| How to Succeed in Your Final Interview Posted: 13 Jun 2021 01:00 AM PDT You've made it to the last round of interviews for your dream job! How do you seal the deal? After all, this is the stage where you and the interviewer are making a final decision on whether or not you're a good fit for the company. With the right prep and strategies, you can go into that last round calm, collected, and confident! From preparation to following up after the meeting, we'll walk you through the best tips and tricks to succeed at your final interview. [Edit]Do practice interviews. - Talk through answers to common interview questions. Ask a friend or family member to practice giving you sample interview questions until you feel comfortable.[1] Alternatively, practice talking through your answers while looking at yourself in the mirror or recording yourself.[2]
- Practice elaborating on your strengths and describing your weaknesses.
- Practice answering questions on why you'd like to work at that particular company.
- Also, think about how your past roles help you be a good fit for this position.[3]
[Edit]Use the STAR method to answer interview questions. - Organize your answers to common interview questions in four parts. The situation-task-action-results (STAR) method allows you to avoid rambling and give clear answers that demonstrate your capabilities. You can use this strategy for most interview questions about your past work experience or questions that ask about a time when you demonstrated a particular quality. Keep your answers short and succinct (around 2 minutes long). Check out the example for answering "Tell me about a time when you showed leadership."[4][5]
- Situation: "When I worked at [company], I managed a team of five contractors for a 10-week project."
- Task: "I delegated weekly project tasks and trained up newer team members on company standards."
- Action: "I set regular deadlines and check ins to keep everyone on track and on the same page."
- Result: "The client was so happy with the end result my team produced, they've since hired our firm 3 more times."
[Edit]Research the company and interviewer beforehand. - Find common ground by researching your interviewer's background. Look at the company's bio page, or a professional site like LinkedIn to find out how long they've been with the company, their career path, and interests. Having that knowledge will allow you to share common interests to make a great first connection, especially if you're now interviewing with a senior-level employee.[6]
[Edit]Determine average compensation for the role. - Go into the interview with a salary number in mind. That way, you'll have a well-informed idea of what you're looking for in a potential offer. To find typical compensation for the role, search online for average salaries at the company or average salaries for that particular type of role within the industry.[7] If your interviewer asks what you expect for a salary, don't give the first number, or you might end up giving yourself away at a discount.[8]
- "I'd like to get a little more information on your typical compensation package and benefits so I can give a more informed answer."
- "I know salary and benefit packages stack up differently in this industry. What is your company's typical compensation for this role?"
[Edit]Wear the right professional attire. - Dress slightly more formally than company employees' daily clothing. For instance, if you're a man and you've seen male employees wear short-sleeve polos and khakis to work, wear a nice button-down shirt. If you're a woman and you've noticed the female employees wear nice dresses to work, wear a dress and pair it with a blazer, or wear a nice blouse and trousers.[9]
- Keep your hair, nails, and facial hair neat and clean. Go for minimalist makeup and accessories.
- Choose non-distracting patterns for your ties, shirts, dresses, accessories etc.
- Adapt your outfit to the industry in which you're applying. For instance, you likely won't wear a suit to a construction site, and you may not want to follow the conservative pattern and colors rule if you're applying for a design job in a creative industry.
[Edit]Arrive early so you don't have to rush. - Show up 10-15 minutes before the interview. Even if you've been to the location before, planning for an extra fifteen minutes gives you buffer time for traffic, slow elevators, and checking in at reception.[10]
[Edit]Greet the interviewer with professional enthusiasm. - Use a strong handshake, make eye contact, and smile.[11] Remember the professionalism that got you to this final round and greet any new interviewers with those same strategies for a good first impression.
- Even if you've met the interviewer before, don't get too comfortable. Maintain the same level of energy and decorum you had in your first round interviews.[12]
[Edit]Be prepared to talk about your career goals. - Show commitment in answering "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"[13] With that question, interviewers are trying to gauge your attitude towards work and filter out candidates who only want to use the job as a quick stepping stone.[14]
- First, talk about the next 2-3 years: "I want to continually improve my [skills listed in the job description] knowledge and look for opportunities to maximize my contribution to the department."[15]
- Then, talk about the next 5-10 years: "After that, I'd love to be able to learn about other areas of the company including [other departments], exchanging expertise, to continue contributing to the company's overall mission."[16]
[Edit]Come up with an answer for what you'd do first if hired. - Describe four things you'd do as a new employee. In the final interview, hiring managers will often ask, "What's your plan for the first few months after starting this job?" Try this four-part approach below to demonstrate willingness to learn, eagerness to be a part of company culture, and capability to take initiative.[17]
- Part 1: "I'd get a briefing from my supervisor to understand the immediate challenges and aims of the company."
- Part 2: "I'd get to know my colleagues and their roles."
- Part 3: "I'd learn all company procedures and best practices to make sure I'm working as effectively as possible within the team."
- Part 4: "I'd choose a project or task to work on in addition to my normal responsibilities."
- Interviewers might ask for a 30-60-90 day plan. Divide your answer into three parts: learning about company goals and aims, digesting what you've learned about the company in order accomplish tasks, and delivering results.[18]
[Edit]Ask questions about the job's day-to-day responsibilities. - The right questions can give you key information about the role. By the final round of interviews, you've probably learned about the company and the role. Now it's time to ask questions about what it would be like to work there.[19] After all, interviewing is a two-way street, and you want to decide if the company's a good fit for you![20]
- "How would you describe the company culture?"
- "How do you evaluate success here?"
- "What do you think will be most challenging about this role?"
- "What does a typical day look like in this role?"[21]
- "What do you like best about working here?"
[Edit]Inquire about the next steps. - As the interview ends, get a clear picture of when you'll hear back. If the interviewer doesn't tell you a date when they expect to have chosen someone, it's good to ask. As you ask about next steps, thank the interviewer, and make sure to reaffirm your enthusiasm about the opportunity.[22]
- "Thanks so much for all the information you've given me. I'm really excited about this role. When do you expect to make a hiring decision?"
- For a more proactive approach, offer to follow up by saying, "When should I follow up with you on your hiring decision?"[23]
[Edit]Send a thank you email. - Thank the interviewer to show enthusiasm and courtesy. As soon as possible after the interview, write a brief email thanking the interviewer for their time and expressing your interest in the position. Bring up one or two things you learned from the interviewer about the organization.[24]
- Address the email with "Dear (Hiring Manager's Name)."
- Start by explicitly thank the interviewer: "Thank you so much for your time today and for the opportunity to learn more about the Program Supervisor position."
- Mention something specific from the interview: "I was particularly inspired by hearing how the different backgrounds of Bax & Sons employees create such a dynamic and educational working environment, one I would sincerely like to join."
- Conclude the email with "I look forward to hearing from you." Close the email with "Best," "Sincerely," or "Thank you." Put your name on the line below the closing along with a phone number.
[Edit]Follow up again if you don't hear back. - One week after the hiring decision date, send another email. Wait at least a week after the date the hiring manager gave you, because they may have made an offer to someone else (who may turn down the offer). Keep your email brief. Express your interest in the role again, and ask if they've made a decision.[25]
- Start your email like this: "Dear [Hiring Manager's name], I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my [date] interview for the [role]."
- Ask directly for news: "I'm writing to see if you have any news about that position."
- End the email by expressing eagerness: "In our last talk, I particularly enjoyed learning about [aspect of the company] and am really excited about the possibility of working with you."
- Offer to provide more information: "Please let me know if you need any additional information."
[Edit]Let the hiring manager know if you get another offer. - Email the hiring manager before the decision date. They may make you an offer faster if they know they might lose you to another company.[26]
- Start the email by expressing interest: "Dear [Hiring Manager's name], I so enjoyed learning more about [Company A] and I am still very interested in the [title] position."
- Mention the new offer: "Since we spoke, I've received an offer from [Company B]. However, I am still very interested in working at [Company A]."
- Ask for more information: "Please let me know any news regarding your hiring decision as I continue to evaluate the offer I'm considering. Thank you."
[Edit]Seek out feedback even if you don't get the job. - Use the experience to grow professionally. Send a feedback request email in response to a rejection email or if you know the company has chosen someone else.[27]
- Start the email by expressing thanks: "Dear [Hiring Manager's name], Although I'm disappointed to hear you selected another candidate, I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to learn more about your company through the interview process."
- Express how much you value feedback: "As I'm new to the job search/field/industry, your feedback is really valuable as I continue to grow professionally."
- Ask directly for feedback: "If you have a moment, I'd really appreciate if you could please let me know any suggestions you have for how I can better present myself to employers in the future. Thank you."
- In a final round, you may be asked to a lunch or dinner interview. Don't order anything too expensive, and avoid ordering alcohol.[28]
[Edit]References |
| How to Revive an Orchid Plant Posted: 12 Jun 2021 05:00 PM PDT Orchids are beautiful flowers that bloom in cycles. Just because the flowers have fallen off doesn't mean that the orchid is dead—it's simply in a dormant phase and will likely flower again. You can encourage blooming by pruning and repotting an orchid. Be sure to provide the right amount of water and light, as well. Before you know it, gorgeous flowers will appear! [Edit]Encouraging an Orchid to Bloom - Cut back the stalk when the flowers fall off. Use a sharp, sterilized pair of pruning shears or a razor to trim the stalk when the plant has stopped blooming. Leave about of the stalk, or spike, so that it can regrow.[1] above a node (or bump) on the stem to encourage the orchid to flower again more quickly.}}
- Move the orchid to a new pot once the roots start poking out of the bottom. Water the orchid, then gently tug the plant out of its pot. Use your hands to loosen the roots a bit and dust off any growing media stuck to them. Then, carefully place the orchid into the new pot.[2]
- If possible, pick a pot designed for orchids. If you can't find one, opt for a pot with lots of drainage holes to allow air to flow in and water to drain out. Put a saucer underneath the pot to catch excess water.
- If the roots of your orchid begin growing out through the holes in the bottom of the pot, that's an indication that the pot is too small and you should move it to a larger one.
- Add fresh growing medium to give your orchid a nutrient boost. To promote the reblooming of orchids, mix 2 parts bark formulated specifically for orchids with 1 part peat moss to create the growing medium. Fill the space around the roots with the medium and add a light layer on top, but be sure you don't cover the leaves.[3]
- Orchids need well-draining media with lots of air pockets in order to flourish. Avoid using regular potting soil in orchid pots.
[Edit]Providing the Ideal Growing Conditions - Water less often if you notice mushy roots. Most orchid issues are caused by overwatering. Your orchid might be getting too much water if it has soggy roots or rotting, limp, or discolored leaves. Just decrease how much, and how frequently, you water your orchid to get it to look its best.[4]
- If the roots are rotted, trim off the worst of the damage and repot the plant to provide it with additional nutrients.
- Be sure to dump out any water that collects in the saucer underneath the pot after you water.
- Increase how much you're watering if the roots are dry and shriveled. Alternatively, some orchids don't get enough water and fail to thrive as a result. If the roots look dry and shriveled instead of lush and plump, your plant is dehydrated. Another sign of underwatering is shriveled or discolored leaves. Water your orchid more frequently to correct this problem.[5]
- Use room-temperature water to water your orchid. Rainwater is ideal, but tap water that has sat out for 24 hours will also work, as this gives the chlorine time to evaporate.
- Provide more light if the leaves are dark green. Orchids thrive in sunny environments. If yours has very dark green leaves, it might not be getting enough sunlight. Try moving it in front of a window or into a sunnier outdoor spot.[6]
- If your orchid is outside, leaves or other foliage from surrounding plants or trees might be providing too much shade.
- Reduce the amount of light your orchid gets if it's sunburned. Orchids that receive too much light may first show yellow leaves. As time goes on, the leaves will turn white, then brown. Additionally, if the leaves feel hot to the touch, it's getting too much sun. If you notice these symptoms, move your orchid to an area with less direct sunlight.[7]
- You can move the plant further away from a window or provide more shade by situating it near taller plants or trees.
- Raise the temperature if your orchid is discolored or has pitting or lesions. Keeping your orchid at the wrong temperature can cause all sorts of problems. If your orchid is in a spot with temperatures below , it's likely not thriving. Try moving your orchid to a warmer location if your orchid is discolored or has pits, lesions, or sunken areas.[8]
- Move your orchid to a cooler spot if it has wilted, leathery, or yellowing leaves. Just as a too-cold environment can impact your orchid, so can one that's too hot. Move your orchid to a cooler location or provide some shade for it if the temperature is above . Signs of heat stress include yellowing, withered, or leathery leaves or brown roots or leaf tips.[9]
- Keep in mind that different varieties of orchids may require slightly different approaches, so it's best to tailor your methods to the specific orchid you're trying to revive.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Restore Faded Clothes Posted: 12 Jun 2021 09:00 AM PDT It can be really frustrating to buy colorful clothing only to see it fade as soon as you wash it. Luckily, there are a few different ways you can restore the vibrant color to your garments. Sometimes, detergent can build up on laundry, making it look dull. In that case, washing your clothes with salt or vinegar may help your clothing look like new again. If the fading is from normal washing and wear, dyeing the garment back to the original color can give it a new life! You may also be able to restore your clothes with some common household supplies, like baking soda, coffee, or hydrogen peroxide. [Edit]Restoring Brightness with Salt - Place your faded clothes and regular detergent in the washing machine. If you have clothes that seem to have faded after just a few washes, the culprit may be detergent buildup. Adding salt to your regular wash can help break up that buildup, making your clothes look like new again.[1]
- Powdered laundry detergent is more likely to leave behind residue than liquid detergent.
- Add 1/2 cup (150 g) of salt to the wash cycle. Once you've placed your clothes and detergent in the washing machine, pour about 1/2 cup (150 g) of salt into the drum. In addition to restoring colors, it can also help prevent new clothes from fading in the first place.[2]
- You can add salt to every load of laundry, if you'd like.
- Regular table salt or ultra-fine pickling salts work well for this, but avoid coarse-ground sea salt, as it may not dissolve fully in the washing machine.
- Salt is also an effective stain remover, especially on blood, mildew, and sweat stains.[3]
- Dry your clothing as usual. After your clothes are finished washing, take them out and check the color. If you're satisfied with it, you can either air dry them or place them in your dryer. If they still look faded, try washing them in vinegar, instead.[4]
- You may need to redye your clothes if the color has washed out over time.
[Edit]Using Vinegar to Combat Detergent Buildup - Add of white vinegar to your washing machine. If you have a top-loading machine, you can pour the vinegar directly into the drum, or you can add it to the fabric softener dispenser if you have a front-loading washer. The vinegar will help break up any detergent or minerals left behind by hard water, so your clothes will look brighter.[5]
- The vinegar will also prevent this buildup in the first place, so it's a great way to keep your clothes color-fast while they're still new.[6]
- If you want an even deeper clean, soak the clothing item in a solution of 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar and 1 gal (3.8 L) of warm water for about 20-30 minutes before you wash it.
- Wash the clothes in cool water on a normal cycle. Place your faded clothes into your washing machine, add laundry detergent, and turn on the machine. In many cases, soaking your clothes in vinegar then washing them is all it will take to get them looking brighter.[7]
- Choose the cycle that's appropriate for the clothes you're brightening. For instance, if you're washing items made from a delicate material like silk or lace, you'd want to use a gentle wash. For more durable fabrics like cotton or denim, a normal wash is fine.
- Air-dry your clothes or place them in the dryer. The vinegar will wash out of your clothing during the rinse cycle, so your laundry shouldn't smell like vinegar when it comes out of the wash. You can either hang the clothes to dry or place them in the dryer, depending on the instructions on the care label or how you normally prefer to dry your clothes.
- If a little of the smell does linger, either hang the item to dry outside or put a fabric softener sheet in the dryer. The smell should be gone by the time it's dry.
- If your clothes still look faded, the dye might have washed out, so you may need to dye the clothes instead.
[Edit]Dyeing Clothes to Refresh the Color - Check the care label to determine if the garment is a dyeable fabric. Some fabrics accept dye better than others, so before you try to restore your clothing by dyeing it, take a look at the tag inside the item to see what it's made of. If the item is made from at least 60% natural fibers, like cotton, silk, linen, ramie, or wool, or if it's made from rayon or nylon, it will probably dye well.[8]
- Clothing made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers may not look as dark when they're dyed as clothing made from an all-natural fabric.
- If the garment is made from acrylic, spandex, polyester, or metallic fibers, or if the tag says "Dry Clean Only," it probably will not take dye well, if at all.
- If there are any spots or stains, the dye may not absorb evenly into the fabric, so make sure the clothes are clean.
- Choose a dye as close to the original color as possible. If you want your garment to look as good as new, take it with you to a big box store or a craft or fabric store to choose the dye. Try to find the closest match you can, as this will give you the boldest, most natural-looking result.[9]
- Protect your skin and work area from the dye. Cover your workspace with newspaper, tarp, or trash bags, so if any of the dye splashes, it won't stain your table, counter, or floors. In addition, have some old rags or paper towels nearby just in you need to quickly clean up any spills. Then, put on old clothes and thick gloves so your clothes and skin don't get stained.[10]
- It's important to protect your hands, because coming into contact with dye can irritate your skin.[11]
- Fill a container with hot water that's about . Most household water heaters are set to a maximum temperature of , although some are set to , so the hottest water from your tap should be sufficient. However, if you want hotter water, you can heat it on the stove to just below boiling, or about . Pour the water into a large pot, bucket, or tub, or fill a top-loading machine with water on the hottest setting.[12]
- You'll need about of water for every of clothing.
- A bucket or pot is good for smaller items like thin tops, accessories, and children's clothes. Use a plastic tub or washing machine for larger items like sweaters and jeans.[13]
- Most articles of clothing weigh about 0.5-1 lb (0.22-0.4 kg).[14]
- Dissolve the dye and salt in a small cup of water, then add them to the bath. Follow the instructions on the dye to determine exactly how much you'll need. Generally, though, you'll need about a 1/2 bottle of dye for every of fabric. To help the dye set better, add 1/2 cup (150 g) of salt for every of fabric you're dyeing. Stir the dye and salt into a small cup of warm water until they're completely dissolved. Then, add the dye and salt mixture to your larger container of water and use a metal long-handled spoon or tongs to stir everything together.[15]
- For easy cleanup, consider using a dowel or a plastic spoon to stir the dye in the smaller container. That way, you can just throw it away when you're finished.
- Add the clothes and soak them for 30-60 minutes, stirring continuously. Place the clothing into the dye bath and use your spoon or tongs to push them down under the water, ensuring they're completely saturated. To help the dye soak evenly into the fabric, stir the clothing around at least every 5-10 minutes. That helps prevent any folds or bunches in the fabric from blocking the dye.[16]
- The more you stir, the more even the dye will be. Some people prefer to stir constantly, while others find it's sufficient to just swish the clothing around every few minutes.
- Take the clothing out of the dye and rinse it thoroughly in cold water. Once the recommended time has passed, or when you think the garment looks dark enough, use your tongs or spoon to carefully lift the clothing out of the dye bath. Transfer it to a bathtub or a sink, and rinse the item under cold running water until the water runs mostly clear.[17]
- Remember, the color will look darker when the garment is wet, so take that into account when you're checking to see if it's ready!
- Clean your sink or tub immediately so the dye doesn't stain it!
- Wash the garment by itself in the washing machine on a cold cycle. If you're satisfied with the color of your clothing, turn the garment inside out and put it in the washing machine. Even though you've already rinsed out much of the dye by hand, more will come out in the wash, so don't put anything else in the washing machine, or it will get stained by dye as well. Then, run the washing machine on a small, cold cycle.[18]
- Turning the garment inside-out when you wash it may help preserve its color.
- Dry the garment to see the final color. You can hang dry your item or you can place it in the dryer, depending on the fabric and your personal preference. Either way, when it's finished, examine the clothing to ensure the dye went on evenly and didn't leave any streaks or lighter areas, and that you're happy with the final result.[19]
- If you need to, you can dye the clothing again.
[Edit]Trying Other Household Items - Try adding baking soda to your washing machine to brighten white clothing. Baking soda is another household staple that can help make your clothes look bright, and it's especially effective on white fabric. Just add about 1/2 cup (90 g) to the drum of your washer along with your clothes and regular detergent.[20]
- Baking soda is also a great way to deodorize your clothing![21]
- Refresh black clothes by soaking them in coffee or tea. If you want an easy, inexpensive way to keep your dark clothes looking rich and new, brew a of very strong black tea or coffee. Place the clothes in the washing machine and wash them as normal, but stay close. When the rinse cycle starts, open the lid of the washing machine and pour in the coffee or tea. Let the cycle finish, then hang your clothing to dry.[22]
- Drying black clothes in the dryer can cause them to fade more quickly.
- Brighten your clothing by adding black pepper to the wash. Place your clothes in the washing machine just as you normally would, then add 2-3 tsp (8-12 g) of ground black pepper in with your clothes. This will help dispel some of the buildup, and the flakes of pepper will wash away in the rinse cycle.[23]
- Wash your white clothes in hydrogen peroxide to brighten them. If your whites are looking faded and dingy after a few washes, it can be tempting to bleach them, but this can weaken and discolor the fabric over time. Instead, add of hydrogen peroxide to your laundry detergent, then wash your clothes as usual.[24]
- You can combine some of these techniques for more brightening power, like adding both salt and vinegar to your wash.
- Sort your clothes by color, turn them inside-out, and wash them in cold water to help prevent them from fading.
[Edit]Warnings - Do not attempt this on clothes marked as "dry clean only." These fabrics are delicate and typically do not accept dye well.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Restoring Brightness with Salt [Edit]Using Vinegar to Combat Detergent Buildup - White vinegar
- Detergent
- Salt (optional)
[Edit]Dyeing Clothes to Refresh the Color - Dye
- Large container or washing machine
- Hot water
- Tarp, dropcloth, or garbage bags
- Old clothes and thick gloves
- Small cup
- Salt
- Dowel or plastic spoon
- Long-handled spoon or tongs
[Edit]Trying Other Household Items - Baking soda (optional)
- Coffee or tea (optional)
- Black pepper (optional)
- Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Naturally Deter Scorpions Posted: 12 Jun 2021 01:00 AM PDT If you live in an arid climate, especially somewhere in the southwestern United States like Arizona, chances are you're living alongside scorpions. These little critters rarely enter homes, but it can give you quite a fright if you see one a little too close for comfort! However, scorpions actually help control wild pest populations, so only kill them as a last resort. Instead, try some of the tips and tricks on this list to deter scorpions from hanging out near your home. [Edit]Clear your property of debris. - This gets rid of dark, appealing hiding places. Clean up yard waste like piles of leaves and brush. Get rid of stacks of rocks or lumber as well. Move wood piles at least away from your home.[1]
- Scorpions hide out in dark places during the day and come out at night to hunt.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and gloves when you're cleaning up your property in case there are any scorpions hiding in piles of debris.
[Edit]Keep trees trimmed away from your home. - This removes natural bridges that scorpions can use to get inside. Prune trees so their branches are not touching the sides of your home. That way, scorpions are less likely to find their way into your attic or through an open window.[2]
- Scorpions sometimes like to hang out in the shade underneath trees. Be careful when you're pruning in case there are any nearby.
[Edit]Clean up food scraps. - Food scraps attract insects that scorpions feed on. Always sweep up crumbs, spilled pet food, and other scraps from inside and outside your home. Dispose of food scraps in a sealed trash can where insects can't get to it.[3]
- If you have fruit trees, clean up any fallen fruit around your yard so it doesn't rot and attract bugs.
[Edit]Fill cracks and crevices in your home. - This prevents scorpions from finding their way inside through tiny spaces. Walk slowly around the outside of your home and look for holes and gaps, especially around windows, doors, and the foundation. Seal everything up with caulk or spray foam.[4]
- Other places to check for gaps are around dryer vents and air conditioning ducts.
[Edit]Fix any leaks in your plumbing. - This removes sources of water that attract scorpions. Fix leaky pipes so less water accumulates in and around your home for scorpions to drink. Repair leaky faucets and any other leaks in your home.[5]
- If you have any roof leaks, fix those as well so water doesn't accumulate in your attic.
- If you have pets, leave water dishes empty at night or elevate them somewhere that scorpions can't reach them.
[Edit]Put yellow light bulbs in your outdoor lights. - This way, your lights attract less insects that scorpions like to eat. Change all your outdoor light bulbs to warm, yellow bulbs to attract fewer bugs. Leave your lights off when you're not using them.[6]
- Note that yellow light doesn't deter insects, it just attracts them less than white light does.
[Edit]Deal with any insect problems. - This gets rid of food sources that make your home attractive to scorpions. Check for infestations of things like termites, spiders, cockroaches, and other bugs. Kill them with pesticide or call a pest control company to deal with the problem.[7]
- Scorpions eat just about any small insect, but they especially love crickets, ants, and cockroaches.
[Edit]Try planting lavender. - There is evidence that lavender may repel scorpions. Plant lavender around the perimeter of your home or yard to repel scorpions naturally. Or, plant lavender in certain areas where you tend to see scorpions on your property.[8]
- You can also try making a lavender spray by mixing a couple cups of water and 20 drops or so of lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto any surfaces or areas you want to repel scorpions from.
[Edit]Light citric candles. - Citrus scents may also repel scorpions. Light some citric candles around your home or outside in your yard. Do this every day for a few weeks or a month to see if it makes a difference in the number of scorpions you see.[9]
- You can also try spraying citrus oils on surfaces to repel scorpions. Mix about 20 drops of essential lemon oil with a couple cups of water in a spray bottle and spray it wherever you want to deter scorpions from going.
[Edit]Get some chickens. - Chickens keep insect populations down. Keep a few chickens on your property and let them roam freely. Watch them happily peck away at the ground as they scour it for bugs, reducing the natural food supply for scorpions![10]
- Chickens may also try to eat any scorpions they come across if they're still coming onto your property.
[Edit]Catch and relocate scorpions. - This can shift populations away from your property. Wear protective clothing and gloves when hunting for scorpions. Pick a scorpion up with a long pair of kitchen tongs and pit it inside a jar. Seal the jar securely and transport the scorpion far away to an undisturbed natural habitat.[11]
- Scorpions come out more at night and they glow in the dark under black UV light. Buy a black light and go looking for scorpions at night to find more that you can catch and relocate.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Cook Salmon Fillet Posted: 11 Jun 2021 05:00 PM PDT Salmon fillets are versatile and delicious, but they cook quickly and require a bit of technique to get right. They are generally prepared by baking, broiling, grilling, pan-searing, or poaching them. Adding a marinade is a common way to infuse the fish with extra flavor. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, there's no reason to fear salmon. Skip to Step 1 to marinate your salmon, and then move on to the appropriate following method depending on how you want to cook your salmon. Makes 4 servings [Edit]Ingredients - 4 salmon fillets, 6-oz (170 g) each
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) garlic salt
- 3 Tbsp (45 ml) lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 to 2 cups (250 to 500 ml) water (for poaching only)
[Edit]Marinating the Salmon Fillets - Combine the garlic salt, lemon juice, and olive oil. Whisk the three ingredients together in a small bowl and transfer to a 1-gallon (4-liter) resealable plastic bag.
- You can also use a glass dish covered with aluminum foil instead of the plastic bag.
- Coat the salmon. Place the salmon in the marinade and seal the bag. Turn the bag several times to coat all sides of the salmon.
- If using a glass dish, turn the fillets in the marinade several times to coat all sides, then cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Place the bag with the marinade and salmon fillets in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Salmon, like all fish, is not as dense as red meats and poultry. As a result, it does not need to be marinaded for long in order to absorb flavor.
- Remove the salmon from the refrigerator at least 10 minutes prior to cooking. Doing so raises the temperature, allowing it to cook more evenly throughout.
- Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃). Prepare a baking sheet with shallow sides by covering it with nonstick aluminum foil.
- Coat the pan with nonstick cooking spray if you don't have aluminum foil on hand.
- Transfer the salmon to the prepared baking sheet. If the salmon fillets have skin on them, lay them skin-side down on the sheet.
- Position the fillets in a single layer, spaced evenly.
- Bake for 15 minutes.[1] Place the baking sheet on the middle rack in the oven and cook the salmon until done.
- When done, you should be able to easily flake the salmon apart with a fork. The middle should also be opaque.
- Serve at your desired temperature. Salmon fillets can be served warm out of the oven or after they have cooled to room temperature.
[Edit]Broiling - Preheat the broiler. Allow the broiler to heat up for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Most broilers only have an "on" setting, but if yours has separate "high" and "low" settings, set the broiler to high.
- Transfer the fillets to a broiler pan. Place the fillets on the interior rack inside the pan with the skin-side facing down, if applicable.
- Arrange the fillets in a single layer and space them apart evenly.
- If desired, coat the rack with nonstick cooking spray before putting the salmon on it. This is usually unadvised for fatty meats, but not much will drip off the salmon as it cooks. As such, using cooking spray can drastically reduce the amount of salmon that gets stuck to the broiler pan rack.
- Broil for 10 to 12 minutes.[2] Place the broiler pan 5 1/2 inches (14 cm) away from the top heating element and cook the salmon until done.
- The salmon is done when you can effortlessly flake the fillets with a fork. The center should be opaque.
- You can turn the salmon once during cooking to ensure even browning, but it is not necessary. Moreover, flipping salmon fillets can be difficult to do and may cause the salmon to fall apart in the oven prematurely.
- Serve. Broiled salmon can be served hot out of the oven or at room temperature.
[Edit]Grilling - Preheat the grill. You can use both gas and charcoal grills to prepare salmon fillets.
- If using a gas grill, preheat the grill to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius).
- If using a charcoal grill, spread a layer of charcoal onto the bottom of the grill and light. Allow the coals to burn and smolder for 30 minutes.
- Wrap the salmon fillets in aluminum foil. Place each fillet in the center of a piece of aluminum foil. Bring the sides up and fold them together, sealing the packet. Press any raised aluminum foil flat.
- If using nonstick aluminum foil, place the salmon fillets on the nonstick side.
- Transfer the packets to the grill and cook for 14 to 16 minutes.[3] Flip the packets once, at the 7 or 8 minute mark, using grill tongs or a heat-proof spatula.
- Checking the fillets for doneness may be difficult since the foil will be hot to the touch. You may need to wait until after you pull the fish from the grill. If the fillets do not flake easily with a fork or if the center is not opaque, seal the foil again and return to the grill.
- Let sit before serving. Allow the salmon to sit off the grill and in their foil packets at room temperature for 5 minutes, then serve.
[Edit]Pan-Searing - Preheat a skillet or sauté pan over high heat. The pan should get hot, but it should not begin to smoke.
- If desired, you can spray a thin coating of cooking spray on the pan or coat it in 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil before heating it. This step is not necessary if you marinated the salmon fillets or brushed them with olive oil, though.
- Place the fish in the preheated pan. Cook for 3 minutes before flipping each fillet over and cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
- Use a fish spatula to turn the fish. Do not use tongs, since the salmon will likely break apart prematurely if handled with tongs during the cooking process.
- The salmon is done when you can flake the center apart with a fork and when the entire fillet is no longer translucent.
- Allow the salmon fillets to cool slightly before servings. After removing them from the heat, you should let the fillets rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before you serve them.
[Edit]Poaching - Bring the water to a simmer on the stovetop. Place the water in a saucepan with tall sides. Heat over medium heat until the water starts to gently simmer.
- If desired, you can salt the water as it heats up. You can also add one chopped shallot or green onion and several flavorful sprigs of fresh dill, rosemary, or other herbs to the water. This is an especially common way to flavor poached salmon, and is actually more commonly used than marinating.
- Add the salmon fillets to the pan. If they still have skins, place the fillets skin-side down. Cover and cook for 5 to 10 minutes.[4]
- If the salmon flakes apart easily with a fork and is no longer translucent inside, it has finished cooking.
- Serve warm. Remove the salmon fillets from the heat and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
- If desired, you can prepare a second, separate batch of the marinade and use it as a sauce or glaze. To use it as a glaze, coat grilled, pan-seared, or broiled salmon halfway through the cooking process with the mixture using a pastry brush. To use it as a sauce, thicken it on the stovetop by cooking the marinade over medium-high heat until it reduces and thickens.
- If baking or pan-searing the salmon fillets, you could also skip the marinade and coat the fish with a layer of fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, and dill.
- Experiment with the marinade ingredients as desired, using different combinations of oil, acid, and seasoning. Acids usually include vinegars and citrus juices, and seasonings can be dry or wet. For instance, you could create a marinade using soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, and brown sugar. You could also use a vinaigrette dressing, which already combines vinegar, cooking oil, and seasonings.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - 1-gallon (4-liter) resealable plastic bag or glass dish
- Nonstick aluminum foil
- Cooking spray
- Baking sheet
- Broiler pan
- Grill
- Fish spatula
- Skillet
- Fork
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Hang Outdoor String Lights on a Deck Posted: 11 Jun 2021 09:00 AM PDT String lights suspended above a deck space creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The soft glow of the lights is both soothing and practical, filling your outdoor space with light and a relaxing aura. Installing string lights on your deck is actually really simple. With the right materials and a little bit of effort, you'll be enjoying your hanging string lights in no time. [Edit]Hanging String Lights from Posts - Hold the lights above the deck and mark where you need support posts.[1] The first thing you should do before hanging your lights is to lay them out along your deck where you want them to hang. Hold them up so you can see where they will need supports. Use a pencil or piece of painter's tape to mark where you will need to attach support posts.
- You will need to install supports roughly apart to hold up your string lights.
- Have another person help you hold the lights up above your deck.
- Be sure to leave a little slack in your string lights so they have a little give when you hang them.
- Make sure the plug is near a power outlet.
- Use furring strips or thin wooden posts to hang your string lights. Furring strips are thin by posts that work great to hang light things like string lights. But you can use any type of wooden post that you want. Just use posts that are strong enough to withstand wind and rain. And make sure you have enough posts to support your lights![2]
- You can find furring posts and other wooden posts at your local hardware or home improvement store.
- Paint or stain your posts to match your deck. Since you'll be attaching the posts to your deck, you'll want them to either match or complement the color of your deck. Whether you want the posts to blend in or accent your deck, painting or staining also strengthens the posts and will make them last longer. Be sure to allow your posts to fully dry before you use them.
- Be sure to use paint or stain that is rated for outdoor use!
- If your posts are already stained or painted but you want to change it, you can remove the paint and then restain or repaint them!
- Attach cup hooks to the ends of your posts. Cup hooks are small, curved hooks with a screw on one end that can be used to hang your lights from your posts. It's easier to attach them to your posts before you install them on your deck. Screw a cup hook onto the end that the lights will hang from.[3] You can use a power drill to make a hole or manually screw the hook into the post. Make sure the hook is all the way in and secure in the post.[4]
- Choose cup hooks that also complement your deck. There are gold, silver, and other color options to choose from. You can find them at your local hardware store.
- Install the posts onto your deck where you marked. You can either screw or nail the posts into place, just as long as they are securely attached. Measure the height of your posts so that they are mounted at the same level to hang your string lights evenly. You can either mount them on the inside of your deck or the outside, whichever you prefer.[5]
- If you're using furring strips, be sure to attach them gently. They can be fragile enough to crack under the strain of a hammer or drill.
- Hang your lights on the hooks mounted to the posts. With your supports mounted, it's time to hang your lights! Keep the plug near the outlet and string the lights from post to post. Let them hang a little loosely so they can give a little under the strain of the outdoor elements. Once they're attached, plug them in to enjoy them whenever you like.
- Keep the lights unplugged while you attach them.[6]
[Edit]Using Heavy Planters to Hang String Lights - Get heavy planters that complement your deck.[7] Planters can be ornate and come in a variety of colors and designs, so you want to choose ones that suit your deck. You also want the same planters for a uniform look. Planters can be made out of many different materials as well, so choose materials that you like and are durable enough to last.[8]
- You can find heavy planters at home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe's.
- You can also repaint your planters to match your deck.
- Arrange the heavy planters around the perimeter of your deck. Before you fill your planters, you need to arrange them where you will need support posts to hang your lights. Hold your lights up around your deck to see where they will need supports, and place a planter there. Install your planters on the outside of your deck so the poles are not in the way.[9]
- You can place your planters at the corners of your deck or space them out every or so.
- Planters are both heavy and can be chipped, so try not to move them too much so you don't risk damaging them.
- Use wooden posts or taller to install in your planters. Because you're installing support posts that start lower, in the planters, they need to be tall enough to reach above your deck so your lights can hang. You can use furring strips or any other wooden posts as supports. Just be sure your posts are strong enough to support your lights and withstand the movement caused by wind.[10]
- You can also paint or stain your posts.
- Attach cup hooks to the posts before putting them in the planters. Since the posts have to be taller to reach above your deck, you need to attach your cup hooks before you put them into the planters. You also don't want to disturb the posts too much once they're in the planters. Screw in a cup hook to the end you plan to hang your lights from.
- Make sure the hooks are securely attached.
- Insert the posts in the planters and fill with heavy materials. After you've attached your cup hooks to your posts, put them into the planter and fill the planter with heavy materials like concrete or gravel. If you plan to keep plants in the planters, you can put gravel in the bottom of the planter and fill the rest with dirt before adding any plants.[11]
- For a strong hold, fill the bottom of the planter with wet cement, insert the post in the center, and allow the cement to fully dry.
- String your lights from one post to another. With your posts in the planters and the planters in place, start connecting your string lights, keeping the plug near an electrical outlet. Work your way from one post to the next, making sure the lights are securely connected to one post before moving to another. Leave a little bit of slack in the string lights so they can sway with the wind.[12]
- If you're not using wooden posts or cup hooks, you can use zip ties to attach the lights to the supports.
[Edit]Attaching String Lights Directly Onto the Deck - Hold the lights along the deck and mark where you want to attach them. If you plan to attach your lights directly onto your deck, the first thing you should do is run the lights along the length of your deck, keeping the plug near an outlet. Find where the lights will need to be attached to the deck to be supported. Mark with a pencil or a piece of painter's tape where you will need to add cup hooks.[13]
- For a more "relaxed" hang in your lights, mark every so the lights can hang a little bit. If you want the lights to stay snug against the deck, you can mark every 3-5 feet.
- You may not want much slack in your lights when attaching them directly to your deck.
- Install cup hooks where you marked. Take your cup hooks and screw them into the places you marked. Make sure that they are screwed all the way in. Make sure the hooks are pointed up so the string lights won't fall out of them.[14]
- Use cup hooks with colors that either blend in with or complement your deck!
- Attach the lights on the hooks using mini carabiners. After you've installed your cup hooks, connect your lights to them and secure them with mini carabiners for additional support. Thread the carabiner through the eye of the screw and cord of the light. Carabiners are easy to remove as well, so if you need to take down the lights, simply remove the carabiners and uninstall your string lights.[15]
- Make sure the lights are not plugged in while you attach them!
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Hanging String Lights from Posts - Pencil or painter's tape
- Hammer or drill
- Nails or screws
- Wooden posts
- Cup hooks
[Edit]Using Heavy Planters to Hang String Lights - Tall wooden posts
- Heavy planters
- Cup hooks
- Concrete, gravel, or dirt
[Edit]Attaching String Lights Directly Onto the Deck - Pencil or painter's tape
- Cup hooks
- Mini carabiners
[Edit]References |
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário