| How to Think Creatively Posted: 13 Jul 2020 01:00 AM PDT Creative thinking plays a big part in how you express yourself. This type of thinking helps take you move from point A to point B in fun, exciting ways, and helps you to see the world from a new perspective. Just like riding a bike or driving a car, creative thinking is a skill that you can hone and improve with careful practice and patience. You may be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you tackle tasks with creative thought! [Edit]Getting into a Creative Headspace - Focus on your creative ideas when you're a little sleepy. Set aside a few minutes before you go to bed and see if you can have a creative breakthrough. Believe it or not, your brain tends to wander and drift when you're tired, which opens you up to more creative thoughts or ideas. Try tackling a creative challenge before bed and see if you can get a new perspective![1]
- For instance, if you're struggling on an assignment for work, take a look at it when you start to get sleepy. Your sleepiness might take your thoughts in a new, creative direction!
- Work on some of your creative projects at night, like a music project or a novel that you've been working on.
- Get some exercise if you're out of ideas. Take a walk outside, or try some other activity that you enjoy. You don't have to do a full-on workout—just being out and about can send your thoughts in a more creative direction. Exercise can also rid you of some common distractions, like watching TV or listening to your favorite music.[2]
- For instance, if you're feeling uninspired about a poster project for work, take a few minutes to walk around and get a drink of water. Your thought patterns may be more creative and productive after you've moved around some, and you might be able to come up with some cool visuals for your poster!
- You can also think over your creative projects while you're lifting weights, going for a run, jumping rope, or doing any other kind of exercise. Try and find a system that works well for you!
- Play some ambient music in the background to help you think. Look online for free ambient noise soundtracks that you can play in the background while you work. These tracks make you feel like you're outside or in a coffee shop, even if you're working from home. If you have soft background noise playing, you'll be able to think more creatively and tackle your projects from a more creative angle.[3]
- You can get ambient music through phone apples, or you can use websites like "A Soft Murmur" or "Noisli" to get the job done.
- Background chatter may help you focus, or you may prefer the sounds of nature.
- Look to other creators for inspiration. Think about some of your favorite ideas and concepts, whether they're inventions, stories, or some other creative medium. See if you can find connecting points between some of your favorite ideas, which can possibly turn into a unique idea of your very own.[4]
- For instance, if you like stories that take place in a fantasy world with magic, take some time to create your own fictional universe with magical characters and creatures.
- Keep in mind that most stories and ideas aren't completely original—they're created by people connecting the dots between other ideas and concepts.
- If you have to design a motion graphic video for your work, look at some professional portfolios to see how they approached their projects.
- Turn the lights down so you feel a little more inspired. Adjust your light settings so the room is lit without being too bright. If your lights don't have multiple settings, turn on a single lamp while turning off all the other lights in the room. Changing your environment can help you feel more relaxed and like you aren't under a lot of pressure.[5]
- Dimming the lights helps you feel more anonymous, which in turn can help you feel and think more creatively.
- Work in an area with a lot of blue. Search for a room in your home that's painted blue, or has a lot of blue decor. You can also look for a nearby business with blue walls, like a library or coffee shop. Psychologically speaking, the color blue is relaxing, which naturally helps you think more creatively.[6]
- With this in mind, don't try and get any creative work done in a room with red walls or decor. The color red tends to put your mind on edge, which won't foster a lot of creative thought.
- Create a ritual that helps you get in a creative mindset. Think about different activities that help put you in a relaxed and open frame of mind. Take note of any changes to your routine that help you feel more creative, whether it's taking a bath, journaling, calling up a friend, or enjoying a cup of hot tea. Develop a routine for yourself that will naturally put you in a creative frame of mind, which may come in handy for future projects.[7]
- For instance, you might think more creatively after you've listened to a special playlist, or after you've lit a few candles around your workspace.
- Some people have more creative thoughts after taking a nap or getting a good night's sleep.
- Give yourself some limitations so it's easier to focus. Set a time limit for yourself before you start a creative task, like drawing a picture or writing a story. Put yourself under a little bit of pressure to accomplish a certain goal within a specific time limit. These constraints may help you think more creatively, as you'll feel forced to get more done in a certain time limit.[8]
- For instance, you can challenge yourself to write a 500 word story in 10 minutes, or draw 3 basic sketches in an hour.
- To make the stakes a little higher, set a timer for yourself so you know how much time you have left.
[Edit]Trying Creative Exercises - Consume new media that isn't in your usual wheelhouse. Think about the movies, TV shows, and books that you usually gravitate towards. Look for fictional works in a different genre, or a genre that you don't watch very often. You may be surprised at how many creative thoughts and ideas you can come up with when you experience something that's completely out of your comfort zone.[9]
- For instance, if you enjoy fantasy-driven shows and media, consider listening to a true crime podcast for a change of pace.
- If you like realistic fiction books, you might enjoy reading a science fiction book instead.
- If you usually draw digitally, try playing around with more physical mediums, like charcoal or oil paints.
- Write freely about nothing in particular. Give yourself a few minutes to write your thoughts out on a paper. Don't restrict yourself to a single topic—just write about whatever comes into your mind. It's okay if your writing doesn't make a lot of sense—just getting your thoughts out may help you think and feel more productively and creatively.[10]
- For this exercise, just open up a blank document on a word processor or set out a piece of scratch paper. Let your imagination do the rest!
- Try a new food to put yourself in a creative mood. Switch up your new menu and prepare a meal or snack that you wouldn't usually eat. Experiencing new flavors and sensations may put you in a more creative frame of mind. You can cook something at home, or visit a new restaurant if you don't feel like cooking yourself.[11]
- For instance, if you usually eat light foods like sandwiches and salad, try a more savory dish like curry instead.
- Check the international aisle of your grocery store to look for snacks that you haven't tried before.
- Write down a list of different creative ideas for an upcoming project. If you're blocked on an idea, give yourself a few minutes to sit and go through all the creative thoughts and ideas running through your mind. As you jot down your thoughts, try to come up with more creative ideas. It's okay if your ideas aren't that great—just write down whatever comes to mind. Once you get the ball rolling, you may be able to think more creatively.[12]
- For instance, you can write down a list of story ideas, or a list of things to do on a hot summer day.
- If you're out of ideas for a company newsletter, write down different article ideas or columns that your readers might like.
- You can also write down a list of things to do with your friends while you're stuck at home.
[Edit]Staying Positive and Encouraged - Separate yourself from a creative task so you can think more clearly. Take a step back and pretend you're viewing your task or project through the eyes of a neutral third-party. Ask yourself what kind of audience you're catering to, and what your end goal is. Thinking outside of your own head might help you think more creatively and get some new ideas.[13]
- For instance, ask yourself: "What kind of content is my target audience interested in?" or "How do I successfully convey feelings of happiness in my art?"
- Use daydreams and naps as a way to recharge. Take some of the pressure off yourself and view things in a more laid-back fashion. Play out your thoughts in a daydream to see if you can come up with any new ideas.[14] If you're feeling especially burned out, take a quick nap to keep yourself refreshed.[15]
- Daydreams and naps are a good supplement to creative thinking, but they aren't a replacement.
- Be patient with yourself and your ideas. You won't be able to think creatively if you're always giving up on yourself. If you're feeling a bit blocked, take a few minutes to relax your muscles and take several deep breaths. Don't beat yourself up—instead, trust in yourself and your ideas.[16]
- Taking a few minutes to step away from your ideas may help you see things from a new perspective.
- Watch a movie in a movie theater to help yourself think creatively. All of the new sensations from a movie theater may help put you in a creative mood![17]
- A messy area, like a desk, may help inspire more creative thought.[18]
[Edit]References |
| How to Make Cashew Milk Posted: 12 Jul 2020 05:00 PM PDT Cashew milk is a great substitute for dairy or soy milk, and it's easy to make at home in the blender. Unlike other nut milks, you don't have to strain it, although you can if you want it to be extra smooth. To make cashew milk, soak raw cashews overnight, drain, then blend with water. Sweeten your homemade milk with honey or maple syrup, or flavor it with chocolate or strawberries! [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Cashew Milk - 1 cup (125 g) raw cashews
- distilled water
- maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 3-6 pitted dates (optional)
- vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons (16 g) cacao powder (for chocolate milk)
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cinnamon (for cinnamon milk)
- 3 cups (600 g) fresh strawberries (for strawberry milk)
Makes about [Edit]Making Blended Cashew Milk - Choose fresh, raw cashews for the best milk. Cashews, like all nuts, can go rancid, and rancid nuts will also produce rancid milk. Find a cashew supplier with fresh nuts to use for your milk. You will also get the best taste if you use raw cashews that haven't been roasted or salted.[1]
- Store the cashews in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them. They will stay fresh for about 4 months this way.[2]
- Soak 1 c (125 g) of cashews in water for at least 2 hours for extra creamy milk. To do this, put the nuts into a bowl or large glass jar. Then, cover them with filtered water and add a pinch of sea salt. Cover the container with a kitchen towel and leave the nuts to soak at room temperature for at least 2 hours. You can also leave them overnight or up to 48 hours. The longer the cashews soak, the creamier your milk will be.[3]
- If you forget to soak your cashews before you make the milk, you can also put them in hot water for 15 minutes to soften them up a bit.
- You can make cashew milk with unsoaked cashews, but the milk's texture will not be as creamy.
- Drain the cashews and discard the soak water. Place a sieve or a spaghetti strainer over the sink and pour the cashews and their soak water into it. Don't use the soak water to make the milk. Rinse the cashews thoroughly in the sieve under cool water.[4]
- Blend the cashews and some fresh water on high for 1-2 minutes. Add distilled water and 1 cup (125 g) raw cashews to a high-powered blender. Blend until the milk is smooth and creamy.[5]
- Strain the cashew milk through a cheesecloth to get a smoother texture. Cashew milk does not have to be strained, but if you want a smoother texture you can strain it. To do this, line a fine-mesh strainer with 2 layers of cheesecloth. Place it over a large bowl. Pour the nut milk through the strainer. Gather the ends of the cheesecloth and twist closed. Squeeze and press the bundle of nut pulp inside the cheesecloth to get as much of the nut milk out into the bowl as possible.[6]
- Unstrained cashew milk has a tendency to separate in the fridge and will need to be stirred before serving.
- Save the cashew pulp for other recipes. Freeze it in a sealable plastic bag or an ice tray and pop it into your next smoothie for a hint of nutty flavor. Add some to your oatmeal or to cookie or muffin dough. Try folding it into homemade granola before you bake it.[7]
- Store the cashew milk in a sealed container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Cashew milk goes sour pretty easily, so it's best to make it in small batches and drink it within 2-3 days. If you used unsoaked cashews, your milk will keep in the refrigerator for about 5 days.[8]
- The cashew milk has gone bad if it turns yellow, smells sour, or becomes more slimy in texture.[9]
[Edit]Sweetening and Flavoring Homemade Cashew Milk - Make your cashew milk sweeter with vanilla extract and honey. Before you blend your cashews, add vanilla extract and honey to the blender. This will give some sweetness to the cashew milk without changing its original flavor too much.
- For a vegan option, use 3-6 pitted dates or maple syrup instead of honey.
- Make chocolate cashew milk for a cool, refreshing alternative to hot cocoa. If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth on a hot summer day, make your cashew milk chocolate-flavored. Add 2 tablespoons (16 g) cacao powder to the blender before you blend the milk.
- Mix up cashew milk that's perfect for cold weather by adding cinnamon. Add 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cinnamon to the blender with the cashews and water. The cinnamon will add a nice spicy flavor to the milk and is the perfect cold drink for the holidays.
- If you are craving a hot drink, add the cinnamon cashew milk to your latte for a warm and cozy kick of cinnamon spice.
- Make extra creamy, thick strawberry cashew milk for a special treat. Use fresh strawberries in your cashew milk for a decadent sweet treat. Simply add 3 cups (600 g) fresh strawberries to the blender with the cashews and water.[10]
- Unstrained strawberry cashew milk will have more of a milkshake texture. If you want to keep the strawberry flavor but give it a more milk-like consistency, strain the milk with a cheesecloth after you've blended it.
- Make a thinner or thicker milk by adjusting the amount of water you use. For baking or making lattes, dilute the milk by adding an extra of water.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Jug
- Blender
- Sieve or spaghetti strainer
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional)
- Cheesecloth (optional)
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Posted: 12 Jul 2020 09:00 AM PDT Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a quick and easy dish that takes only a matter of minutes to prepare! It is often enjoyed without adding any extra ingredients, as it is smooth, creamy, and delicious all on its own. If you like, you can upgrade this regular boxed dish to something a bit more special by adding ingredients such as bacon, ginger, cherry tomatoes, or chili beans. However you choose to prepare your Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, it is sure to always be a success. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Making Standard Kraft Macaroni and Cheese - of water
- 1 package of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
- 1/4 cup (55 g) of margarine
- of milk
Makes 3 servings [Edit]Upgrading Kraft Macaroni and Cheese - 3 slices of American cheese
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1/2 tsp (5.7 g) of chipotle in adobo
- 1 tbsp (3.1 g) of fresh ginger, grated
- of sriracha hot sauce
- 1/4 cup (25 g) of green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup (25 g) of panko
- 1/2 cup (74.5 g) of cherry tomatoes, halved
- of mozzarella balls
- 1 can of chili beans
- 1/4 cup (25 g) of cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (115 g) of sour cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
- Curry powder, to taste
[Edit]Making Standard Kraft Macaroni and Cheese - Bring of water to a boil in a saucepan. Pour the water into the saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stovetop and adjust the temperature to high. Wait until the water begins to bubble rapidly.[1]
- Cook the macaroni for 7-8 minutes. Open the package with the dry macaroni in it. Carefully pour it into the boiling water, taking care not to splash the water. Stir the macaroni occasionally as it cooks. When the macaroni feels tender, this means that it is ready.[2]
- Pick up a piece of macaroni using a fork when 7 minutes is up to check that it feels tender. If not, continue boiling the macaroni for an extra 30 seconds and then check it again.[3]
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the macaroni.[4]
- Avoid overcooking the macaroni as it will turn mushy.
- Drain the water from the macaroni. Remove the saucepan from the heat once the macaroni is tender. Place a colander in the sink and gently tip the contents of the saucepan into it. The water will drain away, leaving the macaroni in the colander.[5]
- Don't rinse the macaroni with fresh water.
- Place the macaroni, margarine, milk, and cheese sauce mix into the saucepan. Transfer the macaroni from the colander back into the saucepan. Add 1/4 cup (55 g) of margarine, of milk, and the cheese sauce mix into the saucepan.[6]
- The cheese sauce mix is the second packet in the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese box.
- Stir the ingredients to combine them. Use a wooden spoon to mix together the macaroni, margarine, milk, and cheese sauce. Continue stirring until the cheese sauce, milk, and margarine has dissolved into a smooth and creamy sauce.[7][8]
- Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately or store it in the refrigerator. Divide the macaroni and cheese into individual serving bowls. If you don't want to eat it straight away, let it cool before placing it into an airtight container. Store the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.[9]
[Edit]Upgrading Kraft Macaroni and Cheese - Replace some of the margarine with American cheese to make the dish creamier. Once you have cooked the macaroni and are adding the ingredients into the saucepan to make the cheese sauce, replace half of the margarine with 3 slices of American cheese. This means that you will add 1/8 cup (27.5 g) of margarine, 3 slices of American cheese, of milk, and the cheese sauce mix into the saucepan with the macaroni.
- The American cheese will melt as you stir it in.
- Alternatively, you can add all of the required margarine and 3 slices of American cheese if you want the dish to be extra cheesy However, the dish will become more greasy.
- Mix in bacon and chipotle for a spicy and smoky dish. Fry 4 slices of bacon while the macaroni is cooking. Slice the bacon into small pieces once it is cooked. Stir in the bacon pieces and 1/2 tsp (5.7 g) of chipotle in adobo once the macaroni and cheese is ready.[10]
- Add sriracha, ginger, green onions, and panko for a more decadent dish. Add a zing of flavor to amp up a regular boxed macaroni and cheese dish. When the dish is complete, stir in 1 tbsp (3.1 g) of freshly grated ginger and of sriracha hot sauce. Then sprinkle 1/4 cup (25 g) of green onions and 1/4 cup (25 g) of panko over the top of the dish.[11]
- Panko are Japanese breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the amount of ginger and sriracha hot sauce to taste.
- Use cherry tomatoes and basil to make a Margarita-themed dish. Cook the macaroni and cheese first. Then stir in 1/2 cup (74.5 g) of halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup (6.25 g) of fresh, chopped basil. This will also make the dish more colorful![12] of mozzarella balls.}}
- Add chili beans and cheddar cheese to make a hearty meal. Heat up 1 can of chili beans while the macaroni and cheese is cooking. When it's ready, pour the chili beans over the dish and sprinkle 1/4 cup (25 g) of shredded cheddar cheese on top.[13]
- Add 1/2 cup (115 g) of sour cream just before serving if you prefer.
- Add your favorite powdered seasonings to jazz it up. Keep it simple by preparing the macaroni and cheese as normal and mixing through salt and freshly ground black pepper once it is ready. Alternatively, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of curry powder to add a spicy hit to this favorite dish.[14]
- You can freeze Kraft macaroni and cheese in an airtight container or a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Although it will keep indefinitely, its quality will start to degrade after 2 months.[15]
- Always freeze the cheese sauce with the macaroni, otherwise it will go mushy when it is thawed.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Fork
- Colander
- Serving bowls
- Airtight container
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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