INPUT ARTICLE: Article: This procedure has been shown to protect against animals that will eat the bark of the tree, and also protects against boring insects that would otherwise work their way into the trees' trunks. Paint trees at least annually in the early spring before insects are active. Painting fruit- and nut-bearing trees can also prevent the bark from splitting This mixture is most effective when combined at a 1:1 ratio. You can simply combine 1 gallon (3.79 liters) of water with 1 gallon (3.79 liters) of paint to achieve the proper consistency. White paint is more likely to reflect sunlight and, thereby, reduce heat damage. Latex paint contains polymer binders to fill and hold splits and cracks. This tool will be most effective and help you reach all the cracks in the bark of the tree. Dip your paintbrush into the water/paint mixture until the bristles are about halfway submerged, then withdraw the brush and apply directly to the tree trunk. Paint up to the first line of branches. Rodents such as mice, voles, and rabbits will not be able to reach higher than this on the tree, so there's no need to paint the upper portions of your trees. This will ensure maximum coverage of the tree trunk, and will allow the paint to seep into gaps or cracks in the bark. Allow excess paint to drip down the trunk as you go. You don't need to wipe up or clean dripping paint. Use an airless paint sprayer if speed and convenience are a priority, but make sure paint still reaches into cracks and splits in the bark. In instances where boring insects are persistent or not discouraged by the 1:1 mixture of latex paint and water, you may need to apply the paint at a thicker consistency. Start with a 3:1 mixture of paint to water. If this still doesn't deter boring insects, you may need to apply the latex paint directly to the tree trunk.

SUMMARY: Paint the trunks of fruit- and nut-bearing trees. Mix distilled water with white latex paint. Use a wide, thick, loosely napped paintbrush. Paint from the bottom to the top. Apply the paint in a thicker ratio if needed.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: These skirts bunch out around the hips, making them appear wider than they actually are. If you prefer something more subtle or casual, try an A-line skirt or a faded wash denim skirt inter. To further enhance your curves, choose a light-colored or printed fabric. Fabrics that have a shine to them, such as satin, may also help. If you have lack curves and wish to give the illusion of having some, try a snug pencil skirt that tapers around your thighs; it will help give the illusion of curves. There is nothing wrong with curves, nor is there anything wrong with wanting to reduce them. Any skirt with vertical details, such as pleats, top stitching, and darts, will help elongate your body and make it appear narrower. For a slimming effect, wear a skirt in a dark color, such as: black/gray, burgundy, dark brown, navy blue, and olive green. Wear an interesting top or a statement necklace to draw attention to your upper half. An A-line skirt is a great choice, and it may help downplay wide hips. If you wish to conceal thicker thighs, consider a full circle skirt or a fit-and-flare skirt instead. Flared skirts are anything that is fitted at the waist, and flares out past the hips. Great examples include the A-line skirt and the fit-and-flare skirt. Something made from a heavier fabric, such as denim, leather, or linen, will help tuck in muffin tops and full tummies. If you need a more drastic change, try a body shaper made from strong, sturdy spandex. Full circle skirts, mid-rise skirts, and skirts with wider waistbands may also help. Anything that ends just above the knee (or even shorter) will help make your legs appear longer. Skirts that are fitted around the hips, such as pencil skirts, may also help make you appear taller. To further the effect, match your skirt to your skin, tights, or shoes. If your skirt has a print on it, make sure that your tights or shoes match one color on it. If you don't like to wear shorter skirts, wear a longer one with tights underneath it. Match the tights to your shoes (preferably heels). Where you choose to raise or lower the hemline depends on which part of your lower half that you want to slim down. For example, if you want to make your calves appear thinner, choose a skirt that falls either above or bellow your calves. If your hemline sits right as the calves, they will look wider.

SUMMARY: Accentuate curves with light colors and bubble or balloon-shaped skirts. Use vertical details and dark colors to draw attention away from curves. Streamline your silhouette with heavier fabrics and flared skirts. Elongate your legs with raised hemlines and simple color schemes. Slim down your legs and thighs by raising or lowering the hemline.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You can have an amazing date at almost any type of restaurant, not just fancy and expensive ones. It can be a cantina with great margaritas, a French restaurant with luxurious entrees, even the new ice cream place. You may want to choose a place you have been to before, or that someone you know has recommended. Nothing sours a date like ending up in a restaurant with prices that are shockingly high or food and service that's sub par. Check on the menu pricing. You can often get a sample menu online, and many restaurant reviews will give an idea of what you can expect to pay. This helps avoid an uncomfortable situation: finding yourself short of money, or at an unexpectedly extremely cheap or expensive eatery. Plan to pay for your date's meal if you are the one who's organizing the date. If you spent the day kayaking in the ocean, consider having a casual meal. You could get lunch or dinner from a food truck, or buy sandwiches from a deli near the beach. If you are both sandy, sweaty, and wearing your beach gear, it might not be appropriate or practical to go to the expensive seafood restaurant. If you're going to be quite active all day, you could consider packing a picnic. Bring a bottle of champagne or wine to share to make it extra special. While casual dining is great for a date, avoid eating at a fast food place if at all possible. It's not the price of the food that matters, but the originality. Take your date somewhere special. When your date recounts details to her best friend, you don't want her description to include, "And then we went to McDonalds." Nothing could be more romantic than planning and cooking an entire meal for your date. If you're planning to have a date night in, it's a way to make your date feel very special. Plus, having good cooking skills is impressive and sexy. Just be sure to cook something you have made before, so you know it'll turn out and taste delicious. You don't have to make a complicated six-course meal, but you also probably should not invite someone over for frozen pizza. If you are going to cook at home, make something quality. Or at least from a high-quality market. Sometimes making dinner together can be fun and romantic. Pasta dishes are easy to make, and relatively inexpensive.

SUMMARY:
Choose an eatery. Match the tone of the date to the tone of the restaurant. Cook dinner at home.