INPUT ARTICLE: Article: When looking at an online posting for makeup, observe the pictures closely to see how much detail the seller is providing. If you can clearly see the labels and the product itself, it may safe to purchase. If you are unsure in any way, it may be best to avoid purchasing from that seller. If the deal is too good to be true, then chances are that it is a fake MAC product. For example, if an item is being sold for $10, and the retail price at the MAC counter is $30, you should be wary of purchasing that product. To save yourself the headache of purchasing fake MAC products, consider buying the makeup directly from the MAC makeup counter or ordering it online from MAC's website. This will give you confidence that you will be receiving the genuine product, instead of inadvertently giving in to gimmicky fakes. If you accidentally receive fake MAC makeup or notice fake makeup from an unauthorized seller or boutique, contact MAC to report the counterfeits. You can do this by visiting their website at www.maccosmetics.com and clicking "Counterfeit Education" in the menu at the bottom of the page. Call the 800-number provided on the website under "Counterfeit Education" and give the seller's name and address (if you have that information), the type of location (i.e. whether it's eBay, an independent boutique or other), the product(s) that are being sold, and the trademark details.

SUMMARY: Look closely at the pictures. Think about the price. Consider purchasing directly from the source. Report counterfeits directly to MAC.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: For example, if you are multiplying 125 x 15, you can break this up into two component parts (factoring out, essentially). First, multiply 125 x 10 (1250). Second, divide that answer by 2 (625). Now add both numbers together (1250 + 625 = 1875). Instead of dealing with writing down the multiplication and work right-to-left, you can realize that you're looking for 125 x (10 + 5) = (125 x 10) + (125 x 5) = (125 x 10) + (125 x 10 / 2). By breaking the problem down to one simple calculation of 125 x 10, one division by 2, and one addition, you avoid a trickier multiplication. Always look for ways to use simpler calculations or memorized multiplication tables, for instance, to simplify a harder calculation. Understanding these component parts can then be applied to leaving a 15% tip, for example, and all you have to do is move some decimal places afterward. Practicing is the best way to keep your mind sharp when it comes to mathematical calculations. Work on different types of problems each day: word problems, percentage problems, long division, decimal calculations, etc. Challenge yourself to work on areas that you notice you struggle in. If fractions tend to give you a hang up when calculating, spend a week or two just doing fraction calculations. Even just looking at multiplication tables or worked out problems is beneficial. Eventually, you will start to notice patterns and new ways to deconstruct problems you didn't see before. Saying the numbers and process out loud will make you hear the calculation as you work it out, too. This adds a new layer of learning and memorizing on top of what's already there. Hearing yourself say a number creates another mental copy of the number in your working memory. With an auditory and visual copy of the number, it becomes easier to recall as you're calculating. Once you've done a calculation in your head, do it with pencil and paper. See if you have the same answer. Now, consult a calculator to check the answer once and for all. Although fingers can be a quick way to hold a number aside during a calculation, try to rely on the visual memory or even auditory memory instead. Testing yourself by not relying on a calculator or even writing the numbers down will help with your working memory, number recall, and even visual/spatial skills.

SUMMARY: Simplify calculations into smaller, easier calculations. Do a few small calculations at least once a day. Vocalize your mental process to yourself. Try to do as much in your head as possible.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Read books centered on mathematical mysteries or fictional and/or autobiographical books based on famous mathematicians. For example, a lot of Paul Verhoeven's books incorporate math. Also, The Number Devil by Hans Magnus Enzensberger is a popular fiction book about math. Read biographies of famous female mathematicians to cultivate and maintain your interest in math. For example, read about Hypatia, one of the earliest known female mathematicians in Alexandria. Baking uses a lot of proportions and ratios. By baking your favorite cake, brownies, or cookies, you can learn about proportions and ratios while having fun and satisfying your taste buds. You can promote your interest in math by exploring how math is related to something you love! For example, if you're interested in historical landmarks, like the Golden Gate Bridge or the Statue of Liberty, learn about the math that was involved in building these landmarks. If you're interested in a subject not traditionally associated with math, learn how that subject incorporates math. For example, if you are interested in fashion, explore how cutting patterns and sewing these patterns together involves math. New math formulas can seem mundane and uninteresting, especially if you do not apply them to anything. Make math interesting by applying mundane formulas to everyday life circumstances. For example, if you have an alarm clock, chances are you are calculating how many extra minutes you can sleep before you get out of bed once you hit the snooze button. Try to notice the different ways you do math in your day-to-day tasks. Realize that, if you keep an open mind, you can learn anything. Yes, math can be hard at times, but perhaps there is a better way for you to learn math, like playing games with friends or reading a fictional story based on a mathematical mystery.

SUMMARY: Connect math and reading. Bake something. Connect math with your interests. Connect math to everyday life. Be positive about math.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: During pregnancy, women do not menstruate. While you may experience some light spotting, you will not have your period during the course of pregnancy. If your period has suddenly stopped, pregnancy may be the cause. Many home pregnancy tests are accurate on the first day of a missed period. For most tests, you immerse a small stick in urine and wait several minutes for results. A plus sign, changed colors, or the word "pregnant" indicate pregnancy depending on the test. Home pregnancy tests are generally very accurate. Most are about 99% accurate, but some tests are not as good as detecting pregnancy as they claim. It might be a good idea to take two different tests to assure accuracy. It's important to see a doctor as soon as possible to confirm your pregnancy with a blood test. Usually, after pregnancy menstruation returns. However, if you're breastfeeding you may not return to regular periods immediately. Breastfeeding regularly can delay the return of your periods for the first months after pregnancy. If menstruation is delayed longer, however, you should talk to your doctor to rule out other causes. Your period may take awhile to return to normal after a pregnancy. This does not mean menstruation has stopped longterm. Usually, once you cease breastfeeding you'll begin spotting lightly. Your menstrual cycle should return to normal within the first few months after you start spotting. You may have unusually large blood clots during your first periods after pregnancy. This is usually not a concern, but if you have heavy bleeding and blood clots for a week or more consult a doctor. Remember, even if you don't physically notice signs of menstruation you may still be fertile even shortly after pregnancy. Make sure to use contraception if you want to prevent another pregnancy, even if you're not visibly menstruating.

SUMMARY:
Take a pregnancy test. Consider the effects of breastfeeding. Understand menstruation may be irregular after pregnancy.