| How to Do a Road Trip in America Posted: 10 Dec 2021 04:00 PM PST If you're looking for your next fun vacation, cruising through the USA can be an unforgettable experience. Since America is so big, it can be a little tough knowing the best routes to check out. Luckily, there are so many options to choose from and it all depends on what activities you want to do on your trip. We've put together some of the most popular routes and destinations from the East Coast to the West Coast so you can explore no matter where you are! [Edit]Fall New England Tour - Surround yourself in colorful trees during this autumn drive. If you're traveling in October, don't miss out on the red, yellow, and orange leaves in the New England forests. Driving through the Green Mountain Byway in Vermont takes you through some cute small towns before opening up to a huge maple forest. Relax on the drive along Route 112 in New Hampshire and on Route 2 in Massachusetts as you pass through all of the fall trees.[1]
- Try stopping in North Adams, Massachusetts in early October for the Fall Foliage festival with celebrations and parades based on the fall's changing colors.
- If you want to make an adventurous detour, stop at the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour in New Hampshire to zipline through the trees.
- Don't forget to enjoy some authentic New England clam chowder while you're in the area.
[Edit]East Coast Historical Tour - Learn about American history by traveling from Williamsburg to Boston. If you're intrigued about the founding of the United States, this trip is perfect for you. Starting in Williamsburg lets you see reenactments of colonial life before moving onto Jamestown and Yorktown, some of the first settlements in the US. Follow I-95 up to stop in Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston to see some of the places important to the Revolution.[2]
- Stop by The Smithsonian, The Capitol building, or the various monuments when you hit DC.
- Check out Fort McHenry while you're in Baltimore where the battle was fought that inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner."
- See Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell when you stop off in Philadelphia.
[Edit]Blue Ridge Parkway - Explore scenic Appalachia in this North Carolina stretch. This route runs from Cherokee, NC for up to the Virginia state border. While you're on the road, pull aside to view the rolling landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains and the forests between them. Just be careful and don't go over the speed limit since the roads are a little windy.[3]
- You could lose cell phone service up in the mountains, so bring a map with you so you can still find your way.
- Take a detour in Cherokee to learn more about Cherokee Indian history and culture at the Oconaluftee Indian Village.
- Stop at any shops you see along the way to find some traditional handmade crafts, like baskets, pottery, and even carved instruments.
[Edit]Florida Keys - Enjoy the beaches and island life along the Overseas Highway. The Florida Keys are a group of small islands off of the southern coast, but you can easily drive between them on Highway 1. While it's only in one direction, it's worth it to take your time. As you make the drive, check out the state parks and coral reefs along the way. There are also a ton of resorts and areas to stay so you can plan your trip out for a couple of days.[4]
- Learn more about the history of the Keys on Islamorada in the Keys History and Discovery Center.
- Enjoy some fresh seafood at the various fish shops and restaurants.
- The Keys are also a great location if you want to try snorkeling, diving, or bird-watching.
[Edit]Great River Road - Follow the Mississippi River for a trip through middle America. While the full trip is around , you can tackle any section of the route that sounds the most interesting. Starting in Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Great River Road takes you through the Midwest and into the South where it ends in Louisiana. Check out the riverboats along the river, stop in St. Louis to see the Gateway Arch, pass through Memphis for some BBQ and music, and end in New Orleans to explore the French Quarter.[5]
- Other stops you can check out include Graceland, The National Civil Rights Museum, and Hannibal, MO, which was where Mark Twain was born.
- Have some ideas for what you want to do along your drive, but stay a little flexible. If you see something interesting, don't be afraid to pull off and check it out.
[Edit]Route 66 - Cruise down this route for a historic tour from Chicago to Los Angeles. Route 66 stretches for across the country through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. If you can't make a full road trip along a route, just choose a smaller section to try out. Even though interstates are faster, taking your time down Route 66 gives you a taste of some classic Americana.[6] Keep an eye out for historic buildings and road signs, classic diners, and art sculptures along the way.[7]
- Route 66 has a ton of roadside attractions, so stop off whenever you see something interesting. Some places along the way include the Grand Canyon, Cadillac Park, and the San Miguel Mission.
- Be sure to make reservations at hotels along the route before you leave so you can save some money. If you're driving an RV, there are a ton of campsites where you can stop off.
[Edit]Yellowstone Loop - Hit this western Wyoming route to visit some beautiful national parks. You can hit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park following this loop. You'll visit some small frontier towns throughout Wyoming, and large plains where you can see bison and elk roaming. As you continue north, visit Jackson Hole before making your way to the parks and spending time in nature.[8]
- Visit The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole if you really want to embrace the cowboy theme of the frontier.
[Edit]Trail Ridge Road - Cut through the Rocky Mountains on this stunning Colorado drive. Even though Trail Ridge Road is only , it's a stunning view you won't get anywhere else. Carefully wind through this mountain pass, and look out over the crags and cliffs between the mountains. You may even see some elk or bighorn sheep along the way.[9]
- Since the road passes through the mountains, it could be closed due to bad weather. You can always call (970) 586-1222 to find out the current status of the road.
[Edit]Texas Hill Country - Drive through rolling landscapes in the heart of Texas on this route. The main destinations in Hill Country are San Antonio, Austin, and Fredericksburg. Start by taking in all the art and culture in Austin at the museums and in downtown. In the spring, make your way to Fredericksburg to see some wildflower fields and enjoy fresh wine nearby in Johnson City. When you get near San Antonio, be sure to check out The Alamo and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.[10]
- Stick to the backroads rather than the highways since you'll get better views and scenery.
[Edit]Pacific Coastal Highway - Travel along the California coast for picturesque ocean views. The Pacific Coastal Highway, or PCH, stretches throughout the entire state of California, but the most popular stretch is from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Since it runs right alongside the Pacific Ocean, you can pop into any small coastal towns you find or visit the sandy beaches along the way. Take your time and enjoy the ocean air while you're driving for an unforgettable trip.[11]
- The PCH from LA to San Francisco is about .
- San Luis Obispo is a popular area originally founded as a mission and is a great stop to learn about California history.
- Coastal towns like Cuyocos and Morro Bay offer authentic seafood and small coastal shops you can explore.
[Edit]Route 50 - Drive coast-to-coast on a single highway for a cross-country adventure. Route 50 starts in Maryland and ends all the way in Sacramento, CA, so buckle in for a trip that takes a couple of weeks to complete. While it may be the longest drive, you'll get to pass through 12 states and 4 state capitals along the way. Just be sure to plan out a few stops along the way so you have some time to rest in between driving.[12]
- Some notable stops along this route include Washington DC, Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and Arches National Park in Utah.
- The total distance of Route 50 is and it takes at least 14 days to complete.
- Always get your vehicle checked out by a mechanic before going on a cross-country trip to make sure it's safe to drive. Some things to check are the oil, engine, tires, and brakes.[13]
[Edit]Alaskan Scenic Byways - Get spectacular mountain and glacier views from these popular routes. While it may seem out of the way, Alaska has some of the most beautiful wilderness to drive through.[14] The Scenic Byways stretch throughout the entire state, but there are smaller sections that you can explore if you don't want to drive the whole thing. Just be sure to plan your trip in the warmer summer months since road conditions can get pretty bad in the winter.[15]
- Check out the Parks Highway between Anchorage and Fairbanks to see Denali State Park and Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in the country.[16]
- For one of the most scenic experiences, take the Seward Highway near the coast to see glaciers, wildlife like beluga whales, and historic mining towns.[17]
[Edit]Hana Highway - Wind through the Hawaiian landscape on this stunning drive. The Hana Highway is a stretch along the northern coast of Maui. Since it follows the coast, you'll get some beautiful views of oceans, jungles, and rocky cliffs. Even though it may seem like a short trip, there's a slow speed limit and a lot of sharp turns, so take your time and enjoy the scenery![18]
- It usually takes about 2½ hours to drive along the Hana Highway.
- Be sure to pull off at the Puaa Kaa Falls or Hanawi Falls to check out some popular swimming holes.
- Some areas in the US may require masks due to COVID, so make sure you bring some with you just in case.[19]
- Plan your route and itinerary out before you leave on your trip so you can familiarize yourself with where you're going.[20]
- Pack your vehicle with a first aid kit and emergency supplies, like jumper cables, flares, a jack, and basic repair tools.[21]
- Stock up on a lot of snacks and water in your vehicle so you don't have to stop for food.
[Edit]Warnings - Always get your vehicle checked by a mechanic before going on a road trip to make sure it's safe for the drive.[22]
[Edit]References |
| How to Harvest Mint Posted: 10 Dec 2021 08:00 AM PST Having fresh mint on hand to use in your favorite dishes is a real treat! If you're growing this perennial herb at home, you're probably wondering when to harvest mint. We'll explain that as well as how to harvest mint, how to store mint, and how to use mint. Whether you're cultivating English garden mint, peppermint, spearmint, or chocolate mint, it'll only take a few minutes to get this sweet herb from garden to table. [Edit]Harvesting Mint - Harvest just before the mint flowers for the best flavor. The oils are most concentrated in the plant leaves at this stage, so your mint will be the most delicious just before it flowers. However, you can harvest any time from late spring to early fall.[1]
- The mint will flower in the summertime. If you notice flower buds, just pluck them off so the plant uses its energy to grow more leaves instead of to produce flowers.[2]
- Pick the mint in the morning. The best time to harvest your mint is after the dew has dried but before it gets too hot. Head out to your garden in the morning to collect the stems.[3]
- Wait until the dew dries so the excess moisture doesn't rot the leaves after you pluck them.
- Cut off individual stems if you only need a few leaves. There's not much to it—just use your pruners to trim off a few stems that look good. Wherever you clip the stems, the mint will grow new stems that branch off, leading to more mint.[4] Then, simply pluck the leaves from the stems.[5]
- The smallest, youngest stems usually have the most flavor.[6]
- Trim the plant down to the first set of leaves for a larger harvest. Get out your clippers and cut the mint down to , or between the first and second set of leaves. The plant will grow back and produce more mint, so don't worry.[7]
- You can do this once or twice per season to harvest lots of mint leaves at once.
- Keep harvesting mint throughout the growing season. Even after you pluck off stems or cut down the plant, your mint will just keep growing! From spring to fall, you'll have fresh mint any time you want it.[8]
- Mint will spread and could take over your garden if you don't harvest it continually.
- Rinse and dry the leaves just before you use them. Once you're ready to use the mint, wash the leaves and stems gently with warm water to remove any dirt or debris. Make sure you dry the mint really well, as excess moisture causes them to go bad more quickly.[9]
- Mint has the best flavor when it's fresh, so only harvest as much as you'll use within a day or two whenever possible.
[Edit]Storing Mint - Stick the stems in water if you'll use them within a week. Fill up a glass or jar with a little bit of water and drop your mint stems into it. Keep the container in the fridge and your mint will be good for around 7 days.[10]
- Change out the water every few days.[11]
- Store the mint in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to 7 days. To keep the mint from drying out, wrap it in a damp paper towel.[12] Then, wrap it in plastic or pop it into a plastic bag. Stick it in the fridge and use it within a week.[13]
- Freeze extra mint so it lasts longer. Lay out your mint leaves on a tray in a single layer and pop it in the freezer. Once the leaves are frozen (at least 30 minutes), take the tray out and dump the leaves into a plastic bag. Squeeze out all of the air and stick the bag back in the freezer.[14] They'll last for 1 year.[15]
- Some herbs need to be blanched before freezing, but you're in luck because mint isn't one of them![16]
- Create mint ice cubes to pop into drinks and dishes. Chop up your mint leaves and pack them into an ice cube tray. Carefully fill the rest of the tray with water and freeze it. You can either toss these minty ice cubes in drinks or add them right to your pan![17]
- Dry your mint so you can use it for years to come. Cut a bunch of mint stems and tie them together near the cut end. Hang them upside down in a dark, dry room with a temperature between for about 2 weeks. When all of the leaves are crispy, pluck them from the stems. Crumble them up if desired, then store them in an airtight glass container.[18]
- Keep your glass container out of the sun and the mint should last 1 to 3 years.[19]
[Edit]Using Mint - Toss fresh leaves into your favorite recipes. Once you've harvested your mint, it's easy to pop a few leaves or sprigs into any dish. Mint goes especially well with peas.[20] It also pairs perfectly with pork and lamb.[21] You can even add chopped mint to sorbet or fruit salad for a tangy treat![22]
- Make mint tea with your freshly harvested leaves. You can have a warm cuppa anytime you want if you've got mint in your garden! Just put a couple of leaves in a cup and pour boiling water over top. Steep for up to 5 minutes, then sweeten your tea to your liking.[23]
- Freshen up your drinks with mint ice cubes or garnishes. Mint is a staple in many delectable cocktails from a mojito to a mint julep, the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Toss some mint ice cubes into water, lemonade, or your favorite cocktail. You can even muddle the mint or use it as a garnish to add a sweet, herbaceous flavor to any beverage.
- You can even toss mint ice cubes right into your pan as you're cooking![24]
- Add frozen leaves to your dishes without defrosting them. Thawing herbs makes them limp, so skip that step! Just toss the frozen mint right into your recipe as you're cooking.[25]
- Sprinkle dried mint into your recipes for a fresh taste year-round. Add dried herbs to your dishes when you first start cooking so they have plenty of time to impart their flavor. For your reference, 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped herbs is equal to 1 teaspoon of dried whole or crumbled herbs and ¼ teaspoon of dried powdered herbs.[26]
- Mint is a creeping plant that can easily take over a garden. Try planting it in a large container to give the roots room to grow. Place your container in an area that gets lots of sunlight and keep the soil moist.[27]
[Edit]Warnings - Discard any leaves that have rusty spots on them, as that's a sign of fungus.[28]
[Edit]References |
| How to Get Rid of Household Pests Without Chemicals Posted: 10 Dec 2021 12:00 AM PST Finding pests in your home is never fun, and getting rid of pesky insects or rodents is no easy feat. If you want to stay away from harsh chemicals that could harm you or your family, look no further! In this article, we've detailed some ways you can get rid of pests without using any pesticides or insecticides. Keep in mind that natural methods work well for small infestations, but larger groups of pests might require a professional exterminator.
This article is based off an interview with our certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator pest control specialist, Chris Parker. Check out the full interview here. [Edit]Seal off any entry points in your home. - This is the best way to keep pests out of your home in the first place. If you notice any gaps in your walls, around your windows, or around your doorways, seal them up with caulk and let them dry. Take a look at your crawlspace and attic, too—pests love to crawl into dark, secluded spots without a lot of human activity.[1]
- This method works well for almost all pests, except squirrels. Squirrels are smart enough to chew through new caulk, so you may need a professional to come in and remove them.
[Edit]Replace any water-damaged wood. - Rotting wood attracts pests like ants and termites. If you had a leak or water damage in your home, cut the damaged wood out with a saw and replace it. If the water-damaged wood is part of the structure of your home, call in a professional to make sure you replace it correctly.[2]
- If you still have a leak in your home, fix that first before you replace the damaged wood.
[Edit]Put screens on your windows, doors, and vents. - Mesh screens can keep out larger pests, like mice and rats. Get rid of their entry points by attaching fitted screens to doorways and windows. That way, even if you leave a door or a window open, they won't be able to get in.[3]
- Putting screens on your windows can also help eliminate flying bugs from getting into your home.
[Edit]Trim your trees and bushes. - Make sure they're at least away from your home. Bushy trees and shrubs attract a lot of pests, and if they're close to your home, they might just hop on over. Use loppers or pruners to cut back your foliage, and try to make sure everything is at least from your home.[4]
- This will help keep out a lot of pests, including mice, rats, ants, spiders, cockroaches, and termites.
[Edit]Get rid of standing water. - Pests tend to flock to water sources. If you have any standing water in your home, wipe it up, and make sure there aren't any leaks in your house. It might also help to wipe out your sink at night, just to make sure insects don't try to crawl in and take a sip. The drier you can keep your home, the better.[5]
- Watch out for drips or small puddles of water on your countertops, too. Insects are tiny, so they don't need a huge water source to come running.
[Edit]Put curtains on your windows. - Light from your windows attracts insects, which can bring spiders. Although it might sound silly, covering your windows with blinds or curtains at night can dissuade insects and the things that eat them. If you don't have them already, install curtains and make sure you close them at night to keep insects away from your home.[6]
- Spiders tend to hunt for insects at night because it's dark and quiet.
[Edit]Switch your outdoor lights to low-frequency light bulbs. - Low-frequency LED bulbs don't attract as many insects. If you have any outdoor lights that you keep on at night, consider switching them out to avoid attracting as many bugs. This will not only keep insects away from your home, but it will also dissuade the things that eat them, like spiders.[7]
- You can find low-frequency bulbs at most hardware and home goods stores.
- Yellow sodium bulbs also work well.
[Edit]Clean your kitchen daily. - Remove any traces of food so pests are less likely to be interested. Before you go to sleep for the night, wipe off your countertops, wash your dishes, and sweep up any crumbs. The cleaner you can get your kitchen, the less attracted insects and rodents will be. This method works well if you're dealing with ants, roaches, or rodents.[8]
- Try to remove any clutter from your home, too. Lots of pests are attracted to warm, cozy piles of clutter, like newspapers or clothing.
[Edit]Seal your food in airtight containers. - If you deal with pests in the kitchen, this is the way to go. Grab anything that isn't already sealed and put it into an airtight container with a lid. That way, the pests won't be able to get in to grab the food, and they'll eventually head somewhere else. You can find airtight containers at most home goods stores.[9]
- Cover your garbage with a tight-fitting lid, too. Many pests will head to the trash if they can't find food in your kitchen.[10]
[Edit]Put away your pet's food and water at night. - Dishes left out in the open are ripe for the picking. If your pet doesn't eat all of its food before going to bed, seal it in an airtight container. Dump the water bowl out to discourage pests from coming in for a drink, and refill the water bowl in the morning. The less food and water you can leave out, the better![11]
[Edit]Give your pets regular flea baths. - If you have cats or dogs, you may have noticed fleas on them. If you don't want to use a flea treatment from the vet, you can give them a flea bath with a medicated flea shampoo. Let the shampoo sit for around 5 minutes, then wash away dead fleas and their eggs to avoid an infestation. After that, use a flea comb to brush out any fleas that might still be lingering.[12]
- You should also wash your pets' bedding in hot water to kill any fleas and their eggs.
- Flea baths and combs work great for smaller infestations, but they aren't super effective against larger ones. If your pets constantly have a lot of fleas on them, talk to your vet about treatment options.
[Edit]Use traps for rodents and insects. - You can find traps made for pests that don't use harsh chemicals. If you're dealing with rodents, put out sticky traps or snap traps to kill mice and rats. If you're dealing with wasps or hornets, you can hang traps outside with honey in the bottom to trap and kill them. For flies, hang up sticky paper to catch them as they fly around and kill them.[13]
- You can find most of these traps at your local hardware store. You can also make your own wasp trap out of a 2-liter soda bottle and some honey.
[Edit]Use a peppermint-based insect repellent. - You can avoid harsh chemicals while still repelling insects. Head to your local hardware store and look for an insect repellent that contains peppermint oil as the main ingredient. Then, spray it around windows, doorways, and baseboards once a day to get rid of ants, spiders, roaches, and termites. Experts note that while there are some recipes for making peppermint insect repellent out there, making it yourself isn't as effective as buying it in-store.[14]
- Experts also note that using peppermint works against small infestations, but it might not be super effective against a lot of pests.
- If you've tried a few natural methods and you're still finding pests in your home, it might be worth calling in a professional.
[Edit]References |
| How to Remove Permanent Hair Dye from Grey Hair Posted: 09 Dec 2021 04:00 PM PST Permanent hair dye is great when you don't want your color to fade, but becomes a bit of a pain when you want to get rid of it. The darker the dye is, and the fresher it is, the harder it will be to remove, and most color-removal strategies damage your hair. Your best option is to work with a professional hair stylist, as they'll be able to remove the color with the least amount of damage to your hair. If you're determined to try this at home, though, we're here to help! Check out this list of DIY ways to ditch the dye and get back to gorgeous gray. [Edit]Shampoo - Choose a clarifying or anti-dandruff shampoo for this job. Shampoos with a lot of sulfates will do a better job of removing the color. Hop in the shower and wash your hair 3 or 4 times with a clarifying or anti-dandruff shampoo. Then, lather up your locks once more and let the shampoo sit for 15-20 minutes underneath a shower cap. Rinse it out and replenish some moisture with a deep-conditioning treatment.[1]
- Use hot water, as it opens up the hair cuticle and will allow more color to be removed.[2]
[Edit]Baking Soda and Shampoo - Try this if you've recently colored your hair. Baking soda will be more effective if your hair color is relatively new. Mix equal parts baking soda and anti-dandruff shampoo. Get your hair wet, work the mixture in to evenly coat each strand, and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse out the shampoo and repeat daily as needed.[3]
- Follow up with conditioner, as your hair is likely to be pretty dry after trying this.
- The abrasiveness of the baking soda helps scrub out the color.
[Edit]Dish Soap - Use this option for 2 or 3 days to fade out the dye. Regular dish soap is full of detergents that will help strip the dye from your hair. The sooner you try this after coloring your hair, the better! Just use dish soap in place of shampoo. Be sure to moisturize your hair after.[4]
[Edit]Vitamin C - Even the experts try this hack. Vitamin C powder can lift the color from your tresses.[5] Crush about 12 or so pure vitamin C tablets up and mix the powder into a clarifying shampoo. After wetting your hair, apply the vitamin C mixture, cover your tresses with a shower cap, and wait 30-60 minutes. Rinse it out for lighter, brighter locks.[6]
[Edit]Hot Oil - This works best on purple, red, and similar colors. Warm up of olive oil in the microwave for 30 seconds or so—don't get it so hot that it will burn you. Fully saturate your hair with warm water, then work the olive oil through your hair, making sure it coats each strand. Stuff your slick tresses into a shower cap and let the oil work its magic for half an hour. Then, wash your hair with warm water and a thickening shampoo to open up the cuticle and help remove more color. Finish with conditioner as usual.[7]
- As a bonus, this option moisturizes your hair!
[Edit]Vinegar - Use white vinegar rather than another variety. The acid in the vinegar helps loosen the dye molecules, removing it from your hair strands. Simply mix together vinegar and water and saturate your hair with it. Let the mixture soak in for 15-20 minutes under a shower cap, then wash it out.[8]
[Edit]Lemon Juice - Give this a go if you bleached your hair, then applied color. The citric acid in lemon juice can help lighten your hair dye. Just wet your hair and coat it in lemon juice. Slip on a shower cap and wait 20-30 minutes before rinsing your hair with lukewarm water. Deep condition when you're done![9]
[Edit]Hydrogen Peroxide - This is a good option if the dye is really dark. Mix together equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Fully and evenly saturate all of your colored hair with the mixture (you could use a spray bottle so long as you apply the liquid evenly). Wait about a half hour, then rinse the hydrogen peroxide out thoroughly.[10]
- Hydrogen peroxide opens the hair cuticle, so you've got to make sure you close it when you're done or your hair can get really damaged. Rinse with cold water and apply conditioner or apple cider vinegar to close up the cuticles.[11]
[Edit]Color Stripper - If your hair is healthy and a natural shade, try a commercial color stripper. Follow the directions on the package to mix the chemicals together, then immediately apply the mixture to clean hair using gloved hands or a hair color brush. Make sure each strand is evenly coated, then cover your hair with a shower cap. Wrap the cap in a towel or aim a hairdryer at your strands to keep them warm and accelerate the process. After 20 minutes, rinse your hair with warm water and shampoo it. Rinse and repeat the washing process a couple of times to get rid of as much color as possible. Finish with a deep conditioner.[12]
- Unfortunately, this usually doesn't work on neon colors like blue, purple, green, or pink. However, it's pretty effective for natural colors.
- Look for a color stripper with nourishing ingredients, like natural oils, keratin, aloe vera, or soy protein.[13]
[Edit]Pro Treatment - Make an appointment with a stylist who specializes in hair color. DIY color-removal methods are risky, and often end up damaging your hair. A pro will be able to use the best technique for your hair color, texture, and type.[14]
[Edit]Hair Cut - If all else fails, chop off your colored hair. From sleek bobs to stylish pixie cuts, there are short haircuts that flatter all features. The easiest way to get rid of permanent hair dye is to cut if off and let your gray grow in naturally.[15]
- Color-treated hair tends to be more damaged anyway, so as a bonus, you'll end up with healthier hair.
- Stripping the color from your hair strips the moisture, too. Use oil or other deep-conditioning treatments after trying any of these methods.
[Edit]Warnings - DIY color removers can damage your hair and/or leave it an unappealing shade. Try these options at your own risk!
- Using developer or a bleach bath to remove the dye can fry your hair. Don't try it at home!
[Edit]References |
| How to Make a Retirement Budget Posted: 09 Dec 2021 08:00 AM PST One of the biggest questions people have about retirement is, "How much money do I need to retire comfortably?" We can help you understand your expenses so you can get a clear picture of how much you'll need to budget for your retirement. When you're prepared for retirement with enough set aside to cover unexpected expenses, you'll be able to relax and make the most of your golden years. [Edit]Calculating Your Retirement Expenses - Current expenses: Look over your bank or credit card statements for the last 6-12 months and write down everything you spent money on. Break down each expense into categories so you can really understand how you're spending your money—and whether you expect those expenses to change when you retire. We have examples of these categories in the following step.[1]
- Some of your expenses will go down once you retire, like work-related travel or professional clothing.[2]
- Also, if you pay off your mortgage before you retire, you can eliminate that monthly expense.[3]
- On the other hand, some of your costs will likely go up, like the money you spend on travel, hobbies, or entertainment.
- In general, retirees spend about 70-90% of their pre-retirement earnings each month to maintain their standard of living.[4]
- Utilities and Mortgage or Rent: Include things like your water, gas, garbage pickup, and electric bills in this category. If you're paying rent or a mortgage, include that as well. For the most part, expect these basic household bills to cost about the same as they do now—costs like your insurance, car payment, and water bills aren't likely to change much.[5]
- Of course, there are exceptions. Your power bill might go up a little if you'll be home more often, for instance, or your car-related expenses might go down if you're not driving as far each day.
- Your rent or mortgage and utilities can vary a lot depending on things like where you live and the size of your home. That's why it's helpful to look at what you're currently spending on those bills.
- Living costs: In this category, write down what you spend on the things you need for day-to-day living. This includes your groceries, gas and transportation costs, car and home maintenance, and clothing.[6]
- If you find yourself needing to cut spending, this is sometimes an area where you can scale back a little. For instance, you might save on groceries by buying meat in bulk and freezing it for later.
- On average, retirees spend just around $480 on food and about $560 on transportation.[7]
- Be realistic about your needs. Things like shoes, clothing, and food are essential, and if you budget too conservatively, you could find yourself overspending.
- Medical care: It's estimated that the average retired person will spend nearly $150,000 in out-of-pocket medical expenses over the course of their retirement. That doesn't even include long-term care. That number might seem daunting, but if you build it into your budget from the start, you'll feel more confident about being able to afford the healthcare you need.[8]
- If you retire before you turn 65, plan to pay for health insurance until you're old enough for Medicare.[9]
- Even once you do have Medicare, things like dental and vision care will likely still be out-of-pocket.
- Hobbies, travel, & entertainment: Now comes the fun part! Look at what you're already spending on things like your cable bill, movies and plays, dining out, and going on trips. If you have more time on your hands, it's likely that you'll want to do these things at least as often as you do now, so be sure to make room for them in your budget.[10]
- Remember to include things like memberships and subscriptions. If you plan to take up a hobby like golf, factor the costs for that into your budget as well.
- Retirees usually spend around $200 a month on entertainment.[11]
- This is an area you can cut back on if you're struggling to make ends meet, but try to include at least a little discretionary spending—you've worked hard and you deserve to enjoy your retirement.
- Quarterly, bi-annual, and annual expenses: As you're looking over your current expenses, keep an eye out for any expenses that you only pay every so often, like once a quarter or twice a year. This could include things like your auto registration, property or state taxes, home and car insurance, or a home warranty.[12]
- Also, plan ahead for one-time expenses you might have, like wedding or graduation gifts or buying a new car.
- Inflation: Plan for inflation to add about 3% to all of your expenses every year. That might not be a very big change from one year to the next, but over the course of a couple of decades, it could be a big jump.[13]
- Social Security payments rise a little each year to account for inflation, but they're not guaranteed to keep up with actual inflation costs.
- If inflation grows faster than expected, you may need to make some cuts to your budget to account for that.
- Emergency fund: Preparing for the unexpected can keep an emergency from wrecking your budget. Have about 6 months' worth of living expenses set aside just in case of a costly emergency. It's best if this is in a separate account so you can draw from it without affecting the rest of your budget.[14]
- For instance, if you have unexpected medical costs or you need home or auto repairs, you'll have the peace of mind that you can pay for that.
- Some financial experts say to budget about $200-$300 a month for unexpected big-ticket costs.[15]
- If you have to use your emergency fund, plan to cut back on some of your planned monthly spending until it's replenished.
[Edit]Estimating Your Retirement Income - Savings and investments: If you've been planning for retirement, you've probably saved money in a savings or investment account, like an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b).[16] Financial experts recommend using about 3-4% of your total investment portfolio during the first year of your retirement. In general, if you stick to that amount, you should be able to draw about the same amount of money each year for about 25 years.[17]
- For instance, if you have $1 million in your retirement account, you can draw out $40,000 a year for 25 years.
- If you find that 4% a year doesn't cover your living expenses, you can always adjust your withdrawal rate later on. Just keep in mind that if you draw out more money now, you won't have as much for the later years of your retirement.
- Depending on how your investments perform, you may need to adjust your budget some years to account for any fluctuations.
- Social Security: Social Security provides you with a regular monthly income. The amount you'll receive depends on a lot of factors, including how much you earned while you were working, how long you worked, and the age you are when you retire.[18]
- Although you can start drawing your retirement when you turn 62, you'll get more money each month if you wait until your full retirement age, or 65.[19]
- If you wait to draw Social Security until you turn 70, you'll receive even more money each month.
- In 2021, the average monthly Social Security payment is around $1500.[20] For an estimate of how much you'll draw, use the Social Security Administration's online calculator: https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/quickcalc/.
- Passive income: Add any additional sources of income when you retire, like a pension or an annuity that you might get from your employer. Also consider any other types of income, like rental properties, a return on business investments, or royalties.[21]
- Payments like pensions and annuities are often paid monthly, although they'll sometimes be paid out once a quarter, every 6 months, or annually.
- Part-time work. Retirement doesn't always mean you have to leave the workforce completely. Part-time work is a great way to stretch your savings by bringing in a little income—and if you're the type who gets bored easily, it can help you fill up your time once you're no longer working full time.[22]
- Try doing something you've always wanted to do, like starting your own consulting business or teaching art classes. This is your time to follow your dreams!
- Other good jobs for retirees include babysitting, tutoring, bookkeeping, retail, and office management.[23]
- After you retire, evaluate your budget each year and make any changes as needed.[24]
- To maintain your standard of living, plan to spend about 70-90% of what you live on now.[25]
- Once you make your retirement budget, try living on it for several months before you actually retire to make sure it works for you.[26]
- If your expenses will exceed your income, consider waiting a little longer before you retire so you'll have time to save more.[27]
- For detailed advice that's specific to your situation, talk to a financial advisor you trust.
[Edit]References |
| How to Remove Milk Stains from Baby Clothes Posted: 09 Dec 2021 12:00 AM PST Having a little baby at home is one of the biggest joys in life—until it comes to washing their clothes! Since breast milk and formula both have protein in them, the stains can dry a pale yellow color, making them stand out on light-colored fabrics. Fortunately, with a little time and some cleaning products, you can get rid of those stains and dress your baby in clean clothing in no time. [Edit]Blot fresh milk stains with a paper towel. - The more you can clean it now, the better! If you aren't too busy running around changing diapers or holding your little one, grab a paper towel and quickly wipe the milk off your baby's clothing. Then, change them into something else so you can work on getting the stain out quickly.[1]
- If you can't get to the stain right away, that's totally fine—having a baby in the home isn't easy, so you'll probably miss a few milk mishaps at least a few times.
[Edit]Chip off dried stains with a butter knife. - This will help remove any dried flakes. If you only just noticed the milk stain and it's already dry, lay your baby's clothing out flat on the table and grab a butter knife from the kitchen. Slowly chip away at the dried milk stain, trying to get as much flaky milk off the clothing as possible before you wash it.[2]
- Stains with protein in them (including milk) tend to dry out and flake up after about an hour or so.
[Edit]Rinse off the clothing with cool water. - Hot water can set stains into fabric, so make sure you're using cool. Bring your baby's clothing over to the sink and run it under cool or cold water for a couple of minutes. This will help get the majority of the milk out right away, especially if it was a fresh stain.[3]
- If getting up to go to the sink is too much (maybe you have a sleeping baby resting peacefully in your arms right now), try reaching for a baby wipe instead.
[Edit]Soak the clothing in a stain remover and water. - An enzymatic remover will get rid of milk stains in no time. Fill up a sink or a bucket with cool water, then mix in a few drops of stain remover. Submerge your baby's clothing in the water and stain remover mixture, then leave it there to soak for at least 1 hour.[4]
- Be sure you're using cool water, not hot—hot water can make stains harder to remove.
- Once the clothing has soaked for a little while, add a few more drops of stain remover directly onto the stained area.
- You might need to soak the clothing multiple times, especially if the stain is particularly large or old.
[Edit]Mix ammonia and dish soap if you have it on-hand. - No stain remover at home? No problem! Grab a bottle of ammonia and mix with of dish soap. Fill a bucket with warm water, then submerge your baby's clothes in the mixture. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour if you have the time.[5]
- Ammonia is generally safe to use in your home, but take extra caution not to mix it with bleach. This creates a harmful gas that can hurt you and your family.[6]
[Edit]Try boiling hot water on cotton fabric. - If you work quickly enough, you can push the stain out of the clothing fibers. Lay your baby's clothing out in the sink, then boil a pot of water on the stove. Once the water is boiling, take the pot over to the sink and hold it as high above the clothing as you can. Quickly pour the hot water directly onto the stain, then rinse the clothing in cool water right away.[7]
- Experts typically don't recommend this as a first option, because hot water has the potential to set stains into the fabric. However, you can use it in a pinch if you don't have any cleaning supplies on-hand.
[Edit]Wash with mild detergent and cool water. - Mild detergent is great for almost all babies. You don't need to worry about buying special products to wash your baby's clothing in—unless your baby has health problems or sensitive skin, use the same detergent you use for your own clothing.[8] Throw the clothes into the wash and put it on a cool water cycle to avoid setting the stain into the clothes.[9]
- If your baby has eczema or sensitive skin, check with their doctor to see if they need special detergent.
[Edit]Try oxygen bleach if the stain is still there. - This is like normal bleach, but without the harmful toxicity. Once you've washed your baby's clothing once, check it out to see if the stain is still there. If it is, fill a bucket with of water, and add of oxygen bleach. Soak the clothing in there overnight, then wash it like usual in the morning.[10]
[Edit]Use regular bleach on tough stains. - If you've tried everything, consider this as your last resort. Check the tag on the clothing to make sure it's safe to bleach (if the fabric is flame-resistant, then you won't be able to bleach it).[11] If the washing instructions say it's okay, follow the dilution directions on the back of your household bleach bottle, then throw the clothes into the washer again.[12]
- It can sound a little scary to use bleach on your baby's clothing, but experts note that since household bleach is already so diluted, it won't do any harm to your little one.[13]
- If you're worried about your baby coming into contact with the bleach, run the clothing through the washer a second time on a "rinse only" cycle.
[Edit]Hang the clothes to dry. - The heat of the dryer can set stains into fabric even more. Once you're sure that the stain is gone, hang up your baby's clothing on a clothesline or inside on a clothing rack. When the clothes dry, they should be clean and stain-free, ready for your baby to wear again.
- If you want everything to dry out faster, try pointing a fan at the clothes while they dry.[14]
[Edit]Turn really stained clothing into cleaning rags. - Sometimes stains just won't come out, and that's okay. Milk stains in particular are really difficult to get out of clothing, especially light-colored fabric. If you've tried everything and your baby's clothing item is still tinged yellow from breast milk or formula, consider cutting it up to use as a cleaning rag around your home.[15]
- Or, if the piece of clothing is special to you, set it aside in a keepsake box to preserve it forever.
[Edit]References |
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