INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Your local grocery store likely carries pre-made chocolate or strawberry milk. However, if you mix in your own syrup you can control the flavor better by adding as much syrup as suits your taste. Start by adding a small amount of syrup and stirring it vigorously. When that syrup is thoroughly dissolved in the milk, give it a taste and see if you want to add more. If you squeeze in a large amount of syrup at once, you'll just end up with a lot of syrup pooled at the bottom of your glass. Jams and preserves mix with milk fairly easily and can add a sweet flavor that disguises the taste of the milk. Thicker jams or preserves will also alter the texture. Highly acidic fruit, particularly citrus, kiwi, and pineapple, will curdle milk. The milk is still technically safe to drink. However, if you already dislike milk this will likely make your problem worse. Plenty of tea drinkers add milk to their tea, but you can also do it the other way around. The flavors in the tea will be absorbed by the milk, which may make it more palatable to drink. Chai tea is a particularly good flavor to mix with milk. Herbal teas can also provide an interesting flavor combination. Experiment until you find one you like. Hot cocoa can be a relaxing and indulgent treat when cold weather hits. If you're using a powdered hot cocoa mix, heat milk and stir it into the powdered mix. The easiest way to heat your milk is in the microwave. It shouldn't take more than 45 seconds to a minute for your milk to be warm enough for hot cocoa. You don't need to bring it to a boil.

SUMMARY: Stir in chocolate or strawberry syrup. Add your favorite flavor of fruit jam or preserves. Steep a tea bag in your milk. Make hot cocoa with milk instead of water.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: To display a sports jersey, use a shadowbox frame, which is a shallow, framed, rectangular box is usually use. Shadow boxes have a glass front that is ideal for displaying and protecting bulky items, because they provide more space between the backing and the glass than a traditional frame does. The inside of the frame will need to have at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) of space between it and your jersey. The typical jersey-size frame is 40-inches by 32-inches. Choose a frame that is stained or painted a color that matches your jersey, and the decor in your home. Look for a shadow box with UV-protective glass. There are certain frames made specifically for jerseys, but they tend to be very expensive. A shadow box with the right dimensions will most likely be much cheaper than a frame made especially for a jersey. Unlike with a regular picture frame, the backing that comes with your shadow box may not be all you need to use for your framing project. For a jersey, typically you need foam backing to provide support (this might come in the frame), and an acid-free archival backing paper to go over the top. You may or may not choose to use matting around the edges for extra effect. A lot of framers choose to use dry mounting to prepare the backing for the frame. This safely attaches the archival paper to the backboard. The backing paper should be a neutral color that complements your jersey. For completing your project, you'll also need a measuring tape, an x-acto knife, a sewing needle (embroidery works best), clear thread (like fishing line), and whatever mounting materials you chose to use (specific to the type of backing you're using). You'll probably also want a clothing iron, so that you can prepare your jersey for framing and help the folds to lie flat inside the frame.

SUMMARY: Choose the right frame. Select a backing. Get the rest of your supplies.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Shoes with ankle straps can make your legs look shorter when wearing a midi skirt. This may not be a problem if you already have very long legs. If you do not, opt for a pair of basic pumps or stilettos. It is possible to wear flats with a midi skirt without shortening the look of your legs. Look for a pair of flats with a pointed or almond toe. It is also best to wear a shorter midi skirt when wearing flats. Avoid wearing a pair of ankle boots that leaves a portion of the leg exposed. Instead, wear a pair of boots that are long enough that come under the midi skirt. If you don't have a pair of long boots, wear ankle boots with opaque tights underneath. Choose a basic pair of sneakers for a comfortable and casual look. Look for a pair of sneakers that have a very simple design and are only one color. Pair the sneakers with a loose midi skirt and basic T-shirt.

SUMMARY: Avoid shoes with ankle straps. Wear pointed flats. Choose long boots. Wear simple sneakers for a casual look.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Once you have determined what the problem is you can extend an offer to help. Make sure that your offer is genuine--do not offer to help if you are unable to or do not sincerely want to. Instead, extend an sincere and concrete offer of assistance. For example, your elderly mother might be having difficulty taking care of her home. Ask her if she would like you to hire a cleaning service or help her find an assisted care living situation. Being empathetic means that you try to put yourself in the other person's shoes. Once you know why this person is cranky, try to think about how you would feel in their situation. Then try to determine what would make you feel better. Elderly people are often lonely and this can account for their unfriendly disposition. Offer your company, and suggest an activity the two of you can do together, such as playing a card game. You might not be able to solve the other person's problem. Especially if you do not know the elderly person well, the situation might be out of your hands. What you can do instead is ask for assistance. Try reaching out to close friends or relatives of the elderly person to see what they suggest. Most cities have senior centers where older people can go for recreational activities. Other organizations, such as churches and libraries, also offer programs geared towards seniors. You could look up some local resources and provide that information to your neighbor or relative. This could be potentially very helpful and go a long way towards lifting their mood. It can be very draining to deal with a cranky senior citizen. The most important thing you can do is to remain positive. Remember that you are doing a good thing by being kind and helpful. Even if your help is not obviously appreciated, you are probably making an impact. Smile. When it is difficult to remain positive, try putting a smile on your face. Even if it feels false at first, the simple act of smiling will make you feel better and help you maintain a good attitude.

SUMMARY:
Offer to help. Be empathetic. Ask for assistance. Provide resources. Remain positive.