Problem: Article: Measure from your waist down to your ankles. Next, measure around your waist and both of your ankles. Record each of your measurements. If this is for an adult woman, measure the hips too. Note the distance between the belly button and the hips as well. You can find this type of fabric in the dance-wear section of a fabric store. Make sure that it is smooth, shiny, and preferably with a scale pattern. You can also buy "super hero" spandex from the cosplay section of a fabric store. Divide your waist measurement by 4, then make the a mark that distance from the fold. Measure down along the fold based on your waist-to-ankle measurement. Divide your ankle measurement by 4, then make another mark that distance from the fold. Leave enough space below the ankles for the fins. Make sure that you are folding the fabric with the right sides facing in. If your fabric has scales on it, make sure that the scales are all pointing downwards. If this is for an adult woman, include the hip measurement as well. Remember to divide it by 4! If you included the hip measurement, you'll need to connect the waist mark to the hip mark, then the hip mark to the ankle mark. This completes your tail body. Fold the fin template in half, then place it onto the fabric. Make sure that the folded edges match up, and that the top edge of the template touches the bottom edge of the tail. Trace around the template, then pull it away. For a fancier tail, add a ragged, fringy edge to the bottom of the fin. You will need to add 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) to all edges, including the top. When you are done, cut a second piece of fabric just like the first one. Use the already-cut piece as a guide. If you added a ragged fringe to the bottom edge of your tail, you only need to add seam allowances to the outer edges of the fringe.
Summary: Take your measurements. Buy some stretchy, mermaid-like fabric. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, then transfer your measurements. Connect the marks with a straight line. Add the fin template and trace around it. Cut your fabric, including seam allowances.

Problem: Article: Always read a handful of reviews online before making a purchase to watch out for serious problems with a camera lens. You can also talk to friends who take pictures and ask them for recommendations. Many photography magazines, or magazines that cover technology in general, provide reviews of the best camera lenses. Use social media to your advantage if you're friends with photographers. Post a status asking for guidance from friends interested in photography. When buying a used lens, check it carefully prior to purchase. Avoid lenses with any nicks, scratches, or fungus growing inside the lens. When buying online, look at pictures carefully before making a purchase. Also, make sure to only buy from sellers that let you return items for a full refund just in case the lens turns out to be damaged. If money is an issue, you can buy a cheap lens from a third party provider. While people are often mistrustful of third party lenses, many third party lenses work just as well as lenses sold from your camera's manufacturer. If the reviews for a lens are solid, and it has the features you want, you can save money by going the third party route. Make sure to check to see if you need an adapter when buying a third party lens.
Summary: Read reviews before making a purchase. Make sure used lenses are in good condition. Do not disregard all third party lenses.

Problem: Article: Yang and Wu styles of tai chi are probably the most popular forms of tai chi. The Wu style is a variant of the Yang style. In addition, they're the most commonly practiced forms of tai chi worldwide. These styles use wide slow flowing movements which make them the best styles for beginners. Yang and Wu styles are also great for helping those overcome tension or stress in their lives. Both use meditation as part of the practice Because both Yang and Wu styles are so popular, the majority of classes, DVDS and videos will incorporate these two styles of tai chi most frequently. This is a more active form of tai chi and may not be for everyone. It doesn't necessarily fall into the slow, gentle flowing movements of some tai chi practices. The Chen style of tai chi uses some explosive and fast moves - like jump kicks. This may be out of the fitness range of some people. If you're already fairly fit or athletically inclined (or looking for a more exciting form of tai chi) consider the Chen style. The Chen style uses wide, expansive movements that can be hard on the knees and lower back. Be careful when performing this style. Tai chi is an easy type of exercise to do. However, it's very different from any other more traditional forms of activity. It's important to meet with a trained teacher, if possible, so you know how to do tai chi correctly. A tai chi teacher will be able to guide you during a class or individual session. They can teach you how to breath and use your breathing to promote calmness. A good way to find a decent teacher is by talking to that teacher's students but also speaking to the teacher yourself. Ask about the classes, the personality of the teacher, and how the classes are conducted. Although it's important to learn correct form and how to maximize the benefits of tai chi, if you cannot afford to take a tai chi class or cannot find one, you have very little risk of injury or other adverse effects by doing this exercises yourself. Since tai chi isn't a overly popular form of exercise, you might have some difficulty finding a local teacher or class. However, tai chi is easy enough that you can do it in your own home. There are many tai chi videos and DVDs that you can purchase so you can perform this exercise in the privacy of your own home. When purchasing your DVD decide whether or not you should be purchasing one for beginners, pregnant women, older adults or those with special health problems. Many tai chi practices are designed for a very specific condition. There are also many tai chi videos online. You can download many videos or go to websites for live streaming. This may be a good option if you don't want to settle only one DVD. Many forms of exercise require specialty equipment or clothing. Tai chi doesn't require specialty clothing, however tai chi teachers do recommend the following: Wear clothing that allows you to comfortably flow through the series of movements. Do not wear restrictive clothing that feels tight or prohibits a full range of motion. Yoga pants, running shorts and other more traditional exercise clothing is permitted. Wear comfortable, flat bottomed shoes or go barefoot. Whatever works for you. Avoid wearing jewelry or watches as they may interfere with some of the movements done with partners. Once you've gotten into a routine of doing tai chi or have found that you enjoy this practice, set yourself up for doing at least 20 minutes of practice per session. It's typically recommended to do at least 20 minutes of practice as it is believed that this allows your blood to flow through your entire body in this time period. This is an essential part of tai chi practice. It is also believed that it takes 20 minutes for your body to be fully warmed up and have increased blood flow to all your muscles. It is thought that this is responsible for the "good or happy feelings" many practitioners experience at the end of a tai chi workout. Like any new exercise routine, it can take a few tries to get the moves and routine down. Be patient with yourself as you experience and try out this new alternative form of exercise. Although tai chi isn't considered a difficult or high-intensity physical activity, it is something very different from most traditional forms of exercise. Be patient with yourself as you grow and learn in your practice. In addition, it may take time for you to get the breathing down and be able to quietly meditate as you move through the movements. This also takes time and practice. It's recommended to set a regular time each day to practice so you become more proficient in this relaxing form of exercise.
Summary:
Learn about Yang or Wu style tai chi. Consider the Chen form. Find a trained teacher. Consider purchasing a Tai Chi DVD. Wear the appropriate type of clothing. Aim for at least a 20 minute workout. Practice being patient with yourself.