Q: Dig 4 inches (about 10 cm) deep for raised and 8 inches (20.3 cm) deep for level. Compact the earth if necessary. If you're planning on having something extremely heavy such as a brick barbecue on your patio, your first step will be to pour a concrete foundation for added stability. Typically, this base will be 4 inches (about 10 cm) deep. Ensure the gravel or crushed rock is compacted and laid evenly. Fluctuation in the height of the base can cause shifting or cracking in the patio over time. These stakes should be slightly outside your original stakes. They will be used in a later step to help support the outer edge of your patio. Make sure the stakes are firmly embedded in the ground. Patios need to slope to allow for water runoff. The standard slope is 1/8" per foot. Check your local building codes for the exact slope dimensions. Don't underestimate the heaviness of wet concrete. Use very sturdy wood or it could bend or even break under the weight. Consider using steel concrete forms to avoid this problem.
A: Decide if you want your patio to be level with the ground or raised. Add a layer of gravel or crushed rock to the compacted earth. Drive stakes around the new perimeter of your patio, spaced at least 2 feet (.6 m) apart.

Q: High temperatures make your hair dry and brittle, increasing the chances of breakage. If you must use heat on your hair, try to limit it to once a week at most. Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible. The heat from blow dryers can be especially damaging, as it is combined with a strong blast of airanother culprit for hair damage. Keep use of flat irons and curling irons to a minimum. Because these can heat upwards of 400F (204C), you are literally cooking your hair. If you have to use heat, apply a heat-protectant product before heating your hair. Never use a flat iron or curling iron on wet hair. Doing so can cause serious damage to your hair. The chemicals in hair dye are a major cause of hair damage. Using dyes often can prevent hair growth by damaging the entire strand of hair. If possible, don't dye your hair at all. If you must, wait at least 3 months between hair dye sessions. If you get your hair relaxed, you know how damaging it can be to your hair. Although getting your hair relaxed frequently may be tempting in order to maintain straight locks, try to wait as long as you can between sessions. Waiting at least 8 weeks between hair relaxing treatments can help minimize damage and aid in hair growth. If you are able and willing, try foregoing relaxing your hair for a natural look instead. This will not only mix up your hairstyle, but increase your hair's ability to grow faster. Your pillowcase can absorb oils from your hair during the night, causing dryness and damage. To minimize this and reduce nighttime stress on your hair, use a silk or satin pillowcase. Alternatively, you can wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf before you go to bed. Wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf can also help it retain moisture and protect it from the elements. This is something you can do either during the day or at night.
A: Avoid using heat on your hair. Steer clear of hair color. Wait at least 8 weeks between relaxing sessions, if you relax your hair. Sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap your hair in a silk scarf.

Q: If you live somewhere that gets hot during the summer months, swimming is one of the few daytime activities that can actually cool you off. Hang out at a lake, river, friend's pool, or community pool to swim some laps and play a quick game of Marco-Polo. If you don't know how to swim, summer is a great time to learn. Most local pools offer weekly lessons. Since most of your friends will also be free all day, organize a pickup game of basketball, soccer, baseball, football, or deck hockey to get everyone involved. Playing on a team is a great way to make new friends and get some exercise during the day. Make sure you're using the right equipment and being safe when playing. If someone gets hurt, stop the game immediately and get a parent to come help. Summer evenings are normally a little bit cooler than the daytime and are the perfect time for getting outside. Break out your bike or go for a walk in the park to appreciate the nice weather and hang out with your friends. Make sure you're wearing the proper safety equipment for biking, including helmets and knee pads. Pack up your favorite foods and drinks, grab a blanket, and head to the park for a picnic with friends. You can enjoy the weather and have a nice meal outside. Just make sure ants don't get onto your blanket and into your food! Always respect the rules of the park and don't leave any trash when you clean up. Bring a bag with you to collect paper plates, cups, and napkins to throw away either at the park or at home. Look online for maps of local trails and head out to explore them. Make sure you wear proper hiking shoes, like boots or sneakers. If you're less experienced, a walk on a nature trail might be a bit quicker and easier to navigate.
A: Go swimming to cool off. Play a sport with your friends. Ride a bike or go for a walk with a friend in the evening. Have a picnic in the park. Check out local hiking trails or nature walks.

Q: Try to keep your caffeine intake under 200 mg per day. This equates one mug (5 oz) of filter coffee, two mugs (10 oz) of instant coffee, or two mugs (10 oz) of tea. Excess caffeine should not hurt your baby but could cause sleeplessness. Non-caffeinated herbal teas like peppermint, camomile, or fennel can be delicious alternatives. You should not drink these too often, though. Remember that caffeine is also present in other food and drink, like sodas and chocolate. Although you now can enjoy a drink now and then, try to drink alcohol only once or twice weekly. Generally, aim for no more than one glass (5 oz.) of wine, one 12 ounce beer, or one shot of liquor per drinking session. More than this amount can harm your child. Your baby ingests alcohol through your breast milk so it is best to feed your baby before drinking rather than directly afterwards. Newborn babies also need feeding more frequently so it could be best to abstain from alcohol for the first six weeks postpartum. Although it is okay to eat a candy bar or a bag of potato chips every now and then, keep those foods for special treats. Your body needs to heal and healthy foods can help make that happen. Similarly, your baby benefits from the food you eat. Strive to make healthy choices accordingly. Although you should limit junk food, you should not limit all foods with fats. Your body needs some fats. Eat dairy products, almonds, or salmon for sources of healthy fats.
A:
Limit caffeine intake. Limit alcohol consumption. Eat junk food sparingly.