| How to Make Ice Cubes Without a Tray Posted: 24 Dec 2019 12:00 AM PST Without an ice cube tray, trying to cool down your drink on a hot day can seem impossible. There's no need to worry though, because there are a number of ways to make ice cubes when you don't have a tray. You can use silicon molds, improvise with an egg carton, or make crushed ice in a plastic bag. So long as you have access to a freezer, these household goods will allow you to make ice cubes that will work just as well as the kind you make in a tray. [Edit]Using a Silicone Mold - Choose a mold that will hold water easily without spilling. If you have a baking mold made of silicone that is rigid and deep enough that water will stay in as you move it around, it will work just like an ice cube tray. The best molds are ones with solid shapes like squares or circles, but ones with a design on them will also work.[1]
- Since silicon molds are often used to make shaped cookies and candies, each "cube" will take on the shape of whatever the mold is.
- Fill the shapes with water. Run your tap over the mold until each shape fills with water. Don't let the water spill into other shapes or sit above the depressions, as this can cause a thin sheet of ice to form on top of the ice "cubes." Try to hold the mold with your hands on the bottom so that it doesn't sag or begin to leak.[2]
- You can leave a little air at the top of each depression if you want to avoid the risk of a thin layer altogether.
- Freeze the molds for at least 4-8 hours. In order to freeze all the way through, the ice cubes need to stay in the freezer for several hours at a minimum. If you want to make sure the cubes won't break or melt as quickly, be sure to freeze them for at least 8 hours. Doing this overnight is a good way to make sure you have solid ice by morning.[3]
- Pop the ice out by twisting the mold, just like an ice tray. The soft silicone should bend a bit, allowing the ice to break off and be pulled out. You can also try to pat the tray from the underside to release loosened ice cubes. If you are too rough with the mold, it could break or get damaged.[4]
- Use the flat end of a fork or spoon handle to get between the ice and the mold if you are struggling to break the ice loose.
[Edit]Making Ice Cubes in a Plastic Bag - Fill a plastic zipper bag 1/4 full with water. Run your tap into a plastic bag until it looks like it's about a quarter of the way full. You can use any size of bag, with larger bags producing more ice because they can hold more water. No matter the size, the water shouldn't go past the 1/4 mark, and you should never fill the bag to the brim.[5]
- You can use both freezer bags and thinner sandwich bags to make ice.
- Zip the bag shut to keep the water inside. Once you've filled the bag up 3/4 of the way, zip the bag at the top by securely pressing the two sides together or by pulling the zipper across to secure the bag. Leaving this open at all will lead to spillage in your freezer, so make sure you close it tightly.[6]
- Leave some air in the bag so that it's easier to get the ice cubes out after breaking them apart. You only need just enough air that the top of the bag isn't pressed tightly against the water.
- Lay the bag on its side in the freezer. In order to get a layer of ice that is easy to break apart or crush, you'll need the water to freeze horizontally in the bag. Lay the lay the bag flat on the flattest available surface in the freezer.[7]
- The flattest surface is probably the freezer's floor, as the grates used to create shelves will let the bag droop and form an uneven block.
- If you're worried about spillage, you can put the bag on top of a tray, or inside of another bag.
- Freeze the water in the bag for 4-12 hours, depending on the amount of water. A small bag may freeze in 4 hours, but larger bags could take 8-12 hours to freeze hard enough that you can break the ice up without it melting too quickly. The more water in the bag, the longer it will take to freeze.[8]
- The longer amount of time is due to the fact that the water has to freeze as a single block, rather than separate, individual pieces.
- Break up the ice after removing it. You can use your hands to break up the ice into small, thin chunks that resemble cubes, or you can simply take a rolling pin and crush up the ice. If you filled the bag over 1/4 of the way full, you'll almost definitely need to crush up the ice, as there won't be a thin, snappable layer.[9]
- You should do this while the ice is still in the bag to keep it from spilling out.
[Edit]Improvising with an Egg Carton - Choose a styrofoam egg carton for a simple, waterproof ice tray. If your eggs come in a styrofoam carton, you already have a perfect ice tray alternative. The styrofoam will be almost entirely waterproof, and the water will freeze without binding to the styrofoam like it would with a paper carton.[10]
- Be sure to wash the carton thoroughly beforehand to get rid of any possible food borne illnesses like salmonella.
- Line a paper carton with foil if you don't have a styrofoam one. If you get your eggs in the more common paper carton, you can still use it to make ice cubes. Take a sheet of aluminum foil and break off squares to press into the dimples. So long as no holes form as you do this, the foil will create a waterproof barrier between the water and the paper.[11]
- Make sure there aren't any gaps by using a square piece and pressing it down into the middle of the dimple to create a seamless lining.
- It's a good idea to let the foil stick up a bit above the carton so it's easier to pull the ice out.
- Fill the dimples with water. Whether you are using a lined paper carton or a styrofoam one, you can fill the dimples up with tap water to a point just below the top of the dimple. If you fill the dimples too far, they might spillover into one another. Your ice will form little dome shapes in the carton.[12]
- Do this especially carefully if you are using a paper carton, as spray from the water could dissolve the paper.
- Freeze the carton for at least 4-8 hours with the lid off. As you put the carton in the freezer, make sure the lid doesn't cover the dimples, as this could keep the water from freezing as quickly. The ice will need at least 4 hours to become solid and at least 8 hours, or an overnight freeze, to minimize melting and breaking.[13]
- You can also remove the lid entirely before filling the carton up.
- Remove the ice from the carton by pressing up on the bottom. A push on the underside of each dimple will apply pressure to the ice and help you get it out of the carton. If you used a paper carton, you might be able to simply pull up on the foil, depending on how much condensation formed between the paper and the foil.[14]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Silicone Mold Ice Cubes - Silicone mold
- Water
- A freezer
[Edit]Plastic Zipper Bag Ice Cubes - Zipping plastic bag
- Water
- A freezer
- Rolling pin (optional)
[Edit]Egg Carton Ice Cubes - Styrofoam or paper egg carton
- Water
- A freezer
- Aluminum foil (for a paper carton)
[Edit]References |
| How to Meet Your Boyfriend's Parents Posted: 23 Dec 2019 04:00 PM PST Meeting your boyfriend's parents is inevitable if your relationship is getting more serious. While it can be nerve-wracking, all you need to do is take steps to make a good first impression, work on being polite, and be yourself when you're talking to them. Don't worry too much, as they'll likely be nervous, too! [Edit]Making a Good First Impression - Show up at least 10 minutes early. Being late the first time you meet his parents will make a poor first impression. To make sure you aren't late, aim to get there early. It never hurts to be there early, and you'll have time to help out if they're cooking dinner for you or read the menu if you're at a restaurant.[1]
- While being on time won't win you tons of brownie points, being late often will count against you!
- Bring a small gift for your boyfriend's parents. Ask your boyfriend if his parents have any particular favorites and pick something he suggests. For instance, try to find out their favorite chocolates, wine, or cookies. You don't have to buy something if you're low on cash. You can even just bake them something nice.[2]
- It's always polite to bring a hostess gift if you're going to their house, but even if you're not, a small gift says you're thinking about them ahead of time.
- Dress for both the occasion and for his parents' style. Ask your boyfriend ahead of time what the dress code for the event usually is. If you're just going to dinner, dress nice and go slightly conservative if you're not sure what his parents prefer.[3]
- For instance, try a knee-length skirt and top that's not too low or nice slacks and a button-up shirt. Also, aim to look polished; smooth out your hair, and iron your clothes if you need to.
[Edit]Being Polite - Keep physical contact with your boyfriend to a minimum. Kissing and constantly cuddling with your boyfriend around his parents may make them uncomfortable. A kiss hello or goodbye is fine, but try not to have too much contact, at least the first time you meet them.[4]
- For instance, don't sit in his lap or play footsie under the table. Hand-holding is fine.
- Remember your manners the whole time. Say "Please," "Thank you," and "You're Welcome" when appropriate. Ask to have things passed to you at the table instead of reaching over other people if you're eating together, and be gracious about the food, even if it's not your favorite.[5]
- If his parents are hosting you in their home, remember to thank them for having you over at the end of the meal.
- Also, call them "Mr." and "Mrs." with their last name unless they say otherwise.
- If they happen to be rude to you, always respond with politeness.[6]
- Offer to help with dinner or clean up if you're at their home. Ask if you can help chop vegetables or bring stuff to the table, for instance. After dinner, get up to help clear the table and wash the dishes without even asking.[7]
- They'll love that you're willing to help, even if they won't take you up on the offer.
- Skip the alcohol if possible. Avoid drinking at all if you can because you may drink too much without realizing it. Even if you're nervous, now isn't the time to drink! You want to be sober and clear-headed to make a good impression.[8]
- If you drink too much, you may say things you don't mean or come off as a lush.
- Put your phone in your pocket on silent. In fact, leave it in your bag or car if you can. Show his parents you are giving your undivided attention to them. If you try to text or scroll through social media while you're there, you're saying that they're less important than whatever is on your phone.[9]
[Edit]Having a Good Conversation - Compliment your boyfriend's parents. Everyone likes to hear good things about themselves, and giving compliments about his parents shows you're polite. If you're going to their home, it's fairly easy. Offer compliments on their home, landscaping, decor, etc. You can also compliment how they dress or the food if they're cooking or they recommended the place you're eating.[10]
- For instance, you might say, "I love your home. These paintings are amazing."
- Alternatively, you might say, "This meal is wonderful. What a great recommendation for dinner."
- Include everyone at the table. You may be tempted to focus on your boyfriend or just his mom or dad. However, if his siblings are there, it's important to make sure everyone feels like they're part of the conversation. His parents will notice that you took time to include everyone and the other people at the table will feel more amenable toward you.[11]
- Ask your boyfriend ahead of time about the general interests of everyone who will be there. For instance, if you find out his sister likes sports, you could say, "George tells me you're into sports. What's your favorite sports team?"
- Listen and respond to what's being said. Of course, you're going to be a little nervous around his parents, which may make you want to think ahead about what you're going to say. However, it's more important to be engaged with the conversation, which requires listening carefully to what's being said. Then, you can ask relevant questions.[12]
- For instance, if his dad is talking about his work, you could ask, "That sounds really interesting. What else do you do at your job?"
- Talk about your life in positive terms. No one wants to hear about all the complaints you have. You don't have to sugarcoat everything but aim for a positive attitude overall. Discuss the hobbies you have, what you like to do with your boyfriend, and what you like about your job.[13]
- For instance, if you just lost your job, you can say, "Well, I was just laid off, but I have some good prospects already."
- Steer away from controversial topics. No matter how much you want to vote for a certain candidate, bringing it up the first time you meet your boyfriend's parents isn't a good idea. It can cause discord and tension, especially since you don't know how everyone at the table feels.[14]
- It's also a good idea to avoid topics like religion, abortion, and other controversial political topics. You can answer politely if someone asks you but try to avoid it if you can. For instance, if his mother asks you what church you attend, you can say, "I actually don't attend church, but I appreciate you asking. Where do you attend?"
- Open up and act like yourself. Don't try to say what you think his parents want to hear. Instead, just be your silly, fun, or honest self. They can tell if you're being fake, and they really just want to get to know you. After all, you're dating their son, and it's possible you could be family one day.[15]
- Even if you're shy, try to be more open than you usually are.
- Try to be confident! Smile at them when you're talking and make eye contact, too.[16]
- Try to remember things your boyfriend has told you about his parents so you can bring it up in the conversation.[17]
[Edit]Warnings - Don't be too intimidated. The parents are probably just as nervous as you are.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Make Metallic Slime Posted: 23 Dec 2019 08:00 AM PST There are several ways to make metallic slime using ingredients you likely have at home. Stir the ingredients in your slime thoroughly, and add your metallic color either by using a metallic paint or a metallic powder to give it that extra shine. By kneading the slime with your hands to combine all of the ingredients, you'll be left with beautiful metallic slime. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Using Starch to Make Metallic Slime - clear school glue
- metallic craft paint
- Liquid starch
[Edit]Combining Shaving Cream and Contact Lens Solution - white school glue
- shaving cream
- Metallic craft paint
- Contact lens solution
[Edit]Creating It with Contact Lens Solution and Baking Soda - clear school glue
- baking soda
- Contact lens solution
- Metallic craft or metallic nail powder
[Edit]Using Starch to Make Metallic Slime - Pour of clear glue into a mixing bowl. Use clear school glue, squirting it into a measuring cup or estimating and squirting it directly into the mixing bowl. If you measured it out, use a spoon to scrape all of the clear glue out of the measuring cup and into the bowl.[1]
- Purchase clear glue at your local big box or craft store.
- Measure out of metallic paint to put into the bowl. Choose metallic craft paint in any color, such as pink, blue, or purple, or opt for a classic option like silver or gold. Pour the metallic paint into the bowl full of glue.[2]
- Metallic paint comes in small bottles and can be found at your local craft store or online.
- Avoid purchasing professional metallic paint that goes on metal that you would use to paint a car.
- Stir the mixture until it's thoroughly combined. Use a wooden stick or spoon to mix the glue and paint together. Take your time and stir slowly to make sure the glue and paint are no longer easily distinguishable.[3]
- If you mix them together and want your slime to have more pigment, add a little bit more paint into the glue and mix it again.
- Mix liquid starch in slowly until you're satisfied with the consistency. It's important to pour the liquid starch slowly while mixing all of the ingredients together to allow the starch time to activate. Continue adding small amounts of starch and combining it with the glue and paint until you're pleased with the slime's consistency.[4]
- Look for liquid starch in the laundry aisle of the grocery store or in craft stores.
- Stir the starch in slowly to avoid creating air bubbles.
- Take the slime out of the bowl and knead it with your hands. Once your slime is relatively solid, take it out of the bowl and start kneading it with your fingers to keep distributing the ingredients. If your slime is still sticky, add a little bit more starch until it's no longer sticking to your hands.[5]
- Use clean, dry hands to knead the slime.
- Continue kneading the slime with your hands if you added more starch to evenly distribute it.
[Edit]Combining Shaving Cream and Contact Lens Solution - Add of white glue to a mixing bowl. Remove the top from the white glue and pour it into a measuring cup to get the exact amount, or estimate the right amount and pour it directly into the bowl. If you pour it into a measuring cup, use a spoon to scrape out any remaining glue as you pour it into the bowl.[6]
- Purchase white school glue from your local big box or craft store.
- Mix roughly of shaving cream into the bowl. If you don't want to use exact measurements, this is okay. The more shaving cream you use, the fluffier your slime will be. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly using a spoon or wooden stick.[7]
- Use shaving cream that is sprayed out as a foam, not a gel.
- If you don't want your slime to be very fluffy, avoid adding a lot of shaving cream.
- Pour metallic paint into the bowl until you reach your desired color. Squirt your chosen color of metallic craft paint into the mixture slowly. Stir the color into the glue and shaving cream as you pour so that you get an accurate idea of how the color is distributing. Continue adding metallic paint and mixing it into the ingredients until you're satisfied with the color.[8]
- Add the paint in small amounts. If you add too much in the beginning, you'll need to add more glue and shaving cream to balance it back out.
- Add contact lens solution in small amounts to firm up the slime. Squirt a few drops of contact lens solution into the mixture, stirring it with a spoon or wooden stick to distribute it. Keep adding contact lens solution until you like the slime's consistency.[9]
- Instead of a wooden stick or spoon, you can also mix the ingredients together using your hands.
- If you touch the slime with your hands and it's still sticky, add a few more drops of contact lens solution.
- Knead the slime using your hands when it's no longer sticky. Take the slime out of the bowl and start kneading it on a clean surface using your hands. This will help distribute the ingredients even more to ensure your metallic slime is ready to be played with.[10]
[Edit]Creating It with Contact Lens Solution and Baking Soda - Pour of clear glue into a bowl. Estimate by squirting the glue directly into the bowl, or pour it into a measuring cup first to be exact. Clear school glue can be purchased at your local big box or craft store.[11]
- Scrape out any remaining glue from the measuring cup using a spoon or wooden stick if needed.
- Mix of baking soda into the glue. Measure out the baking soda and pour it into the bowl full of glue. Use a wooden stick or spoon to stir the baking soda and glue until they are well integrated.[12]
- Pour contact lens solution into the bowl slowly while mixing it. Slowly add a few drops of contact lens solution to the glue and baking soda, mixing it with a wooden stick or spoon (or even your hands!). Keep adding the contact solution and mixing until you touch the slime and are pleased with its consistency.[13]
- The more contact lens solution you add, the firmer your slime will become.
- Knead the slime with your hands to continue mixing the ingredients. Use clean, dry hands to remove the slime from the bowl and start kneading it on a flat surface. This will make sure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.[14]
- Add a few more drops of contact lens solution if your slime is still too sticky.
- Let your slime sit overnight before adding pigment to it so it becomes super clear, if desired.
- Sprinkle metallic powder into the slime and twist it to spread the pigment. Sprinkle fine metallic craft or nail powder in your chosen color into the center of the slime. Fold the edges of the slime into the center using your hands to cover the powder, and then start folding and twisting the slime to spread the powder.[15]
- Look for metallic craft powder at your local big box store or craft store, or nail powder that's used on nails at a beauty store.
- Add more metallic powder to the slime if desired.
- Take your time twisting and kneading the slime to distribute the color evenly.
- Store your metallic slime in a clean, dry container that's air-tight.[16]
[Edit]Warnings - Keep the slime out of reach of children and pets so they don't consume it.
[Edit]References |
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