| How to Make Gingerbread Men Cookies Posted: 12 Dec 2019 12:00 AM PST One of the all-time favorite treats for the holidays are gingerbread men. Their chewy, spicy goodness warms the mouth and warms the tummy, and are favored by everybody from little elves to Santa himself. (It's rumored that eating gingerbread is what keeps Rudolph's nose glowing when needed!) We'll show you how to make them, and add a rosy glow to your cheeks, too! Read on. - Makes: About 10 large cookies
[Edit]Ingredients - 2 ½ cups (310 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup (110 grams) softened butter
- ½ cup (100 grams) sugar
- ½ cup (125 milliliters) molasses or syrup
- ¼ cup (60 grams) water
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Decorative toppings (Icing, frosting, sprinkles, small candies, etc.)
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium sized bowl, mix the salt, baking soda, flour, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon together.
- Mix the wet ingredients. Get a large bowl and mix the butter, sugar, water, molasses, and vanilla together. You can use an electric whisk or mixer in case the butter is not be soft enough to mix by hand.
- Mix the dry with the wet. Add small amounts of the flour mixture to the wet mixture and mix slowly with a wooden spoon until the whole mixture becomes a soft dough. Be careful using electric equipment for this may splatter flour out of the bowl while mixing.
- Prepare the dough. Divide the dough in half and use plastic wrap to cover each half. Place both pieces in the refrigerator for two hours or until it gets firm and hard.
- Preheat the oven. Set to 375° F (190° C), or on the gas mark 5.
- Create the men. Lightly flour your surface, either a counter top or a cutting board. Use a floured rolling pin to roll out the dough to either 1/8- or 1/4-inch thick. Use your cookie cutters on the dough, cut out the men shapes, and place them on your baking sheet. Recycle the dough by rolling the leftovers and cutting out more men.
- Bake your cookies for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned. Remove them from the oven and leave them on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. If you remove them from the sheet immediately, some body parts may fall off in the process. If they do, eat them.
- Decorate. This is always the fun part of making cookies (besides eating them, of course!) Use different colors of icing, frosting, and sprinkles to create facial and other features. You can also "glue" other candies such as gumdrops with a dab of frosting on the bottom.
- Have kids decorate their own gingerbread men along with their own house.
- You could also put fondant on it.
- Use M&Ms for the eyes and sour worms for the streams along the arms and legs.
- Put two pieces of parchment paper in between when rolling.
[Edit]Warnings - Take caution not to burn yourself while baking. Always wear oven mitts and be wary of hot pans.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Mixing bowl
- Mixer or whisk (hand or electric)
- Parchment paper
- Cookie sheet
- Plastic wrap
- Cookie cutters
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Prevent a Runny Nose Posted: 11 Dec 2019 04:00 PM PST Even though it's usually not a major problem, having a runny nose can still be very annoying! You might get a runny nose due to allergies, chilly weather, the common cold, or other conditions. Depending on the cause of your runny nose, there are numerous preventative measures you can try, including medications and lifestyle changes. With luck, you'll be able to stop grabbing tissues all the time! [Edit]Using General Prevention Strategies - Take simple measures to cut your chances of catching a cold. Not all runny noses are caused by the common cold, but having a cold nearly guarantees that you'll be dealing with a runny nose. You can't eliminate your risk of getting a cold, but you can improve your odds by taking steps like the following:[1]
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Use hand sanitizer when you're unable to wash your hands.
- Don't touch your eyes, mouth, or nose if you haven't cleaned your hands first.
- Avoid close contact with people who have cold symptoms.
- Regularly disinfect surfaces like doorknobs and light switches.
- Cover your face with a scarf when you're out in the cold. The scarf will trap some of your body warmth and the warmth of the air when you exhale. This, in turn, will help to warm the incoming air before you breathe it in. Additionally, some of the moisture from the air you exhale will be trapped in the scarf. Breathing in air that's warmer and moister will prevent your sinuses from producing as much moisture.[2]
- Your nose runs when you're in the cold because excess fluid is created when your nasal passages work to warm the incoming air.[3]
- Use a humidifier when the air indoors is dry. Both outdoor and indoor air tend to be very dry during cold weather, and your sinuses may respond to the dry air by producing excess moisture. So, even if it's not cold when you're indoors, you may still get a runny nose unless you run a humidifier.[4]
- Make sure to clean your humidifier regularly as directed. Otherwise, bacteria and mold may build up in the water reservoir.
- Moisten your nasal passages with a saline nasal spray. Your sinuses naturally produce moisture when your nasal passages are dry, and may cause a runny nose by over-producing the moisture. Lubricating your nasal passages with saline can help slow down or stop this moisture production process.[5]
- Follow the package instructions when using a saline nasal spray. They're generally safe to use 3-4 times per day for up to 5 days. Talk to your doctor, if necessary, about using saline more frequently or for a longer period.
- Hydrate your nasal passages by drinking lots of water. This works on the same principle as using a saline nasal spray. By hydrating your nasal passages by other means, you can prevent your sinuses from over-producing moisture to deal with dry nasal passages.[6]
- Try drinking a glass of water when you wake up, when you go to bed, and before each meal, and take sips regularly throughout the day. Don't wait until you're thirsty to have a drink.
- Try a decongestant nasal spray or pill containing pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine constricts the blood vessels in your sinuses, which reduces the production of moisture. While it can be an effective short-term measure, it also carries risks for side effects and drug interactions, and therefore isn't a good option for everyone.[7]
- For instance, people who have high blood pressure or take MAO inhibitors should not use medications containing pseudoephedrine.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about taking pseudoephedrine if you have any concerns.
- Use the medication exactly as directed, for no more than 7 days (unless otherwise advised by your doctor).
- Your runny nose may actually get worse than before as the medication wears off.
- Maintain a healthy immune system to prevent getting sick. Staying healthy helps your body fight against bacteria and infection that cause runny noses.Adjust your diet to cut out processed foods so you can have healthier options rich in vitamins and minerals. If you don't get enough vitamins or minerals in your diet, you can take supplements to increase your levels.
- Talk to your doctor about using a prescription nasal spray. If OTC decongestant options aren't working for you, your doctor may be able to prescribe a corticosteroid nasal spray. If so, use the spray exactly as prescribed.[8]
- Let your doctor know about any other medications you're taking, as well as any medical conditions you have. Prescription nasal sprays aren't right for everyone.
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays do not provide immediate relief. It can take up to 2 weeks for them to take effect. Therefore, they're often best used as a long-term option.
[Edit]Taking Allergy-Specific Measures - Visit your doctor so you can pinpoint your allergens. Your doctor can run allergy tests to help identify the specific allergens that cause your runny nose and other symptoms. Once you've determined your allergens, you can take more effective measures to avoid or counteract them.[9]
- Allergy testing can involve skin tests, blood tests, or both. With skin tests, small amounts of common allergens are applied to your skin to test for a reaction. Blood testing provides less immediate results, but can be more effective at identifying some allergens.
- Limit your exposure to the allergens you've identified. Using an air purifier in your home can help remove irritants from the air, but avoiding your trigger allergens altogether is also important. For instance, if cigarette smoke is an irritant for you, steer clear of situations where you'll encounter it.[10]
- Some allergens are nearly impossible to completely avoid. Ragweed pollen, for example, is very prevalent in the U.S. Use weather and/or air quality reports to determine when and where ragweed pollen concentrations are highest.
- Pollen counts tend to be higher early in the morning, so stay indoors and keep your windows closed in the morning if pollen is a trigger for you.
- If dust mites are a trigger, reduce the amount of carpeting, blankets, and other dust-collecting fabrics in your home, clean often using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and run an air purifier.
- Dust your home regularly to get rid of common irritants. Dust in your home can create irritation that causes your nose to run. Take time once a week to dust the surfaces all of the surfaces in your home, such as tables, shelves, ceiling fans, and desks. Focus on cleaning your bedroom thoroughly since dust in your bed could cause allergic reactions. If you want to get dust out of carpet, then vacuum it as well as you can.[11]
- Change your bed sheets once every 1-2 weeks to prevent dust from building up in them.
- Make your bed and cover your pillows during the day so dust doesn't settle on your sheets.
- You can reduce the amount of airborne dust in your bedroom with a HEPA air filter.
- Wear a pollen-blocking mask when you can't avoid allergens. If you have pollen allergies and need to mow the lawn or simply go for a morning walk, wearing a mask can prevent the allergens from entering your mouth or nose. A scarf may help a little, and a surgical mask is a better choice. For the best results, though, use a respirator mask with an N95 or higher rating (in the U.S.).[12]
- Allergen masks are widely available online.
- Take antihistamines as recommended by your doctor. These medications reduce your body's production of histamine in response to allergens, which in turn will reduce your symptoms, such as a runny nose. Over-the-counter (OTC) options include Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec, and Claritin, among many others, but it's best to consult your doctor before choosing an OTC antihistamine.[13]
- Your doctor may instead recommend a prescription-strength antihistamine. As with OTC antihistamines, take the medication exactly as directed.
- Antihistamine side effects can include abdominal pain, constipation, dry eyes/mouth, drowsiness, and headache, among other possibilities. Discuss the potential for side effects with your doctor.
- In some cases, your doctor may determine that allergy shots are your best course of action. These injections are meant to slowly acclimate your body to particular allergens.[14]
- Give natural antihistamines a try. These home remedies typically have little to no scientific backing, but they're also usually harmless to try. Consider options like the following:[15]
- Foods with supposed antihistamine properties. These include (but may not be limited to) citrus fruits, berries, cantaloupes, kiwi fruits, apples, pineapples, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, red and yellow onions, cauliflower, yogurt, kefir, green tea, and black tea.
- Turmeric. Heat a mixture of turmeric powder and linseed oil on the stove until it starts lightly smoking, then gently inhale a small amount of the smoke.
- Ginger. Try steeping of fresh sliced ginger in of hot water, and drinking it while it's warm.[16]
- Mustard oil. Heat a dollop of mustard in a pan with some water until it simmers, then gently inhale a small amount of the vapor.
[Edit]Addressing a Chronic Runny Nose - See your doctor to determine the cause of your chronic runny nose. Allergies aren't the only condition that can cause a chronic runny nose. Instead of (or in addition to) allergies, your doctor may be able to diagnose a condition such as the following:[17]
- Nonallergic rhinitis.
- A deviated septum.
- Chronic sinusitis.
- Nasal polyps or tumors.
- A foreign object lodged in the nasal cavity.
- A cerebrospinal fluid leak—a rare, serious condition in which some of the fluid surrounding your brain is leaking through your nasal passage.
- Discuss surgical options with your doctor as needed. If you have a nasal tumor or polyps, a foreign object lodged in your nasal cavity, or a deviated septum, surgical intervention may be your best alternative. You'll definitely need surgery if you have a cerebrospinal fluid leak, although this is a very rare condition.[18]
- If you have allergic or nonallergic rhinitis that won't respond to other treatments, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure that severs some of the nerves in your nose that trigger fluid production.
- Discuss the potential risks and benefits of any surgical procedure before deciding if it's right for you.
- Use nonallergic rhinitis treatments as advised. If your chronic runny nose isn't caused mainly by allergies, then nonallergic rhinitis is the most likely cause. If this is your diagnosis, discuss treatment strategies with your doctor. In addition to common runny nose remedies, these may include:[19]
- Prescription anticholinergic nasal spray.
- Intranasal cryotherapy, which essentially freezes some of the nasal nerves that trigger fluid production.
[Edit]References |
| How to Choose a Good Skateboard Posted: 11 Dec 2019 08:00 AM PST
Choosing a good skateboard can be tricky, especially if you are just beginning to get into the world of skateboarding. There is much more to take into account than just the cost, including deck type and size, truck height, and wheel size and hardness. This choice can be made easier if you understand how the different parts change the way the skateboard rides and what that means for how you want to use it. Once you understand what makes a good skateboard for you, you will be hitting up the skate parks in no time.
[Edit]Selecting a Style - Choose a shortboard if you plan on doing park skating or learning tricks. Shortboards are what most people imagine when they think of a skateboard. The size of a shortboard makes it perfect for getting air and doing tricks. If this is what you envision yourself doing, a shortboard will work.[1]
- Shortboards also work for casual riding, though they are not as versatile as longboards or penny boards for different types of terrain or longer distances.[2]
- Get a longboard if you want to use your skateboard mainly for cruising. Longboards are heavier and bulkier than shortboards, meaning they will not be as good for performing tricks. What they are good for is taking long rides, making them a good choice if you want to use your skateboard as a means for transportation.
- Because they are longer than regular skateboards, typically or more, this type of board also is easier to balance on, which may be beneficial if you are just beginning to learn to ride.[3]
- Pick a lightweight penny board for easy transportation. Penny boards are similar to longboards in their purpose, but they are much lighter and much more portable. Penny boards are small, typically between and , and made of lightweight plastic, making them easy to pick up and carry around during the day.[4]
- Penny boards are not as good for doing tricks because of their small size. If you think you might want to learn how to do some tricks on your board, this wouldn't be the type to invest in.
[Edit]Choosing the Size and Shape - Get a full-sized deck if you are taller than . Full-sized skateboards have a deck width of or larger, and are generally the best choice for most adults and some children.
- Select a mid-sized deck if you are between . Mid-size decks have a width of . Decks this size are best for people who have a shoe size between US 7 and US 8, as well as children typically between the ages of 9 and 12.
- Opt for a mini or micro skateboard for children. A mini skateboard is perfect for kids between and tall. Mini skateboards have a deck width of . If you're under tall, go with a micro skateboard. This is the smallest size deck, and its deck is between {convert|6.5|in|cm}} and wide.
- Pick a radial-, tub-, or progressive-shaped deck if you want a classic look and secure footing. Decks in these styles have a slight dip in the middle and raised edges. The indention in the middle allows you to plant your feet more firmly, letting you balance a little more easily than a flatter or differently-shaped model.[5]
- If you are new to skateboarding, this style is probably best for you to begin learning on.
- Go for a w-concave or asymmetric deck shape if you want a board for tricks. These styles allow for quick changes in direction, which makes doing tricks much easier. They are harder to balance on, so if you are new to skateboarding these shapes might not be for you.[6]
[Edit]Picking the Trucks and Wheels - Match the size of your trucks to the width of your skateboard. Every skateboard requires 2 trucks, which hold the wheels in place under the deck. Choose trucks that are the same size as, or at least very similar in size to, the skateboard's width to provide maximum stability while riding.[7]
- Choose low trucks for tricks and high ones for cruising. Truck heights are not standardized but are commonly divided into low, medium/mid-sized, and high trucks.[8]
- Low trucks are designed for small wheels and are good for doing tricks.
- Medium trucks are designed for general usage, either commuting or tricks.
- High trucks are designed for large wheels and work best for cruising and casual riding.
- Get smaller wheels if you are looking to use your skateboard for tricks. Smaller wheels, which are typically between 48 and 54 mm in diameter, provide more stability than larger wheels, meaning that they do well for skateboards that are used for doing tricks or riding in skate parks.[9] On the other hand, wheels of this size don't allow for as much speed and make transportation difficult.
- Opt for larger wheels if you want to use your skateboard for getting around. Larger wheels, usually 55+ mm in diameter, are not as stable, but they let you go faster and cruise for longer distances without having to put in much work. On the flip side, they are not as good for tricks or skating in parks.
- Choose soft wheels for a smooth ride. Softer skateboard wheels are easier to ride on because they provide more grip, but soft wheels also wear down faster. Get softer wheels if you plan on using your skateboard for transportation; this will let you ride on pretty much any type of road or surface. Softer wheels don't go as fast, but they provide smoother rides because they can grip the surface of the ground better.[10]
- Opt for harder wheels if you want to go faster. Wheel sizes on skateboards vary a bit (but all are measured in millimeters) and are based on what the skateboard will be used for. In general, as wheels get larger, they allow for greater speeds.[11] Hard wheels let you ride faster and more easily do tricks, but they don't have much grip and should only be used on smooth surfaces, like in a skate park.[12]
- Depending on your level of comfort with the task, you may or may not want to choose to build your own custom skateboard. Creating your own means that you can match your exact specifications and be in complete control over design choices.
- If you don't want to build your own skateboard, buying a pre-made one is the best way to go.[13] There are many ways to go about this process, but the best way to begin is to go to your local skate shop and look around. The people who work there can help you get exactly what you need and ensure quality and safety standards.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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