| How to Prepare for Summer Posted: 24 May 2020 01:00 AM PDT Summer is a perfect time to go outside and soak up some sunshine. While it is great to take time for yourself to relax, you should also make time to go on adventures with your friends and family. Before summer arrives, it is important to plan out what you want to do, and what you hope to accomplish. Maybe you want to tackle a summer reading list and attend a concert, or maybe you want to enroll in an art class or pick up a summer job. With just a little preparation, you can set yourself up for a fun and productive summer. [Edit]Updating Your Beauty Routine - Unpack your summer clothing. Bring brightly colored prints and lightweight fabrics to the forefront of your wardrobe. Try on your summer clothes to see what still fits you, and take stock of any key items you might need to replace. If your summer clothing has gone untouched since last summer, make sure to wash anything that smells musty before wearing it out.[1]
- While you are rotating your summer clothing, see what you are willing to part with and donate it to a local thrift store. You may even find some summer clothing at the thrift store to bulk up your wardrobe.[2]
- Purchase a new swimsuit. To get yourself into the summer spirit purchase a new swimsuit that best represents your personality. You don't have to buy a two piece or even what is trending at the moment. Find a swimsuit that you will be comfortable in and will confidently wear out in public.[3]
- If you don't own or can't find your sunglasses, make sure to purchase a new pair of those as well. Look for sunglasses that offer UV protection, or even visit your local ophthalmologist to get prescription sunglasses.
- Pick up a new bottle of sunscreen that is best suited for your skin. There are so many different types of sunscreen, it can be overwhelming to find the right one. Try and look for a sunscreen that has at least an SPF 30 protection. If you have fair skin, you may need a stronger SPF level or a sunscreen that has zinc in it to properly protect your skin.[4]
- Sunscreens can be greasy and clog your pores. If you have acne or sensitive skin, look for sunscreens that are manufactured by your favorite soap companies like Neutrogena or ones that are oil-free.
- Some sunscreens even double as bronzers. If you want to protect your skin, and give it a golden glow, look for sunscreens with bronzer or tanning agents in them.
- Minimize your makeup routine to unclog your pores. When you sweat, your makeup can easily crease, flake off, and even clog your pores. Wearing less makeup will allow your pores to open and naturally produce sweat to keep your body cool.[5]
- If you want to wear makeup, opt for items that are waterproof. Even though it is a little more expensive and harder to take off, wearing waterproof makeup will prevent your mascara or liquid liner from running down your face when you sweat or take a dip in the pool.
- Soak up some sun poolside or in your backyard. Cold winters and rainy springs can seriously deprive you of vitamin D, so grab a towel or a chair and enjoy the sunshine. Just make sure to lather on sunscreen to keep your skin from burning or being damaged. Getting time in the sun can be fun and refreshing, but only if you do not get burned in the process.[6]
- Wear an SPF 30 sunscreen to protect your skin, and re-apply it every 2 to 3 hours.[7]
- If you have particularly sensitive skin, consider sitting under an umbrella or wearing a large, floppy hat to protect your head and face. You can still feel the positive effects of basking outside even if you are not direct in the sunlight.
[Edit]Making Time for Self-Improvement - Write out a personal summer reading list. Summer is a great time for you to unwind, relax, and read a good book. It is an easy activity to bring with you to the beach, to a coffee shop, or even to the park. Grab a pen and a piece of paper, and jot down some book titles that you have been wanting to read, but haven't had the chance to.[8]
- Once you have made that list, visit your local bookstore or go online and purchase your top literature choices. If you have access to a public library, go and check out books from there. This will allow you to catch up on your favorite book series, and save you some cash.
- Enroll in summer courses that are both fun and informative. Instead of lounging in the sun the whole summer, challenge yourself by enrolling in summer courses. These can be strictly education related courses that will get you ahead or catch you up in your schooling, or the courses can be on something fun that you have always wanted to learn.[9]
- Go online or ask an authority figure at your school to see what summer classes are offered. You can retake that history class you did not do so great in, or you can get ahead and enroll in an advanced math class. Some of the classes may even be offered in the evenings, or online.
- Check with your local community center, or newspaper to see what seasonal courses are available. Maybe you want to learn how to play the guitar, brush up on your swimming skills, or even take an art class and learn how to paint beautiful landscapes.[10]
- Apply for a summer job so you have extra spending cash. Having a summer job is an easy way to earn a little cash over the summer, and build up your resume. If you are planning to go on vacation or attend a lot of ticketed events, you may just need the extra summer cash.[11]
- A lot of businesses and companies hire part-time workers during the summer to offset the influx of summertime customers. This is especially true if you live near a popular vacation spot like the shore. Check the classifieds section of your local newspaper, and see what businesses are hiring.
- If you have a friend who is also looking for a summer job, see if you can find a place that is hiring for multiple positions. Working with a friend will help pass the hours, and give you both something to look forward to when heading to work.[12]
- Join a local gym or pick up a physical activity. Summer is a great time to start being more active, and develop a healthier lifestyle. You can join a local gym, or you can pick up a seasonal sport like badminton or volleyball. If gyms and seasonal sports don't seem appealing to you, take a walk or a bike ride through a local park. Do something that will get you moving, and something that you will enjoy.[13]
- Grab a friend or a family member to join you. Developing a healthier lifestyle does not have to be a solo act. You can just as easily go on a walk with a friend as you can alone. Having someone workout with you will also hold you more accountable until you develop the habit.[14]
- Cook some healthy summertime recipes. Instead of just opting for instant meals or junk food, print out some healthy recipes to cook this summer. Find recipes that you think will complement the activities you plan to do throughout the summer.[15]
- Recipes that involve a lot of fruits or vegetables will seem cool and refreshing in contrast the warm weather. Sweet and spicy barbeques will go great with large family gatherings.
- To find some summertime recipes, visit your local library to check out some cookbooks, or go online to popular websites like The Food Network.[16]
[Edit]Planning for Summertime Activities and Events - Search in advance for movies, concerts, or other events. Music festivals and major blockbusters thrive during the summer months. These can be easy and inexpensive experiences to have with family and friends. You can attend a fireworks display, or go and see a concert in the park. Look up the events ahead of time, so you do not miss out.[17]
- A lot of local parks will host early morning or evening music concerts for free. You can mostly likely find a calendar of events with your local community center or through your local newspaper.[18]
- Go on websites like Fandango or Movie Tickets to see what movies are coming out this summer. You may even be able to pre-order tickets to venues you think will sell out quickly.
- Schedule a day-trip to somewhere close by. If you are operating on a tight budget this summer, but still want to get away, plan a day-trip with a couple of friends or family members. Day-trips are great if you want to explore neighboring towns or your entire state, and you really only need a reliable car and a full tank of gas to do this.[19]
- If your friends go with you, have everyone chip in for gas money. This will cut down on traveling costs for you, or for whoever else is driving.
- Budget and schedule a vacation to somewhere special. Sometimes the summer months are not enough of a vacation. Sometimes you need to physically go somewhere and experience something new. Start budgeting and planning your special summer getaway a few months in advance.
- Planning your vacation early will not only save you money on transportation costs and lodging costs, but it might also guarantee that you get to participate in certain activities that need to be booked ahead of time.[20]
- Spend some quality time with your family and friends. Summer is a good time to catch up and make new memories with family and friends. Don't be quick to plan a summer centered on yourself. Spending time with the people you love can enhance an experience.[21]
- Instead of routinely going to the cafe or to the park to read a book, invite a close friend for coffee, or gather some family members in the park for a picnic. These will be memories you can look back on fondly as the summer ends.
- Pencil in some lazy days for yourself. While it is good to make plans ahead of time, do not overbook your summer. Schedule in some personal lazy days for you to stay home, binge-watch television, play video games, or whatever it is that you want to do. The summer can go by extremely fast once you develop a routine, so make sure to take some time to relax as well.[22]
- Your lazy days don't have to just be for yourself if you don't want them to be. Maybe you want to chill at home with some friends and have a movie night, or maybe you want to take your dog to the park to play. Just do something that will give you the needed time to relax.
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| How to Clean a Kitchen Posted: 23 May 2020 05:00 PM PDT Cleaning the kitchen may seem a daunting task. Break it up into manageable sections, add some great music and you'll be coasting your way through the cleaning task. Scroll to Step 1 and let's get started. [Edit]Cleaning the Stove Top - Wipe the burners. You have to clean your gas or electric burners every now and then. Gas burners can be removed and washed by hand with warm water and soap. If you are lucky to have gas burners that can go into the dishwasher, throw them in there after you scrub off excess food. For electric burners, wipe debris with a moist sponge.[1]
- The type of grate determines how you wash your burners. If you have an uncoated grate, use a scouring pad to clean the grate. If you have a coated grate, use a soft sponge.
- Wipe the stove surface. Use a sponge and soap, or invest in some Clorox wipes to really break down those stains. If grease spills on your stovetop, clean it up right away because it becomes difficult to remove as it hardens.
- Remove the control knobs and wash them. Wash them in the sink using warm water and mild dish soap. Avoid using a soap that has abrasives or ammonia in it, as these components will wash away the markings on the knobs.
- Wipe the outside of the vent hood. Use a soapy cloth to clean the vent hood. Wash away the suds with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth. Once a month, remove the vent filters and soak them in warm, soapy water. Gently scrub to clean, then let them dry thoroughly before putting them back.[2]
- If you have a stainless steel hood, use a cleaning product meant to be used on stainless steel.
[Edit]Cleaning the Oven - Clean the grates of the oven. Remove the grates from the oven. Fill a tub or bucket with warm, soapy water and soak the grates for several hours. Anything coated on the grates will be easier to scrub off. Use a scouring pad to scrub the grates.
- Give your oven a good cleaning. You should deep-clean your oven every few months, or as soon as it starts to smoke while you are cooking. An effective oven cleaning mixture is ¼ cup salt, ¾ cup baking soda, and ¼ cup water. Cover any bare metal or clog openings with foil so that they do not get damaged by the mixture.[3]
- If you have an electric stove, remove the racks and put the oven on cleaning mode. When the cycle has ended, use a damp cloth to remove any residue left by the cleaning cycle.
- Spread the mixture all over the inside of the oven and let it remain overnight. Use a plastic spatula to remove the mixture. Wipe the oven clean with a rag. Replace the racks when they are dry.
[Edit]Cleaning Out the Fridge - Remove all food from the fridge. Sort through each item. Throw out any items that have expired or gone bad. If possible, do this before going grocery shopping so that the old expired stuff can be thrown out, thus making space for new groceries.
- Combine two tablespoons baking soda and one quart water. Dip a sponge in the solution, then wipe down the entire surfaces of the fridge, making sure to scrub out sticky stains.[4]
- Wipe down every drawer and shelf, not just the main part of the fridge.
- Wipe the solution away with a damp cloth. Dip a clean rag in water and wash away any residue left behind by the baking soda solution. Use a clean towel to dry each surface.
- Leave a box of baking soda in the fridge. If your fridge smells bad, open a box of baking soda and leave it in the fridge. Baking soda absorbs odors and makes your fridge smell fresh.
[Edit]Cleaning the Freezer - Clean out the freezer. First, unplug the refrigerator. After you have done this, remove your frozen items. Throw out expired items and put the rest in a cooler while you clean.
- Cleaning solution. Combine 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon dish soap, and 1 teaspoon white vinegar. Shake the solution well. If possible, put the solution in a spray bottle so you can just spray the whole freezer.[5]
- Spray the freezer with the mixture. Be sure to dowse every surface. If you don't have a spray bottle, dip a clean rag or sponge in the mixture and wipe down every surface. After the freezer has been wiped down, dry it off with paper towels. Plug the refrigerator back in and restore your frozen goods to their proper places.
[Edit]Cleaning Cabinets and Counters - Clean out your cabinets. Whether they contain food, kitchen supplies, or your secret stash of candy, clean your cabinets out every once in a while. Throw away expired items and wipe the cabinets with a wet, soapy rag to remove dust and crumbs.[6]
- Clean the front of your cabinets. Grime and grease can build up on the fronts of cabinets. Wipe them down with a wet rag and dry them thoroughly to avoid any color distortion.
- If you have wooden cabinets, consider using a cleaning supply specifically made for wood.
- Wipe down your counters. You should do this every night after you are done cooking. Use a sponge and soapy water to wipe counters down. Wipe them dry with a clean rag or paper towels.[7]
- You could also buy some cleaning supplies to wipe your counters down with. There are many anti-bacterial sprays, disposable wipes and de-greasing products.
- If your counters are made with granite or stone, you should use cleaning supplies specifically made for that kind of countertop.
[Edit]Cleaning the Sink - Wash all of your dishes. Either rinse dirty dishes and cups and put them in the dishwasher, or wash them in the sink. Make sure to do this before you start cleaning the sink.
- Wipe the basin and fixtures of the sink. To avoid mold growth or water stains, wash the basin with warm, soapy water and a sponge. Rinse along the edge of the basin, as well. Remove water stains from the fixtures.
- Clean around the faucet. To clean hard to reach crannies of the faucet, use a toothbrush dipped in warm, soapy water. Buff out any water spots left behind with a dry cloth.
- Get rid of mineral deposits. If your water has a high mineral content, you may notice a mineral deposits. To get rid of these deposits, combine one part water with one part white vinegar. Gently scrub away the deposit with a rag. Rinse the area and let it dry.[8]
- Keep your garbage disposal working properly. If your sink is having a hard time draining, run the garbage disposal to get rid of anything that might be lurking down there. Its important to sanitize your disposal once in a while as well. Make frozen cubes of vinegar in an ice tray, drop them down the disposal, then pour boiling water into it as you run the disposal. This will also sharpen your garbage disposal's blades.
[Edit]Cleaning Smaller Appliances - Wipe down the microwave. Use warm, soapy water and a sponge to wipe any splatters inside your microwave. For really tough stains, use a mixture of 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 quart of water. Rinse with clean water, then dry with a clean rag.[9]
- Consult appliance manuals on the best way to clean small appliances. While you can simply wipe each part of an appliance (aside from the electrical part) you should always consult the manual that came with the appliance. Appliances you should clean include your...
- Keep all of the appliance parts together. When you clean your appliances, make sure you know where each part goes. Do not lose any parts of the appliance. Clean each appliance one at a time so as not to get confused.
[Edit]Finishing Up - Sweep the floor with a broom and dustpan. Before you deep clean your floor, sweep any specks of dust, crumbs, and garbage that might be on the floor.
- Mop your floor when necessary. Use a mop and bucket of soapy water to deep clean your floor.[10]
- Put everything back in its proper place. After you have finished cleaning, put all cleaning supplies back in their proper place so that you don't trip over them.
- Take out the trash. Last of all, take out the trash. You should do this last because while you are cleaning you will undoubtedly find things you will want to throw away. Wash the trash can with soap and water. Replace the bag with a new one.
- Regularly replace cleaning materials such as rags and sponges, to avoid contamination.
- Play music while you clean to keep yourself motivated and entertained.
- Clean the kitchen frequently so you don't have to do big jobs.
- Use a disinfectant such as Lysol, 409, or Fantastic.
- Cover the tops of your kitchen cabinets with wax paper if they do not go all the way to the ceiling; it will collect grease and dirt. When dirty, just discard and replace.
- If you have a cleaning sponge that is still good but needs cleaning, kill bacteria microwave the sponge when it is soaked full of water for one to two minutes (watching it carefully to ensure that it doesn't dry out and catch on fire), or place the sponge in the dishwasher for a full cleaning cycle.
- Don't forget to clean the kitchen exhaust fan when you notice grease and grime buildup on it.
[Edit]Warnings - Never mix products that contain bleach with products that contain ammonia. The mixture makes a very poisonous gas.
- Never cook and clean at the same time; poisons may contaminate food.
- Keep all cleaning supplies and chemicals away from children and pets.
- Don't use bleach on dark or wooden floors.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Dish soap
- Kitchen cleanser
- Glass cleaner
- Vinegar
- Ammonia
- Baking soda
- Broom
- Cloths or rags
- Kitchen spray
- Disinfectant
- Sponge for washing dishes
- Paper towels
- Floor cleaner
- Mop
- Bucket
- Abrasive sponge or steel wool
- Floor squeegee
- Vacuum
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[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Barbecue Posted: 23 May 2020 09:00 AM PDT Grilling your food gives it a unique, yummy taste, as well as those beautiful black grill marks. Whether you're using a gas grill or a charcoal grill, you'll need to preheat the grill before adding your food. Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness, and be aware that your meat will likely continue cooking after you remove it from the grill. [Edit]Grilling a Simple Meal - Use a charcoal grill for a natural smoky flavor. A charcoal grill requires coals to be lit in order to begin grilling, which can be done using a fire starter and a long match. Wait for the charcoal to heat up for about 20 minutes before starting to cook.[1]
- When you're done with the charcoal grill, close the lid and let the coals cool down naturally before emptying the ashes.
- Charcoal grills get hotter and impart a more natural flavor, but they're more difficult to clean and keep at a constant temperature.
- Opt for a gas grill for an easy-to-use, convenient option. A gas grill often uses a propane tank that will need to be properly attached before starting to cook—you can do this by connecting the grill's gas line to the propane tank nozzle. The gas grill has controls that you can easily turn on and off to light the grill, as well as control the temperature and placement of the fire. [2]
- Gas grills tend to be more expensive but are easier to work and don't take as long to heat up.
- Make sure the gas is turned to the off position before hooking the propane tank up to the grill.
- Keep your grill clean and maintained. Clean your grill lightly before each use and then heavily clean it about once or twice a year. Use a wire-bristle brush to clean food and debris from the tops and bottoms of grates or rods, scraping the brush back and forth against the grate to give it a good cleaning.[3]
- If you're using a charcoal grill, empty the ashes from your previous grilling session, if necessary.
- You can heavily clean your grill by heating up the grill for 15 minutes to loosen any food particles, turning the gas off, and then using a wire-bristle brush dipped in soapy water to scrub the grate clean.
- Use direct heat for faster-cooking foods. If you're cooking something like burgers or hot dogs, it's best to cook them over direct heat since they cook faster. The section of your grill with direct heat will be the hottest.[4]
- A gas grill will have settings, such as Low, Medium, and High, that you can easily adjust to get the right heat level.
- Your charcoal grill will just be set up normally with lit coals underneath.
- Use indirect heat for slow-cooking meats. Foods such as ribs are often cooked over indirect heat for the slow and steady smoky flavor. Set the indirect heat section to low heat on a gas grill, or place your food on the side without coals underneath on a charcoal grill.[5]
- For charcoal grills, keep your coals or briquettes on one side of your grill—the direct heat side—and keep the other side (the indirect heat side)—free of coals.
- Close the lid for slower-cooking foods to keep the heat in.
- Preheat your grill 10-20 minutes before cooking. To preheat your grill, you'll either light your charcoal grill with a chimney starter or turn on the gas to the gas grill. Let your grill heat up for 20 minutes to ensure it's ready to start cooking.[6]
- A gas grill only takes about 10 minutes to warm up while a charcoal grill will take 20.
- To preheat a gas grill, just turn the dial to your desired heat setting.
- To preheat a charcoal grill, light the coals using a flame and flammable material (such as newspaper or lighter fluid).
- Use quality grilling tools throughout the BBQ process. When you go to place your meats or veggies on the grill, use a pair of tongs or a spatula, as these are likely your most useful tools. It's also a good idea to have grilling mitts and aluminum pans that you can use as well.[7]
- Make sure you're not handling cooked foods with a tool that has uncooked meat residue on it.
- Try to flip your food only once or twice to keep in the juices.
- Save basting for the last 2-5 minutes of cooking. If you're putting a sauce or other liquid over your meat, it's best to wait until it's almost done cooking to avoid burning the additional flavor. Use a baster or brush to apply the sauce a few minutes before taking the food off of the grill.[8]
- Test for meat doneness using a thermometer. Stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, keeping it away from the bone. You can use either a dial or digital thermometer, just make sure to wait long enough for the thermometer to get an accurate reading.[9]
- The internal temperature of poultry should be while pork and fish should be .
- Beef ranges from which is rare, to which is well done.
- Make sure you're using a thermometer that's made for meat and poultry.
- Remove the meat from the grill once it reaches its ideal temperature. Your meat will continue to cook for roughly 10 more minutes after you remove it from the grill. If your food is close to done, take it off of the grill and let it sit for a few minutes before cutting into it so that it can continue cooking.[10]
- While your meat will continue to cook a bit after it's removed, don't take it off the grill if it's still undercooked.
[Edit]Choosing Different Foods - Learn how to grill vegetables and fruits for great sides. Lay the veggies and fruits either directly on the grill or wrapped in foil on the grate. Fruits and vegetables have different densities and cooking times, but most should only take about 5-10 minutes on the grill.[11]
- Grilled veggies make an excellent side to a meal, and barbecued fruits, like pineapples or bananas, make a good dessert.
- Denser vegetables such as potatoes benefit from being boiled before you grill them.
- Place the veggies and/or fruits on a kebab to easily grill them.
- Try grilling filet mignon for a tender piece of meat. Most people choose thick cuts for filet mignon, and it's best to cook them over direct heat. Use your meat thermometer to test for doneness, with the cooking time depending largely on the size and thickness of the meat.[12]
- For medium-rare, aim for a temperature of , while an internal temperature of is medium.
- Put salmon on the grill for a tasty fish. It's best if you choose salmon with skin, putting the salmon skinless-side down on the grill first. Cook it until it's a little over halfway cooked before flipping it over to finish grilling.[13]
- It's recommended that you cook your salmon to about and then let it sit and cook off of the grill a while longer.
- Add lemon to your salmon once it's finished for flavor.
- Grill chicken wings for a yummy finger food. You can put the wings in a marinade before cooking them, giving them even more flavor. Grill your chicken wings over medium heat, flipping them over once they look charred on one side. The grilling process should take about 20 minutes.[14]
- Chicken wings should have an internal temperature of —just make sure the thermometer isn't touching the bone if you go to take the temperature.
- Make barbecue ribs for a classic meal. A simple rub makes ribs even better, and they cook well when slow-cooked over indirect heat. If grilling them slowly, it can take about 5-6 hours.[15]
- Check for an internal temperature of at least .
- The size and thickness of your ribs will determine how long it takes them to cook.
- Add wood chips to your grill for that smoky flavor.
- Dip a paper towel in oil and use tongs to pick it up so you can lightly oil the grate, if desired.
- You can barbecue must cuts of meat, including steak, round, brisket, and chunks.
[Edit]Warnings - Keep a fire extinguisher next to your grill in case of unexpected flare-ups. If a flare-up does occur, don't attempt to remove meat from the grill and extinguish the flame completely.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Grill
- Wire bristle brush
- Chimney starter
- Charcoal or gas
- Meat of your choice
- Meat thermometer
- Metal barbecue tongs
- Metal barbecue spatula
- Cooking oil for grates
- Fire extinguisher
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