Problem: Article: Put yourself in his shoes. Think about what he might buy for himself if he had the money and wanted to treat himself. People who do this tend to give gifts that the recipient loves more often than people who don't try seeing things from another point of view. Think about what he does in his spare time or the sorts of things he reads or watches. Anything that helps him pursue these is sure to make him smile. He knows his birthday is coming up and that you're obligated to get him something just as well as you do. He'll probably try to help you out by dropping some hints into your normal conversations. Expect to start hearing hints about three or four weeks before his birthday comes. If he brings something up multiple times, it's something you should definitely investigate further. Some hints can be subtle. Instead out saying that he'd really like it if someone got him the boxed set of his favorite TV series, he might say something like, "I saw this box set came out a few weeks ago. It looked really cool!" He may be more comfortable talking about what he wants for his birthday with his friends and family than he is with you. Talk to them when your boyfriend isn't around to see if they have any ideas that might help. If you decide to go with something that they mention, make sure to ask them to keep it a secret. Your boyfriend is probably around your friends a lot of the time. If you're feeling stressed about how to get your boyfriend a birthday present he'll love, ask your friends for some advice. They will be able to offer some helpful insight into what types of gifts their boyfriends have appreciated and what might be something nice to get for yours. You shouldn't do this if your friends don't know your boyfriend at all. You can still ask them for advice, but take it with a grain of salt. Not everyone can be psychic when it comes to knowing what people want for their birthday. If you're really feeling frazzled and can't think of anything good, just ask your boyfriend for some suggestions. He won't mind that you needed a little help from him. In fact, gifts that people ask for often end up being the most appreciated ones. For example, you can ask him for a birthday wish list, then buy 1 or 2 items off of that list. Alternatively, you can ask him what sort of things he'd like to get (such as winter accessories), then use what you know about him to fill in the details (like color and pattern).
Summary: Think about your boyfriend's hobbies and interests. Listen for hints. Ask his friends and family. Consult your own group of friends. Ask your boyfriend for ideas.

Problem: Article: In order for the concrete to adhere together effectively, it cannot be dry. The concrete must be damp so the water permeates into the older concrete to help achieve a strong bond. Don't soak the concrete or allow standing puddles of water to form or the concrete won't set. . Use a large bucket and add your water to the concrete mix according to the instructions on the back of the bag. Pour the water slowly and stir the mixture well. Work out any lumps that form to create an even consistency. Keep the concrete mixture nearby so you can apply it when you're ready. Wash the tools you use to mix your concrete after you're done so the concrete doesn't harden on them. Before you add your new concrete, take a large brush and dip it into the bonding slurry. Brush the slurry over the damp concrete to form an even layer. Make sure all of the old concrete has a layer of slurry on top of it before you move on. Use a big paintbrush or any other type of large brush to apply a layer of the slurry. Make sure the concrete is damp before you brush the slurry mixture. After you've brushed your slurry mixture onto the old concrete, you can apply the new concrete that you mixed. Dump out all of the concrete onto the old concrete and spread it out with a hand trowel or a paver to form an even layer. Make sure you form a layer with a consistent thickness so the concrete dries evenly and doesn't have any bumps or waves. After you've poured the new concrete and formed an even layer, allow it to sit undisturbed so it can set. Drying times can vary depending on the concrete mixture, and the temperature and humidity of the area. To be safe, let the concrete dry overnight or for 12 hours.
Summary: Wet the old concrete thoroughly. Mix a new batch of concrete Brush a thin layer of the slurry mixture onto the old concrete. Pour the new concrete on top of the old concrete. Allow the concrete to dry for 12 hours.

Problem: Article: . Start with firm, fresh garlic, since the plant develops a harsh, bitter taste as it ages. Peel the cloves and remove any green sprouts (another source of bitterness). One easy way to peel garlic is to smash it with the side of a chef's knife, then pull off the loosened skin. ince the garlic. Chop the garlic as finely as possible with a large, sharp chef's knife. If you have a zip-locked bag, a meat mallet, and a rolling pin, skip the chopping and scroll down to the end of this section. Sea salt or other coarse-grained salt helps grind the garlic into a paste, and draws out moisture for a softer, juicier result. Scrape the garlic into a small pile. Hold the blunt edge of your knife with both hands, pointing it away from you at a low angle, close to the cutting board. Scrape the knife over the garlic repeatedly until it forms a paste. Occasionally scrape the garlic back into a pile and mince briefly to remove large pieces. If you have the right tools, there's a faster way to turn garlic into a paste: Drop the peeled garlic and salt into a small plastic baggie. Seal the bag closed. Crush the garlic lightly with a meat mallet, without tearing the bag. Finish the job with a rolling pin. Periodically pick up the bag and squeeze the garlic to the bottom to ensure a smooth paste. Try the paste on garlic bread, toss onto pasta, or add to stir fries. If you do have leftovers, store in the coldest part of your fridge. Discard after three days even if there are no obvious signs of spoilage.
Summary:
Peel the garlic . Add a generous pinch of coarse salt. Chop the garlic into a paste. Pulverize the garlic in a plastic baggie instead. Use immediately for maximum flavor.