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• How to Jump in Figure Skating
• How to Hang a Hammock Chair
• How to Make Blackberry Jam

How to Jump in Figure Skating Posted: 07 Apr 2019 01:00 AM PDT Figure skating jumps look incredible and are exhilarating to learn! If you're just starting out, try a basic jump. Once you've mastered the basic jump, try learning the bunny hop. If you're feeling confident, try the waltz jump. This elegant and impressive jump is much easier than it looks and can easily be worked into figure skating routines. Before you know it, you'll be gliding through the air! EditSteps EditLearning the Basic Jump Glide along the ice with your feet facing forward. Gain a little forward momentum and then position your feet shoulder-width apart and point them forward. This foot stance helps to keep the direction of your jump straight and makes the landing easier.[1] This jump is a great first move to learn if you're new to figure skating. Slowly increase your speed as you get more confident doing the jump. Bend your knees and push your hips backwards. This gives you a balanced stance from which to make your jump. Bend your knees until you feel nice and stable. Position your hips slightly behind the line of your feet to help balance your centre of gravity.[2] If the position is hurting your thighs, bend your knees a little less. Keep experimenting until you find a position that is comfortable and balanced. Push your skates into the ice and straighten your knees to start the jump. In a fluid motion, forcefully straighten your knees whilst simultaneously pushing your skates downwards. This will propel you into the air.[3] Try to channel your momentum upward instead of forward. This will make your landing easier. The harder that you push into the ground, the higher and further you will able to jump. Make small jumps at first. This will help you to learn the basic movements and decreases the likelihood of injuring yourself. Swing your arms up in front of your body while you make the jump. This will help to give you extra momentum and will increase the height and length of your jump. Swiftly pull your arms up in front of you while you are straightening your knees. The quicker that you swing your arms; the further that you will be able to jump. [4] Don't worry about the positioning of your arms, as long as you bring them in front of your body in an upward motion you will achieve extra momentum. Land the jump with your knees bent to keep you stable. Try to land the jump in the same position that you started in. While you are in the air, bend your knees and position your feet shoulder-width apart. This will give a stable base to land on and decreases your likelihood of falling forward.[5] When you bend your knees, avoid bringing your chest forward as this puts you off balance. If you find yourself falling forward, widen your landing stance and check that your chest in an upright position. EditMastering the Bunny Hop Skate forward on 1 leg. Gain a little forward momentum and then skate in a straight line on your dominant skate. If you're having trouble skating on 1 foot, practice by the rails until you feel more comfortable and stable.[6] Most people find it easiest to skate on their left foot. Experiment with both sides until you find out which is easiest for you. Bring your free leg back and then quickly forward. Stretch out your other leg behind you and then swiftly pull it in front of you in a straight line. You will need to slightly bend your swinging knee to avoid your boot touching the ice as you pull it forward. This swinging movement will give you the momentum to propel yourself forward.[7] Keep the leg in the line of your body to maximise your stability. Don't outstretch your leg fully as this will make it harder to pull forward. Simply let hang behind you in a comfortable position. Hop into the air when your free foot swings forward past your body. Bend your skating knee and then quickly straighten it to propel yourself into the air. The momentum of your other foot swinging forward will make it easier to hop into the air.[8] Don't worry if you find it hard it to synchronise the movements at first. The more that you practice; the more automatic the timing will get. Land the jump on the toe pick of your swinging foot. Angle your swinging foot slightly downward so that the toe pick hits the ice first. This helps to give you a more stable landing. Once your foot is on the ground and you have landed the jump, continue skating in a straight line.[9] This is a great move to add into a skating routine. Once you get confident with the move, try doing multiple bunny hops in a row. EditDoing a Waltz Jump Balance on 1 leg and skate in a circle. Skate on your inside leg in a circular motion and outstretch your other leg behind you. The larger the circle; the easier the jump will be. Bend your chest forward slightly and keep your arms outstretched behind you to help keep your balance. Try to keep your back leg straight as this looks aesthetically pleasing. Vary the height of your back leg to change the way that the jump looks.[10] Your inside leg is the leg closest to the midpoint of the circle. Push off your inside foot to propel yourself into the air. Bend your inside knee and then quickly straighten it whilst you push your boot into the ice. This motion helps to give you momentum and will lift you into the air.[11] Make small jumps at first. This will help you to learn the basic techniques and reduces the chance of injuring yourself. Bring your arms in front of you to guide the direction of your jump. The position of your arms helps to dictate where you will land. While you are jumping off the ground, quickly pull your arms in front of your body. Keep your arms straight and inside the line of your body. This will help you to jump in a straight line.[12] The quicker that you move your arms; the more momentum your jump will have. Swing your back leg in front of you and use its momentum to turn you 180°. Keep your back leg straight as you make the jump. Swing your back leg slightly outside the line of your body in a circular motion to the front of your body. Use the momentum to keep spinning until you have turned 180°.[13] If you find yourself turning too much, swing your leg with less force. Bend your swinging leg just before you land. This will help to give you a stable platform to land on. If you feel a bit wobbly when your boot hits the ice, bend your leg a little more to give yourself extra stability.[14] Your swinging leg is the leg that you will land on. Practice jumping on 1 foot on land to observe how much you naturally bend your knee when landing. Try to replicate this position when you are landing your jump on the ice. Keep your other leg off the ground in a straight position behind you. Allow the non-landing leg to naturally hang behind you. Keep it extended to make the jump look aesthetically pleasing. Vary the angle of your leg to give the jump a different look.[15] The lower the leg is to the ground; the easier it will be to balance. Bring your arms perpendicular to your body to help balance yourself. Once your foot hits the ice to land the jump, pull your arms out to the side to help stabilise yourself. Avoid bringing your arms above your shoulders as this can throw off your balance.[16] Keep your arms outstretched until you have gained your balance. EditWarnings Figure skating can be dangerous if you aren't correctly trained. Consider hiring a coach to help you refine your technique. EditTips Keep practising the jumps! The more that you practice; the easier they will get. EditReferences Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

How to Hang a Hammock Chair Posted: 06 Apr 2019 05:00 PM PDT Hammock chairs are the ultimate invitation to take a breather, and they can be installed nearly anywhere in and around your home. With the right tools, you can create a hanging oasis outside from a tree branch, or in your own bedroom. Once you know how to properly set up your hammock chair, you'll be able to relax at home in style and comfort. EditSteps EditHanging the Chair Outdoors Pick a spot with at least of space from ground to hanging point. The most common spot will be a strong tree branch that can withstand significant weight (at least ). A hardwood tree with healthy horizontal branches will provide the best support. Be sure your location offers of vertical clearance. Oak or maple trees are great hardwood trees to use. Check branches for any splitting or weak and worn points near the trunk. You can use a tape measure to figure out the diameter of your tree branch. Between around should hold your hammock chair. Use a meter or yard stick to measure the distance between the ground and the tree branch. It won't be exact, but it'll give you a solid estimate. You can also hang your chair on an overhead beam in a gazebo or on your porch. Throw your rope over the branch or beam at least twice. Spread the rope on the branch to distribute weight. This prevents tension from settling at a single point, weakening that spot and increasing the risk of a break later. Make sure you have enough rope to accommodate height and the knots you'll tie. With a rope, you'll have plenty of slack for height adjustments, and you can cut off the excess.[1] However, you can probably get by with of rope. Thread the rope ends through the hammock hanging mechanism. Your hammock chair might already have a reinforced loop, either directly on the chair, or at the end of a long rope or cord connected to it. Hold the rope ends in one hand and use the other to grasp the hammock loop. Slide the loop up, keeping the rope taut.[2] The hammock loop should sit right under the branch or beam. Knot the rope below the branch or beam with two half-hitch knots. Wrap the rope line on your left behind the rope line on your right. This forms a small loop beneath the branch. Insert the left rope line through this loop. Pull tight on the left rope. Then repeat, passing the left rope behind the right, then pushing through the new loop created.[3] Pull the knots tight for a strong, tight hold. This ensures the hammock doesn't fall when used. Use more knots for added security. Test the weight of the chair gradually. Pull on the hammock chair; use plenty of force to test its strength. If it holds, add more weight, like a stack of hefty books or several hand weights. Try to put about on the chair. After that, try lightly sitting on it yourself - or have someone else try. Slowly ease onto the chair until you're fully seated. If it holds still, the chair is solid.[4] EditInstalling the Chair Indoors Choose an area with at least of vertical clearance and behind the chair. With of space from floor to ceiling, you'll ensure there's room for your chair to hang properly. The space behind the chair offers room for it to spin or sway.[5] You can measure your space with a meter or yard stick. A tape measure also works. Survey the area so the hammock chair isn't blocking or hitting anything nearby. Use rope for a classic way to hang your hammock chair. Rope is a popular choice, and with indoor use, it'll last a long time. Rope also offers a beachy aesthetic that adds to the relaxing feeling of the hammock chair. Rope requires secure knots. Failing to use them risks damage to your home and could cause injury to whoever is using the hammock chair.[6]If knots are tricky, chains might be a better choice. Use rope with a working load of at least to ensure it can hold enough weight. Use chains to hang your chair with security. Chains provide enhanced sturdiness for your chair. Depending on the style of the chair or your home, they might not be as nice to look at. But you'll know that chain won't fray or break easily. Pre-measure your rope or chain so you have enough to attain the desired height. At least of rope will be sufficient for most needs, but if in doubt, it's better to have more rope than less. Locate a ceiling joist with a stud finder. These tend to be installed apart, so once you've found one, you can easily find more should that initial location not work. Use a stud finder, then mark both sides of the joist to find the center where you'll drill.[7] You can also use a magnet to find the ceiling joist.[8] If you're hanging your hammock chair to exposed wooden beams, you can simply install your hooks to the center of the beam.[9] Use a power drill to drill a pilot hole for the eye screw. The drill bit should be smaller than the eye screw's width. The pilot hole should be roughly deep and placed at your center mark. You're in the right spot if you see wood shavings on the bit. That means you've hit solid wood.[10] Install the eye screw into the pilot hole. These screws should be long enough to twist at least into the ceiling joists. Insert the eye screw, then turn it clockwise until it's screwed in tightly. When it's inserted fully, you shouldn't see any visible threading on the screw. Ideally, the eye screw's ring should touch the ceiling. Use a screwdriver to help tighten, if needed. Assemble your hanging chair with an S-hook. Link an S-hook to the eye screw. Next, attach your rope to the S-hook, knotting firmly with two half-hitch knots. At the chair's attachment mechanism, knot again.[11] Chains can be hooked directly onto an S-hook, but you might need another hook or a locking carabiner at the chair's attachment. Hang your hammock chair by attaching rope directly to eye hooks. Loop your rope through the eye screw. Tie tightly with two or more half-hitch knots. Weave the other end of the rope through the chair's attachment and use another strong knot or two. Test the weight little by little. Pull firmly on the hammock chair. If it holds, add more weight, like a few heavy jugs or some thick books. Next, try lightly sitting on the chair yourself. Keep most of your weight on your legs as you squat over the chair, then slowly ease into the seat until you're fully supported by it.[12] EditTips Use a freestanding hammock chair stand. They're useful indoors and outdoors, and relatively simple to set up if you're having difficulty hanging your chair, or if you're unable or not allowed to do so. You can also move the stand, so there's no fussing with hardware or knots. If your hammock chair comes with a chair hanging kit, use it. It will include all the pieces needed to properly install and support your chair. EditReferences Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

How to Make Blackberry Jam Posted: 06 Apr 2019 09:00 AM PDT With its sweet, rich flavor and appealing purple color, blackberry jam is a favorite to make and eat. Use wild, fresh, or thawed blackberries to make a classic jam that you cook on the stove with sugar, spice, and pectin. Or skip the cooking process to make a fresh-tasting jam that sets up in the freezer with the help of a little instant pectin. EditIngredients EditClassic Blackberry Jam 9 cups (1.3 kg) of blackberries 4 cups (800 g) of granulated sugar 2 teaspoons (4 g) of cinnamon 1 teaspoon (2 g) of freshly grated nutmeg 1 lemon, juiced and zested 1 3-ounce (88.5 ml) packet of liquid pectin Makes 6 8-ounce (226 g) jars EditNo-Cook Freezer Jam (Low-Sugar) 8 cups (1.1 kg) of blackberries 2 cups (400 g) of granulated sugar 6 tablespoons (54 g) of instant fruit pectin Makes 6 8-ounce (226 g) jars EditSteps EditClassic Blackberry Jam Sterilize the storage jars. Since this recipe makes 6 8-ounce (226 g) jars, you'll need to boil or run 6 half-pint jars through the dishwasher. If you prefer, sterilize 3 pint jars instead. Sterilize the jars no more than 1 hour before filling them, so they stay warm.[1] If you plan on canning the jam, you'll also need to sterilize the bands and warm the lids. Mash 9 cups (1.3 kg) of blackberries. Put the blackberries into a large bowl and use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to crush them. Keep mashing until the berries release their juice. You should get about 6 cups (1.3 kg) of blackberry pulp.[2] If you're using wild or fresh blackberries, rinse them well before mashing them. You can leave the seeds in the mashed berries or push the pulp through a fine mesh strainer if you want seedless jam. Heat the blackberry pulp and sugar over medium heat. Scoop the blackberry pulp into a large, non-reactive pot, such as a nonstick, stainless steel, or enameled cast iron pot, and pour in 4 cups (800 g) of granulated sugar. Turn the burner to medium and stir to combine the mixture.[3] Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon. Add 2 teaspoons (4 g) of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of freshly grated nutmeg. Then zest 1 lemon and juice it. Stir the zest and juice into the pot with the spices and berry mixture.[4] Use an organic lemon since these aren't coated in wax and they aren't sprayed with pesticides. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir in the pectin. Turn the burner up to medium-high and heat the mixture until it begins to bubble. You'll need to stir it so it doesn't boil over the side of the pot. Then stir in a 3-ounce (88.5 ml) packet of liquid pectin until it's incorporated. The pectin will thicken the jam so it sets. Boil the jam for 5 minutes to activate the pectin. Keep the burner at medium-high heat so the jam begins to boil again. Stir frequently as the jam boils for 5 full minutes. It should begin to thicken as moisture evaporates from the pot.[5] To test if your jam will set, dip a large metal spoon into the jam and lift it back out. Turn the spoon to the side so the syrupy jam runs off. The mixture should bead together and slide off the spoon in a single sheet. Fill the jars with blackberry jam to eat or can. Carefully fill each of your sterilized jars with the hot blackberry jam. Leave of headspace at the top of the jar so the jam won't leak out of the jars if you plan on processing them. At this point, you can refrigerate the jam for up to 3 weeks or can them so you can store them for up to 1 year.[6] To can the jam, process the jars in a water bath for 10 minutes. EditNo-Cook Freezer Jam Sterilize the storage containers. If you want to use half-pint jars, get out 6 glass or plastic containers. If you want larger jars, get out 3 pint jars to use. Boil or run the containers through the dishwasher 1 hour before filling them.[7] Check that the plastic containers are food-safe and ensure that the glass containers are freezer-safe. Crush 8 cups (1.1 kg) of blackberries. Put 1 cup (144 g) of ripe blackberries into a large bowl and use a potato masher to crush them. Continue to add the blackberries 1 cup (144 g) at a time and crush them after each addition. You should end up with about 5 cups (1.1 kg) of crushed blackberries.[8] Rinse the blackberries before crushing them if you're using fresh or wild blackberries. If you prefer, put the berries in a food processor and pulse them until they're crushed with a few chunks visible. Mix the sugar with instant pectin in a separate bowl. Pour 2 cups (400 g) of granulated sugar into a mixing bowl and add 6 tablespoons (54 g) of instant fruit pectin. Whisk or stir the sugared pectin for at least 30 seconds so the pectin is incorporated.[9] You can substitute a no-calorie sweetener, such as Splenda. Stir in the crushed blackberries for 3 minutes. Spoon 5 cups (1.1 kg) of the crushed blackberries into the bowl with the sugared pectin. Stir or whisk the mixture for 3 minutes so the pectin combines with the blackberries.[10] Continue to stir for the full 3 minutes or the jam may not set properly. Transfer the jam to containers and let them sit for 30 minutes. Place the sterilized containers on your work surface and carefully ladle the blackberry jam into them. Fill each container from the top. Put the lids on the containers and let the jam rest for 30 minutes. At this point, you can begin eating the jam or refrigerate and use it within 3 weeks. Leaving headspace will allow the jam to expand a little as it freezes. Freeze the blackberry jam for up to 1 year. Label each container so you know what's in it and remember to put the date on it. Place the sealed containers of jam in the freezer and use them within 1 year.[11] To thaw the blackberry jam, transfer a frozen container to the refrigerator the day before you plan to use the jam. Avoid thawing frozen containers of jam at room temperature, especially if you used glass containers. EditTips In order for the jam to set up properly, don't double or triple the recipe. If you want to make more jam, make it in batches. Sugar acts as a preservative in jam, so avoid cutting back on the sugar in your jam recipe. Check the seal on any jar of jam that you've stored. It should hold firmly to the jar without bulging out. EditThings You'll Need EditClassic Blackberry Jam Measuring cups and spoons Storage containers Bowls Potato masher or wooden spoon Spoon Whisk Large, non-reactive pot Fine mesh strainer, optional EditNo-Cook Freezer Jam Measuring cups and spoons Storage containers Bowls Potato masher or food processor Spoon Whisk Fine mesh strainer, optional EditRelated wikiHows Make Simple and Fresh Strawberry Jam Make Orange Marmalade Make Red Raspberry Jam Make Banana Jam or Jelly EditReferences Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

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