to keep your stress levels under control. Start your day with a short yoga practice, or use it to calm down after work. Over time, it will help you maintain a calm demeanor. Do breathing exercises to calm down when you feel stressed. For example, you can use them to calm down in traffic or just before you give a presentation. Dress in layers so that you can remove some. This will help you manage your sweat while at work or school. You can remove your outer layers to cool down before you start sweating. For example, wear a cardigan or blazer that you can remove. Visit your doctor to find out the cause of your excessive sweating. Potential causes for excess sweating include anxiety, a medical condition, or medication, as sweating can be a side effect. Your doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and the medicines you're taking. They may decide to prescribe treatment, or they may refer you to a dermatologist. Bring a list of all medications you are prescribed and are taking. If you have a family history of excessive sweating, share this with your doctor. Consider a prescription glycopyrrolate cream as the easiest option. You can apply the cream in the morning or evening just like a moisturizer. However, you should avoid applying it around your eyes, nose, and mouth. After you apply the cream, don't wash your face for 3-4 hours. Although you can use the cream twice a day, you may prefer to use it just in the evening. Common side effects include dry mouth and throat, but no serious side effects are known. Follow all of the directions on the cream. Get botox injections for 6-12 months of relief. Botox is very effective in limiting sweat production, including on your face. Although the injections can make you uncomfortable, the doctor will numb your face with ice or an anesthetic. They will then make several injections around your face and scalp. The effects of the botox last 6-12 months, after which you can decide to have another round of injections. Follow all of your doctor's instructions. As a side effect, Botox can make other muscles around the injection area feel numb. Although they should eventually regain feeling, you should tell your doctor if this happens. In some cases, Botox can spread into other facial muscles and make your face appear asymmetrical. However, this can usually be fixed by doing another injection to even it out. Get a prescription antiperspirant. A prescription antiperspirant is stronger than those available over-the-counter. They contain an aluminum chloride that helps limit your body's ability to sweat. Although you can use it on your face, you should keep it out of your eyes, nose, and mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Prescription antiperspirant can cause skin and eye irritation. Discontinue use and see your doctor if you experience an adverse reaction. Ask your doctor if an oral anticholinergic is right for you. This medication can prevent excessive sweating by blocking the chemicals in your body that communicate with your nerves. However, this medicine comes with side effects, such as blurred vision, constipation, and dry mouth, that make it more appropriate for short-term use. Your doctor may prescribe it if you experience troublesome sweating in social situations, allowing you to take a pill on an as needed basis. For example, you might take the medicine on days you have an important work meeting that could trigger sweating. Ask your doctor about beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers can help prevent sweat, depending on what's causing your excessive sweating. Talk to your doctor to see if they are the right choice for you. These medications aren't right for everyone, and they can cause side effects. Common side effects of beta blockers include fatigue, weight gain, and cold hands and feet. Common side effects of calcium channel blockers include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, nausea, flushing, rash, palpitations, and swelling of your hands and feet. Talk to your doctor about antidepressants for stress sweating. Antidepressants can also decrease sweating, but they're most effective for people whose sweating is caused by anxiety. Since antidepressants can cause serious side effects, your doctor will likely recommend other options first. Common side effects include nausea, blurred vision, insomnia, agitation, restlessness, anxiety, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, weight gain, and sexual issues. Follow all of your doctor's directions when taking the medication. Cleanse with an oil-free product before applying makeup. Choose a face wash that's labeled for your skin type. Apply a dime-sized amount to your hands, then massage into your face. Finally, rinse with a splash of cool water. Avoiding oil is important, as the oils in makeup can react with oils left on your skin. This makes it more likely that your makeup will come off. Follow with an oil-free moisturizer. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth without leaving an oily residue. Start with a pea-sized amount, adding more moisturizer, if necessary. Check the label to make sure the moisturizer is labeled as oil-free. Opt for a lightweight formula, especially during hot weather. Use a primer to extend the life of your makeup. Primer helps your makeup stay in place longer, as well as creates an even skin tone. Start applying the primer on your nose, working your way outwards. Continue to apply primer until your entire face is covered. You can then apply your makeup as usual. Complete your application with a setting powder and spray. After you apply the rest of your makeup, use a large powder brush to apply a setting powder over your face. Finally, spritz a setting spray over your makeup application. This will hold your makeup in place throughout the day. Choose a spray that doesn't contain alcohol, as it can dry out your makeup and cause cracks. Dab away sweat with a clean towel or tissue before doing touch-ups. When you do sweat, blot it away as soon as you can. You can then touch-up your makeup, as necessary. If you touch-up your makeup without blotting away the sweat, your makeup will look caked-on. Reapply powder as necessary. Use a brush to apply a light layer of powder over your face. You can do this several times a day. You may want to touch-up your foundation, blush, or eye makeup before applying powder.

Lower the room temperature or use a fan to cool off. Use an astringent containing tannic acid. Apply an antiperspirant to your scalp, temples and upper forehead. Clean your scalp with a dry shampoo, as needed. Avoid caffeine to reduce sweating. Cut out spicy foods, as they can increase sweating. Engage in relaxation techniques to help manage stress sweating. Dress in layers so that you can remove some. Visit your doctor to find out the cause of your excessive sweating. Consider a prescription glycopyrrolate cream as the easiest option. Get botox injections for 6-12 months of relief. Get a prescription antiperspirant. Ask your doctor if an oral anticholinergic is right for you. Ask your doctor about beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Talk to your doctor about antidepressants for stress sweating. Cleanse with an oil-free product before applying makeup. Follow with an oil-free moisturizer. Use a primer to extend the life of your makeup. Complete your application with a setting powder and spray. Dab away sweat with a clean towel or tissue before doing touch-ups. Reapply powder as necessary.

https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-Your-Automobile-Windshield

How to Replace Your Automobile Windshield

To replace your automobile windshield, start by removing the plastic molding that's holding the old windshield in place. Then, use an extended handle razor knife to cut through the urethane and separate the windshield from the frame. After removing the old windshield, use sandpaper to remove any rust from the metal parts that secure the windshield to the car. Then, coat the black band around the perimeter of the new windshield with urethane primer and apply the urethane with a caulking gun. Finally, install the new windshield and let it set for 24 hours.

Remove any plastic moldings from around the windshield. Take care to remove any clips holding the molding in place properly. These clips release many different ways (i.e. pull straight out, remove the middle first, push in from either side, etc.) but damaging them will mean that they have to be replaced. They can range from very cheap, to relatively expensive, and some of them are hard to find. Analyze the best angle to separate the windshield from the pinch-weld. The pinch-weld is an area at the front of the car where different metal components welded together. This provides structure and forms a frame for the windshield. In order to remove the windshield you must cut it away from the pinch-weld. This can be done from inside or outside the vehicle with a cold knife or razor. Cut the urethane. The urethane is a very strong, but flexible, polymer based adhesive. If you choose to cut from the outside you might have a problem when the windshield has been placed too close to the pinch-weld. If there is less than 1/8” of urethane then the knife will not have room to drag properly. This causes the glass to break and make a mess. Cutting the windshield out from the inside of the vehicle is the other option. You can use an extended handle razor knife and cut with a repeated dragging motion. Many installers also use power cutters which are faster but do more damage to the metal pinch-weld. Remove the windshield from the car. This should be done with two people. Open the front door on either side of the car and reach one arm in to gently push the glass away from the pinch-weld. Get a hold of the glass from the outside of the car and lift it straight up off of the pinch-weld. Clean away any visible dirt with a brush and then plain water. Any contaminants on the pinch-weld will reduce adhesion of the urethane and the windshield. Trim off excess urethane with a razor. The pinch-weld usually has old urethane about ¼” thick more or less and it needs to be trimmed down to 3/16” or about 3 mm Remove any rust from the pinch-weld. Any rusty areas or areas with loose/damaged urethane will need to be sanded back to bare metal to remove all rust. Tape off the area around the spot. You will want to cover any areas that were not sanded, and protect the inside of your vehicle using tape and sheets of paper or plastic. This will prevent the primer from getting on anything other than bare metal. Prime any bare metal. This will help with adhesion of the urethane, but also is necessary to prevent the metal from rusting in the future. Priming the metal will require to spray on three thin, even coats of primer. Do not try to put on one heavy coat. Apply a primer to the frit band (the black band around the perimeter of the windshield). The purpose of the primer is to open the molecules of the frit band to accept the urethane molecules. Apply the urethane with an electric caulking gun. If you do not have an electric caulking gun they can be purchased at your local hardware store. They range from about forty to three hundred and fifty dollars. The best thing for the new urethane to adhere to is the old urethane. It must be clean and free from dirt, oil or other contaminants. One problem installers have is wind blowing dust onto the pinch-weld before the urethane adhesive has been applied. The job can be done without an electric gun but it is much more difficult to get a consistent bead, making leaks likely. Install the windshield. Carefully align the top bottom and sides by sight. Set the windshield on top of the pinch-weld. Some vehicles have mounting block for the bottom of the windshield to rest on, others do not. Be careful not to touch the frit band because the oils and dirt from your skin can contaminate the activated glass and reduce adhesion to the urethane. Some installers tape the windshield once it is in place. This holds it until the urethane dries. Allow the urethane to set. Driving before the urethane has set completely is very dangerous. Depending on the type of urethane used, it will take between 1 and 24 hours to set. Follow manufacturer's instructions regarding safe drive away times. Remove any windshield clips. You will need a special windshield trim tool that you can slide under the windshield trim and remove it to access the clips. Once you have access to the clips, use the trim tool to carefully twist the clips loose. Pull out the window gasket. It may help to cut the gasket so that you can straighten it out as you pull. If any of the gasket remains stuck to the windshield you can clean it off with a glass scraper or razor. Just be careful not to damage the windshield in the process. Push one end of the new gasket into place. Once you get this end secured into the groove that your old gasket was in, you can start working your way around the windshield slowly. Work the entire gasket into the groove. Go around the perimeter of your windshield working the gasket into the groove and being careful not to miss a spot. The entire gasket should fit snugly into the groove. Tighten the windshield clips. You want to put the windshield clips back into their original place and tighten them so that they hold the gasket and windshield securely. Replace the trim on along the perimeter of the windshield. This trim covers your windshield windshield gasket and clips.

Remove any plastic moldings from around the windshield. Analyze the best angle to separate the windshield from the pinch-weld. Cut the urethane. Remove the windshield from the car. Clean away any visible dirt with a brush and then plain water. Trim off excess urethane with a razor. Remove any rust from the pinch-weld. Tape off the area around the spot. Prime any bare metal. Apply a primer to the frit band (the black band around the perimeter of the windshield). Apply the urethane with an electric caulking gun. Install the windshield. Allow the urethane to set. Remove any windshield clips. Pull out the window gasket. Push one end of the new gasket into place. Work the entire gasket into the groove. Tighten the windshield clips. Replace the trim on along the perimeter of the windshield.

https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Oysters

How to Freeze Oysters

If you're freezing whole oysters, tap the shells to make sure the oysters are alive. Wash the shells thoroughly and put the oysters into a large bag before placing them in the freezer. If you prefer, you can also save space by shucking the oysters first, then placing them into a container with their juices.

Tap the shells to check if the oysters are still alive. Oysters should be frozen, eaten, or cooked alive to prevent the spread of foodborne illness. When you tap on a live oyster, it will hold its shell tightly shut, or it will close it if it's opened. Sort through the oysters individually, carefully checking each one. If you come across an open oyster that doesn't react when tapped, discard it. Wash the shells thoroughly under cool running water. Before you freeze the oysters, you should wash the shells to rinse away any sand or pieces of shell that might be present. If you like, you can gently scrub the outside of the shell with a stiff-bristled brush to remove any dirt. By washing the oysters before you freeze them, they'll be ready to shuck and cook as soon as you thaw them out. This will also help preserve their texture better than washing them after they are thawed. Place whole oysters in moisture-resistant bags in the freezer. The shells will protect the oysters from being damaged, so you can just toss them into a resealable plastic bag, then place the bag into the freezer. This is a great method for freezing oysters if you don't have very many of them; however, it's not the most efficient if you are storing a large quantity. Store the oysters in the freezer for up to 3 months. After 3 months, you run the risk of your oysters becoming freezer-burned. When you're ready to thaw them out, place the bag of oyster shells into your refrigerator for about 24 hours. Use a permanent marker to write the date that you froze the oysters on the bag before you put it into the freezer so you don't forget how long it's been. Tap each oyster to make sure it's still alive. A live oyster has a muscle that it uses to hold its shell tightly closed. If a live oyster is open, tapping on its shell should cause it to slam shut. If it stays open, the oyster has already died and you should throw it away. Oysters should always be shucked, eaten, or frozen while they are still alive to prevent exposure to a natural bacteria that can cause serious illness or even death. Scrub the shells with a stiff-bristled brush. Hold the shell under running water and use a brush to scrub away any sand, shell particles, or mud that might be on the outside of the oyster. If the oyster isn't clean, you can push dirt onto the oyster meat with the knife when you open it. Hold the oyster with a dish towel or a glove. Oyster shells are sharp, and it's easy to cut yourself when you're opening them. You'll get a better grip on the oyster and be less likely to get a cut if you protect your hand. Pry off the top shell of the oyster. Carefully slide an oyster knife into the hinge, or the pointed edge, of the oyster shell, and twist until you hear a pop. Run the knife along the top edge of the oyster to free it from the shell, then break the top shell away. Keep the oyster upright to save as much of the oyster's juice as possible. Place half-shell oysters in a shallow container. Leave about ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm) of headspace in the container, then seal the container and place it into the freezer. Carefully lay the oysters flat so the juices don't spill out, as this liquid contains a lot of flavor. It will also help keep the oysters plump and hydrated while they're frozen. Store your oysters in the freezer for up to 3 months. After 3 months, your oysters will run the risk of becoming freezer burned and they will no longer be suitable for eating. Label the container so you don't forget how long they've been in the freezer. When you're ready to thaw out your oysters, place them in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Rinse the shells under cold water before you shuck them. By cleaning the oysters before you shuck them, you remove any sand and debris from the shells, as well as any bacteria that might be living on the oyster. If you like, you can use a stiff-bristled brush to clean the shells. Put on a pair of heavy gloves. Rubber or canvas gloves will work best to protect your hands from the sharp oyster shells, and they will also help you have a better grip on the oysters as you're shucking them. If you don't have a pair of heavy gloves, fold a tea towel into quarters and drape it over the hand you're using to hold the oyster. Tap each oyster to make sure it's alive. Oysters keep their shells tightly closed when they're alive. If they do open their shells, they will close them again when you tap on the outside of the oyster. If the oyster isn't alive, throw it away. Oysters should be alive when they are shucked, as bacteria grows quickly on shellfish once it is no longer alive. Hold the oysters over a bowl to keep the liquor. The juice that is naturally in an oyster, called the liquor, is very flavorful. When you're eating oysters raw, you usually slurp this liquid up with the oyster. By saving the juice, you can add it to whatever recipe you make with your oysters when you thaw them out, and you'll get even more oyster flavor in your dish. The liquor inside the oyster should be clear or just slightly opaque. If it's cloudy or yellowish, discard the whole oyster. Hold the oyster in your hand with the curved side down. When you're looking at the oyster, you should see one side that looks more rounded, and one side that looks more flat. The curved side should be against your palm, and the pointed end of the oyster should be pointing towards you. Place the knife in the hinge that connects the top and bottom shells. The hinge is located at the pointy end of the oyster, and you should be able to find a small opening where you can insert the tip of your oyster knife. If you need to, you can wiggle the tip of the knife around to help it slide into the hinge. Twist the oyster knife until you feel the shell pop. You might have to work the knife back and forth a little before you can twist it, but by twisting and prying, you should feel the oyster pop as the shell releases. Although an oyster knife works best for shucking oysters, you can use a butter knife if you need to. The more you practice this, the easier it will be. Run the blade along the top of the shell to separate the top and bottom shells. This will cut through the muscle that attaches the oyster to the top shell. Break the top shell off and discard it. As you're doing this, tilt the oyster to allow the liquor to pour into the bowl. Try not to break the shell into pieces, since this will make it harder to get the meat out in one piece. Separate the oyster meat from the bottom shell with the knife. Run the blade beneath the oyster in a smooth motion to sever the oyster's muscle from the bottom shell. This will free the oyster, and you can discard the bottom shell as well. Place the oysters in a freezer-safe container and pour the liquor over them. Once your oysters are shucked, you can place them into a shallow container or a resealable plastic bag, then pour any of the liquid that you reserved over the oysters. If the liquor doesn't cover the oysters, add a little water to the container. Store the oysters for up to 3 months. When you're ready to thaw out the oysters, place the container in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours or until they are completely defrosted. Due to food safety issues, you should not eat these oysters raw, but they will be excellent when they're cooked. The texture of the oysters will be different after freezing. Label the container before you put it into the freezer so you don't forget how long they've been in there.

Tap the shells to check if the oysters are still alive. Wash the shells thoroughly under cool running water. Place whole oysters in moisture-resistant bags in the freezer. Store the oysters in the freezer for up to 3 months. Tap each oyster to make sure it's still alive. Scrub the shells with a stiff-bristled brush. Hold the oyster with a dish towel or a glove. Pry off the top shell of the oyster. Place half-shell oysters in a shallow container. Store your oysters in the freezer for up to 3 months. Rinse the shells under cold water before you shuck them. Put on a pair of heavy gloves. Tap each oyster to make sure it's alive. Hold the oysters over a bowl to keep the liquor. Hold the oyster in your hand with the curved side down. Place the knife in the hinge that connects the top and bottom shells. Twist the oyster knife until you feel the shell pop. Run the blade along the top of the shell to separate the top and bottom shells. Separate the oyster meat from the bottom shell with the knife. Place the oysters in a freezer-safe container and pour the liquor over them. Store the oysters for up to 3 months.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-in-Third-Person-Omniscient

How to Write in Third Person Omniscient

Third person omniscient is a God-like point of view where the narrator has access to the entire story world, including all of the characters' thoughts and back stories and the future events of the story. Because the point of view is in third person, you'll need to use the character's name and pronouns, like “He,” or “She.” Choose between objective and subjective omniscience. Objective makes the narrator invisible and just tells the story, while subjective allows you to address the reader directly, comment on the story, and make prophetic statements, like, “He thought the worst was over. He was wrong.” A good example of this is Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. To keep things simple, only show one character's thoughts and feelings at a time, so you don't overwhelm or confuse your readers.

Be aware of how point of view works. Any point of view, or POV, whether its first person or third person should provide the reader with insight into that character's thoughts, feelings, emotions and knowledge. Point of view should let the reader know how your character feels and thinks, as well as what they see around them, within a certain setting. Familiarize yourself with third person perspective. When writing in the third person, use the person's name and pronouns, such as he, she, it, and they. This perspective gives the narrator freedom to tell the story from a single character's perspective. The narrator may describe the thoughts and feelings going through the character's head as they tell the story. For example, a passage written in third person might read, “Karen switched on the light in her bedroom. Immediately after she did so, a cold chill ran down her back. She stood only a few feet away from an unexpected visitor. Karen wondered if she should run or stay and fight, but it didn't really matter because she was paralyzed by fear.” Notice how this passage not only describes what Karen is doing, but also what she is thinking and feeling. Recognize the benefits of using third person omniscient. In this POV, the narrator has access to all the thoughts and feelings of the characters in the story and is not limited to only 1 character's point of view. So as the author, you can shift from 1 character's POV to another character's POV, and the same events can be interpreted by several different character voices. Because the POV is omniscient, it has a “god like” distance from the characters and can have a bird's eye view of the events, actions, and thoughts of the characters. As the author, this POV gives you a lot of freedom to inhabit many character voices and perspectives. Be aware of the cons of the third person omniscient. Unfortunately, being god like has its downsides. Because you are viewing your characters from above, you are also presenting them to your readers at a distance and this can lead to more telling than showing in the story. This may not allow your reader to connect as deeply with the characters and can lead to a dull or stiff narrative. Readers may feel like they are learning about characters rather than being immersed in their stories. If you are writing a more character driven story, the third person omniscient POV may not be ideal, as it does not allow you to embody 1 character's perspective in detail, including their thoughts and emotions. If your story is more plot driven and wide in scope, the third person omniscient POV may work better for you, as it allows you to move through scenes with multiple characters, as well as through time and space fairly easily, when done right. Regardless of which POV you use, you want to always ensure the reader can relate to the characters and is never lost or confused. Keep in mind this point of view can address the reader directly. Another advantage this POV has over other POV is that as the author, you can talk directly to your reader, creating a more intimate, direct relationship with them. This could be as simple as stating, “Dear reader, it was a hard decision to kill off Alice. Let me tell you why.” Or a less direct address to the reader, such as, “Don't worry about Alice. She'll have some hard times but eventually, she'll recover and live happily ever after.” Be aware of the 2 types of third person omniscient. This point of view can be categorized into 2 types: objective and subjective. The objective version is the “fly on the wall” POV, where the narrator is present but invisible in the story. They will relate the events as they happen, but do not offer any opinions on the events. This POV is like a camera that follows the characters around, showing their actions and dialogue, and not entering into the internal thoughts of the characters. The subjective version has a strong narrative voice that discusses the characters' internal thoughts within a scene. So all the emotions and thoughts of the characters are filtered through the narrator's voice, in their own words. Decide which type of third person omniscient POV will benefit your story. If you are trying to explore an idea through multiple narrators, but want to show their emotions through action and dialogue, rather than internal thoughts, the objective third person omniscient POV may be right for you. If you want to write a story with a strong narrator who frames the characters with their narrative voice, the subjective third person omniscient may be a better fit for your story. Practice writing in your chosen POV. Rather than using “I”, which is first person POV, or addressing the reader as “you”, which is second person POV, address the characters by their names or by the applicable pronoun, such as: he, she, his, hers, him and her. For example, instead of writing: “I arrived in town on a cold, windy morning,” you would write, “She arrived in town on a cold, windy morning” or “Alice arrived in town on a cold, windy morning.” Avoid identifying the narrator with objective third person omniscient. When you write in this point of view, remember that the narrator is usually an unknown entity as it is acting as an all seeing eye. So you do not need to give the narrator a name or provide any information about them to the reader. This is different than the first and second person perspectives, where the narrator plays a starring role in the work and dominates the point of view. Create a strong narrator to use subjective third person omniscient. The most well known example of this type of narrator is the “Lemony Snicket” character in “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” The “Lemony Snicket” narrator identifies himself as “I”, but also addresses the reader directly and shifts into different character perspectives throughout the novel. Stay in the POV of 1 character until you transition to another character. Not doing this can lead to a point of view breach. A POV breach occurs when a character knows something that he or she couldn't possibly know from his or her point of view. For example, even though the narrator may know that Paul hit John from behind, John won't know Paul hit him, unless he discovers this information from outside sources or by process of elimination. A POV breach can also take away from the believability of the story as a whole, and undermine the character voices you have worked so hard to create. So watch out for any breaches of point of view. Another issue that can arise is head hopping, where you hop around from 1 character's thoughts to another character's thoughts within 1 scene. Though technically a correct way to do third person omniscient POV, this technique can be confusing for the reader and lead to too many thoughts crowding up the scene. Be consistent with dialogue tags to avoid confusion. You may also need to use the characters' names if you have multiple characters of the same gender. Use transitions to move smoothly between multiple characters. To avoid confusing your reader and head hopping around, focus on creating a bridge or smooth switch to another character in the scene. Signal a transition before shifting to another character's perspective. Do this by drawing the reader's attention to the character and describing the actions or movements of the character in the scene. For example, if you are shifting from Paul's perspective to John's perspective, you could note: “John rubbed his lower back, where he had been hit. He noticed Paul standing beside him. Could Paul have bumped into him? John thought.” Have a character take the lead in the action. This is a good way to transition to a new viewpoint. Once the new character takes the lead in the action, continue into his or her thoughts or feelings. For example: “John slammed his drink down hard on the bar. Who is the jerk who hit me? he yelled. John noticed Paul, standing beside him. Who is that guy? John thought.” Experiment with the third person omniscient POV in shorter work. Before trying the third person omniscient perspective in longer work, try it in some shorter writing pieces first. The third person omniscient can be difficult to master on your initial attempts, especially if you are not used to writing in the heads of many different characters and are still learning how to transition from 1 character to another. Sit down and write out several scenes in this POV to get a feel for it. Reread and edit your work to see where you are head hopping or where there are POV breaches and correct them.

Be aware of how point of view works. Familiarize yourself with third person perspective. Recognize the benefits of using third person omniscient. Be aware of the cons of the third person omniscient. Keep in mind this point of view can address the reader directly. Be aware of the 2 types of third person omniscient. Decide which type of third person omniscient POV will benefit your story. Practice writing in your chosen POV. Avoid identifying the narrator with objective third person omniscient. Create a strong narrator to use subjective third person omniscient. Stay in the POV of 1 character until you transition to another character. Use transitions to move smoothly between multiple characters. Signal a transition before shifting to another character's perspective. Have a character take the lead in the action. Experiment with the third person omniscient POV in shorter work.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Effective-Screenplay-for-a-Short-Film

How to Write an Effective Screenplay for a Short Film

To write an effective screenplay for a short film, start with a unique concept based on a central theme and compelling main character. Brainstorm the basic plot, create an outline, then write a first draft that establishes the story within the first 1-2 minutes. Focus on strong visuals and short, impactful dialogue. Edit and polish your draft, give your film a title, then convert your piece to screenplay formatting!

Come up with a unique concept for the film. Make the concept feel exaggerated or bigger than real life. Take an ordinary thing in real life and make it strange. Use a memorable experience from your childhood or a strange story from the news as inspiration for your short film. For example, maybe you use a childhood memory of going to the dentist as inspiration, where the dentist is actually a serial killer with a drill. You can also try taking a familiar film concept, such as someone finding a dead body on the beach, and make it strange. For example, maybe the person finds a dead alien on the beach. Focus on a particular theme. You can also use a theme as inspiration, such as “identity,” “loss,” or “friendship.” Put your own particular spin on the theme so it feels fresh and new in your short film. For example, you may focus on a theme like “identity” by thinking about your parents' experiences growing up poor and Black in a bad neighborhood. Or you may focus on a theme like “friendship” by thinking about a friendship between a young person and an older person. Have a compelling main character. Many short films focus on just one main character, as this allows the film to explore the character in a short amount of time. Create a main character that will interesting to your viewers. Avoid stereotypes or cliches. Instead, make the main character relatable and unique. For example, you may have a main character who is a young boy struggling to succeed in high school and deal with an alcoholic father. Or you may have a main character who is an alien trying to find their way back to their home planet. Make a plot outline. A plot outline consists of six parts: the set up, the inciting incident, the rising action, the climax, the falling action, and the resolution. A short film should have all of these elements. An example plot outline may look like: Set up: This is where you outline the setting, the protagonist, and their conflict. For example, a young boy struggles to fit in at school and deal with an alcoholic father at home. Inciting incident: This is an event that changes the course of the protagonist's life. For example, the young boy meets his new neighbor, an older boy who is a senior at his high school. Rising action: This is where you develop your characters and their relationships. For example, the two boys bond by hanging out in their neighborhood. They become best friends. Climax: This is the high point, where the most drama occurs. For example, the alcoholic father confronts the older boy, and they get in a physical fight. Falling action: This is where your protagonist deals with the climax. For example, the younger boy kills his father to save the older boy. Resolution: This is where your protagonist resolves their conflict and succeeds or fails in getting what they want. For example, the boys bury the father's body and swear to tell no one what happened. Watch examples of short films. Get a better sense of what makes a successful short film by watching a few examples. Look at short films in a variety of genres, from horror to rom-com to coming-of-age. Notice how they develop character and story in a short period of time. You may watch: Stutterer by Ben Cleary. Controller by Saman Kash. Cargo by Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke. Prego by Usher Morgan. Begin with action and character. Start the short film with a strong image that piques the viewer's interest. You want to capture them in the first 20 seconds of the film. You may show the character in action, doing something mysterious or intense. You may also have engaging dialogue and imagery. For example, you may start your short film with a shot of the alien crash landing onto a beach next to a family who is sunbathing. This is an interesting image that will make the viewer wonder what happens next. Establish the story early. Provide the set up for the short film within the first one to two minutes. Give the viewer enough information about the main character and their conflict early on so they continue watching. For example, you open with a scene involving the main character leaving the house and going to school. You may show them dealing with their alcoholic father and with bullies at school to establish the conflict. Have a limited number of locations and characters. Keep the screenplay short and effective by only having one to three characters. Stick to one to three locations. This will ensure you do not have to budget for a lot of locations or actors. It will also help to keep the screenplay tight and focused. For example, you may have one central location, like a high school, and a secondary location, like your main character's bedroom. You may also have only one main character, with one or two secondary characters. Or you may have two main characters and no secondary characters at all. Write with a genre in mind. Short films tend to be more successful if they focus on a particular genre, such as horror, thriller, rom-com, or coming-of-age. Pick a genre that you find inspiring and make it your own. Include familiar images found in the genre and a few unique ones too. For example, you may write a horror short film where the main character is in love with a zombie during a zombie apocalypse. Or you may write a coming-of-age short film where the main character bonds with a young alien who has crash landed on the beach. Focus on strong visuals. Remember that film is a visual medium. Use this to your advantage to keep the viewer engaged. Include visuals that are interesting or stunning. Describe visuals that help to build character and create a tone to the film. For example, you describe a setting as "a busy day at the beach, with families playing in the sand by the shore." Or you may describe a person as "a green alien wearing a fanny pack." Include sounds in the script. Notate any sounds or noises in the script using ALL CAPS. This will make your scenes seem more sensory. For example, you may write, “Rhonda SLURPS her milkshake” or “The zombie GURGLES in bed.” Keep the dialogue short and impactful. Because you have limited time in your short film, do not have dialogue that is long-winded or overly descriptive. Stick to dialogue that adds to your characters and keeps the story moving forward. Try for dialogue that is three lines or less. Often in a short film, less dialogue and strong visuals are key. For example, you may have a main character who is shy and only communicates with one word answers. Or you may have a main character who only speaks to their pet turtle and is silent around other characters, communicating instead through action. Experiment with structure and time. A short film is a great chance for you to play with how you order the sequence of events in the story. Try starting at the end and working your way back to the beginning. Consider having flashbacks in the short film so you can jump around in time. For example, you may start with a scene showing two boys burying an older man in a grave in the woods. You may then work backwards to show how they got there. Make sure your structure is not confusing or unclear to viewers. Your experimentation should never come at the expense of the story. It should add to the story, rather than distract from it. Have a clever or surprising ending. Most short films are effective if they have an ending that is memorable for viewers. Often, the ending is surprising or puts a clever twist on what the viewer thinks they know. Try to write an ending that will shock or surprise your viewer, rather than an ending that simply resolves conflict or feels predictable. For example, you may have an ending where it turns out the mother paid the older boy to help the younger boy kill his father. Read the draft aloud. This will help you check that the dialogue sounds natural and engaging. It can also help you check that the scenes flow well. You can also do a live read through of the script to help polish it. Ask friends to play certain characters and voice the dialogue. Have actors come in and voice the dialogue to see how it sounds. Show the draft to others for feedback. Get friends, family, and peers to read the screenplay. Ask them if they found the screenplay engaging and interesting. Find out if the ending was surprising or shocking to them. If you know anyone who has written screenplays before or worked in film, ask them to read the screenplay as well. Add in screenwriting formatting. Screenplays use specific formatting so they are easier to read. You can do the formatting manually or get screenwriting software like Final Cut or Movie Magic. Common screenplay formatting includes: The slugline: This appears in ALL CAPS at the beginning of each scene and explains the location and time of day. INT is used in the slugline if the scene is interior, or indoors, and EXT is used if the scene is exterior, or outdoors. For example: “INT. HOUSE - NIGHT” or “EXT. ROAD - DAY.” Transitions: These show how the camera is moving from scene to scene. They appear in ALL CAPS. Common transitions include FADE IN, FADE OUT, CUT TO, and DISSOLVE TO. Character names: Your character names always appear in ALL CAPS in the screenplay. For example, “MONICA walks down the street” or “PAUL shuts the bedroom door.” You can find more detailed formatting information at Write a Screenplay. Title the screenplay. Pick a title that is memorable and short. Often, short films have one word titles that sum up the film as a whole. You may use the concept or theme of the film as the title. You could also use the main character's first name as the title. For example, the short film Stutterer focuses on a man who has a bad stutter. The short film Prego focuses on a woman who deals with an unplanned pregnancy. Find a producer for the film. The producer is the person responsible for finding funding for the film and for organizing the cast and crew. You may decide to produce the film yourself or hire a producer to do this for you. If you are acting as the producer, you can apply for grants through your local government or arts council to help get the money to make the movie. You can also ask friends and family members to donate money to the production so you can get it made.

Come up with a unique concept for the film. Focus on a particular theme. Have a compelling main character. Make a plot outline. Watch examples of short films. Begin with action and character. Establish the story early. Have a limited number of locations and characters. Write with a genre in mind. Focus on strong visuals. Include sounds in the script. Keep the dialogue short and impactful. Experiment with structure and time. Have a clever or surprising ending. Read the draft aloud. Show the draft to others for feedback. Add in screenwriting formatting. Title the screenplay. Find a producer for the film.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Your-Dog-Is-in-Heat

How to Tell if Your Dog Is in Heat

To tell if your dog is in heat, look for swelling of its vulva or vaginal bleeding, which are both early signs. Also, note any strange behavior that your dog is exhibiting, like increased barking, nervousness, or agitation, since dogs that are in heat will often act differently than they usually do. If you notice your dog attempting to mount other dogs more frequently, or if you notice its tail curled to one side, it could mean that it's in heat.

Understand the basic reproductive cycle of your dog. When wondering if your dog is in heat, it first helps to understand her normal hormonal cycle. When a female dog reaches maturity, and is physically ready to reproduce, her estrogen levels increase, initiating the release of eggs from her ovaries. If mating occurs during this period, the eggs can then be fertilized and an embryo can be produced. Female dogs, will generally go into heat during puberty, at around 6 to 24 months of age depending on breed. Smaller breeds generally come into heat earlier than larger breeds. Know when to check for signs of heat. In a year, a dog will usually go into heat twice with an average interval of six months in between each heat, depending on the breed. This can help you decide if it's likely she's in heat. For example, if she was in heat one month ago, it's unlikely she's in heat again so soon and something might be wrong. While most dogs come into heat twice a year, is every six months, as with any hormonal event some dogs are more regular than others. Some dogs come into heat as regular as clockwork every six months, whilst others are highly variable. A window of 4 - 8 months is considered normal. Dogs are usually in heat for three to four weeks. Understand the signs of heat. The heat itself follows a pattern, with the vulva swelling and a bloody discharge in the first week. However, nature has a trick up her sleeve, because around days 7 - 14 the discharge may stop or become much lighter. This can trick the unwary owner into thinking season is over and their bitch is no longer at risk of pregnancy. However, nothing could be further from the truth. This middle week is actually when the dog ovulates, and is at the peak risk of falling pregnant. This is also the week when she is most interested in finding a boyfriend, and so far from relaxing your vigilance, if you do not want the dog to have puppies you should tighten up on security. Around days 14 - 21 into the heat, the bloody discharge returns, but gradually lightens and dries up completely. However, the vulva often remains larger than normal for another couple of weeks (although she cannot get pregnant now her heat is over). Look for swelling of the vulva. Your dog's vulva is located directly below her anus. Before your dog goes into heat, her vulva will start to swell slightly. When she is in full heat, her vulva will swell to three times its normal size and will take on a reddish color. Notice any vaginal bleeding. Vaginal bleeding is a sign that your dog will soon be going into heat. When your dog goes into heat, the amount of blood will decrease quite a bit and the blood will become brownish in color. If a dog is scrupulously clean and licks away the discharge, it can be tricky to know if a discharge is present or not. A useful tip is to cover her bed with a white sheet or pillowcase. That way when she is asleep you will see blood spots on the white cover. If you plan on breeding your dog, write down the day that the bleeding begins. Breeding is best done on the 10th or 11th day after the first day of bleeding and then every other day after that for three days. Notice whether your dog continuously licks herself. Another sign that your dog is entering heat, or in its early stages, is if she constantly licks her vagina. While some female dogs won't do this, most dogs will develop this behavior right around the time that they go into heat. Take note if your dog starts acting strangely. Dogs who are in the early stages of heat tend to develop behaviors that they do not typically display. In particular, female dogs who are about to go into heat are usually nervous, agitated, or easily irritated. Some dogs will also bark more or become more aggressive with people and dogs around them. Pay attention to increased mating behaviors. If your female dog begins mounting male dogs or other dogs, she is more than likely in heat. Mounting is a common sign that a dog is in the full swing of heat. She may even try to mount your legs. However, dogs can mount legs or each other for behavioral reasons, such as masturbating, dominance, or bizarrely from submissive behavior, so this does not automatically mean a dog in heat. Watch for changes in the way your dog positions her tail. When a female dog enters heat, she will curl her tail to one side, making it easier for mating to occur. This action is called 'flagging' and is a common behavior of dog in heat. You may also elicit this behavior by giving her a vigorous scratch on her rump. If she stiffens her back legs and diverts her tail to one side she is flagging. Never insert anything into the dog's vulva or vagina to test out if she is ready. You can inadvertently cause harm to the delicate, inflamed tissues and cause huge distress to her. Know that some female dogs are 'silent heaters'. These dogs do not display any noticeable signs of being in heat. They produce reproductive hormones but don't develop the more usual external signs such as a swollen vulva. The only way you can really confirm if a silent heater is in heat is by observing the interactions between male dogs and the female dog in question. Male dogs will detect even low levels of female reproductive hormones, which will arouse their intense interest and attention. Be aware that some dogs do "skip" a heat. If they are unwell or their health is below par, or if they have lost weight recently, their body may save its energy and she won't come into heat when expected. This is nature's way of saying her body needs all its reserves to look after number one, rather than being in a state of flourishing good health where she could care for puppies. Pay attention to the levels of aggressiveness in male dogs. If you have a couple of male dogs, as well as your female dog who you think may be in heat, pay attention to how aggressive your male dogs are to one another. When more than one male dog is around a female in heat, they will begin to act very aggressively towards one another to prove who is dominant and should mate with the female dog. Notice an increase in verbal communication and agitation. If you own one male dog and a female dog that you think may be in heat, pay attention to how the male dog reacts to being kept apart from the female dog. If he seems more agitated than normal and whines frequently, he is most likely verbalizing his irritation and not being allowed near the female dog. This is a good indicator that your dog is in heat. Although this is not foolproof and you need to interpret this in the context of the dog's physical changes and the male dog's usual behavior when kept apart from his female pal. Some dogs experience anxiety when separated from a close playmate and this is difficult to differentiate from sexual frustration. Observe the interactions between your male dog and your female dog. If you let your dogs run around together all the time, then observe what happens when your male dog gets near your female dog. If your dog allows her vagina to be licked and sniffed for an extended period of time, she is most likely in heat. In particular, if she lets herself be mounted it is a sign that she is in heat. However, allowing another dog to mount her, can also be a sign of submissive behavior, so once again, you need to interpret the whole picture and ask questions such as is her heat due and how does she normally behave around dogs. Remember, sniffing bottoms is something dogs like to do a lot, at the best of times, just to work out who is who! If your male and female dogs don't normally interact, keep your male dog on a leash when you bring him near your female dog. One or both dogs may become aggressive if they are not familiar with each other. Have your veterinarian do a blood test to determine if your dog is in heat. A test can be used that measures blood progesterone levels, which rise when the dog is in heat. This is simply done via a sample drawn from the bitch and sent to the lab. Low levels indicate she is not cycling, medium levels show she is in heat, and high levels indicate she is pregnant. The alternative is a test used in research establishments. It measures the level of Luteinizing hormone (LH) in the bloodstream, which rises prior to ovulation. However, this is not commercially available as a test kit. Have your veterinarian do a Vaginal Cytology test. It is quick and easy to do. The veterinarian rolls a clean cotton tip over the moist lining of the vulva and then rolls the cotton tip over a glass microscope slide. Once the smear is dry, it is stained and examined under the microscope. A dog in heat has a typical pattern of large, cornified cells plus red blood cells that are typical of being in heat. This along with physical signs is enough to decide if the dog is in heat. Ask yourself whether the symptoms you are seeing could be heat or if they suggest a health problem. This means it's important to use your common sense when wondering if the dog is in heat. If you are in any doubt, then take her to see your veterinarian. Is the dog due to be in heat? If yes, then heat is more likely than a health problem. Was she recently in heat? If yes, then another heat is unlikely and there may be a health problem. Is she in good spirits, eating and drinking normally, and normally active? If yes, heat is more likely. Is she not quite herself, is her appetite is reduced, is she more thirsty than usual, or does she keep vomiting? If yes, a health problem is likely and urgent veterinary attention sought. Have your veterinarian take a look at your dog if she should not be in heat but is exhibiting similar symptoms. There is a health condition, pyometra, that affects older dogs which, to the untrained eye, could mimic being in heat. The overlapping symptoms include a swollen vulva, with or without a vaginal discharge. A pyometra refers to a womb infection. In severe cases the womb fills with pus and the dog becomes toxic when toxins from the bacteria are absorbed into the bloodstream. If you have an older dog, who has recently been in heat (4 - 8 weeks before) and she develops a discharge, seek veterinary attention because this is the peak risk period for a pyometra developing. In the early stages the dog may be more thirsty or lack a good appetite. As the condition becomes more serious, the toxins causes kidney damage, and left untreated, can be fatal. Each time the dog has a heat it weakens the lining of the womb slightly and makes a pyometra more likely. This condition mainly affects aging dogs (the more cycles she has, the more likely it is to happen) and no breed is exempt from being at risk.

Understand the basic reproductive cycle of your dog. Know when to check for signs of heat. Understand the signs of heat. Look for swelling of the vulva. Notice any vaginal bleeding. Notice whether your dog continuously licks herself. Take note if your dog starts acting strangely. Pay attention to increased mating behaviors. Watch for changes in the way your dog positions her tail. Know that some female dogs are 'silent heaters'. Pay attention to the levels of aggressiveness in male dogs. Notice an increase in verbal communication and agitation. Observe the interactions between your male dog and your female dog. Have your veterinarian do a blood test to determine if your dog is in heat. Have your veterinarian do a Vaginal Cytology test. Ask yourself whether the symptoms you are seeing could be heat or if they suggest a health problem. Have your veterinarian take a look at your dog if she should not be in heat but is exhibiting similar symptoms.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stretch-a-Horse

How to Stretch a Horse

To stretch your horse, go to an open area where your horse has a free range of movement. Bring some treats, such as carrots, to use to guide your horse into its stretches. To stretch its neck, stand just behind your horse's front legs. Holding a treat in your hand, guide the horse's head down towards the ground and hold it there for 10 to 15 seconds. Standing in the same spot, take another treat and direct its head straight back towards its hindquarters. To stretch its topline, guide its neck down and back between its legs. Repeat these stretches on both sides, and reward your horse with the remainder of each treat after each stretch.

Prepare your horse. Move to an open area where your horse has a free range of movement. Grab a small treat that your horse will be interested in; carrots work particularly well for this stretch because of their length. Stand just behind your horse’s front legs. The following stretches should be done on both sides of your horse, and from a position parallel to or just behind their front legs. Draw your horse’s head down with the treat. Hold the treat near your horse's head so that they become aware of it, and then bribe them into stretching by moving the treat down past the fetlock. Try to have them hold this stretch for 10-15 seconds before releasing and giving them the treat. The stretches the horse's neck back and downwards. If your horse can't reach as far as you would like them to, simply lessen the distance at first and over time their muscles will become accustomed to it. Stretch your horse’s neck straight back. Take another treat and, standing in the same location, get your horse's attention and direct their head straight back towards their withers. Hold the treat just below their shoulder (a bit above their belly) and keep it there for 10-15 seconds. Then, release the pressure and give your horse the treat. Stretch your horse’s topline. Using another treat or the rest of your carrot, guide your horse's neck down and back a bit between their legs. Instead of reaching to the outside of the fetlock, reach to the inside of the fetlock and hold the position for 10-15 seconds. Release the stretch and reward your horse with the treat. Repeat the stretches on both sides. In order to prevent your horse becoming one-sided or pulled out of shape, be sure to stretch them on both sides. Follow the aforementioned directions for stretching downwards and straight back on both the right and left side. Stretch your horse’s front legs. Stand to the side of your horse, and cue them to lift one of their front legs. Pull it forward so that it is fully extended with little-to-no bend in the knee, and the hoof close to the ground. Hold their leg in this position for 10-15 seconds, or as long as your horse is able. Stretch your horse’s shoulder. Standing to the side of the front legs again, cue your horse to lift one of their front legs. Pick it up and bring it forward, with a little bend in the knee. Then, hold their leg just under their knee and lift it up so that it has a 90 degree angle bend, while the lower half of the leg is hanging freely. Rotate this leg in a circular motion 3-5 times in the direction of the other leg. Stretch your horse’s hind leg backwards. Move to your horse's backside and stand facing one of their back legs. Cue them to lift their leg, and keep the hoof extended outwards (the same way you would if you were going to pick it). Hold the lower half of their leg, and slowly extend it backwards and downwards. Hold this stretch for 10-15 seconds. Stretch your horse’s hind leg forwards. Ask your leg to pick up their foot as you stand next to them, and grab it just below the knee. Pull their leg forwards a bit and slightly diagonally without losing all the bend in their knee. Hold this stretch for 10-15 seconds and then slowly bring the horse's leg back into the resting position. Stretch your horse’s back and hips. Stand just behind your horse and to the side, close to their body so that they cannot kick you. Starting at the top of your horse's back at the start of the tail, scratch the muscular sections on either side of the tail/spine, about four inches away from the center. Scratch this area downwards until your horse lifts their hips/back and tucks their rear end. Hold pressure for 20-30 seconds to maintain the stretch, and then release. Stretch your horse’s back and stomach. Perform the horse version of a crunch by standing to the side of your horse and tickling the bottom of their belly near where you would place the girth. Continue tickling/applying pressure until the horse lifts its back in response. Hold this stretch for 10 seconds, and then move further back down the stomach to stretch the entire topline. Stretch your horse’s lower back. Stand to the side of your horse's back leg, and cue them to lift their foot. Pick up their hoof, and stretch their leg forward while gently lifting their leg in the process. Pull their leg forward so that the tip of their hoof touches the back of the knee on their front leg of the same side. Hold this for a few seconds, and then slowly bring the leg back down into position.

Prepare your horse. Stand just behind your horse’s front legs. Draw your horse’s head down with the treat. Stretch your horse’s neck straight back. Stretch your horse’s topline. Repeat the stretches on both sides. Stretch your horse’s front legs. Stretch your horse’s shoulder. Stretch your horse’s hind leg backwards. Stretch your horse’s hind leg forwards. Stretch your horse’s back and hips. Stretch your horse’s back and stomach. Stretch your horse’s lower back.

https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-the-Sex-of-African-Grey-Parrots

How to Determine the Sex of African Grey Parrots

To determine the sex of an African grey parrot, look at the feathers underneath its tail. If they're red, the parrot is a male, and if they're gray, it's a female. You can also tell what sex the parrot is by examining its head and neck. A male African grey parrot will have a small, flat head with a short neck, while a female African grey parrot will have a large, round head with a long neck.

Consider the body. There are slight differences in body type and size between males and females. First consider your bird's general body type to get a gauge of whether your bird is more likely male or female. From there, you can look at more subtle physical characteristics. Males are usually 12-14 inches (30-35.5 cm) in height. Hens are generally somewhat shorter than this. The body of a male African Grey is somewhat round, while females tend to be more slender. Males heads tend to be small and flat, and their necks are shorter. Females tend to have longer necks, with larger, rounder heads. Examine coloration. Males typically have a darker and more uniform color than hens. Females, on the other hand, have a gradual light-to-dark coloration from their neck to their belly. This technique should only be considered in birds older than 18 months. A chick's feathers are still growing, so the color will change with age. Examine tail feathers. Traditionally, male Greys have darker tail feather colors than hens. You need to check what are called the "ventral feathers." These are a set of about 10 feathers found directly under the bird's tail. You can pick up your African Grey and gently flip him or her over to examine the feathers. Females will have ventral feathers that are edged in a shade of gray. Males will have ventral feathers that are solid red. There may be a small white hairline on male feathers. Keep in mind, this test is not accurate for young parrots. You cannot rely on tail feathers to determine sex unless your grey is 18 months of age or older. Check the wings. Observe your parrot when it is flapping its wings. You should be able to see three bands of gray on the underside of the wings. The colors of these bands are slightly different in males and females. In females, the bands are usually gray, white, and dark gray. In males, the bands are usually gray, gray, and dark gray. As this difference is very slight, it can be hard to spot. You should look into other physical characteristics of an African Grey, in addition to wing color, in order to determine sex. Find a reputable avian specialist in your area. Avian specialists are trained vets whose primary focus is birds. The Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), and their website, provides information about finding a certified vet in your area. You can also do a basic internet search for “avian vet in my area.” If you have other pets, talk to their vet. He or she might be able to refer you to a specialist or be able to conduct blood or DNA tests in house. Make sure your vet is certified with the AAV or American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP). They should be able to provide documentation to prove this. Have your avian veterinarian determine sex. A vet can use laboratory testing to determine the sex of your bird. It can be costly to take a bird in just for sex identification. However, you may need to know your bird's sex. If you're trying to breed, you will need a male and a female. If you're introducing a new Grey to your home and want to prevent breeding, you need to make sure the birds are of the same sex or look into neutering your grey. Vets often use endoscopies to determine sex. This is involves using a telescope to examine a bird's internal organs. Your vet may have other laboratory means to test the sex of your bird. Sex testing methods depend on your bird's overall health and medical history, so talk over options with your vet. Conduct a DNA test at home. You may want a less invasive procedure to determine sex. With surgical and laboratory tests, there is always some risk of harm to your bird. You can acquire do-it-yourself DNA kit or blood card that you can mail in to get a DNA test for your parrot. These kits are easily assembled and easy to use. You can gather DNA from plucked feathers, eggshells, or toenail clippings. DNA collections from these samples are equally accurate as a DNA test from a blood sample. You can talk to your vet to see if they can offer you this kit. However, be sure to get a certified DNA document from this testing. It is important to note that blood feathers nor molted feathers contain enough DNA data for accurate testing. You'll have to pluck feathers directly from your bird. You should get your test results pretty quickly. It takes about 2-3 business days. A testing kit will cost you around $15.00.

Consider the body. Examine coloration. Examine tail feathers. Check the wings. Find a reputable avian specialist in your area. Have your avian veterinarian determine sex. Conduct a DNA test at home.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Eyelash-Extensions

How to Clean Eyelash Extensions

To clean eyelash extensions, start by wetting your lashes with warm water. Then, use your fingers to massage a gentle, oil and alcohol-free cleanser, like baby shampoo, into your eyelids and lashes. Use up-and-down motions instead of going side-to-side so you don't accidentally tug out your extensions. When you're finished, rinse your lashes thoroughly with warm water and let them air dry.

Find gentle cleanser. Look for an oil and alcohol-free cleanser. Excess oil especially can break down the adhesive on your extensions. Opt for a foaming face cleanser or gentle face soap. You can even use baby shampoo. Be careful with baby shampoo because it can be drying. You can dilute a foaming cleanser with a little water to make it gentler. Seek out a cleanser that is specifically designed for eyelash extensions. Wash your lashes. Wet your lashes with warm water. Put some cleanser on your fingertips and work it gently into your eyelids and lashes. Use up-and-down movements. Don't use side-to-side motions or tug your lashes so you don't lose extensions or damage your natural eyelashes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Be sure to clean your lash line well because this is where bacteria and other dirt can build up most. Avoid cotton pads or wipes. Don't use cotton pads or balls to clean your lashes. The fibers can get stuck in them and you'll need to carefully pick those out. Also skip using cleansing wipes because those can loosen or rip out your extensions. Dry your lashes naturally. After washing your lashes, gently pat your face dry with a towel, but avoid your eyes to protect your extensions. Let your lashes air dry instead. To speed up the drying process, you can wrap some toilet paper around your finger and gently blot your lashes. If you want to be especially careful of your extensions, just let your lashes sit on the toilet paper for a few seconds so the water can be absorbed. Blow them dry. Set your blow dryer on its coolest setting. Next, blast your lashes for about ten seconds on each eye. Be sure to keep the dryer about arm's length from your face. Don't do this too often because you want to maintain the adhesive in your extensions. Comb them out. Close one eye. Using a clean, dry mascara brush, gently roll it over your lashes. Next, fluff out the lashes a bit with the brush. Don't drag the brush through the base of your lashes. Clean your extensions regularly. Take the time to wash your extensions at least a few times a week if not daily. Remove light debris and dust in between washings with a little warm water and combing. Do this by wetting your lashes with a little warm water and then very gently combing them out. Keep your lashes oil-free. Don't let moisture-rich products like shampoos, conditioners, glycerin, or heavy creams near your lashes or lash line to protect the integrity of the adhesive. For example, tilt your head back in the shower to keep these products away from your eyes. Also try dabbing a very thin line of 70% isopropyl alcohol on your lash line once a week to wipe away excess oil that can be produced by sweat when you exercise frequently. Don’t rub your eyes. Avoid tugging, rubbing, or pulling at your lashes. This will loosen them and make them look clumpy if you're not careful. It can also pull out your natural lashes. Get them professionally removed if the extensions itch or are otherwise really bothering you. Use eye makeup carefully. Avoid cream eyeshadows, and use powdered eyeshadow as you normally would, focusing application at the very corners of your eyes. Steer away from liquid eyeliner, which can damage your extensions. Most importantly, never use mascara. It will damage your extensions and leave them looking and feeling crusty.

Find gentle cleanser. Wash your lashes. Avoid cotton pads or wipes. Dry your lashes naturally. Blow them dry. Comb them out. Clean your extensions regularly. Keep your lashes oil-free. Don’t rub your eyes. Use eye makeup carefully.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Satire-About-Current-Events

How to Write Satire About Current Events

By doing some research and getting creative, you can write your own satire on current events. Read newspapers and watch news shows to build a clear picture of the stories you want to satirize. Look for inconsistent stories, hypocrisy, and potential cover-ups that you can use as the basis for your comedic material. Turn real events into satire by using sarcasm and irony. You can also parody real people, places, or things by exaggerating their features. Make sure you throw in plenty of jokes and keep it lighthearted so it's obvious you're being satirical.

Stay up to date on current events. In order to write satire about current events , you will need to understand the major issues of the day. Read newspapers, blogs and websites that chronicle the news of the day and offer commentary. Watch television as well, especially news stations such as CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and CNBC. Developments in current events change and evolve quickly, and with the instant online access, your audience will know the news as it happens. The more knowledge you have about current events, the easier it will be to identify topics to write about. Identify what you care about. Your topic should stem from something that you have a personal interest in. As you read or watch current events, notice anything that you do not like, that makes you angry, that you believe is wrong, or that you would like to change. These are the topics that you should write about. Also look for inconsistencies, hypocrisy, cover-ups, or inappropriate words or actions as a potential topic. For example, a candidate may claim that security is their top priority, but fail to securely protect their own data. That inconsistency could be a topic for a satirical writing. Your interest is necessary because you will be researching, thinking and writing about the current event. If you do not have strong feelings about your topic, it will be very difficult for you to write about it. Choose a current event that is visible and well known. This will make it easier for you to connect with your audience. If you use a current event that people are unaware of, they will have a hard time understanding the satire because they will have no idea what you are talking about. However, keep in mind that if the current event is too well known, then other people might have already satirized it. Research the current event. In order for you to write about a current event, you must have a thorough understanding of the event. Have a critical approach as you do your research. You want to understand all aspects of an issue and the different viewpoints of the event. For example, if you plan to write about a case that is up before the Supreme Court, you would research the history of the case, the defendant and the plaintiff's point of view, similar cases and precedents, the general public's perception of the case, etc. Never take the current event at face value. Always dig deeper. Read other people's satire. Satire is a unique style of writing and requires a different way of thinking. Reading satire can help you grasp a better understanding for your own writing. Try reading the works of some notable satirical authors, such as Swift and Voltaire. Critique the writings that you read by asking yourself some of the following questions: What is the satire about? Who is the intended audience? What are the author's motives? What additional ways could you satirize this topic? Is the satire warranted? Learn about different satirical techniques. In literature, art, film, and other mediums, there are different techniques that people use to create a satirical effect. Some of the most frequently used satirical techniques include: Exaggeration. Representing something or someone to a degree that is so far beyond reality that it is ridiculous. Parody. Imitating the style or techniques of a person, place, or thing to make fun of it. Incongruity. Presenting something or someone that is absurd in relation to its surroundings. Reversal. Presenting things in the reverse order of how they normally happen. Know your audience. Satire is only funny if your audience thinks that it is funny. Find out the intended audience of your work before you begin to write. What resonates with college students will not resonate with elderly retirees. If you are planning to submit your work to a particular publication, ask the editor about the target audience of the publication. You should also read some back issues to familiarize yourself with the publication. If you are not sure who the audience is, try to write in a more general tone. However, keep in mind that someone is always likely to be alienated by a piece of satirical writing. This is because writing satire requires you to take a side. Write with your goal in mind. You are using satire to make a point about the current event. Your entire essay is structured around this point. Your goal might be to raise awareness for an issue or improve upon a problem. If you are not clear about your motivation for writing, your writing will seem all over the place and will be difficult for your readers to understand. Help the audience to consider problems they might not have been aware of by poking fun at those problems or addressing the terrible solutions that are currently in place. Inspire your readers to act. There should not be a specific call to action in your writing, but using your words and humor to encourage people to change the way they think or act is part of well-written satire. Always support your opinions with facts. This will help your readers to see the point you are making. Incorporate humor. Satire should be fun and make the reader laugh. The combination of humor and critique is what makes satirical writing unique. Think about things that are relatable to your intended audience and that pull from knowledge about your current event. Ask yourself, what do the readers need to know to understand the joke that I am making? The title of your article can be sarcastic and funny as well. There are many different satirical devices to choose from when writing satire. Choose the one that create the most humorous piece of writing. Use irony. Irony is a technique commonly used when writing satire. When using irony you would show some inconsistency between what is said and what is really meant, what is expected to happen and what actually happens, or what is meant and what people understand. An example of irony would be someone getting rich and never working a day in their life. Another example of irony is telling a person that you love his or her shoes when in reality you think the shoes are terrible. You and your audience are aware that you do not like the shoes, but the person wearing the shoes actually thinks that you were giving a compliment. Exaggerate to make a point. Taking something out of its normal context to show how ridiculous or absurd it is can be used to make your point as well. It should be obvious to the audience that you are exaggerating. Exaggeration is even more effective if you keep a serious tone throughout your writing and do not use any joking language. For example, Jonathan Swift wrote a satirical writing about the famine in Ireland in the 1700s. His solution to the famine was for poor people to sell their babies to the rich people so the rich people could eat and the poor people would have money. Eating children is obviously a ridiculous solution to a famine and would not solve the root problem. This exaggeration highlighted how badly the government treated poor people and the negative lens that rich people viewed the poor people in the country. Understand libel. If you are publishing your work, you may be concerned about possible legal ramifications for what you are writing. Satire makes fun of and mocks people, institutions, and businesses. It is inevitable that people may find your work offensive or harmful and pursue legal action. Writers in the United States are protected by the constitutional right to free speech. However this is not a guarantee in other countries. Be aware of the laws and regulations when you are writing outside of the United States. The victim must prove that your writing was an act of malice. South Park is a good example of a satirical show that is aware of the possibility of committing libel in its episodes. Make it clear that it your writing is satirical. It should be clear to the audience that you are not writing actual news and reporting facts. Your use of exaggeration, humor, and over the top language will indicate that you are writing satire. You could also include a disclaimer with your writing to avoid any legal action. Consider using fictional names or names that are close to the real names of people instead of using real names. Publishing your satirical piece close to the time of the current event will also be helpful. This way the event is still on people's minds. Use good taste. There is a fine line between being funny and being offensive. It is expected that your writing will rub some people the wrong way, but you to do want to write things that are in poor taste. Do not purposely inflame religious, racial or social tensions. For example, it is more acceptable to write satire about a group that you are a member of. If you are a working mother, it may be more acceptable for you to write about the problems with maternity leave than a single man with no children. It may be helpful to have someone that you trust read your writing before you share it with a larger audience.

Stay up to date on current events. Identify what you care about. Research the current event. Read other people's satire. Learn about different satirical techniques. Know your audience. Write with your goal in mind. Incorporate humor. Use irony. Exaggerate to make a point. Understand libel. Make it clear that it your writing is satirical. Use good taste.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Glue-from-Hair-Extensions-Wefts

How to Remove Glue from Hair Extensions Wefts

To get plenty of life out of your hair extensions, you'll need to remove the glue from the wefts after each use. One way to remove the glue is to use 100 percent pure acetone. Pour the acetone over the wefted part of the track, but try to avoid getting it anywhere else on the extension. Give the acetone a few minutes to break down the glue. Then, run an old towel or t-shirt along the track and rub gently to soak up the excess acetone. As you brush at the glue, it will begin to fall away. You can use your fingers to pull away any remaining glue. Once the glue is off, deep condition the extensions to replace the moisture.

Grab a thin piece of cloth. An old t-shirt is perfect for this, but you can use a thin towel or whatever you have access to. Use a cloth that you don't mind ruining. Stick to fabrics like cotton and terry cloth. Avoid polyester, silk, and spandex. You may want to put on a pair of latex gloves before you get started, too. The glue is really sticky, and it's best to avoid getting it on your skin. Turn on your hair straightener at the highest temperature. A flat iron hair straightener is the best way to approach this, but you could use a regular iron in a pinch. The heat is what's important! Give your flat iron or other heating element a few minutes to heat up. Place the piece of cloth over the glued part of the hair weft. Work in small sections that are a few inches (7 to 10 cm) in length. Put the thin cloth right over the section of glue. Make sure it covers the back of the weft, too. You're essentially sandwiching the glued part in between the cloth. Enclose the wrapped weft in the hair straightener. Keep the straightener firmly closed over the glued section you're working on. The heat will slowly dissolve the glue on the tracks, leaving it on the piece of cloth. As it heats up, the glue will become visible through the cloth. That means it's working! Keep the hair straightener on the weft for 1 to 3 minutes. You can clamp down on the section multiple times and rub it against the iron to help coax it along. Depending on how much glue you're trying to remove, 1 to 3 minutes ought to do the trick. Use the thin cloth to wipe away excess glue. Put the hair straightener aside and pull away the cloth. Much of the glue will already be stuck to it. Gently rub the heated part of the weft with the cloth to remove any remaining glue. Once a section of the cloth gets covered in glue, switch to a fresh area. If gentle rubbing isn't getting rid of the glue, sandwich the weft in the cloth again and apply more heat. Repeat the process on the remaining sections of the weft. Work in small sections that are a couple of inches long. Continue heating and rubbing along the track until you reach the end of the weft. Keep switching to a clean area of the cloth once the section you're using gets covered in glue. Rub the weft with alcohol to remove any last traces of glue (optional). You don't have to do this, but you can if you want to be really thorough. Simply soak a cotton ball or rag in rubbing alcohol, then run it along the weft's track from end to end. Use 100% pure acetone. Most people grab a bottle of nail polish remover for this job, since it's acetone based. For best results, check the label and make sure it's 100% pure acetone. Some nail polish removers have additives that can make the glue harder to remove. Work over a sink and consider wearing latex gloves. You'll be using quite a bit of acetone for this, so definitely work over a sink. That way, the acetone will just go right down the drain. If you have sensitive skin, don a pair of latex gloves before you start. Grab an old towel to absorb any spills or splashes. Pour the acetone over the wefted part of the track. Hold the weft in your hand and carefully pour acetone over the glue. Aim only for the track and try to avoid getting the acetone anywhere else on the extensions. The acetone can cause tangling and dryness if it comes in contact with the hair. You can work in sections if it's easier for you. You can also pour the acetone along the entire track and work that way. Wait for 1 to 3 minutes. Give the acetone a minute or so to break the glue's bond. You'll see the glue beginning to harden. Once it does, you can move on to removing it from the weft. Wipe gently with an old towel or t-shirt. Run the cloth along the track and rub gently to soak up excess acetone. Brush at the glue and it will begin to fall away from the track. Use your fingers to pull out any remaining glue. The hardened glue makes it easy to remove any lingering pieces. Simply use your fingers to pull them away from the weft. Condition the extensions to replace moisture. Acetone is very drying. To keep your wefts in good shape for reuse, deep condition your extensions or apply an oil to replace any moisture lost in the process. You can also choose to deep condition the extensions right before you use the acetone, which will help protect the hair. Use a glue bond removal product. Beauty supply stores sell products made specifically for the purpose of removing hair glue from wefts. Check out the selection at your local beauty supply store and experiment with some of them. Some people find these products to be costly in comparison to using heat or acetone to remove glue, but they are effective. Apply almond, olive, or baby oil to the weft. Oil loosens glue bonds, making it an efficient and cost-effective choice. Apply the oil to the glue on the tracks. Let it soak for about 15 minutes. Then, use an old towel to wipe the glue away from the track. Repeat as needed. You can use this technique to remove glue that accidentally got into the hair, too. Experiment with almond, olive, or baby oil first. Coconut oil and grapeseed oil may also work well. Try using hair conditioner to loosen the glue. Get your hair wet, then apply a generous amount of conditioner to your hair, working it under the glued tracks. Wrap your hair up in a towel and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Rinse as usual, then use a comb to loosen the glue bond. Repeat as needed. Consult a salon stylist. When in doubt, make an appointment with a hair stylist that has experience with extensions. They can help you remove the extensions and show you what techniques they rely on to remove glue from weft tracks. Ask the stylist to recommend a few products and techniques for you to try at home on your own.

Grab a thin piece of cloth. Turn on your hair straightener at the highest temperature. Place the piece of cloth over the glued part of the hair weft. Enclose the wrapped weft in the hair straightener. Keep the hair straightener on the weft for 1 to 3 minutes. Use the thin cloth to wipe away excess glue. Repeat the process on the remaining sections of the weft. Rub the weft with alcohol to remove any last traces of glue (optional). Use 100% pure acetone. Work over a sink and consider wearing latex gloves. Pour the acetone over the wefted part of the track. Wait for 1 to 3 minutes. Wipe gently with an old towel or t-shirt. Use your fingers to pull out any remaining glue. Condition the extensions to replace moisture. Use a glue bond removal product. Apply almond, olive, or baby oil to the weft. Try using hair conditioner to loosen the glue. Consult a salon stylist.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Litter-Trained-Cat-to-%22Go%22-Outside

How to Get a Litter Trained Cat to "Go" Outside

To get a litter-trained cat to go to the bathroom outside, start by choosing an out-of-the-way spot, like a corner of the yard or under a bush or tree. Then, spread some of your cat's preferred litter over the spot, along with some fresh waste from its indoor litter box. Next, let your cat sniff around and explore the spot to help it understand that it's an acceptable place to toilet. In order to further reinforce the point, take your cat out to the spot right after meal times, since most cats go within 20 minutes of eating.

Install a cat door. Though cats can hold for several hours, litter-trained cats are accustomed to going as they please in a litter box. By installing a small cat door, you can make outside a consistently available option to help your cat make the transition when you eventually remove the litter box. If installing a cat door simply isn't an option, then be prepared to let your cat out early and often. You'll need to take the cat out as soon as you wake up, after each feeding, and before you go to sleep to give your cat ample opportunities to go outside. Designate a spot outdoors where you want the cat to go. Though your cat will ultimately toilet in the spot outside that he or she chooses, you can take steps to make a particular spot seem more inviting and like the most logical choice for your cat. Try to pick a spot with the following qualities: Looser soil where your cat can dig and bury any waste (ensure you have a lid for any children's sandboxes for this reason as well). Shelter on one or more sides, such as a wall or fence. Cats don't like to feel exposed while toileting, so natural shelter on the sides will make it a more comfortable site for your cat. Overhead protection, such as a bush or tree. Your cat will also feel more comfortable if the spot has some overhead protection as well. It can be a natural spot like a bush or a small canopy you put up. This will also keep the area more comfortable for your cat during inclement weather. Choose a low-traffic area. If the cat will have to share the area with a dog, play children, etc., then you should also choose an enough far enough out of the way for the cat to be comfortable. Your cat won't take to the spot if he or she has to worry about being startling while doing the business. Add some of your cat’s preferred litter to the spot. Litter-trained cats can be very particular about where they go—even taking to one specific type of litter more than others. Take some of your cat's preferred litter and spread it over the spot you've designated. This will go a long way toward helping the cat understand that the spot is meant to be his or her new litter box. Let your cat explore the designated spot. The following steps are likely to take weeks and several repetitions as you allow your cat to get more comfortable with the new toileting spot. Start by simply taking the cat to the newly designated spot to sniff around. Your cat will understand that it is his or her kitty litter spread over the location, but it will still take time for your cat to understand that it's okay to go here. Add waste from the litter box to the litter in the designated spot. To help your cat learn that it's okay to use the new spot, try scooping fresh waste from the indoor litter box and placing it on the kitty litter spread across the designated outdoor spot. Take your cat to the spot again to let him or her sniff around. This will go even further to show your cat that it's an acceptable place to toilet. Take your cat to the spot after eating. Food in your cat's stomach stimulates the bowels, so your cat will likely want to go within twenty minutes of eating. Take your cat outside directly after eating and close the door to keep the cat outside around the designated spot. You increase the chance of making your cat decide to use the new, designated spot this way. Don't hover over your cat or keep moving the cat back to the spot, and don't offer praise if your cat starts using the spot. Cats don't react to positive reinforcement like dogs, and you're more likely to distract the cat from the toileting process. If more than twenty minutes pass, your cat might still be holding to use the indoor box. Let your cat back inside if this is the case since you want the cat to begin choosing to use the new spot. Try taking your cat out after eating several times over the course of a week to see if he or she finally gets the idea. Try adding some earth from the spot to the litter box. As previously noted, cats can be extremely picky about where they go. Your cat might not be comfortable with the mix of litter and earth at the spot you've designated. To help your cat adjust to this mixture, add some earth from the spot to the indoor litter box—around one-quarter earth to three-quarters litter. Your cat will still use the litter box and will begin to understand that the new mix is still an acceptable place to go. Keep taking your cat out several times a week after mealtime during this step as well. Move your cat’s litter box. If your cat still hasn't caught on, then you can start slowly relocating the litter box to help the process along. First, keep the box inside but move it next to the cat door leading out to the yard. If you don't have a cat door, then simply next to the door you use to take the cat outside. Ensure that you show the cat that you've moved the box so that it's not suddenly absent when he or she goes to use it in the previous location. You may also want to put a piece or furniture or some other barrier up in the litter box's previous location. You cat may otherwise try to go on the floor where the litter box was previously located. Leave the box in the new spot for several days and continue taking your cat outside to the designated spot after meals. The combined shakeup of the earth inside the litter box and its new location might be enough to make your cat begin using the outdoor spot. Place the tray from the litter box outside. If your cat still hasn't made the switch after all of the other steps, then you can simply take the tray from the litter box and place it outside. Put it next to the cat door (or the door you use to take the cat out) so that you cat doesn't have to venture very far outside to use it. Again, ensure that you show the cat the new location of the litter tray to stop him or her from using the floor inside instead. Move the litter tray toward the designated area. Once your cat has finally made the transition to going outside, you can still keep moving the tray farther from the cat door until you've essentially placed it on the designated spot. If you do this over the course of a week, your cat will adjust to moving a little farther outside each day to use the tray. Once you get the tray to the designated spot, take another ten days to adjust the mix of kitty litter to earth in the tray. When the mix is primarily earth and your cat still uses it, then try taking away the tray altogether and placing some of the waste on the designated spot. This should finally do the trick.

Install a cat door. Designate a spot outdoors where you want the cat to go. Choose a low-traffic area. Add some of your cat’s preferred litter to the spot. Let your cat explore the designated spot. Add waste from the litter box to the litter in the designated spot. Take your cat to the spot after eating. Try adding some earth from the spot to the litter box. Move your cat’s litter box. Place the tray from the litter box outside. Move the litter tray toward the designated area.