Sketch your design true to size using pencil and a large sheet of design paper or poster board. While more advanced shields may be various shapes, a beginner's shield made in a rectangle is a good way to become familiar with the tools and techniques needed while avoiding more complex work. If you have an electric saw and the know-how to use it, a simple oval or circle pattern works well too. You can also create plans for a design or logo for the front of the shield. You can just paint the entire shield a solid color, but a pattern or design adds character. The size of an authentic shield varies depending on its intended use and the size of the person who will use it. A basic shield should at least be the width of the user's shoulders and the length of the user's torso. Using simple materials will help keep the beginner's shield streamlined and easy to put together. A light weight wood is best, such as plywood or fine particle board. You will want a unfinished wood that is easy to cut and at least half an inch thick and about two feet wide and four feet tall, a standard size available at most lumber yards. While more advanced (and historically accurate) shields generally have leather handles on the inside, beginner fighters can use a handle purchased at a hardware store. It is easier to make and to attach, and simple to hold. Look for a smooth handle that will not hurt your hand if you grasp it tightly, such as a bail pull from the knob and handle section of the hardware store. You will need screws or short nails to attach it to the shield. Using your plans as a guide, trace the design in pencil on the wood, on what will be the back of your shield. You can use a ruler or other straight edge if you've decided to go with a rectangular shaped shield. Use a large compass to make a circle for a rounded shield. If you are not completely happy with your design, trace it again. Don't cut until you're sure! You will need a saw, and although you can use a hand saw, it will be a lot of work. A bandsaw is ideal. Go slowly for accuracy and safety. How you attach the handle depends on how securely you need it to stay in place. If you are not going to use the shield roughly, you can secure the handle using small nails or screws. Otherwise, if the shield will see a lot of action in battle, secure it using bolts. You can use a solid color paint, or create a replica design from a historic time period. You can also create your own coat of arms to feature on the front if you are artistic. Sand any rough spots or edges before painting, then apply a thin layer of primer, which will help the paint to adhere. After it is dry, apply another layer of primer and let dry. Apply a thin layer of paint in your color of choice. You can use either oil- or water-based paint, but it is important that you use the same kind for both primer and paint or the paint will peel off. After the first layer of paint dries thoroughly, add another layer if you prefer, then let it dry before hand painting on details. Remember to use oil- or water-based paint for the detailing, too, according to what you used for your primer and base color. Add a layer of polyurethane coating once everything else has dried, and let it sit for 48 hours to cure. The polyurethane will seal the paint in so that it does not chip.
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One-sentence summary -- Develop a design. Select and purchase your materials. Trace the design on the shield. Cut the design out. Attach handle. Decorate the front of the shield.

Ankle jeans are especially suited to a neutral heel. The heels will also make you look taller and more svelte. Men can combine colored pants with neutral oxfords, loafers and low boots to dress up their colored pants. Stripes, chevrons, animal prints and floral patterns look splashy next to a bright color. Choose a pattern that has the pants color in them or opt for a black and white pattern. Pair warm colors, like pink, yellow, red and orange with gold. Pair cooler colors, like cobalt, green, purple and grey with silver belts, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. If you have teal jeans, try an aqua bag. This is especially cute if you have a white or neutral top. Semi-precious stones, like rose quartz look great with pink pants. Look through your jewelry box to find coordinating colors and wear them over a white, black, denim or beige shirt.
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One-sentence summary -- Wear heels with straight or skinny colored pants. Consider patterned ballet shoes or heels for an extra burst of color. Pick gold or silver accessories. Use a bag in a similar shade. Wear coordinating stones or lacquered jewelry.

Many misconceptions about homeschooling come from a lack of information or knowledge about what homeschooling entails. While you are most likely familiar with the benefits of homeschooling, it is often useful to have a wide pool of facts to draw upon when you confront misconceptions. Education research can provide you with facts and statistics that can help you to better explain your decision. The National Home Education Research Institute, HSLDA, and the Coalition for Responsible Home Education are all great sources for research on homeschooling. Many people worry that homeschooled children do not have the same opportunities to socialize as traditionally schooled children. People may ask, "What do your children do to make friends?" You can share the ways that you've involved them in groups and you can say that, "Our children see their friends as frequently as they would if they were in a public school." There are many ways that children have the opportunity to spend time with other children. You can enroll your child in an organized sports league, join homeschooling groups that take field trips, participate in religious organizations, and being active in your community. Homeschooling does not mean that you want to deprive your child of socialization opportunities, but it can protect them from some of the more negative social aspects of the public school system, like bullying. If someone is curious about your decision to homeschool, feel free to share your reasons for coming to the decision to begin homeschooling with them. Don't feel obligated to share reasons if they are personal. Of course, the reasons that factored into your decision to homeschool may be intimate and private. You are under no obligation to share more information than you are willing to share.
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One-sentence summary --
Build a fact base about homeschooling. Explain socialization strategies. Share your story with others.