Article: Most cut flower bouquets come with a pack of floral preservative that you can mix into the flower water. You should always add this into the water to keep the flowers perky and fresh. Follow the directions on the package to make sure you are using the correct amount of floral solution per the amount of water in the vase. Too much water can result in a diluted solution and too little water can result in a solution that is too strong for the flowers. Floral preservatives are effective because they provide food for the flowers in the form of sugar, they contain ingredients that kill bacteria and fungi, and they acidify the water. Sugar can help to feed the flowers and perk them up. You can use baking white sugar and stir it into the vase water so it combines well. You can also add one to two teaspoons of white vinegar to the water in addition to the sugar. Vinegar can help to get rid of bacteria in the water that could weaken the flowers. A citrus based soda like 7-UP can provide acidity and sugar for the flowers, which can help them to stay fresh. To combat the bacteria growth in the flower water, you can also add a small amount of bleach. This mixture can help to prolong the lifespan of the flowers and prevent bacteria growth in the flower water. To create a citrus based soda and bleach mixture, you can combine two cups of soda (not diet) with two cups water. Add one teaspoon household chlorine bleach. Mix well and place the freshly cut flowers into the mixture. You can also use two tablespoons lemon juice and one tablespoon sugar instead of two cups soda if you do not have access to soda. Vodka can help to prevent the production of ethylene gas, which can cause wilting. You will need to dilute the vodka to avoid poisoning the flowers. Add 1 tablespoon vodka to one to two cups of water. Aspirin contains nitric oxide, which can help to slow down the dying process in plants. To try this method, crush 1 mg or two tablets of Aspirin and let it dissolve into the water. Viagra will also work the same way as it contains nitric oxide. In one test of the Aspirin method, the flower heads stayed perky until day 5 of the trial and the stems of the flowers turned gray. The copper in the penny can act as an antibacterial agent and prevent the growth of bacteria that could weaken the flowers. Make sure the copper penny is clean before putting it into the flower water.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Put floral preservative in the water. Add three teaspoons of sugar to the water. Make a citrus based soda and bleach mixture. Add diluted vodka to the water. Try adding crushed Aspirin to the water. Put a copper penny in the water.
Article: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can be found in some commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes. SLS is often used as a cheap filler to help toothpaste thicken and foam up. But this additive has been shown to increase the likelihood of developing canker sores in your mouth. Read the labels on toothpastes and mouthwashes to make sure they are free of SLS before you use them or search online for brands that specifically do not contain SLS. You can also follow good oral hygiene by choosing a soft bristle toothbrush to clean your teeth. Try to brush your teeth twice a day and after every meal. This will reduce the presence of bacteria and food particles that may cause canker sores to develop. Using a soft bristle brush will also prevent irritation in your mouth. Irritating your mouth with hard brushes can lead to the development of canker sores. Floss once each day to prevent food particles from staying in your mouth. These food particles can lead to oral health issues, including canker sores. Get in the habit of flossing before bed as well so your mouth is clean and free of bacteria or food particles. Flossing more than once daily can be harmful to your gums. If you have braces or a retainer, make sure it is not rubbing or scratching the inside of your mouth. Poorly fitting dental equipment can lead to the development of canker sores. Talk to your dentist if you feel your dental equipment is irritating your mouth. If you have braces that are rubbing against your mouth and causing sores, try using dental wax to cover sharp edges.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Use toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate. Brush with a soft bristle brush. Floss once daily. Make sure your dental equipment fits properly.
Article: Contact paper comes in a variety of patterns and colors, from marble to wood grain to solid colors like black or white. Select your favorite, measure the headboard, and cut your contact paper to size before applying it. Before working, clean the headboard with a mixture of 50% rubbing alcohol and 50% water to remove dust and allow the paper to stick. To apply the paper evenly, peel off the protective paper on the back and apply small sections at a time, smoothing as you work. Use an X-Acto knife to cut out details and trim your paper after it's applied. When you're done, run a credit card over the surface of the paper to smooth out wrinkles and bubbles. Washi tape is a repositionable paper tape that comes in different colors and patterns. You can apply the tape in whatever pattern or design you want. Popular options include repeating geometric shapes, like triangles and diamonds, or abstract stripes and shapes. If you're doing a geometric design, it might be helpful to measure and trace the design on the wall in pencil before cutting and applying the tape. Crooked pieces will stand out, especially in a geometric design. If you don't want to paint your entire headboard, you can use a stencil to paint a design onto the headboard. You can find large stencils at most craft stores. For a bold and eye-catching look, only paint the trim of the headboard a bright, contrasting color. When using a stencil, work on small sections at a time and make sure you are aligning the stencil each time you move it. Chalk paint is great for stenciling and painting small areas because it dries quickly and won't require sanding or sealing.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Apply contact paper for a quick, easy, and temporary color change. Apply washi tape in repeating geometric shapes or abstract designs. Paint the trim or stencil a design on the headboard.