| How to Cook Sriracha Fried Rice Posted: 08 Dec 2021 12:00 AM PST If you need to use up the leftover rice in your fridge and have a craving for something spicy and umami, try this simple recipe to make fried rice using Sriracha as a main flavor base. [Edit]Ingredients - White rice (for best results, use leftover rice that's been kept in the fridge for at least overnight instead of cooking a fresh batch)
- Frozen mixed vegetables (corn, green beans, peas, carrots)
- 2 eggs
- Chopped up cooked meat such as Chinese or breakfast sausage, bacon, chorizo, Spam (optional but adds more depth, flavor, and sustenance)
- Minced garlic (alternatively, use garlic powder)
- Chopped onion (alternatively, use onion powder)
- Sriracha
- Soy sauce
- Black pepper
- Cooking oil
- Microwave the leftover rice for one minute. Rice that's been kept in the fridge tends to dry out and clump into large chunks. By warming up the leftover rice in a microwave, you can easily break it up into manageable chunks when cooking.
- Heat oil in a skillet, wok, or frying pan on low heat.
- Sautee the garlic, onion, and mixed vegetables until they sweat and brown a little.
- Increase the heat on the burner to medium.
- Add in the already-cooked meats if you choose to incorporate them.
- Slowly add all the warmed rice. Mix with a folding motion to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
- Cook on medium heat for roughly 5 minutes.
- Add a splash of soy sauce and mix. The soy sauce is used to bring a salty element, but avoid using too much to avoid overpowering the heat of the Sriracha.
- Clear a circle in the center of the pan and add a splash of oil. This is where you'll crack and cook the eggs.
- Crack both eggs directly into the pan and stir to break the yolks.
- Remix the whole pan to combine all ingredients once the eggs are cooked.
- Squirt Sriracha all over the rice mixture and mix thoroughly. Again, mix with a folding motion. In this recipe, you want to eyeball the amount of Sriracha according to your spiciness preferences. More Sriracha will of course make the dish more spicy.
- Add black pepper and other seasonings (garlic or onion powder) to taste.
- Remove from heat and serve. Portion and serving size generally depends on the amount of rice you have.
[Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Defend Yourself Without Being Defensive Posted: 07 Dec 2021 04:00 PM PST There's a fine line between defending yourself and being defensive, but it makes a world of difference between ending and escalating a problem. If you regularly find yourself justifying yourself, blaming others, or trying to distract from the problem at hand, you may be on the defense. Fortunately, if you catch yourself getting defensive, there are ways to keep things in perspective and find a solution to the problem at hand—without getting defensive about it. [Edit]Keep calm in the moment. - Getting angry or upset immediately tends to look defensive. If you're feeling wound up, take a deep breath, count to three, and resist the urge to say anything until you've had a chance to think it through.[1] You'll handle the situation better once you've had a moment to ease your tension.[2]
- In many situations, it's okay to be quiet for a moment. If the other person expects a quick response, though, tell them that you need a moment: "I'm feeling a bit defensive right now and I'm taking a breath so I can respond with a level head."[3]
- Not every conflict needs to be addressed immediately. In fact, sometimes it can help to wait a day or two so that the situation can cool down.[4]
[Edit]Wait to respond to the criticism. - An impulsive reaction is usually based only on emotions. Your immediate reaction might be to lash out, write off the other person's feelings, or play the "blame game"— but all of these are defensive.[5] Pause for a moment before you reply, and don't interrupt or cut the other person off.[6]
- Let the person finish, even if they're wrong. Cutting in with corrections or "That's not true" shuts down further discussion.[7]
[Edit]Encourage the person to elaborate. - An explanation can make it clearer to you what the problem is. If you don't understand where the criticism is coming from, or if the person said something vague, respond to them with, "Can you elaborate?" or, "Could you tell me more?"[8] This also gives you some time to breathe so you're less likely to respond defensively.[9]
- For example, instead of, "Don't call my design ugly. I worked hard on that," say, "What makes you say the design is ugly?"
- If you're worried you'll snap at the other person, try a short statement, like, "Go on?" or "How so?"
- A direct attack is usually about some kind of frustration, not you personally. Say something like, "I can tell that something is bothering you. What's something we can do to fix that?"[10]
[Edit]Listen to what the other person says. - You'll be able to craft a more effective response. Chances are good that the other person is genuinely trying to help you, or is frustrated about a long-term problem. Give them the opportunity to share their thoughts and listen to what they're telling you.[11] Avoid interrupting or planning what you'll say in response.[12]
- If you're not sure what the other person is saying, ask for confirmation when they've finished. For example: "Here's my understanding of what you just said. You feel that I'm not taking care of enough housework and you're always asking me to do the bare minimum. Is that correct?"
- Ask the person for clarification. For example: "When you say that I'm too lenient with the kids, what do you mean by that?"
- Thank the person for telling you how they're feeling, or for their input. Even if it's harsh, it can show them that you're genuinely listening.[13]
[Edit]Validate the other person's feelings. - You don't need to agree with someone to make them feel heard. The other person wants to know you're acknowledging their feedback or emotions, and if you ignore or dismiss those, you can come off as defensive or self-righteous. Validating how they feel can help them feel understood and defuse tension or frustration in the moment.[14]
- "I didn't realize that you have to scrub the sink every time I dye my hair. I get why you're frustrated. I would be, too."
- "It sounds like Danica was an office legend, and that you guys miss her a lot. I imagine it's pretty hard to not compare me to her sometimes."
- "Your concerns about the cost are justified. I had the same thought myself—it's expensive. Here's what I'm considering in order to pay for it."
[Edit]Respond with the facts. - A factual reply is more level-headed than an emotional one. If your response is based on your emotions or opinions, you'll look more defensive than if you base your response around the facts. Leave your opinions and feelings out of your reply, and stick to what's objective.[15]
- For example, instead of "How could I steal the laptop? I wasn't even in the room!" say, "I was in a meeting with my supervisor when the laptop was stolen."
[Edit]Use "Yes, and…" in place of "Yes, but…" - "But" can imply you're trying to protect yourself somehow. What's more, it can make the other person feel shut down, because the underlying message is "You're wrong" or "Your side isn't important". If you replace "but" with "and," though, you'll show the other person that you want to work together and find a solution—not get defensive.[16]
- Instead of "Yes, but you yelled at me first," try "Yes, and I don't think yelling is constructive for either of us. I'd like us to avoid talking about politics for right now."
- Instead of "That's a cool idea, but I'm not sure if it'll work," try, "That's a cool idea. How can we make it work?"
[Edit]Use "I" statements to defuse the situation. - State how you feel instead of saying what they did wrong. If something specific puts you on the defense, "I" statements can be used to explain why it bothers you, without putting too much focus on the other person.[17] An "I" statement focuses on the action, how you feel, and why it makes you feel that way: "When you do X, I feel Y, because Z."[18]
- Instead of "Quit acting like I'm stupid," try, "When you keep asking whether I've ran my work through the spellchecker, I get irritated, because I feel like you see me as stupid or helpless."
- Instead of "Stop nagging me," try, "I feel frustrated when you keep suggesting I reach out to my mom. We have a bad relationship and I feel like you're ignoring that."
- Instead of "You're not making sense," try, "I'm not sure I understand what you're saying."
[Edit]Offer an apology if you made a mistake. - It's important to take responsibility for your actions. Even if you genuinely didn't mean to do something, responding with "It was an accident" comes off as defensive, since you're not acknowledging what you did. If your actions inconvenienced or hurt someone else, then apologizing shows that you accept responsibility for what you did, even though you didn't deliberately do it.[19]
- "You're absolutely correct. It was my responsibility to turn in the project on time, and by not doing so, I caused the team to miss our deadline. I apologize and will stay late today so I can turn in the project by tonight."
- "I'm sorry for sharing that article on Twitter earlier. I wasn't aware it was racist, but that's not an excuse. I've deleted it and am going to educate myself further on what racism looks like."
- "I didn't intend to leave you out of the party, but I see how it came across that way. I should have asked rather than assuming you'd be busy. I'm sorry."
[Edit]Show that you're open to feedback. - Asking for feedback shows that you want to work together. You're showing that you want to improve or find a better solution, instead of proving yourself "right" and everyone else "wrong".[20] Being open to suggestions also means the other person has to give constructive feedback, so you're focused on the solution, not each other.[21]
- "I'm pretty surprised to hear that my work was low-quality. I believed I was following the guidelines. Can you give me some tips on what needs improvement?"
- "I don't agree that the punishment is too harsh, but I'm open to alternatives. What do you think would be more appropriate?"
- It's okay to challenge an unfair or bad-faith suggestion. Say something like, "Taking me off the project seems like a rather extreme response to some typos. Can you explain how that's fair?"
[Edit]Resist the urge to immediately share "your side". - You'll look defensive by jumping in. Even if the other person is saying things that aren't true, it won't help to interrupt, correct them, or deny what they're saying. By redirecting the discussion or saying that the person is wrong, you'll shut them down and look defensive. Let the person finish first.[22]
- Let's say someone accuses you of making an inappropriate comment towards them. Don't snap, "I never said that!" Instead, let them finish, and then ask for clarification, such as, "What comment are you referring to?"
- If you're sure the other person is wrong, keep your response factual: "I believe what you're saying. I wasn't at the event, so I don't know who said that to you."
[Edit]Don't retaliate or dismiss what was said. - Writing someone off or lashing out is emotional and impulsive. Dismissing someone else's thoughts or feelings on something indicates you're not open to any view but your own. Similarly, verbal attacks or pinning blame on others shows that you're upset. Even if you're angry, resist the urge to make personal attacks, ignore how the other person feels, or play the "blame game".[23]
- "Can't you take a joke?" dismisses someone's feelings. Replace it with, "I didn't realize that would upset you. I'm sorry."
- "You're so nitpicky!" is a personal attack. Replace it with, "I hear you that the design could look better. Right now, the goal is to get it working."
[Edit]Set boundaries around nonconstructive criticism. - You don't need to tolerate personal attacks or rude comments. If someone is being unnecessarily harsh or making it personal, you're allowed to set a boundary to keep things civil. Clearly and firmly tell the person what they need to stop doing. If they continue to do it, don't be afraid to repeat yourself or end the discussion.[24]
- "Please tell me specifically what the problem is. 'Disgusting' doesn't tell me where I need to improve."
- "If you continue to call me names, I will have to ask you to leave."
- "Do not swear at me."
[Edit]Walk away if things get heated. - It's tough to have a productive discussion if you're angry or distracted. If something has really upset you or the other person, or if you're not able to have an in-depth discussion at the moment, it's okay to ask for a bit of time. Agree on when you'll discuss the problem; then, take time away so that you or the other person can cool off, or so that you can handle anything pressing.[25]
- "I hear what you're saying, but I'm really upset and need to cool down. Can we take about an hour and then come back to this?"
- "You have reasonable concerns. I still have some points to go over, so I can't address them right now. We can discuss them together at the end of the meeting, or you and I can talk privately later."
- Remember: criticism of your behavior or ideas isn't necessarily criticism of you. You're a separate entity from your suggestions, work, and actions. The person may be genuinely trying to help.[26]
- Identify how you're feeling: tense, angry, anxious, or hurt? Do you feel like you need to prove yourself right, blame or attack someone else, or that you can't "let go" of something? Are you thinking in absolutes ("always" or "never")? These are signs that you're getting defensive, and need to take a step back.[27]
- Don't expect to respond perfectly straight away. It takes time to consistently respond non-defensively. Keep trying![28]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Reset Your Google Password on Your Phone Posted: 07 Dec 2021 08:00 AM PST Since many Androids are attached to a Google account, you can change your password from your Google account using a web browser. You don't, however, need to use a web browser to do this. This wikiHow will teach you how to change your Google password on your phone if you still know it as well as how to reset a password you've forgotten. If you're using an iPhone or iPad, you'll need to perform the same steps from the Gmail app. [Edit]Changing the Google Password on an Android Phone or Tablet - Open Settings. You'll find this gear icon in the Quick Menu if you swipe down from the top of your screen. Alternatively, you can find the gear app icon in your app drawer or by searching.
- Tap . It's next to an uppercase "G" on a blue background.
- Tap . This is next to the multicolored "G" icon under your profile picture.
- If you don't have a Google Account associated with your phone, you will not be able to continue.
- Tap the tab. You may need to slide the menu left to find this option (the menu starts with the Home and Personal info tabs).
- Tap under "Signing in to Google." To find this option, you might need to scroll down the menu.
- Sign in with your password to continue.
- Enter the new password and tap . When you change or reset your Google password, you'll be signed out of your accounts except on devices that have special permissions (like your Chromebook).
[Edit]Changing the Google Password on an iPhone or iPad - Open Gmail. This app icon looks like a red and white envelop that you can find on one of your Home screens, in the Dock, or by searching.
- Tap your profile picture or initials. You'll see your profile picture if you selected one or your initials in the top right corner of the app.
- Tap . This is next to the multicolored "G" icon under your profile picture.
- Tap the tab. It's to the right of the Home tab.
- Tap under "Profile."
- Enter the new password and tap . When you change or reset your Google password, you'll be signed out of your accounts except on devices that have special permissions (like your Chromebook).[1]
[Edit]Resetting a Password You've Forgotten - Tap . Follow the steps to change your password on Android or iPhone to get to this screen, where you can indicate that you've forgotten your password to reset it.
- For Android phones and tablets, open Settings, then tap Google > Manage your Google Account > Security > Password.
- If you have an iPhone, open Gmail, then tap your profile picture and tap Manage your Google Account > Personal info > Password.
- Follow the on-screen steps to recover your account. If you don't remember your password, you'll need to either log in via a trusted device (like your Chromebook if you have 2FA enabled) or log in with a code sent via text or email.
- Log in with the email or texted code. Depending on your method of recovery, the website will look different. If you chose to recover via email, you'll get a link in your email to use. However, if you decided to use a phone number, you'll need to enter the code sent via text into the field provided.
- Make sure to look in your Spam or Bulk Mail folders for the Google email.
- Enter a new password. When you change or reset your Google password, you'll be signed out of your accounts except on devices that have special permissions (like your Chromebook).
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Budget for Medical Expenses in Retirement Posted: 07 Dec 2021 12:00 AM PST Planning for retirement is never easy, especially when you aren't sure how much money your medical expenses may be. Medicare expenses and supplemental out of pocket costs can vary, but there are ways to get an estimate for your retirement plan. In this article, we've detailed how you can create a budget for your future medical expenses and a few ways to cover those expenses when the time comes. [Edit]Estimating Expenses - Take your age into account. Recent reports show that a 65-year old couple should expect to spend at least $260,000 on medical expenses during their retirement. A 55-year old couple should expect to spend around $360,000 over their remaining years. The younger you plan to retire, the more expenses you will eventually accrue, even if you're in relatively good health.[1]
- The average life expectancy for a man is 76 years, while the average for a woman is 81 years. The amount of money you'll need is based on the average life expectancy, so if you live to be older, you'll probably need a bit more money.
- The older you retire, the less money you'll have to set aside, simply because you won't be living as many years in retirement.
- Consider your current health. Health risks are divided into 3 categories: low risk, medium risk, and high risk. Experts note that people with high health risks will probably pay 50% to 150% more for medical expenses than people who have low health risks. The categories are defined as:[2]
- Low risk: people who do not smoke and have no chronic conditions.
- Medium risk: people who may smoke or have one or two chronic conditions.
- High risk: people who smoke, visit the doctor regularly, or have 2 or more chronic conditions.
- Subtract costs covered by Medicare. If you are 65 or older and live in the United States, your health insurance will be covered by Medicare.[3] Most Medicare plans cover most medical expenses, but they also come with yearly deductibles. While you won't have to pay out of pocket for the bulk of your medical expenses, you may have to pay up to a $3,069.80 deductible per year for basic Medicare, especially if you have to stay in the hospital.[4]
- Therefore, if you live for another 10 years covered by Medicare, your expenses would reach $30,698 for one person.
- There are 4 parts to Medicare: Part A covers your inpatient/hospital stays, part B covers your outpatient/medical coverage, part C is an alternate plan for qualified individuals (also called Medicare private health plan), and part D covers your prescription drugs.[5]
- Account for things that Medicare might not cover. If you have Medicare, it won't cover some prescription drugs, hearing aids, dental care, or eyeglasses. These out of pocket expenses can really add up, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions. Totals for these expenses vary greatly depending on your age and your health.[6]
- The American Dental Association reports that 2 yearly cleanings and x-rays normally cost around $288 annually.
- Plan for any long-term care you might need. Unfortunately, Medicare doesn't cover long-term care, like home nurses or nursing home expenses. If you run into these expenses, you can apply for PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) or SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). These federal and state-run programs will help pay for any long-term care you or your spouse might need.[7]
- These services also cover care costs of cognitive impairment, like Alzheimer's.
- Expect a 2% inflation every year. Unfortunately, medical expenses aren't exempt to inflation. Just like other prices will rise, so too will your doctor's appointments, dental visits, and prescriptions. What you pay yearly now might not reflect what you pay in 10 years, so it's always good to have a little wiggle room.[8]
- Aim for an out of pocket budget of $4,500 per year. This is what most experts recommend for someone of retirement age. It will help cover any deductibles you end up paying, as well as unexpected costs, like dental visits, eye glasses, and prescriptions that aren't covered by your insurance. If you can set aside this much for every year you expect to be in retirement, you will probably be set.[9]
- Experts also recommend revisiting your retirement plan every 5 years, just to make sure it's keeping up with inflation.
[Edit]Preparing before Retirement - Create an HSA before you retire. An HSA, or a health savings account, can help you cover some of your medical expenses after you retire. If you want to create an HSA, you can either ask your employer or create one through your bank. Then, you decide how much money you want to add each year (up to $3,600 for individuals and $7,200 for families). When you need to use the money, you won't be taxed, as long as it's used for medical or healthcare expenses.[10]
- Once you enroll in Medicare, you won't be able to make deposits into your HSA anymore.
- Ideally, you would start an HSA now and then keep the money in the account until you retire. However, if you need the money before then, you can take some out to use for medical expenses without getting taxed.
- Consider using a high deductible health plan. High deductible plans don't start paying until after you've spent at least $1,400 (for an individual) or $2,800 (for a family) out of pocket for medical expenses. The benefit to these plans is that the premium, or the amount you pay per month for them, is much lower than typical health coverage plans. Usually, you would have a high deductible plan in conjunction with an HSA to pay your out of pocket expenses until the health plan kicks in.[11]
- If you want to look into a high deductible health plan, talk to your employer or shop for one online.
- Ask your employer about retirement health coverage. Although it's less common now, some businesses will keep providing health coverage even after you retire. If you like your health plan now and you want to stick with it, consider talking to your employer to see if that's an option. If it is, you may be able to keep your healthcare coverage even though you're no longer working.[12]
- If your employer doesn't offer it, check with your spouse's employer, too.
- Try a Roth IRA for fewer taxes. Since you might have to pull money out of your retirement for medical expenses, it's worth looking into a Roth IRA rather than a traditional IRA or a 401(k). In a Roth IRA or a Roth 401(k), retirement withdrawals are free, which can really save you money if you have to pay any out of pocket expenses.[13]
- Many businesses offer both traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. If you'd like to switch, talk to your employer.
- If your employer doesn't offer it and you make less than $117,000 per year, you can contribute up to $5,500 to a Roth IRA annually. If you're over 50, you can contribute up to $6,500.
[Edit]References |
| How to Clean a Fabric Sofa with Vinegar Posted: 06 Dec 2021 04:00 PM PST Your sofa is a hub for dirt and odors, and cleaning it can seem like a hassle. If you don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on getting your fabric sofa professionally cleaned and hate the chemical smell of some fabric cleaners, vinegar may be the perfect solution! Keep reading to find out how you can clean your fabric sofa with vinegar and a few household items. [Edit]Making a Vinegar Cleaning Solution - Fill a spray bottle with of warm water. The water breaks up and dissolves dirt and odors so they can be swept away. Club soda can also be used as a substitute, but the extra carbonation may cause bubbles to form.[1]
- Mix of white vinegar into the spray bottle. Use a funnel to avoid spills. The vinegar is a mild acid that breaks down dirt and neutralizes odors.[2]
- You can find white vinegar at your local grocery store or online.
- Add of liquid soap to your solution. A natural soap or dish detergent can be used. The small amount of soap will help remove grease and grime. Mix the solution gently to avoid bubbles by either stirring with a utensil or slowly swirling the spray bottle.[3]
- It's best to use natural liquid soap if you want to avoid fragrances.
[Edit]Cleaning Your Fabric Couch with Vinegar - Remove any slipcovers on the sofa. If your sofa has slipcovers, take them off to clean separately. Slipcovers are the fabric on top of your sofa cushions and pillows, and can be easily removed by unzippering their zippers.
- If you don't know if your sofa has slipcovers, check the bottom seams of the cushions. Chances are there's a zipper hiding there![4]
- Slipcovers can be washed separately in a washing machine on a warm, gentle cycle.[5]
- Once washed, lay slipcovers out to air-dry.
- Vacuum the sofa to remove loose dirt and crumbs. Using a vacuum on your sofa regularly will help keep your sofa clean. All dust, dirt, and crumbs must be removed from the fabric before using the vinegar solution.[6]
- Use vacuum extensions to reach hard to reach places.
- Remove cushions to suck out dirt trapped in sofa cracks.
- Dab any wet stains with a paper towel. Removing the liquid from the stain will let the vinegar solution do its job. Gently pat the stain and be careful not to rub the area.
- Spray the vinegar solution on the sofa. If you are spot cleaning, target the specific stain. If you are cleaning the entire sofa, spray the fabric with light mists. Let the solution rest on the fabric for a few minutes before scrubbing.[7]
- Be careful not to completely soak the sofa. The goal is to make the fabric damp to the touch, not wet.
- Dab the vinegar solution with a cloth or paper towel. While the solution is drying, gently pat the area. If there are stains that need more attention, spray the area again and pat thoroughly. [8]
- Repeat the process until stains, dirt, and odors are removed.
- To remove hard stains, carefully scrub the area with a toothbrush or cleaning brush using circular motions.[9]
- Allow the sofa to air dry. Once dry, the odor should be gone and your sofa will be looking almost new! Repeat this process whenever your fabric sofa starts to smell a little funky or you accidentally spill something on it.
- Suck the fabric dry with a shop vac or vacuum to speed up the drying process.[10]
- There may be a lingering vinegar smell when you are done cleaning. This will go away on its own with time, but if the smell isn't ideal, spray your now clean sofa with a light mist of your favorite spray odor eliminator.
- Label the spray bottle and keep the extra solution for future use. You never know when you'll need an emergency cleaner and stain remover!
[Edit]References |
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