Problem: Article: A simple baking soda wash can keep your hair buildup-free and combat dandruff. Add 1 part of baking soda and 1 part of water to a jar or squeeze bottle. Shake the mixture well to ensure that the ingredients are fully combined. Filtered or distilled water works best, but you can use tap water. Mix the baking soda wash in the container that you plan to store it in your shower so you don't have to transfer the mixture. The baking soda and water will separate as they sit on the bathroom shelf, so be sure to shake the bottle well before each use. When you're ready to use the baking soda mixture to shampoo, wet your hair thoroughly. Pour the baking soda mixture onto your scalp, massaging it in with your fingers. Apply more as needed, but keep the mixture concentrated on your scalp. You don't need to apply the baking soda wash to the ends of your hair because the scalp is where all of the natural oils are. The mixture will also be washed through the length when you rinse your hair. Because baking soda is alkaline, following it up with an acidic apple cider vinegar rinse can restore the proper pH balance to your hair. It can actually replace your usual conditionerjust mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the vinegar with 1 cup (237 ml) of water in a bottle and shake well to ensure that they're blended. Apply it to your scalp and massage it through your hair before rinsing it out with water. If you use a vinegar rinse, be sure to thoroughly rinse any baking soda out of your hair first.
Summary: Mix the baking soda and water. Apply the mixture to your scalp. Rinse with apple cider vinegar to condition your hair.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Get a high quality, four quart saucepan to cook the caramel in. A heavy bottom is especially important because it allows for the temperature to distribute more evenly. Thin saucepans tend to have isolated areas of heat, which can easily burn the caramel. Candy thermometers are crucial for cooking caramel because sugar can easily burn, ruining the caramel. These thermometers are made specifically for testing oils and sugars so you can cook your candies to the ideal temperature. Your local Target, Walmart, or other large supermarket should have these in stock. A rubber spatula is ideal for stirring the mixture as plastic spatulas can burn and melt under high temperatures. Stainless steel spatulas can be useful as well, but they can easily scratch your saucepan. This pan is necessary for the final step when you transfer your mixture from the saucepan. Be sure to get a high-quality, clean baking pan so any rust or caked-on food won't find its way in your candy. These supplies will be necessary during the boiling so you can assess the consistency of the caramel. Be sure to have these at the ready so you don't waste precious time gathering the materials while the caramel could be burning.

SUMMARY: Use a heavy-bottom saucepan. Test the caramel with a candy-specific thermometer. Stir with a proper spatula. Have a 9 by 13 inch metal baking pan at the ready. Gather a spoon, a bowl, and some ice water to test the mixture.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Your body, and mind, follows patterns known as circadian rhythms. If you keep a consistent, healthy schedule, it will help your brain function optimally. This is important for keeping your thoughts organized and logical throughout your waking hours. Meditate before bed to help promote restful sleep. Exercising throughout the day will help make you ready for bed earlier in the evening. Aside from going to bed early, you also need to sleep late enough. The optimum amount of sleep (for most people) is between seven and eight hours. Not only does this give your brain the energy needed to think logically, sleep also helps your brain to consolidate thoughts into logical, organized memories. Avoid things like large meals, alcohol, and caffeine late in the evenings. These can keep your body stimulated and awake at bedtime. Avoid having a television or radio playing in your room. If noise from outside is an issue, try to use heavy blinds to dampen the sound. A quiet, dark room promotes a restful night of sleep. A fan or other sound constant sound can help to block noises from outside the room. A fan will also keep the room cooler, which can aid in getting restful sleep. The more things your brain associates with the bed, the harder it will be to calm down and go to sleep. Keep things like televisions, computers, cell phones, and other distractions out of the bedroom. You will wind down faster and sleep better. To avoid exhaustion and brain fog, you need to let your mind rest through the day. Recommendations vary from 15 minutes per day of down time to 15 minutes per hour. Take the amount of time that you need to keep your thoughts organized, and you will see a boost in your work and personal life.
Summary: Go to bed at a reasonable time. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep. Keep your room quiet. Limit the activities you do in bed. Take breaks through the day.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: People lie for different reasons and it's usually not clear-cut. Though your friend's lying may have hurt you, that may not have been their intention. Think about the underlying goal behind your friend's lie. What purpose did the lie serve? Did it get them out of trouble, make them look good in front of others, or prevent someone's feelings from getting hurt? For example, your friend may have told you they weren't seeing anyone, but you later find out they were secretly in a relationship. They may have lied because they weren't ready to introduce their date or weren't sure if the relationship was serious. Your friend may have lied due to extreme pressure or influence from you or someone else. To see if this is the case, look back over your behavior before the lie. Did you do or say something that influenced the lie? For instance, your best friend lies about seeing your girlfriend with someone else because you just said "Everyone is trying to tear us apart." They may have lied so they aren't accused of sabotaging your relationship. Before you make up your mind about things, get a second opinion. Talk to a parent, sibling, or another close friend about what happened. Laying out the events to someone else could help you get a different perspective. Say something like, "Hey, Rita, I'm worried that Jen is lying about something. How has she seemed to you lately?" A straightforward confrontation may be the best way to address your best friend's lying. Stay calm, call out the lie, and ask them to explain themselves. Use "I" statements to cut down on defensiveness. You might say, "I know you lied to me about having plans this weekend. I heard you on the phone with Sarah. Can you help me understand why you lied?" If you and your friend are in a group, you might pull them aside to confront them privately. Don't let your pal know you've caught their scent. Continue the conversation by querying them for more info. Ask clarifying questions that help uncover the truth. Let's say your friend lies and says, "Yeah, I didn't do anything this weekend, but study." Don't say, "You're lying!" Go for a more subtle approach, like "Hmph, that's weird. Josh said he saw you down at the creek on Saturday. He must have been mistaken, huh?" Act as though the lie were funny. Playfully deflect to get your friend to admit the truth. You might say, "Oh my goodness, I actually think your nose got bigger just now!" Letting on that you know they're lying without direct confrontation may ease tension and help you get to the truth. As hard as it may be, sometimes lies aren't worth the effort. If your friend's lie is minor and not hurting anyone, just overlook it. There's no use creating negative energy between you and your bestie over a little white lie.
Summary:
Figure out their motive. Reflect on your own actions. Get someone else's input. Be direct. Play dumb and ask for more info. Laugh it off. Ignore it.