| How to Get Flowers for Your Mom for Mother's Day Posted: 11 May 2019 01:00 AM PDT Show your mother how much you love and appreciate her by getting her flowers on Mother's Day. Start by choosing what kind of flowers and which colors you'd like to include. Then, order your flowers either in person or online. You can visit a floral shop or an online retailer in order to pick a beautiful springtime bouquet! EditChoosing the Types of Flowers - Decide on a color scheme for your bouquet and accessories. Popular Mother's Day colors include pink, purple, red, orange, and yellow. You want your color scheme to be cheerful and reflect springtime. Add some white or green flowers to your arrangement for extra color.
- Consider your color scheme when selecting both flowers and vases.[1]
- Choose a bouquet of Mom's favorite flowers. If you aren't positive of her favorites, select flowers in her favorite colors. Deciding on your flowers based on Mom's favorites will ensure you choose a special, thoughtful bouquet.[2]
- When in doubt, pick a mixed collection of spring flowers.
- Include popular Mother's Day flowers, like tulips and lilies. Other popular flower choices include chrysanthemums, roses, orchids, or sunflowers. [3]
- When in doubt, pick a mixed collection of spring flowers.
- Purchase a bouquet already arranged if you aren't arranging your own. Whether you are getting your mom flowers in person or online, there are many pre-arranged bouquets to choose from. This is helpful if you are in a time crunch or are uncertain of how to make your own arrangements.
- Arrange a bouquet yourself for a heartfelt touch. You can select a single, pretty flower, or gather a few different flower types and arrange them into a bouquet yourself. Arranging your flowers yourself will create a thoughtful gift for your mother.
EditGetting the Logistics Right - Decide on the size of your bouquet. You can choose the size of your bouquet based on what you think your mom will love best. Options include a single flower, small arrangement, or large bouquet.
- Do you want one flower as a focal piece with smaller accents? Or a few smaller statement flowers? Would Mom love a single flower, like a rose?
- Set a budget for your bouquet. Flower arrangements can get expensive quick, depending on the size of bouquet and types of flowers selected. Set a price range for your bouquet, whether it be $15 or $50.
- Remember to include other gifts, like greeting cards, gift cards, or chocolates, when you are setting your price.
- Select a bouquet that fits your color scheme and flower preferences. Look for flowers and bouquets that are fresh and in good condition, and be sure they meet your color and type requirements.
- Flowers in good condition will be brightly colored without much browning or creasing on the petals. If the flowers appear dull and if they are missing petals, they are towards the end of their life.[4]
- Ask a florist for help if you are stuck. If you are buying flowers in person and you are lacking inspiration, ask the florist or floral department clerk for assistance. They can generally bundle together a beautiful bouquet and offer ideas on colors, flower types, and arrangement. [5]
EditMaking the Purchase - Visit a local flower store to buy your flowers in person. Find a local florist or visit the floral section of your neighborhood grocery store. A florist will have a wide variety of options and will have expert advice to assist you with your bouquet and design.
- Depending on your grocery store floral department, you can find great bouquet options or individual flowers you can use to design your own.[6]
- Compare different online stores before buying your flowers online. There are many different floral sites online, and they all vary in products and prices. Look at different websites and compare options before selecting which site to order from. Compare price, delivery time, and other gift options. [7]
- Look online for coupons before you buy flowers online. Search "flowers" on popular coupon sites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com to save a bit on your floral delivery. You can find deals for holiday flowers, saving anywhere from 15% to 50% depending on the retailer. [8]
- Pick out a vase that fits your mother's style and matches your flowers. Purchase your vase either at a local florist or craft store. If you are ordering flowers online, select your vase before checking out.
- You can go with a solid colored vase or get creative and use items like a pitcher vase or watering can.
- Colored mason jars or DIY terrarium containers can make unique flower accessories.
- If you are crafty, consider decorating your vase with ribbon.[9]
- Add additional gift items. These might include a greeting card, stuffed animals, and chocolates. If you are giving your flowers to your mother in person, you can find other gifts at the floral store or gift shop. Most websites will have other gift add-ons you can choose from to make Mom feel special.[10]
- Select a card and fill it out with a heartfelt message. Mention how much you appreciate and love your mother. Say something like, 'Happy Mother's Day! Where would I be without you? I appreciate you today and always," or "Happy Mother's Day to the greatest Mom!"[11]
- Choose your delivery method and schedule your delivery. If you will be celebrating Mother's Day in person, pick up your flowers at a local florist or grocery store. Pick up your flowers the day before or the day of Mother's Day to ensure freshness.
- If you live further away, schedule your delivery so the flowers arrive on the morning of Mother's Day.
- Complete your online order form if ordering flowers online. Add your flowers and additional gifts to your cart and complete your order, paying with a credit or debit card. Include the correct name, delivery address, and payment method. You will likely include a phone number to use to ensure delivery.
- Confirm your delivery and the correct order details. If you order online, call your mom to wish her a happy Mother's Day. She will likely thank you for the flowers, confirming she received them. Make sure she received the exact flowers you ordered and that any add-ons were also delivered.
- If there are any issues, have Mom take a picture of the flowers that were delivered. Send the company this picture along with an order receipt of what was supposed to be delivered. Explain the discrepancy, noting the guarantee policy.[12]
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| How to Use Coconut Oil Posted: 10 May 2019 05:00 PM PDT Coconut oil has developed a reputation as a superfood and all-around wonder product. You can cook with it, use it as a face moisturizer or hair conditioner, or even clean with it, among other uses. So, even though most of its claimed health benefits have little scientific research to back them up, coconut oil may be worth giving a try![1] EditEating Coconut Oil - Use coconut oil for sautéing, pan frying, or roasting. Since it has a high smoke point and mild flavor, coconut oil is a great choice for a variety of cooking methods. If you're sautéing or pan frying, use an equal amount of coconut oil as whatever other fat the recipe calls for (butter, olive oil, vegetable oil, etc.).[2]
- To roast vegetables with coconut oil, melt 1-2 tbsp (15-30 g) of the oil—or whatever amount your recipe calls for—over low heat in a small saucepan, then drizzle it over your veggies on the roasting pan. Season and roast the vegetables according to your chosen recipe.
- Stir coconut oil into coffee, hot tea, or hot chocolate. Simply make your hot beverage of choice as usual, then stir in 1 tsp (5 g) of coconut oil before adding any cream or sweetener. The hot liquid will quickly melt the congealed oil.[3]
- The coconut oil will create a bit of an oily texture (especially on the surface) and impart a mild flavor to the beverage. If you don't care for the results, try replacing half of the coconut oil with unsalted butter (or just cut back on the coconut oil and don't substitute anything else).
- Is it worth making your morning coffee a bit oily by adding coconut oil? It might be. It's possible, but not certain, that coconut oil may help reduce cholesterol, burn fat, kill harmful bacteria, and improve brain function, among other benefits.[4]
- Blend coconut oil into your favorite smoothie recipe. Just spoon in 1-2 tbsp (15-30 g) of coconut oil with the other ingredients and blend them together. Congealed coconut oil may leave small chunks in your smoothie—if this bothers you, melt the coconut oil on the stovetop using low heat, then drizzle it into the smoothie ingredients before blending.[5]
- Coconut oil tastes great with smoothies that use bananas and other tropical fruits.
- Substitute coconut oil for other oils when baking. If your baking recipe calls for another liquid oil, like canola or vegetable oil, use an equal amount of melted coconut oil. You probably won't notice any difference in flavor or texture.[6]
- If you want to substitute coconut oil for a solid fat like shortening, butter, or margarine, use a 1:1 ratio of congealed coconut oil and the other solid fat, but add only 75% of the amount called for in the recipe. For instance, instead of 4 tbsp (60 g) of butter, add 3 tbsp (45 g) total of coconut oil and butter—1.5 tbsp (22.5 g) of each.
- Spread coconut oil on toast or pancakes instead of butter. Coconut oil will soften to a spreadable consistency as it approaches , at which point you can easily spread it onto a muffin or corn-on-the-cob. It provides a nice change of pace to the taste of butter![7]
- Or, try melting 1-2 tbsp (15-30 g) of coconut oil and drizzling it over your popcorn!
EditMoisturizing Your Face - Buy coconut oil that is organic, extra virgin, and unprocessed. Use a coconut oil that is as natural and unadulterated as possible. Avoid jars with terms like "bleached," "hydrogenated," "refined," or "deodorized." The term "cold-pressed" is a good thing to see on the label, though, as this is a natural process for extracting the oil.[8]
- Look for this coconut oil at stores that sell natural food and health products. It typically comes in a glass jar and looks like a whitish gel or paste.
- Massage in 1 tsp (5 g) of coconut oil after washing your face. Wash your face with a gentle soap, rinse it with warm water, and pat it dry with a towel. Scoop about 1 tsp (5 g) of the gelatinous coconut oil on your first two fingers, then massage it into your skin using circular motions. Repeat this process daily.[9]
- Your body warmth will melt the oil and it will absorb into your skin.
- Coconut oil works best if you have dry or normal skin. If you have oily skin, choose a different natural product, like argan oil or sunflower oil.[10]
- Use melted coconut oil in a moisturizing face mask. Melt 1 tbsp (15 g) of coconut oil over low heat on the stove, then stir it together with half of a mashed banana and a pinch of turmeric. Use your fingers to apply the mask to your face, leave it for 15 minutes, rinse it away with cool water, and pat your face dry. Repeat daily if desired.[11]
- This mask may help both moisturize your skin and reduce acne breakouts. Bananas may help add moisture, while turmeric may offer anti-inflammatory properties.
EditConditioning Your Hair - Scoop about 1 tbsp (15 g) of congealed coconut oil onto your fingers. If you have short hair, you may only need half of this amount. Buy organic, extra virgin, unprocessed coconut oil from a health food retailer for this application.[12]
- Store the coconut oil in its glass jar at a temperature below ; this will keep it in its congealed form.
- Melt the coconut oil over low heat, or in your hands. Put the scoop of oil in a small saucepan and place it over low heat on the stove. Let it cool enough that you can comfortably handle the oil.[13]
- Alternatively, you can melt small amounts of the coconut oil in your hands while you massage it into your hair.
- Massage the oil into your hair, section by section. If you have long hair, divide it into sections with a comb and hair clips. Then, dip your fingers into the melted oil and use your fingertips to massage it in from the roots to the tips of the hair in each section.[14]
- If you're using unmelted coconut oil, scoop up just enough to work into the section of hair you're working on, rub it between your fingers for 15-30 seconds until it melts, and massage it in with your fingertips.
- Wait at least 30 minutes before shampooing out the coconut oil. If possible, wait at least 2 hours before washing out the coconut oil—this will give it more time to absorb into your hair. When you're ready, just use your typical shampoo to wash your hair, then rinse and dry as normal.[15]
- You can even keep the coconut oil in overnight. Just make sure you put a towel down on your pillow so it doesn't end up stained. You might also want to put on a shower cap overnight.
EditCleaning with Coconut Oil - Remove stains with coconut oil and baking soda. Thoroughly mix equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda—for instance, 1 c (240 g) of each. Apply the mixture to stains on carpeting, walls, and other surfaces with a cloth, leave it for 5-10 minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth.[16]
- Like any stain remover, this may cause damage or discoloration to some surfaces. Test it on an inconspicuous area—like the corner of the carpet under the end table—before applying it to the stain.
- Make a coconut oil furniture polish. Melt 4 tbsp (60 g) of coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Mix in 4 tbsp (60 ml) of white vinegar and 2 tsp (10 ml) of lemon juice, then add it to a spray bottle. Shake the bottle, spray a light coating of the mixture on your wood furniture, and buff it off with a clean, soft cloth.[17]
- Test the cleaner on a hidden area of the furniture first, just in case it reacts with the finish and causes staining or discoloration.
- Use the mixture right away, since the coconut oil will congeal if it cools below .
- Clean and condition leather with straight coconut oil. Scoop a fingertip-sized amount of coconut oil onto a clean cloth. Work it into the leather item using a circular rubbing motion, leaving behind only a thin, shiny film of oil. Add more coconut oil to a clean section of the cloth as needed.[18]
- Test the coconut oil on a small spot of the leather first. There's a small chance it may discolor your favorite leather jacket or sofa!
- Lift away sticky residue by rubbing on coconut oil. Scoop a small amount of coconut oil onto a cloth and rub it into the sticky spot. The oil should cause the sticky residue to release and lift away. Wipe the area with a damp cloth if needed.[19]
- Try this on a sticky spot on your carpet, or to remove tacky residue left behind by a price tag or other sticker.
- Like always, test the coconut oil on an inconspicuous area first.
- If you are concerned about the coconut flavor being too overwhelming, you can reduce the flavor by blending the coconut oil with equal parts of sesame oil and olive oil (that is, a 1:1:1 ratio). In these proportions, you can still receive most of the benefits provided by coconut oil.
- There isn't a lot of clear medical proof regarding the health benefits of consuming coconut oil. It is possible, though, that it may help improve brain function, reduce cholesterol, kill harmful bacteria, and burn fat, among other possible benefits.[20]
EditThings You'll Need - Organic, extra virgin, unrefined coconut oil
- Small saucepan for melting (optional)
EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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| How to Perform Stand Up Comedy Posted: 10 May 2019 09:00 AM PDT Stand-up comedy is a great way to make people laugh. If you want to try your hand at being a comedian, all you need to do is write jokes from your point of view. Once you have your material, you need to practice your set before you step on stage. While it takes time to find the right jokes and perfect your technique, you can create a tight routine that's bound to make your audience laugh! EditWriting Jokes - Brainstorm topics that you find humorous. You can write jokes based on anything you want as long as you can make it funny. Think about the things that you find funny and jot them down on a sheet of paper. Choose a personal story from your life, an out-of-the-ordinary experience you've had, or a topic that many people can relate to. Write down all of your ideas so you can come back to them later on.[1]
- For example, common stand-up comedy topics include dating, marriage, and children.
- Carry a notebook with you wherever you go so you can write down ideas as you get them.
- Stay current with the news so you can use topical humor in your jokes.
- Don't tell yourself any ideas are too stupid or not funny enough while you're brainstorming since they may be funny when you try them out with an audience. You may also get new ideas that built on the topic you don't think is funny.
- Make a list of ideas that are related to your concept. Choose one of your topics to elaborate on further. Write the topic at the top of a sheet of paper and start listing why you think the topic is funny. Include any unique thoughts you have on the subject to give your jokes an original point of view.[2]
- For example, if you want to write a joke about internet dating, you may include jokes about how you're constantly changing your personal information because it never feels good enough.
- Include any and all the ideas you get while you make your list. You don't know if an idea is bad until you try it out.
- Keep your set-up concise to draw audiences in. The set-up consists of an introduction to your topic and a few smaller jokes that build up to your punchline. Start writing a few sentences about your topic without providing too much backstory. Pick your words carefully so your joke sounds funny when you read it and so an audience understands the point you're trying to make.[3]
- For example, if your topic is about going to the movies, your set-up may be, "I love seeing movies in the theater, but I hate people going to the movies...besides me."
- Write a few different set-ups for your jokes to see what works and what doesn't.
- String related topics together. If your main joke is about going to a movie, you may start with smaller jokes about getting concessions or annoying people in the theater to build up to your punchline.
- Make the punchline your funniest moment. The punchline is the final part of your joke and should get the biggest laughs from your audience. Keep your punchline related to the rest of the joke you've already written so your audience doesn't get confused, but surprising enough that the audience doesn't expect it. Try different punchlines with your set-up to explore your options.[4]
- At the end of your punchline, your joke should only be about 250 words.
- Try writing one-liners to practice set-up and punchline in the same sentence. An example of a one-liner could be, "I probably won't eat soup when I live in Arizona, unless it's a little chili."
EditDeveloping and Practicing a Routine - Organize your jokes into a setlist. Aim to include 2-3 longer jokes for your first setlist, and arrange them so they flow well from one another. Save the joke you think is the funniest for last to end your set on the biggest laugh. Try to incorporate topics that are similar to one another so your setlist feels cohesive. Create an outline for your setlist to help you remember and memorize your jokes.[5]
- For example, you may tell a joke about an experience you had with a ghost and then your next joke could be about ghost-hunting TV shows.
- Mix up the order of your jokes to see what other options you can try.
- Try including a one-liner in between jokes that you can use to transition between topics.
- Record the audio and time your set to see how it sounds. Use your phone or a recording device while you perform your stand-up routine out loud. Try to keep your set under 5 minutes since this is usually how much time you'll have to perform at an open mic night. Listen to your jokes to see how they sound or if there's any material that sounds confusing, and make note of the jokes you need to keep working on.[6]
- Pretend there's an audience in the room while you record so you present as if you were on stage.
- Revise the flow of your jokes by eliminating unneeded words. Listen to your recording and look for areas that are going on too long or don't feel as funny. Try to find other shorter words or cut the section entirely. Make sure the joke still makes sense to your audience after you make your edits.[7]
- Each joke should last between 90 seconds to 2 minutes long, but there are no official guidelines on how your jokes are structured.
- Try writing your joke in 250 words, and then edit it down to 100 words. Keep editing it down until it only uses 50 words. This can help you filter your joke to the bare essentials.
- Try changing your tone and inflection with each joke. You won't sound as funny if you read your jokes in a monotone voice. Try enunciating words differently, getting excited or serious throughout your joke, or giving emphasis to a single word. This helps keep the audience interested in your jokes and makes you seem more invested in your material.[8]
- Listen to how other comedians tell their jokes to get an idea of how to structure your sentence.
- Think of writing a joke like writing a song by developing a rhythm for your material. Pay attention to how the words flow together to determine whether it sounds too abrupt.
- Practice in front of friends and family. Once you're satisfied with your material, ask friends and family to listen to you perform. Stand in the front of the room and start your routine. When you're finished, ask them for their feedback to see what worked and what didn't.[9]
- Record your performance to see where your friends and family laughed and where they didn't. Make edits to your material to try and make it more humorous.
- Practicing a few times in front of people you know can help you overcome stage fright when performing in front of your audience.
EditPerforming Your Material - Look for open mic nights where you can perform your routine. Check with local comedy clubs or venues like cafes to see if they host open mic nights. Sign up for as many open mics as you can so you can keep working and practicing your material. Check the guidelines for the open mic night to see what type of material you can perform since some events may not allow offensive humor.[10]
- Find a comedy club that's near you that has a good crowd and frequent open mic nights to establish as a "home base" where you can try out material regularly. You may need to try out a few different clubs to find one that works for you.
- Record your set when you perform. You can either record the set yourself on your phone or ask a friend to record it for you. Whenever you perform your stand-up, make sure to record it so you can listen to see what material worked and what didn't.[11]
- Record the audio and video if you can so you can also watch your stage presence.
- Speak slowly and confidently to avoid talking too fast. When you're performing, avoid speaking too fast or else the audience could get lost and they'll be able to tell that you're nervous. If you feel yourself rushing during your performance, take a deep breath and continue in a slower voice.[12]
- Don't be afraid to laugh at your own jokes a little when you tell them.
- Aim to speak at around 100 words per minute to stay engaging and tell your joke clearly.
- Continue your set even if it's not going as well as you want. Audiences usually don't laugh if they don't realize you said the punchline. If there are awkward pauses in your set, keep going with your jokes to see if something will land. Keep smiling and working toward your other jokes and punchlines if a certain joke doesn't work for the audience.[13]
- Never insult audience members or else you may come across as mean and unappreciative.
- Thank the audience and say your name at the end of your set. When you're finished with your material, thank the audience no matter how your set went. Before you put the mic down and leave the stage, say your name so people will remember you.
- For example, you could say, "I'm John Smith and thank you! You've been a great audience!"
- Keep testing material at future open mic events. Try to bring at least 1-2 new jokes every time you perform to keep your material fresh. As you write and workshop new jokes, sign up for other open mic events so you can keep working on your jokes. Continue workshopping past and present material until it gets the laughs you want.[14]
- Don't get discouraged if your routine doesn't do as well as you thought it would. Keep working on material and trying more events to hone your skills.
- Listen to your favorite comedians to see how they structure their jokes.
- Try to meet other comedians during open mic nights so you can network and bounce jokes off of one another.
- Don't engage or insult anybody that heckles you or interrupts your set. Instead, continue with your material.[15]
- Never steal material from another comedian.
EditReferences
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