| How to Shrink a Bathing Suit Posted: 30 May 2019 01:00 AM PDT Whether your bathing suit is too large because you lost weight, bought the wrong size, or stretched out the material over time, you may want to shrink the suit rather than investing in a new one. Bathing suits are most often made of materials like lycra, spandex, polyester, and nylon, which make it harder to shrink the fibers, but it's not impossible! Try using boiling hot water to soak your suit and then put it through a hot cycle in the dryer, or try ironing a damp suit on low heat to gradually shrink the material. It may require a couple of attempts, but you should be able to shrink your suit down to the size you prefer. EditUsing the Dryer - Turn your suit inside out to protect the pigments as much as possible. Before washing, boiling, and drying your suit, make sure it's turned inside out. Doing so will keep the colors from running and your suit should maintain its original hues.[1]
- If there are any bra inserts, go ahead and remove them at this time.
- Wash the suit by hand in cool water to clean off any dirt, grime, or oil. Fill up the sink with cool water, and use a mild laundry detergent that doesn't have any bleach or dyes in it. Wash the bathing suit in the soapy water, then drain the sink and use fresh water to rinse the suit until there are no more suds. If there is residual sunscreen, sweat, oil, sand, or grime on your suit when it goes into the dryer later, that could get baked into the material and make your suit hard and inflexible, so it's important to clean it beforehand.[2]
- Avoid putting your suit in the washing machine, as the rough tumbling could stretch out the fibers in the suit.
- Soak the suit in boiling water until the water cools to room temperature. Use a kettle, the microwave, or a pot on the stove to boil water (make sure to use a large pot or dish that won't break from the heat). Submerge the suit completely in the boiling water and let it sit in there until the water cools down, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes.[3]
- The heat from the boiling water should start to shrink the fibers in the suit and prepare it for further shrinkage once it goes into the dryer.
- Place the suit into the dryer on the highest setting available. For optimum shrinkage, use the highest setting and the longest time that you can choose. Avoid drying the suit with a full load of laundry, as you want it to receive the highest blast of heat so that it can shrink down as much as possible.[4]
- Most dryers can run for 60 to 70 minutes before they shut off.
- Let the garment cool to room temperature once the dry cycle is done. Instead of taking the hot garment right out of the machine and putting it on, set it to the side to let it cool off. The elastic can hold a lot of heat and might burn you if you were to put it on right away.[5]
- It shouldn't take more than 10 minutes for the suit to cool off.
- Repeat the process 2 to 3 more times to gradually shrink the suit. Try the suit on after it has dried completely to see if it's at the right size yet. If so, that's great and you're ready to enjoy your improved suit! If it's still too big, go ahead and repeat the boiling and drying process a few more times (there's no need to wash the suit again as it's already clean).[6]
- If the suit doesn't shrink enough after 3 washes, it may be time to consider getting it tailored or perhaps just investing in a new suit.
EditIroning Your Suit - Wash your suit, rinse it out, and thoroughly wring out the excess water. Use cool water and mild laundry detergent that's free of bleach and added dyes to wash your suit if it isn't already clean. Fill the sink with cool water and apply the soap directly to your suit. Massage the material in the water to create suds and clean away any grime. Drain the sink, then use fresh water to rinse the suit until no more suds are visible. Squeeze the suit by hand until the suit is just damp instead of drenched.[7]
- If you iron a dirty suit, you are essentially baking in any residual salt, sand, sweat, sunscreen, or lotions you may have come into contact with the last time it was worn.
- Cover the suit with a cotton cloth once it's on the ironing board. If you don't have a cotton cloth specifically for ironing, you could also use a handkerchief or some other kind of scrap fabric, just as long as it is clean and made of cotton. Never put the iron directly onto the damp bathing suit, as that will damage the material.[8]
- Turn the iron on to a low- or medium-heat setting. To avoid damaging the swimsuit, avoid using high heat. It'll take a little longer to iron and dry the suit, but in the end, your suit will be in better condition.[9]
- You don't need to fill the steamer basket in the iron for this process. Because the suit is already wet, you won't need to add moisture to it.
- Iron the suit, pressing down with slow, firm movements. Because you're using a low-heat setting, be prepared to iron your suit for upwards of 10 minutes. Work systematically from the top to the bottom of the suit, using long, even strokes. Press down with force so that the heat of the iron penetrates through the protective cloth and hits the swimsuit.[10]
- Even though the iron isn't exuding a ton of heat, still be careful to not catch your fingers or grab the bottom of the iron with your bare hands. It'll still be hot enough to burn you!
- Flip the suit over from time to time to evenly iron both sides. Make sure to work both sides of the suit so you don't end up with one side that shrunk and one side that is still the original size. Try flipping the suit over after going from top to bottom completely.[11]
- You may also want to wipe off the ironing board with a clean, dry towel when you flip the suit over. If there is excess moisture on the board, you don't want it getting absorbed back up into the side you were just working on.
- Continue ironing until almost all of the water has evaporated. It may take 10 minutes or more, so settle in at the ironing board. Continue using adequate pressure and alternating sides so that the suit dries as quickly as possible. Once the majority of the water is gone and the suit is almost completely dry to the touch, you can stop.[12]
- If you dread the idea of ironing for that long, watch a show or listen to some music while you work—it'll help the time pass more quickly.
- Let the suit air dry the rest of the way before wearing it again. Avoid putting your suit into the sun as the heat could mutate the colors and weaken the elastic. Leave it on the ironing board, or hang it up on a clothesline to let it finish drying. Once it is completely dry to the touch, go ahead and try it on. If it isn't as small as you'd like, go ahead and repeat the ironing method another 1 to 2 times. If it isn't shrunken enough after those efforts, it may be time to take it in by hand or invest in a new suit.[13]
- You could pop the suit into the dryer on high heat for about 20 minutes to finish drying it. This could help the material to shrink even more, but letting it air dry will be gentler on the material.
EditPreventing Stretching - Wash your swimsuit after every use, whether or not it got wet. Sunscreen, lotions, oils, sand, and sweat all need to be washed away on a regular basis to keep your suit in tiptop condition. You may think if you didn't go into the water and there's no chlorine or salt on your suit that it doesn't need to be washed, but the fibers and elastics will be in much better condition for a longer time if you give the suit a quick wash after every use.[14]
- Build-up of grime can cause the elastic fibers to deteriorate more quickly over time.
- Hand wash your suits in cool water with mild detergent. Avoid using the washing machine if at all possible, as the tumbling motion can stretch your suit and damage the elastic fibers. Use your sink or a bucket to scrub your suit by hand with a mild laundry detergent that is free of bleach and dyes. Once it has been washed, use clean water to thoroughly rinse the suit until all the suds are gone.[15]
- Hang your suit to dry instead of using the dryer when possible. After your suit has been washed, go ahead and lay it out somewhere to dry. Avoid putting it over a metal pole, like what you might have in your bathroom, as the metal could react with the material and stain it. Instead, use a clothesline and clothespins to hang the suit by its straps.[16]
- A dryer is a great way to shrink a suit, but at the same time, it can also weaken the fibers because of the tumbling and the high heat. It's something that shouldn't be used very often so that your suit stays in the best condition possible.
- Keep your drying suit out of the sun to avoid damaging the fibers. It may be super tempting to lay your suit out in the sun to let it dry naturally once you're finished wearing it, but avoid doing this if you can. In addition to fading the color of your suit, the sun can also weaken the elastic and make your suit less durable over time.[17]
- If on occasion you can't avoid using the sun to dry your suit, that is okay. Just make it a point to not do it every time.
- Keep your suit away from rough surfaces so the material doesn't snag. Concrete, pool chairs, and other materials that are often around swimming areas can snag the fibers of your suit, break them, and cause them to weaken over time. Avoid this by laying a towel down before you sit on a chair or on the ground.[18]
- If you don't have a towel available, pull on a coverup or something similar before you sit down so that your suit doesn't come into contact with any rough materials.
- If these options don't work for your suit, you may want to consider having the suit tailored or taking it in yourself, especially if it's still in good condition.
EditThings You'll Need EditUsing the Dryer - Mild soap
- Clean bucket or sink
- Teakettle or microwave
- Dryer
EditIroning Your Suit - Mild soap
- Cotton cloth
- Ironing board
- Iron
EditReferences
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| How to Hand Feed a Horse Posted: 29 May 2019 05:00 PM PDT Whether you own your own horse or just enjoy visiting them in pastures or stables near your home, it can be a rewarding experience to hand feed a horse. If you follow safety procedures and offer the horse the proper food or treat when hand-feeding, you and the horse can enjoy a bonding experience. EditFeeding a Horse By Hand Safely - Get permission to approach and feed horses that are not yours. If you see some horses grazing in a pasture on the side of the road, don't assume you can simply approach the fence and offer them food. You must always as the owner's permission before approaching or feeding any horses that do not belong to you.[1]
- Some horses might be on a very specific diet, and offering them food outside of that diet could be harmful. Alternatively, some horses may have biting tendencies or aggressive behaviors, and you don't want to approach any horse without being aware of these tendencies beforehand.
- Approach the horse with caution. Never run at a horse. Do not come at the horse from behind, as you might spook it. Approach the horse from the front, and off to the side a bit. Approaching at a slight angle toward the shoulder will allow it to see you a bit better.[2]
- Don't approach a horse directly from the front since that's where its blind spot is. Make sure you are coming to it from the side a bit as that is where its best vision is. Walk slowly and don't lunge towards the horse or make any sudden movements.
- Let the horse know you are coming. Talking softly, clicking your tongue, or speaking the horse's name will let it know you are approaching. You might see its ears twitch as it hears your voice, and it may turn to look at you when it hears you. This will let you know the horse has acknowledged your presence and you haven't startled it.[3]
- Don't make any strange or overly loud noises to let the horse know you're there. Just speak quietly or make noises it is used to hearing.
- Hold your hand out flat. When offering a horse food with your hand, you want to make sure your hand is flat with your fingers together and the food or treat on your palm. Doing this will keep your fingertips away from the horse's mouth, and it will be less likely to accidentally nip you while taking the food.[4]
- Avoid holding your hand too high. Let the horse drop its head down to take the treat from your palm. That way, the horse will be reaching down into your palm rather than coming straight onto your fingertips.
EditFeeding the Proper Treats - Offer the horse fruits, vegetables, or manufactured horse treats. Horses particularly love apples and carrots, but you can also offer a myriad of other things, including melons, snow peas, pumpkin, and strawberries. You can also choose to offer treats made specifically for horses that can be purchased at horse supply stores.[5]
- For a sweet treat, you can even offer the horse a few peppermint candies or sugar cubes. Make sure you only give these occasionally, and only a few at a time.
- Break off small pieces to feed to the horse. Some horses might chew and swallow the treats you give them, while others might be more prone to swallow without chewing. Breaking up larger pieces will prevent anything from getting stuck in the horse's throat.[6]
- Watch the horse as it eats its treats to assure it doesn't have trouble chewing or eating whatever you have chosen to feed it.
- Avoid feeding horses any treats that may produce gas. Things like potatoes, onions, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage should be avoided. Horses are prone to bloat which could lead to health complications, so you don't want to feed them things that could lead to excessive gas.[7]
- Avoid giving your horse raw garlic. Garlic is sometimes given to horses in supplement form, or incorporated into certain kinds of feed, but should not be given raw as a treat.
- Chocolate is also a bad treat choice for horses. The same chemical that makes chocolate toxic to dogs also makes it toxic to horses in large amounts. Still, a tiny piece now and then won't do much harm.
- Give treats in moderation. Overfeeding treats adds unnecessary calories and could disrupt the bacteria and microbes present in a horse's digestive tract that are balanced to keep things working properly.[8]
- As an alternative to treats, you can hand feed a horse its regular feed, or handfuls of the grass it likely spends most of its day munching on out in the pasture.
EditDiscouraging Nipping Behaviors - Incorporate a verbal command or cue. If you associate a hand-fed treat with a verbal cue, the horse will eventually learn to only expect a treat when the word is spoken, rather than all the time. This will discourage them from constantly nudging or nipping for treats.[9]
- Speaking a word like "Treat!" when you want to give your horse a treat will help it wait for this cue to expect a treat.
- Stand at the horse's shoulder. Rather than standing in front of the horse and offering a treat to it outright, stand beside it and face in the same direction as it. Hold the treat in the palm of your hand and reach a little over to its other side. This will force the horse to turn its head slightly away from you to take the treat.[10]
- Doing this will teach the horse to expect hand-fed treats in this manner, and the horse will be less likely to nip or nudge people for treats.
- Avoid pulling your hand away as you feed the horse. Rather than pulling your hand back towards yourself as the horse takes the treat from your palm, guide the treat into the horse's mouth and direct your hand toward it instead.[11]
- Pulling your hand away might signal to the horse that you are going to withdraw the treat, which might cause them to lunge for it in an attempt to get it before you take it away. This could lead to an accidental nip or bite.
- Feed the horse treats in a bucket or feeding trough. If a certain horse has particularly bad hand-feeding manners, stick to feeding that horse with a bucket or feeding trough. This will generally be the safest way to feed a horse.[12]
- Hand feeding is sometimes frowned upon in the horse-owner community because of the nipping behaviors it can occasionally create or foster. If your horse has a tendency towards these behaviors, feeding the horse treats in a bucket or feeding trough is a safe alternative.[13]
- Some horses like to be petted as they eat, depending on how friendly they are with strangers. Rubbing its muzzle or scratching its forehead (or neck if the horse is head-shy) is enough to make it happy.
- Don't overdo it with the grass. The horse still has lots of pasture to eat, so only a few handfuls of grass from the other side of the fence is enough to give it a treat.
- If your horse has problems such as nipping or biting, then you should wear gloves the first few times to make it stop.
- Do not stick your fingers in its mouth. This is a good way to get bit!
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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| How to Afford Healthy Food Posted: 29 May 2019 09:00 AM PDT Eating healthy might take a little more work, but it doesn't have to be expensive. You can find ingredients that are healthy, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean protein and dairy, and make healthy meals at home. Don't forget to make a plan and stick to it at the grocery store. It can also help to make ingredients yourself, such as yogurt and broths/stocks. EditFinding Deals on Healthy Groceries - Pick what's in season. When fruits and vegetables are in season, they tend to cost less. Often, grocery stores will run sales on what's in season because they know customers expect certain fruits and veggies at certain times of the year. As an added bonus, when things are in season, they taste better.[1]
- In fall, look for produce like pumpkins, winter squash, cabbage, and apples.
- In the winter, opt for winter squash, cabbage, and other root vegetables.
- Springtime is great for produce like beets, leafy greens, spring onions, and asparagus.
- Summer is a good time for watermelon, corn, and berries, just to name a few. You'll likely notice the cheapest produce prices in summer. Also, because produce is cheaper this time of year, you can buy extra and freeze it or can it yourself.
- Check the prices on frozen and canned. While you may prefer fresh fruits and vegetables, you can often save money by opting for frozen or canned instead. These options have the same health benefits, though be sure to pick ones that don't have added sugar or salt.[2]
- Check your proteins, too. Frozen chicken may be cheaper than fresh, and canned salmon and tuna is likely cheaper than fresh fish.[3]
- Check out the weekly deals. Most grocery stores run weekly specials, which you can learn about through their weekly ads. When something is on sale, that's the time to stock up on it. Most protein can be frozen and saved for later, for instance, so if your store is running a sale on boneless, skinless chicken breasts, buy some to use and save for later.[4]
- Compare prices every time. You probably already know to check for the lowest prices on the items you're buying. However, you may get stuck in a rut buying a certain brand and assuming it's the cheapest when prices change all the time. Check each time you buy.[5]
- Look up and down, as grocery stores tend to put the most expensive items at eye level.
- Keep an eye on store brands, as they tend to be cheaper.
- Buy in bulk. While buying in bulk can come with a higher price upfront, it'll be cheaper overall. For instance, buying a large can of quick oatmeal is much cheaper than buying a box of the instant packets. Add some fresh fruit to create your own flavors.[6]
- You can also buy some items in bulk bins at health food stores. Often these stores will have items like grains, beans, pastas, nuts, granolas, flours, and sugars. You can get just what you need, taking advantage of the cheaper prices without having to buy more than you need.
- Use coupons. Take advantage of coupons when you come across them. However, only use them for the foods you already buy. If you're buying something you don't normally buy, you're just spending extra money that must come from somewhere else.
- You can find coupons online, as well as in the newspaper. You can also use a variety of coupon apps to save money.
- Apply for SNAP or WIC. If you are low-income, you might qualify for SNAP or WIC. SNAP is the contemporary version of food stamps, and you get your assistance on a debit-type card.[7] WIC is only for women with low income who have young children. Pregnant women also qualify. It's also more restrictive about what you can buy, but it can still help you afford healthy food.[8]
- Visit your local SNAP office to apply in person, or you can apply online in many states. Check if you can apply online in your state at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply.
- To apply for WIC, contact your local WIC office.
- Find a farmer's market or local farms. Sometimes, you can find cheaper produce at the farmer's market, though you must hunt for deals. Also, driving out to local farms to pick your own produce can make it cheaper, as well. Be ready to use what you buy, though, as farm-fresh produce doesn't tend to last as long as grocery market produce, which is bred and treated to last longer. However, you'll make up for it in flavor.
- Some farmer's markets even accept SNAP.
EditFocusing on Cheaper Healthy Ingredients - Choose cheaper ingredients. Not all healthy ingredients are expensive. In fact, many healthy ingredients are cheap. Take each category of food you need to buy, and figure out options in each one.
- For instance, in whole grains, you can try oatmeal, brown rice, bulgur, popcorn, and whole-wheat bread and pasta.
- For vegetables, pick ones like cabbage, leafy greens (like mustard greens, kale, or even broccoli), squash, carrots, and celery.
- In fruit, go for cheaper options, such as oranges, apples, and bananas.
- In the dairy section, reach for milk and plain yogurt in large containers.[9]
- Make your proteins last longer. Keep in mind that you probably need less protein than you think in your diet. Making your proteins last across several meals will help both your budget and your diet. For instance, if you make a chicken one night, use the leftovers the next night to make a chicken soup. The night after that, use some of the chicken in tacos.[10]
- Adult women under 30 only need 5 1/2 ounce-equivalents each day, while women over 30 only need 5 ounce-equivalents. Adult men under 30 need 6 1/2, while if you're 30 to 50, you need 6 ounce-equivalents and 5 1/2 if you're over 50.
- An "ounce-equivalent" is one ounce (28 grams) of meat (3 ounces of meat is about the size of a deck of cards).[11]
- Go vegetarian. While you don't need to completely cut animal protein out of your diet, opting for plant-based protein sometimes can help cut costs. Try focusing meals around these vegetarian options, such as having beans and rice one night instead of chili.[12]
- Some vegetarian equivalents to an ounce of meat include an egg, 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of beans, peas, or lentils, 1/2 an ounce (14 grams) of nuts or seeds, a tablespoon (15 milliliters) of peanut butter, or 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of hummus.[13]
- Read labels. While you need to compare prices on foods, you should also compare labels for items you're buying, particularly if you're buying prepacked food of any kind. For instance, if you must have a box of macaroni and cheese, it's best to pick the healthiest one you can find.[14]
- Look for foods low in sugar and sodium. You should be eating about 2,300 milligrams (1 teaspoon) of salt per day. Also, check for lower trans and saturated fat. Even the healthier fats should only be 20 to 30 percent of what you eat.
- Keep serving sizes to 400 calories or less. Also, check to see how many vitamins and minerals the food has.
EditMaking Meal Plans - Decide on your dinners for the week. Making a meal plan will help you to only buy what you need and therefore stay under budget. If you don't already have healthy recipes you love, find some you like online or ask your friends for recommendations.[15]
- One site you can try is the USDA's What's Cooking website (https://whatscooking.fns.usda.gov/). It has healthy recipes that you can use to plan meals.
- Don't forget to plan around your schedule. Opt for leftovers or quick meals on nights you're going to be busy.[16]
- Stick with what you know. You may think that eating healthy means you need to try out a bunch of new trendy health foods. While these trendy foods may be healthy, that doesn't mean they're the only healthy foods. Stick to simpler ingredients that you know, even something as simple as a roasted chicken with vegetables and brown rice. You'll be more likely to keep eating healthy, and you'll save money at the same time.[17]
- Create your shopping list. Once you've planned out your meals, create a list of the items you'll need. Sticking to a list (and not buying extras) can help you stay on budget, so you can afford healthier food.[18]
- Plan ahead when you eat out. Meal planning isn't just for eating at home. It can help to make a plan before you go to a restaurant. Look over the menu if it's available online, and compare calorie counts. Many restaurants have the calorie counts available, but you can also use online calorie counters or websites.[19]
- Consider choosing a healthy appetizer to save money. It will also keep the portion small.
- Opt for dishes with lean proteins paired with whole grains and lots of veggies.
- Choose veggies or fruit over fries, onion rings, or mashed potatoes.
- Ask for a take-out box when you get your food. Split it in half before you start eating, and put half in the box to take home. Splitting it up helps you control your portion and stretch your money.
EditMaking Food at Home - Grow what you can. Often, having a small garden or even a few potted plants can be a cheap way to get in the veggies you need. Try growing a tomato plant, for instance, or even just a few herbs on your window sill.[20]
- Create your own snacks. You can buy pre-made snacks at the store that are a bit healthier than your average chips, such as veggie chips or fruit cups. However, they tend to be expensive, so making your own at home is a more affordable alternative.[21]
- For example, try making kale chips. Wash and dry kale thoroughly. Chop or tear the leaves into large pieces. Toss them in olive oil, or spray them with cooking spray, and then spread them out on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top and any other seasoning you want. Bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 Celsius) until crispy (about 15 minutes).
- You can also make yourself individual cups of fruits and veggies. For instance, cut up oranges, apples, and grapefruit, and toss them with a tiny bit of honey. Spoon them into small reusable containers so you can grab them any time. You can do the same with veggies. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, and put them in reusable bags. Spoon out (homemade) hummus into individual containers to go with them.
- Boil up your own stocks and broths. Stocks and broths are a great way to start out soups, but buying them in cans or cartons can get expensive. Plus, they're often loaded with extra sodium. Making your own at home results in better quality, and it's cheaper, too.[22]
- You can even make a stock with your scraps. Save the bits of vegetables you have leftover, such as onion skins, the ends of carrots, and the tops of celery. When you eat a chicken, save the bones and the bits of meat. Freeze them in a bag until you have enough. When you do, throw them in a pot and cover them with water. Boil them (covered on low heat) for six to eight hours or until you have a stock with a flavor you like. Strain it, and your stock is ready.
- Once you have your stock, you can portion it out in small containers and freeze it.
- Branch out into making other foods. Lots of foods besides snacks and broths can be made cheaper at home. For instance, if you eat yogurt often, making your own yogurt might be a good option. For bread, consider investing in a bread machine, so you can make your own bread with the push of a button.[23]
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