Many gut noises don't result from intestinal conditions but instead arise from having too much gas or air in the digestive system. This is a problem that is relatively easy to correct. One simple solution is to slow down your eating. When you eat too quickly, you swallow a lot of air. This results in bubbles that create embarrassing gut noises as they move around your digestive system. Chewing gum has a similar effect to eating too quickly. It makes you swallow air as you chew it. If you're having gut noises, spit out the gum. Bubbly beverages like soda, beer, and and carbonated water can also lead to gurgling sounds in your gut. These drinks are pumped full of gas, which then makes its way into your digestive system. Carbohydrates and especially refined sugars can produce a lot of gas when digested. Steer clear of sugary and starchy foods, as well as excess fat. Even otherwise healthy foods such as fruit juices (especially apple and pear) can produce this effect due to their high sugar content. Fat does not cause gas on it's own, but can lead to bloating, which can place pressure on your intestines and worsen the problem. Everyone knows smoking is bad for you, but you may not have known it can lead to embarrassing gut noises. Smoking, like gum chewing or eating too fast, can also result in the swallowing of air. If you smoke, consider quitting. If you can't or don't want to quit, at least avoid smoking before any situation in which gut noises might cause you embarrassment. If you suffer from frequent gas problems, you may want to consider a medication that targets this problem. A number of pills are available that can help your body digest the foods that cause gas. You can find these at any drug store. Talk to your doctor or a pharmacist for recommendations.

Summary: Eat slowly. Spit out your gum. Avoid bubbles. Lay off the carbs and fat. Don't smoke. Consider medication.

When it comes to break ups, face-to-face interaction is optimal but there are a variety of reasons why writing a letter might be the best option. If you're in a long distance relationship, communication can sometimes be difficult even over a phone or web cam screen. Some people are also simply uncomfortable with phone calls and if that's the case for you, a letter might help you get your words out in a calm, straightforward fashion. If your partner might become hostile or emotional during a face-to-face break up, preventing you from explaining your point of view, a letter might also be a better option. Closure and open communication is important for a clean, healthy breakup and if you don't think your partner will allow this face-to-face, it may be better to write your thoughts out in a letter. A breakup letter should only be used as a last resort. Unless you're experiencing one of the extenuating circumstances from above, it's better to try and communicate face-to-face. Face-to-face communication is ideal because non-verbal cues can provide comfort during a breakup. A smile or hug, for example, can tell your partner he or she still matters even though the relationship is ending. Such moments are absent when breaking up happens in letter form. A breakup letter can also be somewhat cryptic. If there's anything your partner does not understand, he or she will be unable to ask for clarification. A lack of closure can leave him or her emotionally scarred and entering a new relationship may be difficult. If you truly feel a breakup letter is the best route despite its drawbacks, leave room open for communication. Tell your partner he or she can call you or see you in a few days or weeks to talk if he or she needs to do so face-to-face. Give him or her time to cool down, however, so you can both talk calmly as adults. Delivery options are important in regard to a break-up letter. You want to make sure you deliver the letter in a way that does not come off as cruel or spiteful. E-mail, Facebook, and other electronic means of delivering the letter are probably a bad idea. As some many people now have smart phones, that means all day internet access. You do not want your partner to open the e-mail on his way to work, school, or any event where he needs to stay focused. Mailing the letter may be necessary if you're in a long distance relationship. However, give some kind of heads up. Do not pretend things are normal after you've sent the letter. Give your partner a heads-up to expect a letter and tell him or her you've expressed some things you feel are easier to discuss in a written format. If you live in the same town, you could deliver the letter yourself or have a friend or family member do so.

Summary: Figure out if a letter is the best means for breaking up. Consider other options. Decide how to deliver the letter.

You want your fabric and the webbing to be the lengths that you measured. Note: you want to make sure that you cut the fabric one inch longer and one inch wider than the webbing. You need the fabric to be bigger so that you can wrap the webbing around it. Another general rule of thumb is that your webbing should be approximately 11 inches (27.9cm) longer than the circumference of your dog's neck. But either 10 or 12 inches (25.4 or 30.5cm) will work, too. Using a general household lighter, lightly burn the ends of your webbing. This will keep them from fraying. Using a low heat setting on your iron, iron the fabric to the webbing. Then fold the extra fabric over the webbing, creating a nice crease. You have now created the base for your collar. You can go back over this again with the iron to deepen the crease. Sew your way around the edges of the collar. If you do not have a sewing machine, use a needle and thread for this step. Essentially, you just need to make sure that your fabric is securely attached to the webbing. Use a simple stitch pattern. Just make sure to sew in a straight line. Sew along each side of the collar, making sure the webbing and fabric are firmly attached to one another. Using a pair of fabric (or kitchen scissors) snip any stray threads that are lingering. Slide the strap adjuster through one end of the fabric, then pull through about an inch. It does not matter which end you choose. Sew the loose end of the fabric back onto the collar itself. Basically, you are sewing this piece of hardware onto a small loop. When you are attaching the end of the fabric onto the main part of the collar, sew in an hourglass shape. Example: stitch in a straight line across the bottom of the "tail" end. Then sew a diagonal line up, then sew a line across the top, then a diagonal line back down to your starting point. Clip your stray threads. Now your strap adjuster is neatly attached to the collar. There should be two pieces. Place the curved side of the clasp through the end of the collar. Slide the end up through your strap adjuster, which makes a loop. Secure each side of the clasp to the collar by sewing small, sturdy loops around the clasps. You should have a collar, with a longer tail at the end. Slide on the other piece of your buckle, and pull about 23 inches (58cm) of the collar through the buckle. Pull the end of the fabric through the adjuster and then sew the loose end to the back of the collar. Use the hour glass stitch one the fabric on each side of your D ring. This will ensure that it does not slide around on your collar. Now your D ring is attached. Clip any stray threads.

Summary: Cut your materials. Attach the webbing. Load your thread into your sewing machine. Attach the hardware. Attach your buckle. Slide your D ring onto the collar.

Tufted rugs are held together by a layer of latex glue that secures the tufts and prevents them from falling out. If your rug is particularly old, this layer of glue will show signs of cracking and crumbling, meaning that the tufts are no longer secure. If you notice patches on the underside of your rug that are missing glue, be extra careful when cleaning that portion of the rug. Being too aggressive will lead to fibers falling out and the creation of bare patches.
Summary: Check the underside for peeling.