Article: Shrubs should be kept well watered until they are established, which usually happens after a few months. The commonest reason for new plants to fail is lack of water. Beware hot summer weather but remember wind is also very drying even in cool temperatures. Because shrubs last for many years, these plants tend to establish enough root structure that they require less watering than plants such as annual bedding flowers. Most shrubs will only need watering in the driest periods after they become established. It's good practice to 'top up' the mulch every year as this helps preserve soil moisture, reducing the amount the plant will need watering. To replace mulch: Remove any residual mulch from the previous year. Remove any weeds and then apply a fresh layer of mulching material.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Water your shrubs until they are established. Reduce the amount of water you give your plant once it is established. Top up your mulch.
Article: Gone are the days of minimally comfortable, plastic blow up travel neck pillows. You can now get very comfortable travel neck pillows that can help you sleep in even the most crowded spaces. Take the opportunity to upgrade your current neck pillow to a cushy version that can enhance your travel experience. Consider your specific needs. Do you have neck or back pain? An option that holds your head upright may be best for you. Do you want to be able to move around and not disrupt your fellow passengers? Consider a traditional donut-shaped pillow filled with gel. Make sure to explore your different options. Getting suggestions from fellow travelers or reading product reviews may give you more insight into specific models. Think about the pillow's portability. If you like to travel light or without any awkwardly shaped items that you have to strap to your suitcase, look at the weight and size of each pillow option. Seat location can make a big difference in how comfortable you areand how you can best use your upgraded pillow. If you are able, choose your seat as soon as you can so that you're not locked out of a prime spot for sleeping. Select or request a window seat if you can. You may even want to consider paying a bit extra for a window seat to increase your comfort. Window seats have a couple of benefits: they give something on which you can lean and help you avoid people crawling over you to get to the bathroom or for a walk. You can also control the window shade, which may help you sleep better. Sit near the front of the plane if possible. There is generally more noise at the back of the plane because of the place of the engines. However, you may be more likely to get a full row or two seats to yourself towards the back of the plane. This could make up for the extra noise. Ask an attendant at check-in what's available and change seats to better options if you can. Avoid bulkheads and exit rows. Although you'll have extra legroom, you may not be able to recline the seats or move the armrest. Depending on what option you purchased, you probably need to blow up your neck pillow. Getting the right amount of air into the pillow can promote your ability to sleep as well as your comfort. Take your pillow of its case and look for the inflation valve. Start to either pump or blow air into the pillow until it is full. Lay back on the pillow to see if it is comfortable. Open the valve and slowly let out air until it reaches a level with which you're comfortable. If you want a firmer pillow, add more air. Sitting up straight can cause back pain and many people find it difficult to fall asleep in this position. Reclining your seat as far back as you are able will take pressure off of your lower back. It may also contribute to more optimal use of your neck pillow. Be considerate of the person sitting behind you. For example, if you are on a plane and it's mealtime, only recline your seat a bit or wait until the meal is over. You can always adjust your seat as the situation allows. Some may find sleeping with a bulge behind their heads slightly uncomfortable. Your head may also keep falling forward. In either case, think about flipping your neck pillow in the opposite direction to protect your head while keeping your neck aligned. Many neck pillows have some type of stuffing such as beads or gel. Move the stuffing over to your most preferred side of the pillow for added comfort. Tie off the end with a hair tie or another item that will keep the stuffing from shifting. Once you've got your seat reclined, it's time to put your pillow to use. Lie back and close your eyes. If you feel uncomfortable, make adjustments to the pillow's air until you are able to lie back and relax. Try wedging your pillow in the small space between seats or up against the window.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Upgrade your current travel neck pillow. Choose your seat early for the best space. Inflate your pillow. Recline your seat. Flip your neck pillow. Direct pillow stuffing for extra comfort. Lie back on your pillow.
Article: If this is an important presentation, and if speeches make you nervous, try spending some time in the venue or location where you'll be expected to give your speech. Even if you can't give your speech, recite it mentally while staring at an imaginary "audience" to help prepare for the big day! If your speech requires any equipment, like microphones or projectors, make sure you test the equipment beforehand so you know how to operate it! If you're giving a speech while tired or on an empty stomach, you won't perform as well as you can. Make sure you set yourself up for success by sleeping, eating a well-balanced, nutritious meal, and drinking plenty of water beforehand. If you drink water before your speech, make sure you use the restroom before getting up in front of a crowd! What you wear to your speech depends on the situation in which you're giving your speech. If you're giving your speech in a business setting, make sure you're wearing professional but comfortable clothes. If your speech is more relaxed, try wearing jeans or a soft shirt. Avoid wearing graphic t-shirts or distracting patterns even if your speech is very informal, since this can distract the audience. The time right before you give your speech is often the most stressful. Instead of trying to cram information, take this time to relax your nerves and imagine a scenario where everything goes perfectly. Focus on sights, sounds, feelings, and even smells if possible. This type of visualization can help give you the confidence you need to rock your performance today! If you've previously given great speeches, think back to those times. Don't worry so much about what you did "right" or "wrong," but instead focus on the feeling of doing well and succeeding while speaking. Instead of thinking "I'm going to fail" or even "I'm so nervous," focus on channeling your emotions into positive phrases. If you're nervous, say "I can do this." If you're not sure you'll be able to remember everything, think "I've spent time memorizing the info and I know my stuff!"
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Practice in the space you'll be speaking, if possible. Eat and sleep enough the night before. Dress for success. Imagine the best-case scenario as you wait to give your speech. Avoid negative self-talk before you get onstage.