| How to Polish Silver Rings Posted: 09 Mar 2021 12:00 AM PST Silver tarnishes as it's exposed to air and light. Fortunately, restoring your silver to its original gleam can be done fairly easily. Whether you use a combination of baking soda and vinegar, salt and lemon juice, beer, aluminum foil and baking soda, silver polish, or toothpaste to get the job done, you'll have your silver looking brand new in no time! Plus, each method is effective for rings with diamonds, gems, or other precious stones in them. [Edit]Cleaning Rings with Baking Soda and Vinegar - Mix of vinegar and 2 tbsp (28.3 g) of baking soda. Pour the 2 ingredients in a small plastic container. Then, stir the mixture 4-5 times with a spoon. You will start to see a bubbling reaction.[1]
- You can use a metal or glass container if you'd like.
- Submerge your rings in the solution for 2-3 hours. Ensure the rings are completely submerged the entire time. Otherwise, you'll have an uneven clean. Check the rings every 30 minutes to see that they're completely soaked in the solution. Take them out of the mixture after 2 hours to keep tabs on their progress.[2]
- If the rings don't look clean after 2 hours, stick them back in the solution and wait 1 more hour.
- Scrub the rings with a toothbrush. Remove the rings from the baking soda and vinegar solution after a few hours. Use a toothbrush to scrub and polish the rings, paying special attention to particularly tarnished areas.[3]
- Rinse the rings under cold water to remove residue. Turn on your faucet and let the water get cold. Then, place the ring under the water stream and rinse it for 15-20 seconds to remove the vinegar and baking soda residue.[4]
- Dry the rings with a soft, clean cloth. Use a new, lint-free piece of cloth to remove any remaining residue and buff the rings. Make sure to flip the cloth over and use both sides to clean the rings. Otherwise, some of the residue could rub back onto the rings and you'll have to start over.[5]
- Do not use a paper towel to clean the rings, as this could scratch the silver.
[Edit]Soaking Your Rings in Beer - Pour a fresh beer into a glass or bowl. Use a regular, unopened beer to clean light tarnish off of your rings. Open the beer and transfer it into a glass or bowl.[6]
- You only need enough beer to cover your rings, so you may not need to use the entire can or bottle.
- Soak your rings for 10-15 minutes. Place your rings into the glass or bowl, then set a timer for 10-15 minutes. Allow your rings to soak so that the beer has time to remove the tarnish.[7]
- Leaving your rings in the beer for longer than 15 minutes won't harm them, but it's not necessary.
- Rinse your rings with warm water. Hold the rings under a stream of running water to rinse off the beer. Make sure you rinse the rings thoroughly to remove all of the beer.[8]
- Be careful not to drop the rings. It may be a good idea to close the drain in the sink just in case.
- Dry your rings using a soft cloth. First, soak up any excess water. Then, use the cloth to lightly buff the rings to remove any remaining tarnish. Your rings should look shiny and clean![9]
[Edit]Using Lemon Juice and Salt - Add of warm water to a bowl. Use a measuring cup to pour the correct amount of water into a bowl. Use warm water so that the salt will more easily dissolve.[10]
- Don't use hot water because you don't want to accidentally burn yourself.
- Stir 1 tbsp (17 g) of salt and of lemon juice into the water. Measure out the correct amount of salt and lemon juice. Add them to your warm water, then stir the ingredients together with a spoon until the salt dissolves.[11]
- It should only take a couple of minutes to mix the ingredients.
- Add .5 cups (34 grams) of dry milk to the mixture. Measure out the dry milk, then slowly pour it into the bowl. Stir the mixture with a spoon until the dry milk completely dissolves in the water. Once the water is an opaque, milky white, your solution is ready to use.[12]
- You can try doing this method without the milk. If you don't want to use dry milk, triple the amount of salt and lemon juice you use. Add 3 tbsp (51 g) of salt and of lemon juice.
- Place your rings in the solution and soak for 6-8 hours. Slowly drop your rings into your homemade cleaning solution. Then, leave them to sit for at least 6-8 hours. This gives the solution time to work.[13]
- You can leave them to soak overnight for an easy option. Otherwise, set a timer so you can check on them in 6-8 hours.
- Remove your rings and rinse them in warm water. Use a fork or slotted spoon to retrieve your rings from the cleaning solution. Then, hold your rings under warm running water. Rinse your rings until all of the cleaning solution is removed.[14]
- Be careful that you don't accidentally drop your rings in the sink. It's best to close the drain just in case.
- Dry your rings with a soft cloth. Pat your rings dry to remove any excess moisture. Then, use your cloth to buff the rings, which should remove any remaining tarnish. Your rings should look shiny and tarnish-free![15]
[Edit]Polishing Rings with Aluminum Foil - Place aluminum foil along the bottom and sides of a bowl. You can use a plastic, glass, or metal bowl or dish for this process. Rip off a sheet of aluminum foil and use it to cover the entire inside of the bowl.[16]
- To ensure the aluminum foil fits securely, wrap it around the edges of the bowl and press down firmly to lock it in place.
- Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Use enough water to fill the dish that's covered in aluminum foil. Place the pot on the stove and turn the burner to high. Keep the pot on the stove until the water comes to a roaring boil.[17]
- The aluminum foil dish doesn't need to be that big to fit a couple of rings, so you won't need a lot of water. As a result, it should come to a boil within a few minutes.
- Add 1 tbsp (14.3 g) of baking soda per of water. If you're working with an container, you'll only need of water and therefore only of baking soda. Pour the baking soda into the water and stir the mixture for about 5 minutes.[18]
- The solution will froth and bubble a little bit.
- Put the rings in the dish so that they're touching the aluminum foil. Set the rings at the bottom of the dish. Depending on how many rings you're trying to clean, some of the rings might touch up against the side of the dish. This is why it's important to have the sides of the dish covered in aluminum foil as well. Let the rings sit on top of the aluminum foil for 5 minutes.[19]
- In order for the chemical reaction to occur, the rings need to be touching the aluminum foil at all times.
- Pour the solution into the dish to soak the rings. Remove the mixture from the stove and slowly pour it into the dish. Wear oven mitts and pour carefully. Let the rings sit in the solution for 10 minutes.[20]
- Depending on the level of tarnish, the job might be done in 2 minutes. Check your rings every few minutes to see how much of the tarnish has worn off. Once the rings look shiny and polished, you can remove them from the solution with tongs.
- Allow the rings to dry on a towel for 15 minutes. Take the rings out of the solution and put them on a kitchen towel. You can finish drying the rings off by wiping them with a clean, white cloth.[21]
- This process works for anything that's made of silver.
[Edit]Using Silver Polish to Clean Your Rings - Put a small amount of polish on a clean cloth. You get can silver polish at your local hardware store or buy a bottle online. Squeeze out a dab of polish and rub it into the cloth. You can dampen the cloth if you'd like.[22]
- You can get a bottle of silver polish for under $10.
- Rub the polish in an up-and-down motion. Don't rub the polish in a circular motion. If you do this, you'll highlight the scratches in the rings. Place your fingers in the cloth and gently rub the polish over each part of your rings. The polish will eliminate the tarnish and make your silver rings shine.[23]
- Rinse the rings and dry them with a cloth. Run the faucet for 2 minutes so that the water becomes warm. Once the water heats up, place the rings underneath the faucet to remove any excess polish. Then, buff the rings with a new, dry cloth to get the shine you're looking for.[24]
- Clean the rings with an unused cloth to avoid putting the tarnish or polish back on the rings.
[Edit]Utilizing Non-Gel Toothpaste to Clean Your Rings - Apply toothpaste to your silver rings. Put a dollop of toothpaste directly on the silver. Apply the same amount of toothpaste you would use to brush your teeth. It doesn't matter where on the ring you put the toothpaste because you'll be spreading it evenly with your toothbrush.[25]
- Wet a toothbrush lightly and brush the rings, then wipe off the toothpaste. Add a few drops of water to your toothbrush and vigorously scrub the toothpaste into the rings. Get in all the tough to reach spots, such as any engravings. The toothpaste will eliminate the tarnish and make your silver look good as new.[26]
- Use a new, clean, soft-bristled toothbrush for this job.
- Wipe off any excess toothpaste with a dry cloth.
- Rinse the remaining toothpaste off with cold water and dry your rings. Turn on your faucet and place each ring under the running water for about 30 seconds. Be sure to remove all the toothpaste and tarnish residue[27]
- Pat the rings dry with a cloth when you're done.
- You can prevent tarnishing by keeping your silver rings in an anti-tarnish bag. Put a piece of chalk in the bag to soak up any moisture that gets inside.[28]
- Wearing your rings often will also help prevent tarnishing because the friction will rub off the tarnish.[29]
[Edit]References |
| How to Get Someone to Talk About Themselves Posted: 08 Mar 2021 04:00 PM PST Conversations are all about finding a balance of give and take—but what happens when you're the only one giving? Not to worry—whether it's a casual acquaintance or loved one, there are plenty of ways to get someone to open up. Here are a few conversational tips and tricks to help you get started! [Edit]Create a welcoming environment. - Let the other person know that they're in a safe space. It can be tough for someone to open up, especially if they don't know you well. Remind them that they're in a judgment-free zone, and that you're here to listen and be supportive.[1]
- You might say something like, "I promise that anything you share will stay between us" or "I'm always here to lend a listening ear."
[Edit]Be an active listener. - Show the other person that they have your full attention. Maintain eye contact whenever you have a chat, so they know you're paying attention. As they speak, focus on listening instead of interrupting or speaking over them—this might encourage them to open up a little more.[2]
- If you have a phone or laptop nearby, set it aside so the person knows you're paying attention.
[Edit]Ask about their day. - People enjoy talking about themselves. Believe it or not, research shows that talking about yourself is as enjoyable as eating a delicious meal or spending money.[3] Invite people to talk about their day, their plans for the weekend, or anything else about their personal life. Chances are, the person might want to share![4]
- Questions like "Got any plans for the weekend?" or "See any good movies lately?" could inspire someone to talk about themselves.
[Edit]Talk about their interests. - Ask about their hobbies, interests, and side projects. Most people love talking about their passions, and these types of questions can really help get the conversation going. Take a close look at their outfit, jewelry, or accessories and see if they hint at a particular hobby.[5]
- For instance, if someone is wearing a sports jersey or hoodie, you might ask them if they enjoy watching a certain sport.
[Edit]Request advice. - Advice is a more subtle way to get someone to open up. While offering some advice, the person might share a similar experience they dealt with. In fact, experts agree that asking for advice is a great way to leave a positive impression on the people around you.[6]
- You might ask something like "What should I do in this situation?" or "What would you do if you were in my position?"
[Edit]Try the 2-question technique. - The 2-question technique involves asking a positive question followed by a general one. Start off the conversation by asking about something positive in a person's life. Then, ask a second, broader question about how they're doing. Research shows that people are more likely to reply positively about their life if they're already thinking about something positive.[7]
- You could ask "How is your cat doing?" as an opening question to a cat-loving friend. Then, segue into asking about how their day is going.
- Ask about any topic that will definitely make the other person happen—this might be their family, an upcoming vacation, or something else altogether.
- A person might be more willing to open up if they're already thinking about something positive.
[Edit]Parrot the 3 words they just said. - Repeating a person's last 3 words keeps the conversation going. Careful repetition also proves that you were listening closely in a conversation, which fosters trust. Just repeat the last 3 words that a person says—chances are, they'll continue talking even more about themselves.[8]
- For instance, a work acquaintance might say something like, "I can't wait to go to my family's beach house in Florida." In response, you might say, "A house in Florida?" Then, they might talk more about their upcoming vacation.
[Edit]Reply calmly. - Anxious people might worry about saying the "wrong" thing. As you speak with them, speak in a calm tone of voice instead of acting surprised. A calm response will put them at ease, and inspire them to share even more with you.[9]
- Simple phrases like "oh, of course" can really put an anxious person at ease, and encourage them to open up.
[Edit]Act like a role model. - Share a story from your own life. It can be tough for someone to open up if you haven't shared anything, either. Break the ice by offering up an anecdote of your own. If you open up the conversation, they might feel more at ease.[10]
- You might share a story about your weekend, or about something funny that happened to you.
- Ask follow-up questions once you're done sharing your story! This could help keep the conversation going.
[Edit]Be empathetic. - Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes. As the person opens up, let them know that you understand what they're saying. If the other person feels heard and supported, they might continue to open up and talk more about themselves.[11]
- You might say something like, "I totally get that" or "That's definitely happened to me before."
- If you're having a deep discussion with a friend or loved one, state what you'd like to get out of the conversation at the very beginning. This may help make the conversation a little more productive.[12]
[Edit]Warnings - Don't nag or beg for someone to open up. Personal conversations and connections take time to develop.[13]
[Edit]References |
| How to Start Working Out Posted: 08 Mar 2021 08:00 AM PST Although nearly everyone likes the idea of regularly exercising or hitting the gym, maintaining the motivation to exercise regularly is a different story. It can be tough to establish and maintain a workout regimen. Fortunately, there are some tricks that can help you. Focus on establishing and meeting easily attainable exercise goals. Instead of getting frustrated and giving up when you don't see results immediately, focus on exercising 2 or 3 times a week, for as little as 20-30 minutes each time.
[Edit]Setting Clear Goals - Talk to your doctor before beginning a workout regimen. If you're a rookie to the workout game, check with your doctor to see if there are any types of workouts or exercises that you need to avoid. This is especially important if you suffer from any chronic illnesses or have a physical disability. If this is the case, it's wise to consult a doctor.
- If you're a male over 45 or a woman over 55, do not start an exercise regimen without speaking to your doctor first.
- Your physician may even be able to suggest some specific exercises that you can safely perform.
- Choose an exercise goal and a timeframe in which to accomplish it.[1] This can be totally different for each person. Maybe you want to build muscle, maybe you want to lose weight, or maybe you want to keep your body fit and healthy. Having a clear goal will motivate you to continue exercising even when you don't feel like it. Aim for something specific: to run a half-marathon in 6 months, or to perform 30 push-ups per minute in 3 weeks.[2]
- Think about what you want to be good at. Maybe you don't have a weight goal or a waistline goal, but you want to be able to run a 5k, no problem.
- Many people exercise so they can lose a little weight. Do you want to be thinner around the waist by summer? lighter in 6 months? Lose 5% of your body fat by next year?
- Make sure to set healthy goals for yourself. Don't try to lose an excessive amount of weight in a short amount of time. If you're uncertain whether an exercise or weight-loss goal is healthy or not, check with your doctor.
- Make exercise a priority in your schedule. It's easy to fill up your free time with activities other than working out. To avoid this situation, prioritize daily (or weekly) exercise over other inessential parts of your day. Making exercise your first priority will ensure that it doesn't get put off as mundane obligations start to pile up during the day.[3]
- For example, set your alarm an hour earlier and get in some time at the gym before work every morning. Or, let your friends know that you can't make it out for happy hour, since you need to exercise right after work.
- Conversely, be careful not to obsess over exercising, or to cut off social ties for the sake of working out. Keep yourself motivated by interspersing exercise with other components of your life.
[Edit]Choosing the Right Workouts for You - Join a gym if you like a mix of strength and cardio. A gym's main benefit is convenience: it has cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights (among other equipment) all in 1 place. If your main exercise goals are to improve your heart rate, lose weight, or bulk up on muscle, a gym is the best place to start.[4]
- Don't worry about feeling intimidated by other gym members, either. Most people at gyms are supportive of one another and mind their own business.
- Average gym membership costs can range from $20-45 USD per month. If that's more than you can afford, try looking around for a discount gym in your area. Discount gyms may have fewer machines and weights but can cost as little as $10 USD per month.
- Try yoga if you're looking for a low-impact exercise. Yoga is a great add-on exercise to a cardio routine, and it is very relaxing. Look into yoga if you'd like a calming, centering experience that also stretches and builds tone in your muscles.
- Many YouTube channels offer yoga guidance. You can also look into taking a yoga class at a nearby gym.
- Take group classes for extra motivation. Being around a group of other people who are doing the same exercise routine as you are can be fun. You'll be motivated to keep up with everybody else in the group, and can make some friends among your classmates. Taking classes is also a great way to figure out which type of exercise you enjoy most and would like to pursue further.[5]
- Most gyms and workout facilities offer classes at all different skill levels. If you're just starting a new type of exercise—e.g., a spin class or yoga class—check out the beginner-level course.
- Work with a personal trainer if you want more individual attention. A trainer can familiarize you with the gym, show you how equipment works, and answer any exercise-related questions you may have. Even if you don't plan to work with a personal trainer long-term, having 2 or 3 sessions with a trainer can be a great way to learn about different types of exercise and find one that you enjoy.[6]
- Depending on the gym you're a member at, you may be entitled to a free session with a personal trainer just for signing up.
- Once the free sessions have expired, you'll be looking at an average cost of $80-125 USD per session to work with the trainers. If you'd like a less-expensive option, see if trainers at the gym offer group-training sessions.[7]
- You can also hire a private personal trainer to come to your home, but this is a much more expensive option.
- Work out at home if you have time or financial constraints. If you don't have the time or money to purchase a gym membership, you can easily find ways to work out at your own home. You can purchase a few small weights and do simple exercises while lying on your bed. Or, carry a heavy object around with you while you're going about your day.[8]
- You can purchase barbells or dumbbells at a local sport-supply store. If you're more inclined towards cardio, purchase a jump rope and jump for 15–20 minutes a day.
- Focus on the basics of weight training. Nobody starts out curling or bench pressing . Begin your weight training with simple, reliable workouts that effectively build muscle. Start doing 4 to 8 different exercises, making sure to work out different muscle groups. Don't go for heavy weight when you start—it's better to lift lighter and maintain the right form.[9] Good weight lifts include:
- Use a fitness app to track your progress. If you have a smartphone or tablet, download 1 or 2 fitness tracker apps to log your progress and monitor weekly improvements. Using an app can help motivate you to work out regularly, by allowing you to track calories, steps, sleep cycles, and other elements related to exercise and health.[11] Try out apps like:
- MyFitnessPal, which allows you to track calories in the food you eat and features a step counter.
- Sworkit, which provides exercise videos that show you how to perform over 200 types of workout.
- MapMyRun, which will present you with multiple route options in your area based on how far and long you want to run.
- Find a workout buddy for accountability. It's easy to get burned out on exercise if you're doing it alone. To prevent this fatigue, find a friend who wants to start an exercise program too. Ask if they'd like to join you on your bi-weekly trips to the gym, or a daily jog. Having a friend or 2 around to work out with will help keep you accountable and ensure that you stick to your exercise schedule.[12]
- If you have a friend who already regularly works out, ask if you can join in on their schedule.
[Edit]Implementing a Workable Routine - Select days and times when you can exercise. This will help the exercise regimen become a habit. In order to integrate this into your lifestyle, you'll need to make it a priority.[13] To do this, set aside a time at least a few days a week. For example, plan to run for an hour every morning a 7am. Or, plan to hit the gym on Mondays from 6 to 8 pm.
- Getting over the initial hump will be the hardest part. If you exercise sporadically, whenever you feel like it, you'll fail to start an effective habit.
- Start with some simple exercises. For general-purpose exercise, it's best to develop a well-rounded exercise regimen. As you figure out what exercises you prefer, you can later tailor your regimen and goals towards these exercises. Focus on strength training and cardio workouts at first.[14]
- Try incorporating cardiovascular activity to your workouts. Start out simple with walking or running, whether on a treadmill or a trail. Do this for 20 minutes, 3-5 times a week.[15]
- Incorporate strength-training exercises (like free weights or weight machines) into your weekly workouts too. Exercise all of your major muscle groups (chest and arms, legs, and core) at least 2–3 times a week.[16]
- Put together a fun exercise playlist. You'll be more motivated to start exercise—and to keep going—if you have energetic music to listen to. Put together an hour's worth of upbeat rock, pop, or hip-hop songs. Listening to music while exercising will distract you from the pain your muscles are in, and motivate you to push your body.[17]
- Or, if you don't have time to put your own playlist together, find pre-made workout playlists on music streaming sites like Spotify or Pandora.
- Sneak in a few mini-workouts throughout the day. You don't have to spend hours at the gym in order to exercise. There are plenty of short, effective workouts you can do during the day, whether at an office building or your home.[18] You can work out at your office or work desk and get in some cardio exercise without even leaving your office.
- For example, if you work in an office building, take a 20-minute walk during lunch. Or, jog up and down the stairs for 15 minutes to raise your heart rate.
- Or, every 2 hours, take a 10-minute break to do 30 push-ups and 30 sit-ups.
- Don't exhaust yourself in the early phases of exercising. At the beginning, it's very important to know what you're capable of and listen to your body. Once you find yourself getting very short of breath, or your legs feel weak and wobbly, it's time to stop running. Or, if your arms are shaking and you're worried you may drop a weight on yourself, stop lifting immediately.
- If you feel pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea, take a break. You may be pushing yourself too hard.
- Allow recovery time after each workout. Give your body 1 day off to recover between sessions. You may not be able to exercise tomorrow, but you'll be able to exercise in the long run. Don't work out the same muscle group two days in a row—the muscles are literally ripping as you strengthen them.[19]
- For strength training, it's very important to give your muscles 24 to 48 hours to repair themselves. Let them heal. If your muscles are still sore after 1 day off, add an extra off-day to be safe.
[Edit]Creating New Habits - Make new goals that reflect your improving fitness level. When you feel it's time, reassess your fitness level. If you've already met your weight-loss goal, you can decide if you want to lose more weight, or start thinking about muscle definition instead. If your goal was to bench press , keep working and set a new goal of benching .
- Your expanded goals don't have to be limited to the gym. Have you been hiking that one trail without fail and with ease since you started? Time for the harder one.
- Or, lengthen the amount of time you work out. Instead of working out twice a week for 20 minutes, start working out 4 times a week for 30 minutes.
- As another alternative, if you're happy with the way your body looks and the amount of muscle tone you've gained, you can set a new goal to maintain your current strength and appearance.
- Try different types of workouts and exercises. Maybe your workout routine includes various activities, such as walking, bicycling, or rowing. If you crave more variety, don't stop there. Take a weekend hike with your family or spend an evening ballroom dancing.[20]
- As you explore activities, you'll most likely find something that tickles your fancy. When you do, latch onto it. Was swing dancing surprisingly enjoyable? Great! That's one more hour each week you'll stay moving.
- If you've been running that same 5k five days a week, take it outside. Find a new trail, start running at night, or start for a 7k. If that's not enough, pick up a new activity entirely. A yoga fan? Try Pilates. Always wanted to try kickboxing? Go for it.
- Build up the frequency of your exercise sessions. As you progress, you'll find that your routine is just too easy. It may be tempting to be content with that, but push yourself. For example, it's smart to start exercising with 2 workouts per week. After 6 months at this rate, add a third exercise session per week. Then, in another month, add a fourth and fifth.[21]
- You can also alternate different types of workouts. For example, hit the gym on Tuesday and Thursday, and run a couple miles on Monday and Wednesday.
- If your goal is weight loss, know that is 3,500 calories. You need to create a 500 calories a day deficit by reducing your caloric intake and working out (if you're on a balanced diet) to lose a week. Or, create a deficit of 500 calories every other day to lose in 2 weeks.
- Don't force yourself to do exercises that you hate. Going to the gym does not have to be your only option. If you like swimming, dancing, or hiking, great! These are all exercises, too.
- Finding friends to exercise with can keep you motivated and hold you accountable to meet your exercise goals.[22]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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