Set your mixer at medium speed.
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One-sentence summary -- Place the brown sugar, shortening, buttermilk and eggs into a mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients with a handheld mixer or with a stand mixer using a paddle attachment. Mix the flour, baking soda and kosher salt in another mixing bowl, whisking the ingredients so that they are well combined. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, continuing to beat the dough at medium speed. When the first 1/3 of the flour mixture is incorporated, add another 1/3. Add the remaining 1/3 of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and mix until it's just combined. Using a large plastic spoon, fold in the candied cherries, dates and chopped toasted pecans. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 1 hour.

Silicone caulk maintains its integrity in sunlight and extreme temperatures better than latex caulk and it also lasts longer under most circumstances. Moreover, silicone caulk also works better in gaps that expand and contract, which gutters often do in response to changes in temperature. If you have white gutters, use a white caulk. If your gutters are painted in another color, choose a clear caulk. If possible, go with a caulk that is specifically formulated for gutters. Gutter caulks are designed to work in the conditions gutters face, and as such, they last much longer than non-gutter caulks. Rub the edge of the seam with sandpaper or a wire brush using steady, even pressure. Caulk, especially silicone caulk, adheres better to a surface that is slightly rough and uneven than it does to a perfectly smooth surface. The gutters do not need to be jagged, but it helps if the metal is a little coarse. Do not cut the tip off straight across. Cutting the tip at an angle makes it easier to fit the tube into the seam. The tube should be fitted securely at both ends of the gun. Start at the front of the seam and gradually pull the trigger of the caulking gun. As you squeeze, a small dot of caulk should emerge from the nozzle. Drag the nozzle down the length of the seam, applying even pressure on the trigger to maintain the same size dot along the entire seam. After you have applied the caulk, work it under the joint with the tip of a screwdriver. By working it into the joint, you ensure a stronger seal. Draw a second line of caulk above the first using the same method and amount of pressure as you used to create the first. Do not push this line under the joint. Use your finger to smooth the beaded line into a smooth strip of caulk. The width should be even throughout the entire line. After it has dried, check your work to verify that the caulk is secured.
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One-sentence summary -- Use a silicone caulk. Roughen the surface. Cut the tip of the caulk tube at an angle. Fix the caulk tube into a caulk gun. Apply the caulk in a straight, small bead across the seam. Push the caulk into the joint with a screwdriver. Apply another line of caulk. Smooth the caulk with your finger. Allow the caulk to dry.

Face masks and clays can be effective in drawing out the oil from the skin, but there is also a danger that overuse will result in excess dryness and irritation. Be wary of this when you use masks, and try to concentrate them on the areas of your skin that are the oiliest. Don't use masks or clays too frequently. Instead only use them ahead of a special occasion, such as a party or big presentation at work. You can look for masks especially designed for oily skin. Be prepared to try out a few to see which one works best for you. If your skin gets oily throughout the day it can be upsetting, and constantly washing your face is likely to only make it worse. You can, however, use simple blotting pads to remove excess oil from the surface of your skin. This is a good way to remove the oily shine during the day, which you can do subtly and quickly no matter where you are or what you're doing. There are a number of over-the-counter blotting pad products you can buy that will help remove shine during the day. You can also just use a tissue or some toilet paper. Be sure to be gentle with your skin, and don't scrub at it. Astringent toners are quite commonly included in skincare regimens, but you should be wary of using one that is drying or harsh on your skin. Drying the skin with a strong toner is not the way to tackle oily skin, and will only make the situation worse. If you do want to use a toner, make sure you stick to a light alcohol-free and oil-free one. Only apply it to the oiliest areas of your skin. If you find that you are getting dry patches of skin, stop using the astringent. Remember that most people's skin is a combination of dry and oily, so you should adapt your approach for the different areas of your skin. Make an appointment to talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you are sticking to a good skincare routine, but you find that the oiliness does not diminish. They will be able to advise you on what further steps you can take, and may even prescribe you some medication. The choice of therapy should be individualized, depending on the severity and type of skin problems, as well as tolerance and other factors. Your doctor can help specifically tailor your skincare routine to your skin type. Remember that oil production is perfectly natural and normal. If the situation is upsetting you, ask for some professional help.
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One-sentence summary -- Try face masks. Use blotting pads. Consider using a mild astringent. Talk to a medical professional.

Studies show that eating dark chocolate can help make your period easier to deal with. Eat a piece of chocolate to boost your mood between classes or for a burst of energy when you're just feeling "blah." If you don't like dark chocolate, add a package of mints, which can help to soothe mild cramps and stomach pain. Ibuprofen and naproxen are helpful medications that can temporarily relieve cramps. Check your school's policy before purchasing the medication. Look for a small package to fit in your bag, and only include it if you're allowed to take them to school. Some schools don't let students carry medicine with them. However, you can talk to your school nurse and have a parent drop off a bottle of ibuprofen or naproxen in the office in case you need it to handle cramps or a headache. If you have cramps, ask to visit the nurse, and they will give you the right dose. You can find small containers of medication at most grocery stores and pharmacies. In some bathrooms, you might not be able to wash your hands after changing your pad or tampon. In that case, use a drop of hand sanitizer to ensure that your hands are clean and free of germs. Be sure to seal the bottle of hand sanitizer tightly when you put it back in the bag to prevent it from spilling on the rest of the items. If you don't want to include liquid hand sanitizer, look for sanitizing wipes in the supermarket. With wipes, there's no risk for a leak or spill! Most women have a menstrual cycle that takes about 28-30 days, with their period lasting for 5-7 days. It can be helpful to have a calendar or notepad on hand to mark the first and last day of your period, and to check that it's coming every month. If you notice that you don't get a monthly period or have your period for more than 7 days at a time after the first 5-6 months, talk to your doctor about possible causes for this. It can take some time for your period to become regular, so be patient and try not to worry!
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One-sentence summary --
Include a piece of dark chocolate. Add a small package of ibuprofen or naproxen if you're allowed. Put a travel-sized container of hand sanitizer in the bag. Consider including a pocket calendar if you want to track your period.