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• How to Play Let It Ride
• How to Remove Contact Lenses with Cotton Swabs
• How to Use Desktop Mode on iPhone
• How to Store a Cut Onion
• How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps on Your Neck
• How to Lay Landscape Rock
• How to Weatherproof a Door
• How to Teach Gratitude to Adults
• How to Remove Sap from Clothes
• How to Recycle a Fire Extinguisher
• How to Make Fruit Salad
• How to Tell if Glasses Block Blue Light

How to Play Let It Ride Posted: 08 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT If you're looking for a fun gambling game to try at home or the next time you're at a casino, Let It Ride is easy to learn and play with a deck of cards. During the game, you'll place bets on whether you think your hand of cards will make a winning poker hand, but you won't get to see 2 of the cards until later in the game. Even though there's a lot of luck involved, there's still a little strategy you can use to win big. Keep reading for everything you need to start playing! [Edit]Steps [Edit]Betting and Dealing Place 3 equal bets on the table in front of you. Place 3 stacks with equal numbers of poker chips in front of you to use for your bets. Since you make all of your bets before you get to see your hand of cards, be careful not to risk too much unless you're feeling really lucky.[1] If you're playing Let It Ride at a casino, they may set a minimum amount you can place for each bet, but it's usually around $5 USD. You'll have the chance to take back 2 of your bets later on, but you'll always have to keep one of them in play. Make optional 3-card bonus and progressive wagers to win extra money. A 3-card bonus pays out if you have a pair of 10s or higher after you get your hand of cards. You'll meet a progressive wager if you have a 3-of-a-kind or higher between the 5 cards in play. You usually only have to bet $1 USD per hand for a bonus wager, so just set a poker chip in front of your other bets for each bonus wager you want to make.[2] You still have to make your wagers before you're dealt any cards, so it's a small risk that could give you a huge payout if you win. Some Let It Ride tables at casinos won't offer additional bets, but feel free to make them if you're playing at home. Pick a dealer to deal 3 cards to each player and 2 to themselves. If you're playing at home, choose someone to shuffle and deal the cards. Once you get your hand of 3 cards, you can look at them but keep them hidden from anyone else you're playing with. When the dealer deals cards to themselves, they'll keep the 2 cards face-down in front of them.[3] The dealer's cards are called "community cards" and every player will use them. Your 3 cards and the dealer's 2 cards form your poker hand. [Edit]Playing a Round Familiarize yourself with standard poker hands. You only get your bets paid out if you have a standard poker card combination between the 3 cards in your hand and the 2 community cards. You'll win back your bet (and maybe some extra cash) if you have:[4] 1 Pair: 2 cards with values 10 or higher. Aces are the highest rank. 2 Pairs: 2 different sets of pairs. Three-of-a-kind: 3 cards of the same value. Straight: 5 cards of any suit in a sequence, such as 3-4-5-6-7 or 8-9-10-J-Q. Aces can come before 2s or after kings in a sequence. Flush: 5 cards of the same suit but not in a sequence. Full House: three-of-a-kind and a pair. Four-of-a-kind: 4 cards with the same value. Straight Flush: 5 cards in the same suit in a sequence. Royal Flush: ace, king, queen, jack, and 10 in the same suit. Choose to withdraw one of your bets if you don't like your hand. Start with the player sitting to the left of the dealer and go clockwise around the table. You won't be able to see the dealer's cards yet, but if you feel confident that you can make a winning poker hand, keep all of your bets in the game and "let it ride!" If you're not feeling lucky or were dealt a bad hand, you can take one of your stacks of chips back.[5] You're not competing to have a better hand than other players, so you don't have to worry about if you have a lower-value hand than them. If you have a pair or three-of-a-kind, you should let it ride since you've already got a winning hand. If you have 3 cards of the same suit in a sequence higher than 2-3-4, it's a good idea to stay in for the first bet since it's the start of a straight flush. If you're missing one of the cards in the sequence but you have a 10 or higher, you should still let it ride.[6] Flip over one of the dealer's face-down cards. Whoever is the dealer takes flips over the community card on their left to reveal it to everyone. The card they just revealed is now a part of your hand and counts towards any winning poker combos.[7] Take back another one of your bets if you're still not confident in your hand. Take turns clockwise around the table. Choose if you want to let it ride and keep your bets in or if you want to take back another one of your bets. Even if you let it ride during your first bet, you can still withdraw one of your bets once you see the first community card.[8] You'll always have to leave at least 1 of your bets in for the round. Let it ride if you already have a pair, three-of-a-kind, four-of-a-kind, or any 4 cards to form a flush. If you have a straight where you're only missing the highest or lowest value, and one of the cards is a 10, you should keep your bet in for the round.[9] Reveal the dealer's second card and your hand. Once everyone chooses what to do with their second bet, the dealer flips over their last card to complete your 5-card poker hand.[10] Pay out based on the hand made by your cards and the dealer's cards. If you didn't have a winning poker hand, you lose any of the bets that were still on the table. Otherwise, you get a payout depending on the odds of your poker hand. While payout odds may differ depending on where you're playing Let It Ride, the standard odds are:[11] 1 Pair: 1 to 1 2 Pairs: 2 to 1 Three-of-a-kind: 3 to 1 Straight: 5 to 1 Flush: 8 to 1 Full House: 11 to 1 Four-of-a-kind: 50 to 1 Straight Flush: 200 to 1 Royal Flush: 1,000 to 1 Some casinos have maximum payout limits for each hand. Earn a bonus payout if you meet a 3-card wager. If you had a winning card combination in your 3-card hand and placed a wager at the start of the round, you get an additional payout depending on the cards you have.[12] 1 Pair: 1 to 1 Flush: 3 to 1 Straight: 6 to 1 Three-of-a-kind: 30 to 1 Straight Flush: 40 to 1 Mini Royal Flush (ace, king, queen): 50 to 1 Get a bonus for meeting a progressive wager. You win a progressive wager if you have a winning combo that's a three-of-a-kind or higher with all 5 of the cards. You can also win a small amount from an "envy bonus" if another player at the table gets a winning combo. The payouts are:[13] Three-of-a-kind: 9 to 1 Straight: 30 to 1 Flush: 40 to 1 Full House: 50 to 1 Four-of-a-kind: 300 to 1 Straight Flush: 10% of the jackpot. If another player gets a straight flush, you win a $300 USD Envy bonus. Royal Flush: 100% of the jackpot. If another player gets a royal flush, you win a $1,000 USD Envy bonus. Envy bonuses may vary depending on the casino and table. [Edit]References ↑ https://www.wsgc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/activities/GameRules/game-rules/84_let-it-ride-3-card-bonus.pdf ↑ https://www.theoceanac.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LetItRide.pdf ↑ https://sdlegislature.gov/Rules/Administrative/13024 ↑ https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/gambling/BGC_let_it_ride.pdf ↑ https://sdlegislature.gov/Rules/Administrative/13024 ↑ https://www.gamblingsites.org/blog/let-it-ride-odds-strategy-tips/ ↑ https://www.wsgc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/activities/GameRules/game-rules/84_let-it-ride-3-card-bonus.pdf ↑ https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/gambling/BGC_let_it_ride.pdf ↑ https://www.gamblingsites.org/blog/let-it-ride-odds-strategy-tips/ ↑ https://www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com/-/media/project/shrss/sga/casinos/hard-rock/hollywood/casino/table-games/let-it-ride_rules.pdf?rev=cabb8243cc064a76a702ebdaa7b73a15 ↑ https://www.theoceanac.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LetItRide.pdf ↑ https://www.theoceanac.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LetItRide.pdf ↑ https://www.tulalipresortcasino.com/Base/File/TRC-PDF-HTP-letitride

How to Remove Contact Lenses with Cotton Swabs Posted: 08 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT If your nails are long or you don't like touching your eye with your fingertips, you're probably wondering how to remove your contact lenses. Thankfully, it's easy to use an ordinary cotton swab to take out your lenses safely and quickly. We've put together a step-by-step guide to removing your contact lenses with a cotton swab, plus how to clean and store your lenses for maximum protection. Read on to take out your lenses with confidence! [Edit]Steps [Edit]Wash your hands. Thoroughly scrub your hands with soap and hot water to kill germs. Bacteria from your hands can hop to your contact lens case and then to your contacts, leading to infection or irritation in your eyes. Dry your hands well with a clean, lint-free cloth.[1] As a rule, always wash your hands before handling contact lenses.[2] [Edit]Prep your contact lens case. Rinse and rub the interior of your case with contact solution to clean it. If there's old contact solution sitting in the case, dump it out (reusing or "topping off" old solution can result in infection). Dry the case with a clean tissue.[3] Use the contact lens solution recommended by your optometrist or eye care provider. Don't use water to clean your case—it may contain particles or bacteria that can accumulate on your contact lenses. Anytime you get a new bottle of contact solution, throw away your old case and get a new one to decrease your chance of getting an infection (most bottles of solution come with a case).[4] [Edit]Apply eye drops. Add a few drops of saline solution to both eyes before lens removal. Tilt your head back and use your non-dominant hand to hold your eyelids open. With your dominant hand, gently squeeze 1 or 2 drops of saline solution into your eye. Release your lids and blot any excess solution with a clean tissue.[5] Saline solution hydrates the contacts and your eyeballs, which makes it easier to slide the contacts out and reduces your risk of corneal abrasion. [Edit]Grab a clean cotton swab. Once your eye drops have settled, bend a fresh cotton swab in half. Use a double-ended swab with a cotton bud on each end. After bending, the 2 cotton buds should be lined up and the swab should look like a pair of tweezers or chopsticks.[6] Always use a clean cotton swab each time you remove your contacts (reusing the same one makes it more likely you'll spread bacteria to your eyes). Alternatively, bend the swab into 3 sections (2 grabbing sections and a middle section between them) to help your grip if necessary.[7] [Edit]Dip the ends of the swab in contact solution. Moisten both cotton buds so they are more compact and less fibrous. This makes it less likely that a cotton fiber will stick to your contacts or get in your eye when you take them out. It will also help you get a good grip on the lens.[8] This step is optional, but helpful! [Edit]Begin with the same eye each time. Pick an eye to start with to keep track of your left and right lenses. Your contacts aren't interchangeable and might have different prescriptions, so you'll want to keep them straight. It doesn't matter which eye you choose—the right or the left will work fine.[9] [Edit]Look straight ahead. Face forward without angling your head up or down. If you're new to contact lenses, standing or sitting in front of a well-lit mirror is a good idea. If it's helpful, look slightly upward with just your eyes before you grab the lenses—it's usually easier to grip the bottom third or half of the lens than the exact center.[10] [Edit]Raise the cotton buds up to the contact lens. Grip the swab in your dominant hand and place the buds on opposite edges of the lens. Some people can hold their eye open with only their facial muscles. If you're struggling to stop blinking, use your non-dominant pointer finger and thumb to hold your eyelids apart while you operate the swab.[11] It takes a while to get used to the sensation of touching your eye. Be patient and stay optimistic while you navigate this process for the first time! [Edit]Pinch the buds together. Gently press the buds together on the lens to get a secure grip. This motion mimics the way you would use your fingertips to remove the lens. After the lens folds in on itself between the buds, carefully pull the lens away from your eye and voilà! You've successfully removed your contact lens.[12] If the lens is folded but you lost your grip on it, blink a few times to help push it out of your eye. If you're struggling to get a good grip on it, use one end of the swab to gently drag the contact off the cornea and down onto your sclera (the white part of your eye). [Edit]Rub the contact lens clean. Rub the lens with contact solution between your pointer finger and thumb. This is the best way to get rid of any deposits or bacteria that built up on the lens before you store it. This will also remove any swab fibers that might have stuck to the lens during removal.[13] Rub your lenses clean after every removal to make them last longer and protect your eye health. Only use a contact lens disinfecting solution to clean them. Water or saliva aren't sterile and will actually put more germs onto your lens.[14] [Edit]Put the lens in your contact case. Drop the contact into your case and fill the well with fresh contact solution. Contact cases are usually marked "left" and "right" (or "L" and "R") to help you keep track of which lens is which, so make sure to put it in the correct well. Securely twist or snap the lid of the well shut.[15] Read the instructions on the contact solution bottle or packaging to find out how long you should keep your lenses stored. Once your first contact lens is secured in the case, you can repeat this process with your other eye. [Edit]Tips Store your contact lens case upside down on a clean cloth with the caps removed to let it air dry out between uses.[16] [Edit]Warnings Using a foreign object, like a cotton swab, to remove your contacts increases the chance of bacteria getting into your eye and causing an infection or irritation. If possible, using your clean fingertips is the safest removal method. [Edit]References ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/show-me-the-science.html#habits ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/protect-your-eyes.html ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/protect-your-eyes.html ↑ [v161880_b01]. 12 August 2021. ↑ https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1413506-overview#a7 ↑ https://youtu.be/g-RevmYnhSs?t=27 ↑ https://sportsclinictampico.com/design/how-to-take-out-contact-lenses-with-nails/ ↑ https://sportsclinictampico.com/design/how-to-take-out-contact-lenses-with-nails/ ↑ https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/contact-lens-care?sso=y ↑ https://youtu.be/kq2WRc99on4?t=135 ↑ https://sportsclinictampico.com/design/how-to-take-out-contact-lenses-with-nails/ ↑ https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1413506-overview#a7 ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/show-me-the-science.html#habits ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/protect-your-eyes.html ↑ https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/contact-lens-care?sso=y ↑ https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/contact-lens-care?sso=y

How to Use Desktop Mode on iPhone Posted: 08 Jun 2022 01:00 AM PDT When you visit a website on your iPhone, your browser will often display a streamlined version designed for mobile viewing. But in some cases, you might prefer to view the full desktop version of the site. By changing a few settings, you can easily switch to desktop mode in iPhone's built-in browser, Safari. You can also view the desktop version of a website in the iOS version of Chrome. In this article, we'll talk you through a few simple methods for switching to desktop mode on iPhone. [Edit]Steps [Edit]Temporary Desktop Mode for a Single Webpage (Safari) Navigate to the website in the Safari app. Open the Safari browser app on your iPhone and type the URL of the website you want to visit into the address bar. Then, tap go to load the site.[1] Depending on the preferences you've set for the app, the address bar may be located at either the top or bottom of the screen. Tap the button. Look for this button to the left of the address bar. Tap it to open a popup menu.[2] Select . About halfway down the popup menu, you'll see the option to Request Desktop Website. Tap this button to switch from the mobile version of the site you're viewing to the desktop version.[3] This setting only applies to the current tab and won't affect any other websites that are currently open in Safari. [Edit]Permanent Desktop Mode for a Single Website (Safari) Open the website in the Safari app. If there's a website you visit frequently that you prefer to use in desktop mode, you can permanently change the settings for that website in Safari. To start, enter the URL of the website you want to visit in the address bar of the Safari app, then tap go. Tap at the top of the window. This button is located to the left of the address bar. Depending on your Safari settings, you might find the address bar at the bottom of the screen instead of the top. Select from the menu. When the menu pops up, tap Website Settings, which should appear just below Request Desktop Website. This will open a new menu screen.[4] Toggle on . At the top of the Website Settings menu, locate the Request Desktop Website option. Toggle the button to the On position.[5] Tap . Once you've turned on the desktop mode, tap Done in the upper right corner of the screen to apply the change. From now on, you should see this website in desktop mode every time you visit it in Safari. You can always undo the change by going back into the Website Settings menu next time you visit the site. [Edit]Permanent Desktop Mode for All Websites (Safari) Open the app. If you prefer to view all websites in desktop mode on your iPhone, you can change Safari's settings to do this by default. To get started, go to your home screen and open Settings.[6] Scroll down and select . In the main Settings menu, scroll down until you find Safari. Tap it to open a new menu screen.[7] Tap . Scroll down to the Settings for Websites section of the Safari Settings menu. Then, select Request Desktop Website.[8] Toggle on . When the new menu screen pops up, toggle on All Websites under Request Desktop Website On. From now on, Safari should display all websites in desktop mode unless you go back into settings and turn this option off.[9] [Edit]Desktop Mode in Chrome Open the website you want to visit in Chrome. Launch the Chrome app on your iPhone and type the URL of the website into the address bar at the top. Then, tap go to navigate to the site.[10] Tap the menu button. This button is located at the bottom right side of the screen in Chrome. Tap it to open a popup menu.[11] Scroll down and tap . Once the popup appears, scroll down until you find Request Desktop Site. This option appears close to the bottom of the menu. After you tap it, the website should display in desktop mode.[12] If you visit other pages that are part of the same website during your current browsing session, they may also appear in desktop mode. To convert back to the mobile version, open the ••• menu again and tap Request Mobile Site. You can also switch to desktop mode by tapping the Share icon to the right of the address bar, then scrolling down and tapping Request Mobile Site.[13] [Edit]Tips Another option is to download a browser app that is designed to automatically show websites in desktop mode, such as Desktop Browser or Zoomable. You can find these apps by searching for "desktop browser" in the App Store. [Edit]References ↑ https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/request-desktop-website-safari-for-ios/ ↑ https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/request-desktop-website-safari-for-ios/ ↑ https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/request-desktop-website-safari-for-ios/ ↑ https://youtu.be/qTvSLE0dWPU?t=8 ↑ https://youtu.be/qTvSLE0dWPU?t=21 ↑ https://youtu.be/a3IhAh3P48E?t=30 ↑ https://youtu.be/a3IhAh3P48E?t=32 ↑ https://youtu.be/a3IhAh3P48E?t=36 ↑ https://youtu.be/a3IhAh3P48E?t=50 ↑ https://youtu.be/a-lf4zuMdW0?t=19 ↑ https://youtu.be/a-lf4zuMdW0?t=42 ↑ https://youtu.be/a-lf4zuMdW0?t=50 ↑ https://youtu.be/a-lf4zuMdW0?t=93

How to Store a Cut Onion Posted: 07 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT Sometimes you only need to cook with a portion of an onion, and you may not be sure what to do with the rest. Fortunately, you can store cut onions, but they need to be stored differently than whole ones. Without their exterior layers intact, cut onions are susceptible to bacteria and mold. To reuse a cut onion, you'll need to prepare it correctly, choose an appropriate container, and store it at the right temperature. With a little preparation, you can enjoy the rest of your onion when the time is right. [Edit]Steps [Edit]Refrigerating a Cut Onion Keep your onion clean when preparing it for storage. Minimize exposure to harmful bacterial by preventing cross-contamination with uncooked meat and dairy products. Use separate cutting boards for meat and produce. Always wash your hands after handling uncooked meat and ensure that your knife is clean. If you have space, consider setting up dedicated areas for produce and meat preparation, so you don't spread germs while cooking. Avoiding cross-contamination is especially important when preparing food for storage because storing food allows bacteria time to grow. Wrap large pieces of onion with plastic wrap. If you have half of an onion remaining or a few large wedges, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Plastic wrap will insulate the onion from the outside air while helping it retain moisture.[1] Place smaller onion pieces in an airtight bag. If you have smaller pieces of onion left over, use a resealable bag to store them. Never use cloth storage bags, as these are intended for whole produce and will not protect a cut onion from exposure to air.[2] Consider reusable containers if you have them. You can find airtight plastic containers for food storage at any big box store. These containers work great for refrigerating cut onions. There are also new, silicone products designed to stretch over and cover the exposed side of cut produce. Exercise caution when using these with onions. These products will not fully encase an onion, which can cause your refrigerator to smell. Store onions in your refrigerator at or below . Cut onions should always be stored in your refrigerator—not at room temperature. Keeping them at a low temperature inhibits the growth of bacteria and allows you to safely reuse them later.[3] Ignore any storage recommendations that suggest that cut onions can be stored at room temperature. Some common tips include storing onions in a bowl of water on a countertop. This approach only promotes bacteria growth.[4] Use or discard cut onions after 7-10 days. Try to reuse refrigerated onions as soon as possible. However, never use them if stored for over 10 days.[5] Store all cut onions for the same period of time regardless of variety. Even though you may find different storage recommendations for different onion varieties—such as yellow, white, red, pearl, or Vidalia—these recommendations are relevant only for whole onions, not for cut ones. Check if onions are fresh enough to use after storing. Throw away onions that appear cloudy, mushy, slimy, or moldy. Smell the onions to make sure there is no unusual odor, and if they give off an strong or unusual odor, dispose of them.[6] Plan to cook previously stored onions. Never serve previously stored onions raw. You'll need to cook them first because the heat will kill off any bacteria that may have grown during storage.[7] [Edit]Freezing a Cut Onion for Extended Storage Chop the onion into small pieces. Large pieces of onion—like an onion half or wedges—do not freeze well. To freeze effectively, you'll need to chop your remaining onion into small pieces, preferably cubes. Smaller onions freeze more evenly whereas larger sections often become freezer burned. Put the chopped onion into a freezer-safe container. You can use freezer-safe resealable bags. Alternatively, use a freezer-safe container made of either glass or plastic. Regardless of the type of container you select, make sure that the onion is spread out as thinly as possible. The thinner you spread the onion, the more evenly it will defrost when you're ready to use it.[8] Write the date you cut the onion on the container. Either write the date legibly on the container itself, or write it on a label or piece of paper. Stick the date to the container.[9] It's easy to forget when you put something in the freezer. Having the date written on your onion container will ensure that you don't lose track of when you stored it. Store your onion in the freezer for 6-8 months. Even though your onion is frozen, it won't last forever. Check the date before using it to make sure it has not been stored for more than 8 months.[10] Use previously frozen onion in dishes with soft textures. Frozen onion becomes soft and sometimes quite mushy when cooked. Use previously frozen onion for stews, soups, casseroles and other dishes where the onion's soft texture will be less noticeable. Add frozen onion directly to your pot or pan when cooking. Don't worry about trying to defrost your frozen onion before cooking. In fact, defrosting your onion before cooking will only lead to a mushier texture. If you only need to use a small portion of your frozen onion, and the pieces are frozen together, run the container under warm water until you can separate out the amount that you need.[11] [Edit]Tips Make sure to select onions that are in good condition, so they will last longer when stored. Avoid onions with spots or soft spots. Treat all chopped onions the same regardless of variety. [Edit]Warnings Don't confuse instructions for cut and uncut onions. Follow instructions on the package if you purchased precut onion. These may have been prepared a long time ago and may not last as long as a recently cut onion. [Edit]Related wikiHows [[Store Onions] Cut an Onion Chop an Onion Freeze Onions [Edit]References __ LIST__ [Edit]Quick Summary ↑ https://www.cooksillustrated.com/how_tos/5600-storing-sliced-onions ↑ http://www.melaniecooks.com/how-to-store-half-of-an-onion/1515/ ↑ https://www.onions-usa.org/all-about-onions/how-to-select-cut-prepare-store-onions ↑ https://www.cooksillustrated.com/how_tos/9310-storing-half-an-onion ↑ http://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/17826 ↑ https://www.bestfoodfacts.org/leftover-onions/ ↑ https://www.onions-usa.org/all-about-onions/how-to-select-cut-prepare-store-onions ↑ https://brownthumbmama.com/how-to-freeze-onions/ ↑ https://www.freshdirect.com/shared/popup.jsp?catId=on_grlc&attrib=CAT_STORAGE_GUIDE_MEDIA&tmpl=large ↑ http://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/17826 ↑ https://food.unl.edu/freezing-onions

How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps on Your Neck Posted: 07 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT Getting razor bumps on a sensitive and visible area like your neck is the worst—is there anything you can do to get rid of them? Razor bumps happen when your very short, freshly shaved hairs curve back into your skin and become ingrown. Fortunately, there are a variety of simple ways to soothe your skin and unclog your pores to release the hairs and remove the bumps. We've put together a helpful list of ways to get rid of and prevent razor bumps on your neck. If you're ready for a clean, hassle-free shave, keep scrolling! This article is based on an interview with our board certified dermatologist, Navid Malakouti. [Edit]Steps [Edit]Apply a warm washcloth to the affected area. A warm, wet compress softens the skin and draws out the ingrown hair. Place a clean washcloth under warm water and wring it out until it's damp. Hold the washcloth to your beard and neck area for about 10 to 15 minutes.[1] This method is especially effective when you pair it with another treatment option. A hot shower or sauna has a similar effect as a warm washcloth. [Edit]Moisturize the area with aloe vera. Aloe vera has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Look for gels or creams with aloe to reduce the swelling and redness of your razor bumps. Apply the product according to the instructions, usually after a shower when your neck skin is clean and exfoliated.[2] Alternatively, take the gel from inside an aloe plant leaf and apply it to your neck for about 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary. Aloe vera is also antibacterial, which helps prevent the razor bumps from getting infected. [Edit]Soothe bumps with diluted tea tree oil. Tea tree oil opens your pores so ingrown hairs can escape razor bumps. To use, mix 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of warm water. Soak a washcloth in the mixture and apply it to your beard and neck area for about 30 minutes. Repeat as needed.[3] If the oil is irritating your skin, dilute your mixture with even more water or try a different treatment method. Tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory and soothes swelling or redness around your razor bumps. It's also antibacterial, which helps prevent infection. [Edit]Wash your neck with an exfoliating scrub. A gentle exfoliant sloughs away dead skin cells trapping the ingrown hair. Apply the exfoliant to the affected area according to the instructions. Most often, you'll gently rub the exfoliant in circular motions for a few minutes and then rinse your neck with warm water.[4] Exfoliating cleansers often include sugar, salt, ground up fruit pits, or tiny beads that manually rub and remove dead skin. Instead of an exfoliating cleanser, try using a washcloth or gentle brush to rub away dead skin cells and guide short hairs out of clogged pores.[5] Regular exfoliation is a great way to get rid of and prevent future razor bumps on your neck. [Edit]Use products with salicylic or glycolic acid. Chemical exfoliants contain acids that slough away the top layer of skin. Use these lotions, toners, or washes several times a week according to their instructions to gradually thin the outer layer of skin and unclog pores that trap short hairs. Chemical exfoliants speed up the healing of existing bumps and prevent new ones.[6] Try to avoid using a chemical exfoliant immediately after shaving since it can burn or irritate freshly shaved skin. Look for products with the terms "alpha hydroxy acid" (glycolic acid) or "beta hydroxy acid" (salicylic acid). [Edit]Remove ingrown hairs with tweezers. Manually removing the ingrown hair can get rid of a razor bump quickly. First, sterilize your tweezers (or a needle or pin) with alcohol and wash your neck skin and hands with soap and water. Firmly grip the hair with the tweezers and pull to remove.[7] Manual removal only works if the hair is visible or protruding from the razor bump. If the hair isn't visible, picking and poking at the bump with tweezers can cause more injury, irritation, or infection. [Edit]Shave less often. Less shaving means longer hair, which leads to fewer razor bumps. Aim to shave every other day or so rather than every day. This allows the hair on your neck to grow slightly, decreasing the chance of creating ingrown hairs.[8] Stop shaving areas with visible razor bumps. Shaving over or around bumps can cause more irritation and skin damage. [Edit]Cleanse your neck before shaving. Clean, moisturized, wet skin is less likely to develop razor bumps. First, wash and exfoliate your skin (use whichever exfoliant you prefer, manual or chemical). Take care not to use any products that cause irritation before you shave. Finish with a pre-shave oil or lubricant to moisturize your skin for shaving.[9] [Edit]Shave in or after a shower. The heat and moisture from a shower soften your skin and hair. Shave right after a shower while your skin is still warm and slightly wet to make razor bumps less likely.[10] Shaving in the shower is ideal—an anti-fog mirror on the wall of your shower makes it a breeze. If you don't have time for a shower, hold a warm, wet towel or washcloth to your neck for about 5 minutes to get a similar effect. [Edit]Apply a moisturizing shaving gel. A moisturizing shaving gel or cream reduces the risk of irritation.[11] This is especially true for people with dry or sensitive skin. Let the gel or cream sit on your skin for a minute or two, and make sure it's still wet before you begin shaving.[12] If you're concerned about acne, look for a shaving cream that is safe for acne-prone skin (they're usually oil-free or have acne fighting ingredients like salicylic acid). [Edit]Use a clean, sharp razor. Razor bumps can form from irritation caused by a dull razor.[13] Always use a sharp razor—if you feel any pulling or tugging on your skin during a shave, it's time for a new blade. A standard single-blade razor is usually sharp for about 7 shaves.[14] Keep your razor bacteria-free by sanitizing with alcohol before and after a shave. Shave with the grain of your hair in short single strokes. Try not to shave over the same patch of skin multiple times if possible. [Edit]Try an electric razor on a low setting. Manual razors make it easy to shave too close and cause razor bumps. An electric razor can solve this problem. Put on a low setting to keep the hair on your neck slightly longer. This makes it less likely to curve and grow back into the skin and form a bump.[15] If you don't have an electric razor, just use less pressure with your regular, manual razor blade to avoid cutting the hair too short.[16] Read the instructions for electric shavers to know when to replace the blades. [Edit]Apply a soothing aftershave. A moisturizing aftershave hydrates your skin and reduces irritation. Use an aftershave that's designed to limit razor bumps, inflammation, or irritation. Alternatively, try a lotion with antibacterial ingredients to moisturize your skin and prevent infected pores.[17] If your aftershave burns or stings, don't use it again. Look for another product designed for sensitive skin or with moisturizer. [Edit]Tips Try not to pick at your razor bumps or ingrown hairs. They'll take longer to heal and you'll increase the risk of scarring, infection, or discoloration. If your razor bumps are visible, painful, or infected after treating them at home, visit a dermatologist for stronger treatments like steroid creams, topical retinoids, or prescription medication.[18] In severe cases, electrolysis or laser hair removal might be recommended by a dermatologist to prevent future razor bumps.[19] [Edit]References ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17722-ingrown-hair ↑ https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-razor-bumps ↑ https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-razor-bumps ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/want-a-smooth-safe-shave-every-time-try-these-10-tips/ ↑ [v161712_b01]. 14 May, 2021. ↑ [v161712_b01]. 14 May, 2021. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17722-ingrown-hair ↑ https://nyulangone.org/news/nyu-langone-skin-expert-offers-practical-advice-and-best-practices-dealing-ingrown-hair-or-razor-bumps ↑ https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-razor-bumps ↑ https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/beard-mustache-skin-problems ↑ [v161902_b01]. 18 August, 2021. ↑ https://nyulangone.org/news/nyu-langone-skin-expert-offers-practical-advice-and-best-practices-dealing-ingrown-hair-or-razor-bumps ↑ [v161902_b01]. 18 August, 2021. ↑ https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-razor-bumps ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17722-ingrown-hair ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-avoid-razor-burn-when-shaving-neck-2019-8 ↑ https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/beard-mustache-skin-problems ↑ [v161902_b01]. 18 August, 2021. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17722-ingrown-hair

How to Lay Landscape Rock Posted: 07 Jun 2022 01:00 AM PDT Looking to give your garden or yard a fresh look? Trying to save some time on future yard maintenance? If so, landscape rock is perfect for you! Laying landscape rock isn't particularly difficult, and this is definitely the kind of project you could complete in a few hours if you buy your materials ahead of time. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about installing new stones in your yard. [Edit]Steps [Edit]Site Preparation Mark the area where you want to lay landscaping rocks. Grab a can of spray paint and outline the area that you're going to fill in with landscaping rocks. If you don't want to permanently mark the ground, you can lay out landscape edging or a hose to outline the area. This will make it easier to track where you need to dig and give you a sense for how many rocks you'll need to buy.[1] If you're laying the rocks in a rectangular shape, measure the square footage. Landscape rocks often list the square footage they'll cover on the label. If you don't measure the square footage or the shape you're filling isn't symmetrical, rely on your eye to estimate how many rocks you'll need. It's okay to have some left over! The rocks tend to go missing over time. Do this during a dry spell when the soil will be loose and easy to remove. Dig the topsoil out of the area you marked. If there's already a space for the landscaping rocks, you don't need to dig anything out so long as you pull any weeds out. Otherwise, grab a shovel and get to digging! You can use a tiller instead if you happen to own one. Remove all vegetation with a hoe, shovel, or rake. Only dig to the depth you plan to fill.[2] For gravel or any other kind of rock that would easily fit in your palm, dig deep. If you plan on using larger rocks with a little bit of heft to them, dig deep. If you're excavating a large amount of soil, set a tarp next to you before you start. Empty the soil out on to the tarp as you work. This way, you can slide the tarp along the ground to make the soil easier to remove when you're done. Tamp the exposed soil down to compact it. Once you've excavated the area, grab a tampering tool and repeatedly slam the flat plate at the bottom against the soil. This will keep the soil from coming loose when the heavy rocks shift in tumultuous weather, which will help the area maintain its shape and depth.[3] If you have a roller designed for leveling floors, you can use that instead. If you really want to beat the soil down and compact it, use a motorized compactor. Pour and tamp crushed stone on top of the soil if you'll walk on it. Purchase some finely-crushed stone and pour it into the area you've excavated. Spread the stone out with a rake to make it even and tamp it down with a tampering tool or compactor the same way you tamped the soil. This will create a more stable walkway and help your stones stay in place over time.[4] Skip the crushed stone if you plan on adding any plants, since root systems tend to struggle in stone. If these rocks are decorative and you're not using them to lay a walkway, you can totally skip the crushed stone. Its main benefit is that it stabilizes the rocks but if you aren't walking on them, there's no need. [Edit]Landscape Fabric, Plants, and Edging Spread landscape fabric over the area you've excavated. Purchase a roll of landscaping fabric. Unravel it over the area you dug out and cut it off of the roll using scissors. If necessary, cut multiple sheets out and overlap them as needed to totally cover the soil (or crushed stone). This will help prevent weeds from pushing through the rocks over time.[5] If you don't want to use landscape fabric, at least lay newspaper down to snuff out any existing seeds or hidden weeds. Cut an X-shape anywhere you want to place plants. Adding plants is optional, but you can totally grow a few plants in a plot filled with landscaping rocks. If you plan on adding plants, grab some scissors or a utility knife and cut an X-shape into the landscape fabric everywhere you're adding a plant. This will give you some working room to dig soil out and place your plants.[6] Keep in mind, it will be very difficult for your plants to get water since the surrounding soil won't be getting much water (if any). Your best bet here are hardy perennials that are drought-resistant. Cacti, yarrow, and hardy bushes should all be okay depending on your climate. Avoid planting any especially fragile plants that require a lot of sun and nutrients. Ferns, most flowers, and palms won't do well, for example. Place your plants in the soil where you cut your Xs. Use a trowel or shovel to dig out enough soil for you to place your plants and set them in the soil. What you do next depends on the type of plant you're going to grow, so follow the care instructions specific to your plant species. You'll likely need to fill in soil around the base of the plant and water thoroughly.[7] Seeds usually won't have enough space to grow with all the rocks on top, so use mature plants for this. Install landscape edging if you want a raised or decorative edge. Use a shovel or a trowel to dig out a small trench along the rim of the area you've excavated. Slide the landscape fabric away before you dig each section out, then pull it back over each section of the trench once it's dug out. When you're done digging, use a rubber mallet to gently tap the edging into place.[8] The edging should also keep your landscape fabric in place over time. Edging isn't mandatory, but it can look quite nice! On top of that, the edging will help keep the rocks contained—especially if you're using something small, like pea gravel. [Edit]Landscape Rocks Choose a landscaping rock and buy enough to fill the area in. Select a rock that will look good in your yard or garden. Lighter rocks will deflect sun, while darker rocks will absorb it if you want to shift the temperature in your garden a bit. Beyond that, the option is totally up to you! Here are some options:[9] River rock. These smooth, durable stones are a mix of gray, tan, and white. They have a coastal vibe, and look great in the rain. Gravel. Gravel is a natural stone that comes in a variety of colors and sizes. It also tends to be cheap, which is great if you need a lot of it. Lava rock. These rocks come in a variety of colors, and they're able to reduce weed growth if you're worried about that specifically. Marble rock. These bright stones look exceptionally elegant, but they do cost a pretty penny. Pour your rocks over the landscape fabric and spread them out. Walk around the area you excavated as you empty out each bag of stones. Fill in roughly until the rocks are roughly level with the surrounding soil. If you want a bigger, bolder look, you can even make the rock pile taller than the area around it so it stands out! Use a rake to spread the stones out to your liking.[10] If the ground isn't even, start at the bottom of the slope. This way, the stones won't roll all over the place and disrupt the fabric and soil underneath. Hold on to any extra rocks! Animals, crazy weather, and walking on the stones can compact them or cause them to go missing. Rinse the rocks to remove the dust. Grab a hose and spray down the rocks. This will remove that rock dust from the stones and help them settle in place. Now you can enjoy your new yard or garden! Beyond the occasional rinse whenever the stones get dusty and a light raking to keep the stones in the area, you shouldn't need to do any maintenance.[11] [Edit]Things You'll Need Spray paint, hose, or edging Shovel Hoe (optional) Trowel Landscape fabric Scissors Crushed stone (optional) Rake Landscape rock [Edit]References ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-make-a-gravel-driveway/ ↑ https://www.gardenista.com/posts/hardscaping-101-pea-gravel/ ↑ https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/landscaping/how-to-landscape-with-pea-gravel/ ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/sidewalks/21016412/how-to-lay-a-budget-friendly-gravel-path ↑ https://www.gardenista.com/posts/hardscaping-101-pea-gravel/ ↑ https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1992-05-17-1992138131-story.html ↑ https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1992-05-17-1992138131-story.html ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/sidewalks/21016412/how-to-lay-a-budget-friendly-gravel-path ↑ https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-landscaping-rocks/ ↑ https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-landscaping-rocks/ ↑ https://www.gardenista.com/posts/hardscaping-101-pea-gravel/

How to Weatherproof a Door Posted: 06 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT Doors are frequently a source of drafts in your home, which can end up costing you big bucks in heating and cooling bills. Even if you're not particularly handy, there are some quick and easy fixes you can do, like installing an adhesive weatherproofing strip or a draft-fighting door sweep. For a more permanent fix, you can install tension strips or an integral door sweep to improve insulation. [Edit]Things You Should Know Line the sides of the doorframe and the top jamb with weatherstripping and install a door sweep to seal the door and reduce drafts. Installing a storm door is a key upgrade if you're trying to protect your doorway from the elements. Insulating any glass on your door with plastic film can help keep cold air out. You can fill in irregularly-shaped gaps or missing chunks of weatherstripping with foam tape, which can be cut to length and stuck to your door or doorframe as needed. [Edit]Steps [Edit]Doing Quick and Easy Fixes Use adhesive weatherproofing strips. [1] Stores carry a wide variety of adhesive weatherstrip. Buy a few types and see which work best. A surface must be very clean and very dry or the strip will fall off before too long. On cold days, the surfaces will be slightly damp from condensation, so dry the surface with a hair drier. Clean it using fine sandpaper or a rough sponge. Remove the backing of the adhesive strips a little at a time as you press them into place on the door jambs and along the edges of the doorframe. Nail in one tiny nail at each end of every strip you stick on. Use brass "weatherstrip nails". Modern doors are usually designed with grooves along the sides and jambs that weatherstripping can be inserted into.[2] Sometimes it can be difficult to apply an adhesive strip by yourself. Asking a friend to help you out can make this process quicker and easier. Depending on the fit of your door, you may not be able to attach adhesive strips along every edge of the door. If a strip prevents the door from closing properly, it should be removed. Adhesive strips are usually sold in different widths and thicknesses, which will allow you to choose the best size for the gaps along the edges of your individual door. Measure gaps with a tape measure or ruler.[3] Install door insulating felt. One of the benefits of this kind of felt is you can trust it to last for at least a year or two even though it's relatively inexpensive. Cut the felt into strips long enough to stretch along each edge of the door, then use nails or staples to fasten it around the edges.[4] The felt should be thick enough that it compresses when the door closes, but it should not interfere with the closing of the door.[5] Normal carpentry staples should work for attaching felt to your door, but for improved durability, you may want to use heavy-duty ones. When you replace insulating felt, you'll have to take out the staples before reattaching the new piece. This can create unsightly holes where the felt was installed. Add a weatherproofing door sweep.[6] Unattached door sweeps slide underneath the gap at the bottom of your door, closing it off at either side with where the sweep thickens. Open your door, and at the center of the sweep (where it thins like a trough) insert the sweep under the door.[7] On newer doors, there is usually a groove in the bottom of the door for inserting a sweep. Some unattached door sweeps can get bunched up and make it difficult to open or close your door. In these cases, use masking tape to hold the sweep in place. Some door finishes may be damaged by tape. If you decide to use tape to hold your sweep in place, attach the tape to an out-of-sight part of the door. Use a threshold adapter to close any gap between the bottom of the sweep and the threshold. Mount a door sweep to the inside surface of a door Almost all door sweeps are 36" long. Buy one of these and cut it to size with a hacksaw or metal shears. If the gap under the door is too wide for a standard door sweep, buy an extra wide model. If there is no threshold, the door sweep will drag along the floor and wear out soon. Carefully mount the threshold to barely contact the floor. If the door is metal, use the screws in the package, but drill a small pilot hole in the door for each screw. You may need to use the drill to drive in the screws. Cover door windows with insulating plastic film. Door windows can also contribute a great deal to draftiness. Apply two layers of double-sided tape side-by-side around the window frame. After about 15 minutes, peel off the backing of the tape and then press the plastic film insulation into place.[8] You can also purchase insulating plastic that already has an adhesive strip attached. You can improve the insulating power of this plastic by inserting a layer of bubble wrap in the space between the window and the film. Most kinds of plastic film insulation require at least an inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm) of film extending beyond all sides of the window. Depending on the brand of insulation, you may need to use a hair dryer to bond the film to the adhesive. Always follow the insulation's instructions for the best results.[9] Weatherproof inside and out for improved efficiency. If you can apply a weatherproofing product on both sides of your door, in many cases this will double its efficiency. A second, outer layer of weatherproofing adhesive strips or insulating film can greatly reduce draftiness for relatively little effort.[10] Replace weatherproofing products as necessary. Over time, weatherproofing products will wear down and start to lose efficiency. At the start and end of every season, look over the weatherproofing materials used on your doors. Replace any that look old or deteriorated. If you notice cracking, discoloration, unnatural stiffness, looseness, or peeling, it's probably time for you to replace the weatherproofing material.[11] [Edit]Installing Tension Strips Measure and mark the length for the strips. Your tension strips will need to be as long as the top and bottom of your door. In some situations, your door may only have space for a tension strip along the top or bottom. After measuring the door, mark the strip at the appropriate length. Cut the strips and fold them if necessary. Use scissors to cut your tension strips at the mark(s) you've made. For V-seal tension strips, after cutting, you'll need to fold the strip in half lengthwise, usually along some kind of a seam.[12] Some tension strips are made from durable material, like heavy-duty plastic or metal. These kinds of strips may require tin snips to cut. Fasten the strips into place. Tack-fastened tension strips should be pounded into place with a hammer at the top and/or bottom of the door. These can then be opened slightly with your fingers to make a tighter seal. V-seal weather strips often have an adhesive backing. For these strips, remove the backing and press the strips into place.[13] Opening the V-seal will cause the strip to rise off the ground so it touches the bottom of the door when closed, improving the seal. Heavy-duty seals may be difficult to open with your hands. In situations like this, use pliers or a prying tool, like a sturdy screwdriver, to spread V-seals open. [Edit]Attaching a Door Sweep Evaluate the gaps around the edges of your door. If your door was installed in its jamb snugly, you may need to purchase an especially thin sweep. The best way to ensure you buy the right sweep for your door is to measure the gaps with a tape measure.[14] If you have a sweep already in place that isn't doing the job, you may need to remove this first. In most cases, sweeps can be popped free with a prybar. Attach bristle sweeps to the door bottom. Bristle sweeps usually fit easily underneath most doors. Certain bristle sweeps even have small wheels, which are ideal for uneven floors. Screw bristle sweeps into place along the bottom of your door with a screwdriver.[15] Depending on your door, it may be easiest to remove the door by taking the pins out of the hinges before trying to attach a bristle sweep. Use an integral sweep to seal large bottom gaps. Integral sweeps generally add a bit to the height of your door. Because of this, unless there is a large gap along the bottom, you'll need to adjust the height of the door or remove some wood from its bottom. Screw in the integral sweep to the bottom edge of the door, and under door drafts should diminish, if not totally disappear. If you end up shaving wood off the bottom of your door to make room for an integral sweep, make sure you seal it to prevent it from weathering or rotting unevenly.[16] Integral sweeps are also useful if you want the sweep to be less noticeable or if you want it to appear like the sweep is a natural part of the door. [Edit]Tips Most weatherproofing products are widely available at hardware stores and home centers. Before putting in weatherproofing, clean doors thoroughly with water and a mild detergent, like dish soap. This is especially important for adhesive products, which can lose strength when contaminated with dust. [Edit]Warnings Follow the directions that came with your weatherproofing products for best results. Using these incorrectly could result in damage to your door or a poor seal. [Edit]Things You'll Need Bristle sweep (or integral sweep) Door insulating felt Door sweep (unattached) Fasteners (like screws or tacks) Hammer Insulating plastic film Pencil (or suitable writing utensil) Scissors (or tin snips for metal/heavy-duty tension strips) Screwdriver Screws Tape measure Tension strips Weatherproofing adhesive strips [Edit]References ↑ http://removeandreplace.com/2014/09/05/how-to-weatherproof-your-front-door/ ↑ https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/replacing-weather-stripping/ ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/doors/21018244/the-essential-guide-to-weatherstripping ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/doors/21018244/the-essential-guide-to-weatherstripping ↑ https://www.grainger.com/content/supplylink-types%20of-door-weatherstripping-and-thresholds ↑ [v161695_b01]. 13 January 2021. ↑ http://removeandreplace.com/2014/09/05/how-to-weatherproof-your-front-door/ ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PkFKG4b7ic&feature=youtu.be&t=40s ↑ https://www.homerepairtutor.com/how-to-weatherize-windows-with-plastic-film-insulation/ ↑ http://www.planitdiy.com/how-to/heating-cooling/weatherproofing-your-home-windows-and-doors/ ↑ http://www.ronhazelton.com/tips/how_to_remove_and_replace_caulk_around_doors_and_windows ↑ https://www.grainger.com/content/supplylink-types%20of-door-weatherstripping-and-thresholds ↑ http://www.homedepot.com/c/how_to_weatherproof_your_entry_doors_HT_PG_BM ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-make-your-doors-draft-free-weatherstripping ↑ http://www.homedepot.com/c/how_to_weatherproof_your_entry_doors_HT_PG_BM ↑ http://www.homedepot.com/c/how_to_weatherproof_your_entry_doors_HT_PG_BM

How to Teach Gratitude to Adults Posted: 06 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT If you want to teach a friend or relative about gratitude, remind them of all the people, places, and things that enrich their life. Suggest that they try gratitude exercises, such as keeping a journal, and to express gratitude to their loved ones regularly. If they're dealing with hardship, let them know that gratitude isn't only about listing good things. Point out how obstacles can make them stronger and help shed light on the positive aspects of their life. [Edit]Steps [Edit]Developing a Grateful Mindset Bring up the subject of gratitude gently. Think about where your loved one is coming from before giving them advice about being grateful. Try to be sensitive and empathize with them. Let them know that you just want to help them notice the positive aspects of their life.[1] For instance, they might be going through a rough spot, juggling a lot of responsibilities, or trying to cover up insecurities. Try saying, "I don't want you to think I'm judging you. It's easy to overlook the good things in life, especially if you have a lot going on. You have a lot to be grateful for, and I just want to help you recognize that." Explain that gratitude can improve their overall well-being. If you're trying to convince a friend or relative to be more grateful, start by telling them how gratitude is linked to mental and physical health, and provides a variety of benefits, such as increasing mental strength, improving sleep, and increasing self-esteem.[2] When you're grateful, you acknowledge the connections you share with people, events, and things. Because of this, cultivating gratitude can deepen your relationships and help you recognize the world's beauty and complexity.[3] Tell them, "Gratitude can help you notice the good things in your life, but that doesn't mean you should overlook the bad. You can also appreciate the lessons you learned from hardships or the people that helped you overcome them." Recommend that they list things they usually take for granted. Paying attention is the key to cultivating gratitude. Ask your friend or relative to think about small aspects of their life that go unnoticed. If they need help, give them a few examples of easily overlooked things that you couldn't live without.[4] For instance, it's easy to overlook things like having air to breathe, the feeling of the sun on a warm spring day, having food and shelter, and the sound of your favorite song or musical instrument. Try saying, "It's really easy to get caught up and forget about basic things that make our lives worth living. When I'm feeling down, I try to think about how great it is that I can take a bubble bath at the end of a long day, or how much I love taking a drive and singing along to my favorite songs." Ask them to imagine losing someone or something they love. Tell your loved one that, while it might seem dark, contemplating life without the people and things you value most is a good way to deepen your sense of gratitude. Let them know that you get that it's uncomfortable to think about losing a relative, pet, or home, but that it can help them focus on how these things bring them fulfillment.[5] Cultivating gratitude isn't just about listing everything that's good in your life. The key is to acknowledge that your life wouldn't be the same without the person or thing you appreciate. Take them on a walk around their favorite park or nature trail. Ask them to name a nearby place that makes them happy, then take them there. Walk around, enjoy each other's company, and take in nature's sights, sounds, and smells.[6] Experiencing nature can foster a sense of gratitude for the countless ways the planet sustains life. If they dislike the outdoors, you could take them to one of their favorite indoor locations. For instance, if they're a foodie, go to a restaurant they've been dying to try. If they love art, spend an afternoon at a gallery or museum. Give them tips about how to stay positive during a rough patch. It's hard to be grateful after a few bad days in a row. Remind your loved one that being grateful doesn't mean they should ignore the challenges they face. If they're in a rut, let them know you understand that things seem bleak, but try to help them find bright spots.[7] For example, they might say, "Everything seemed to go wrong today. I locked myself out of my house, made a major mistake at work, and broke my cell phone." In response, you could say, "That was definitely rough, but at least you got through it! Good thing you gave your sister a spare key and she could help you. You can afford a new phone, and now you have an excuse to treat yourself. As for work, sure, you might need to learn from your slip-up, but I know you'll get past it." If the person is not willing to see the reasons for gratitude in specific or small scale things, then encourage them to look at the big picture, such as the fact that they are alive and how that in itself is a gift. Remind them of how they've overcome past hardships. Mention that, in a way, it's possible to be grateful for hardships. Explain that hardships can help them recognize the positive aspects of their life. Ask them how an obstacle taught them a lesson, or ask about the people who helped them overcome hardship.[8] For example, suppose they suffered an injury that resulted in a lifelong disability. They can be grateful that they survived the injury, appreciate their loved ones who help them with daily tasks, and have faith that adapting to their disability will make them a stronger person. [Edit]Trying Gratitude Exercises Advise that they start each day with a gratitude meditation. Ask your friend or relative to set each day's tone by reviewing the 2 or 3 things they appreciate most. Before they even get out of bed, they should stretch their arms out and breathe in as deeply as they can. As they stretch and breathe, they should concentrate on what or who makes them most grateful.[9] Suggest that they think or say something like, "I am so fortunate to have people who love me, that I've slept in a warm bed, and that I didn't go to bed hungry. No matter what happens today, my life is filled with goodness." You might also recommend a gratitude app, such as Insight Timer, to help make it easier for the person to practice gratitude meditation. Tell your loved one to write in a gratitude journal for 15 minutes a day. Ask them to set a time each day to write in their journal. Recommend they write in the evening, so they can reflect on their experiences that day. Additionally, note that the best time to write is when distractions are at a minimum.[10] Let them know that they can use a pen and paper or electronic device. Tell them to use whichever method they prefer. They could make a list of 5 to 10 things they appreciate about their day, or they could write a paragraph-long reflection about a single event.[11] Mention that specific descriptions, like "An old friend gave me a call today and it was wonderful to reconnect," are more effective than vague ones, like "I'm grateful for my friends." Suggest that they keep a gratitude jar or box. They could start by decorating a box or large glass jar. Each day, they should write things that they're grateful for on small strips of paper, then place the strips in the jar or box. As the jar fills up, it serves as a visual reminder of all the good things in their life.[12] When they're feeling down, suggest that they reach into the jar and read a few notes. Mention that they can get creative with drawings and collages. If they're more of a visual thinker, tell them that they can express their feelings in images instead of words. Suggest that they make a collage with photographs or drawings of the people, places, and things that make them happy.[13] They could also make sketches of specific interactions that made them grateful, like their neighbor bringing them soup when they were sick, their plant that started blossoming, or of the the sun coming out after a week of clouds and rain. Exchange regular gratitude notes with each other. You and your loved one could send each other a daily text or email expressing something you appreciate about the other. You could each save the notes in a file on your phone or computer, then read them when either of you needs a pick-me-up.[14] If noting qualities that you appreciate about each other seems awkward, you could express your gratitude indirectly by reminiscing about your friendship. You could send each other regular "throwback" texts or emails, like, "Remember when we went to that concert and you got to go up on stage?" or "The funniest picture of us came up on my social media memories today. We've had so many great times!" [Edit]Expressing Gratitude to Others Give examples of how they can thank people for small gestures. Let them know that there are plenty of little things they can thank people for every day. Tell them to say "Thank you" when someone holds the door for them, when they check out at stores or dine out, and when someone pays them a compliment.[15] Suggest that they look the person in the eye and thank them sincerely instead of responding automatically to be polite. Have them write thank-you notes to people they appreciate. Recommend that they write out a thank-you note by hand to someone who's made a difference in their life. While it's great to thank someone when they do something nice for you, a thank-you note doesn't have to be about something recent or an action. They could just write about the person's qualities and why they're grateful to have that person in their life.[16] For example, they could write to a friend, "You're such a dedicated, hard-working person. You've always been such a great influence on me, and you inspire me to pursue my goals." Suggest that they deliver thank-you notes in person, if possible. Tell them that they should read their note to the person they're thanking face-to-face whenever possible. It's great to get a thank-you note in the mail, but it feels even better to hear someone thank you in person.[17] For people that live far away, they could also read their note over the phone. Tell them to thank their partner and close friends frequently. If they're in a relationship, mention that thanking each other at least once a day can help couples strengthen their bond. Tell them to thank their partner for specific actions and to randomly thank them for being who they are.[18] If they're not in a relationship, let them know that expressing gratitude regularly can help strengthen friendships, too. Encourage them to give small gifts to express their gratitude. You could also suggest that the person give small gifts to people who they are grateful for. They don't need to do this all the time, but giving someone a small gift now and then is a great way to show appreciation for them. For example, they could give a coffee mug to a friend to thank them for helping them through a breakup. Or, they could give a small potted plant to a coworker for helping them to complete a project. [Edit]Examples of Gratitude In Practice Talking to Adults about Gratitude Talking to Adults about Gratitude Gratitude Meditations Gratitude Meditations Ways to Express Gratitude Ways to Express Gratitude [Edit]Tips If believe your loved one is experiencing depression, telling them that they should be more grateful might not have much of an effect.[19] If you notice signs such as withdrawal from normal activities, sudden weight changes, or constant sadness lasting more than 2 weeks, let your friend or relative know that mental health professional can help. Remind them there's no difference between maintaining their physical and mental health. [Edit]References ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-couch/201403/4-ways-deal-selfish-people-in-your-life ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201504/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-gratitude ↑ http://ei.yale.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/jclp22020.pdf ↑ http://ei.yale.edu/what-is-gratitude/ ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/darwins-subterranean-world/201511/the-6-things-we-all-need-be-thankful ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201511/how-gratitude-leads-happier-life ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_can_help_you_through_hard_times ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_can_help_you_through_hard_times ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-purpose/201411/happiness-life-3-practice-gratitude ↑ https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/gratitude_journal ↑ http://ei.yale.edu/what-is-gratitude/ ↑ https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/gratitude-exercises/ ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/5-ways-to-practice-gratitude-an-interview-with-sonja-lyubomirsky/ ↑ https://www.nasponline.org/research-and-policy/advocacy-tools-and-resources/school-psychology-awareness-week-2017/gratitude-works-program ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/5-ways-to-practice-gratitude-an-interview-with-sonja-lyubomirsky/ ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/in-praise-of-gratitude ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/5-ways-to-practice-gratitude-an-interview-with-sonja-lyubomirsky/ ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/7-genuine-ways-to-practice-gratitude/ ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/worst-things-to-say-to-someone-whos-depressed/

How to Remove Sap from Clothes Posted: 06 Jun 2022 01:00 AM PDT As soon as sap dries, it sticks to the fibers of your clothes and becomes a stubborn stain to get rid of. Sap is easiest to remove when treated immediately, but you don't have to throw away stained clothing. Rubbing alcohol, stain removers, and detergent are effective at breaking up a stain. Washing your clothing normally gets rid of any remaining traces of the stain. As long as you don't set a stain by drying it, your clothing will look new again. [Edit]Steps [Edit]Treating Stains with Rubbing Alcohol Freeze sap for a few minutes in the freezer. You only need to do this when you have a lump of sap on your clothing. It won't come off easily unless you freeze it. Throw your clothing in the freezer or pack some ice in a bag over the sap. After a few minutes, it'll harden.[1] Scrape off the sap with a knife. Get a blunt butter knife to avoid cutting your fingers or your clothing. Hold the knife flat against the fabric and scrape it over the gob of sap. Be very careful when using the knife. The frozen sap should be brittle and break easily, so you won't need to push hard.[2] Pour some rubbing alcohol on a towel. Moisten an old rag, hand towel, or cotton ball with the alcohol. You can find bottles of isopropyl alcohol at any drug or general store. If you don't have it, you may use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.[3] Rubbing alcohol is effective in removing sap from your hair and body as well. For leather, try saddle soap instead. A little bit of peanut butter may also work without damaging the leather.[4] Rub the alcohol gently into the stain. Blot the area with the damp towel. If you put a little rubbing alcohol on the spot directly, you can also rub it in with your finger or an old toothbrush. Repeat the treatment as needed. You'll most likely see the alcohol dissolving the sap stain immediately. For large spots, you'll need to apply more. Use the rag again or apply extra alcohol directly. Rub the spot until it fades. Launder the clothing. Wash the clothing as you normally would. You can put it in the washing machine and use your regular detergent. For the most effective cleaning, get the water as hot as it can safely be for the fabric you're treating. To find this, look at the label on the clothes or search the fabric type online for recommendations. [Edit]Using Stain Removers and Bleach Pretreat the sap stain with a stain remover. Most commercial stain removers are capable of breaking up sap stains with no issues. Also, a little bit of your everyday liquid laundry detergent may also work. Transfer the stain remover with a rag or cotton ball. Spread it thinly over the area you need to clean.[5] Soak the sap stain for 20 minutes. Work the stain remover into the stain with your fingers or a toothbrush, if you'd like. Leave the clothing to dry in open air for at least 20 minutes. This gives the product time to loosen the dried sap, which is very difficult to remove through washing alone. Wash the clothing on the highest temperature possible. The temperature you use depends on the kind of fabric you're washing. Most clothing can be washed in warm water, which is usually enough to remove sap stains. Delicates and darks should be washed in cold water. Washing can be done either in a washing machine or by hand. Wash with bleach to remove tough stains. Your regular laundry detergent is normally enough to remove sap stains. For extra effect, you may use bleach. Chlorine bleach is safe to use on white cotton or cotton-polyester blends. You'll need an all-color or oxygen bleach for any other type of clothing. Read the label information to ensure the product won't damage your clothing.[6] Repeat treatment until the sap is gone. No matter how tempted you feel, don't throw a stained shirt in the dryer. As soon as that stain dries, it'll be a nightmare to remove, especially if you used heat. Wash the clothing again or try isopropyl alcohol. It may take 2 or 3 rounds to fully remove the sap, but you'll save a perfectly good piece of clothing. [Edit]Cleaning with Powdered Detergent Mix powdered detergent and water in equal parts. Get a small container and fill it with a little bit of powdered non-bleach laundry detergent. You don't need a lot, only enough to spread over the sap stain. Start with a teaspoon of the powder and combine it with an equal amount of water. Stir the ingredients together to create a paste.[7] Apply the paste to the stain. Transfer the paste and spread it over the area you wish to clean. This can quickly be done with your stirring spoon or another object, such as a sponge or rag. Let the stain soak for 30 minutes. Leave the paste alone and it'll begin breaking up the sap. Since it doesn't have bleach in it, it won't damage the clothing.[8] Sprinkle non-sudsy ammonia on the stain. Non-sudsy ammonia is the clear, colorless ammonia you'll often see at general stores. Spread a few drops of it over a stubborn stain. This is optional and can also be done for a stain that remains after a wash cycle.[9] Launder the clothing in warm water. Throw the clothing in the washing machine. Put it through a cycle using your normal detergent. Warm water is safe to use on most clothing, but increase the temperature if the fabric can handle it. Now your clothing will be stain-free until the next time you lean up against the wrong tree. [Edit]Video [Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Treating Stains with Rubbing Alcohol Ice Knife Rubbing alcohol Rag, paper towels, or cotton ball Washing machine [Edit]Using Stain Removers and Bleach Stain remover Rag or cotton ball Water Washing machine Chlorine or all-color bleach [Edit]Cleaning with Powdered Detergent Powdered non-bleach detergent Small bowl Rag Washing machine Non-sudsy ammonia [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary ↑ https://hikematic.com/how-to-get-sap-out-of-clothes/ ↑ http://www.stain-removal-101.com/tree-sap-stain-removal.html ↑ http://www.greenideareviews.com/2012/11/11/removing-pine-tree-sap-from-clothing-with-rubbing-alcohol-does-it-work/ ↑ http://www.weekendgardener.net/blog/2008/11/how-to-remove-tree-sap.htm ↑ http://www.stain-removal-101.com/tree-sap-stain-removal.html ↑ http://www.stain-removal-101.com/tree-sap-stain-removal.html ↑ http://juliawesthome.com/linen-stain-removal-tips/ ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a21297/remove-tree-sab-may06/ ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a21297/remove-tree-sab-may06/

How to Recycle a Fire Extinguisher Posted: 05 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT Fire extinguishers are important safety devices, but they can be harmful if they aren't disposed of properly. By emptying your extinguisher and removing the exterior accessories, you can make your extinguisher ready for recycling. Remember to connect with local resources to recycle or discard your extinguisher in a responsible way. [Edit]Steps [Edit]Emptying the Extinguisher Examine the canister for the product manufacturer's name. Look on the label of the fire extinguisher for the name of the manufacturer. This is typically located in large red or black letters. Some common extinguisher brands are Amerex, Ansul, Badger, and Kidde.[1] Check the manufacturer's website to see if the extinguisher has a recall. Do not attempt to transport or manipulate a fire extinguisher with an active recall. The foam or dry chemicals inside can be sensitive or combustible.[2] If your extinguisher has a recall, ask the manufacturer to provide direction on safe handling procedures. Because extinguishers often go many years without being replaced, it's possible a recall has been issued even months or years ago. Wear protective eyewear and a particulate mask. Wear plastic goggles and put on a mask that filters at least 95% of particles in order to safely discharge the remainder of your extinguisher.[3] Some extinguishers can contain toxic gasses or dust that are irritating to the lungs. Get a bucket and go to a well-ventilated area outside. Cordon off any pets or children away from where you'll be discharging the fire extinguisher. Place the bucket on the ground where you can direct the extinguishing stream.[4] Remove the pin and release the extinguishing agent into the bucket. Point the fire extinguisher into your bucket to contain any potential dust. Squeeze the lever and aim the stream low, away from your face.[5] Keep the lever depressed until nothing more comes out of the extinguisher. Watch for the pressure gauge needle to fall below zero. Keep your extinguisher in a cool, dry place and check the pressure gauge periodically. It may take between a few hours to a few days for the pressure in the canister to dissipate completely.[6] Keep pets and children away from the extinguisher during this time. [Edit]Disassembling the Extinguisher Remove the head of the fire extinguisher. Unscrew the head of the fire extinguisher until it comes off easily. Place the head in a zip-top bag to take to the recycling plant with you.[7] Removing the head of the extinguisher lets others know that the extinguisher is empty and should not be kept for use. Typically the head of the extinguisher can simply be unscrewed with your hands like the lid of a jar. If the head is tight, use a wrench to loosen it. Remove any plastic accessories with a screwdriver. Bag any plastic components of the extinguisher, such as the tubing or hangers used to secure the extinguisher to the wall. The extinguisher is now ready to be recycled with the manufacturer or a local facility.[8] Pack the extinguisher in a cardboard box for transport. Load your disassembled extinguisher into the box and pack it firmly with newsprint on either side so it can't move. Place the bagged accessories on top. Packing your extinguisher securely will keep it from being agitated in the car on the way to a recycling facility. This is critical in the unlikely event that there is any material left in the canister. [Edit]Finding Recycling Resources Contact the manufacturer to determine if a recycling program is in place. Call the customer service phone number of your extinguisher's manufacturer. Ask a representative if they recycle your model of extinguisher. The model number of your extinguisher can be found on the label. Whether or not the manufacturer will recycle your extinguisher typically depends upon whether the contents were chemical retardants or simply dust or foam under pressure. If they will recycle your extinguisher, ask about local drop-off points and how to package your materials for proper recycling. Call your jurisdiction's EPA to find a local recycling center. Navigate to your state or county's municipal website and look for the phone number of the local environmental protection agency. Call them to inquire about local recycling options for fire extinguishers. Ask the agency if there are any special protocols you need to adhere to before your extinguisher can be recycled.[9] Some centers will only recycle extinguishers of a small size or those that are not refillable. Reach out to a fire-safety trade association for additional recycling options. Perform an online search to locate a fire safety trade association, such as Connected Fie Safety Services, near you. Call and ask a representative if they accept fire extinguishers from the public for recycling. Take down pertinent information about the specific kinds of fire extinguishers the association accepts and any restrictions about drop-off times or packaging. Use a local hazardous-waste center if recycling isn't possible. Consult your town's municipal website to find a hazardous waste disposal center near you. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, there will not be recycling resources for fire extinguishers in your area. A hazardous-waste disposal facility can throw away your extinguisher safely.[10] Hazardous-waste centers are equipped to break down your extinguisher into its component parts if necessary for proper disposal. [Edit]Tips Some fire extinguishers can be refilled and used again rather than recycled. If this interests you, contact the manufacturer of your model. They can provide guidance on refilling protocol, if applicable.[11] Fire extinguishers typically cannot be discarded curbside with your regular garbage even if you don't intend to the recycle them. [Edit]Warnings If you accidentally spray yourself with fire extinguishing foam or dust, flush your eyes with plenty of water and remove your contact lenses. Rinse your skin with warm water and soap. Then, contact your local poison control center.[12] Most extinguishers are mildly irritating to the skin and lungs rather than acutely dangerous. It's always best to contact a poison center or local physician just to be safe, though.[13] [Edit]References ↑ https://www.safewise.com/resources/fire-extinguishers-buyers-guide ↑ http://www.ecocycle.org/a-zguide/fire-extinguishers ↑ http://www.zendergroup.org/docs/fireext.pdf ↑ https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/trash-and-recycling/recycling/recycling-directory-dropoff-locations.html#!rc-cpage=41174 ↑ http://www.zendergroup.org/docs/fireext.pdf ↑ https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/trash-and-recycling/recycling/recycling-directory-dropoff-locations.html#!rc-cpage=41174 ↑ https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/trash-and-recycling/recycling/recycling-directory-dropoff-locations.html#!rc-cpage=41174 ↑ http://www.zendergroup.org/docs/fireext.pdf ↑ https://www.recyclenow.com/what-to-do-with/fire-extinguishers-1 ↑ https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/trash-and-recycling/recycling/recycling-directory-dropoff-locations.html#!rc-cpage=41174 ↑ https://www.ccpa.net/documentcenter/home/view/3143 ↑ http://www.strikefirstusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/MSDS-K.pdf ↑ http://www.strikefirstusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/MSDS-K.pdf

How to Make Fruit Salad Posted: 05 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT Fruit salad is a classic potluck contribution for a reason. It's easy to mix together a variety of fruits that will make a refreshing, flavorful side or dessert. For a fast fruit salad, mix strawberries, peaches, and berries with a little lemon juice, honey, and vinegar. If you'd like more of a syrupy salad, combine tropical fruits with an easy citrus-honey dressing. To make a creamy fruit salad that makes a light dessert, beat cream cheese with mayonnaise, sugar, and Greek yogurt. Then coat pieces of fruit in the creamy mixture and enjoy! [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Quick and Easy Fruit Salad[1] of strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced 3 medium peaches, thinly sliced 1 cup (100 g) of blueberries 1 tablespoon (2 g) of fresh, chopped basil or mint of lemon juice of maple syrup or honey of balsamic vinegar Makes about 6 servings [Edit]Fruit Salad with Citrus-Honey Dressing[2] 1 small fresh pineapple (or ½ of a large one) 1 mango 1 peach 1 nectarine of strawberries, hulled and quartered 3 cups (300 g) of fresh blueberries 1 tablespoon (2 g) of finely chopped or julienned fresh mint leaves of honey 1 teaspoon (2 g) of orange zest 1 teaspoon (2 g) of lime zest of fresh-squeezed orange juice of fresh lime juice Makes about 6 servings [Edit]Creamy Fruit Salad[3] 3 tablespoons (45 g) of cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup (70 g) of plain Greek yogurt 1/4 cup (58 g) of mayonnaise 1/4 cup (25 g) of granulated sugar 4 sweet apples 1 cup (150 g) of green grapes 1 cup (150 g) of red grapes 1 8-ounce (227 g) can of pineapple tidbits or chunks, drained 1 11-ounce (300 g) can of mandarin oranges, drained Makes about 8 servings [Edit]Steps [Edit]Quick and Easy Fruit Salad Cut the strawberries and peaches into slices. Rinse of hulled strawberries and 3 medium peaches. Then use a paring knife to cut the fruit into thin, even slices. If you can't find ripe peaches, substitute plums, loquats, or nectarines. Toss the strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and basil together. Scoop the sliced strawberries and peaches into a serving bowl. Add 1 cup (100 g) of blueberries and 1 tablespoon (2 g) of fresh, chopped basil or mint. Use salad tongs or 2 large spoons to gently mix the fruit. If you prefer, use blackberries or raspberries instead of the blueberries. Pour the lemon juice, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar on the fruit. You'll need of lemon juice, of maple syrup or honey, and of balsamic vinegar. The balsamic vinegar will give the fruit salad a slight tangy flavor. For a milder flavor, leave it out. Mix the fruit salad and serve it immediately. Toss the fruit with the liquids until the fruit is coated. You can serve the fruit salad immediately or chill it until you're ready to eat. Refrigerate the fruit salad for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the fruit salad will soften and liquid will pool in the bottom of the dish the longer it's stored. [Edit]Fruit Salad with Citrus-Honey Dressing Squeeze the juices into a bowl with honey and citrus zest. Grate 1 teaspoon (2 g) of orange zest and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of lime zest into a small bowl. Add of honey, of fresh-squeezed orange juice, and of fresh lime juice. Whisk until the dressing is combined. If you prefer, substitute agave for the honey. Cut the pineapple, mango, peach, and nectarine into pieces. Remove the core from a pineapple and cut it into wedges or bite-sized chunks. You'll also need to peel a peach and mango before you cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can leave the peel on the nectarine before you cut it. Transfer the chopped fruit to a serving bowl. If you'd like a cold fruit salad, ensure that the fruit is chilled before you cut it or refrigerate the cut fruit for 30 minutes before you serve it. Cut strawberries and add them to the bowl along with blueberries. Trim the stems from of strawberries and then cut each berry into 4 equal pieces. Put these in the serving bowl with the fruit and add 3 cups (300 g) of fresh blueberries. If you don't want quartered strawberries, slice them thinly or leave small berries whole. Toss the fruit with the dressing and mint. Pour the citrus honey dressing over the fruit and use 2 large spoons to gently mix the fruit with the citrus honey dressing. Serve the fruit salad immediately. You can refrigerate the leftover fruit salad for up to 2 days, but it will soften and become wetter the longer it's stored. [Edit]Creamy Fruit Salad Beat the cream cheese, yogurt, mayonnaise, and sugar. Put 3 tablespoons (45 g) of cream cheese into the serving bowl and add 1/4 cup (70 g) of plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup (58 g) of mayonnaise, and 1/4 cup (25 g) of granulated sugar. Beat the creamy mixture with a wooden spoon or hand mixture until it's completely smooth. It's important to use softened cream cheese. If the cream cheese is still cold, the creamy mixture will have small lumps in it. Chop the apples and cut the grapes in half. Remove the cores from 4 sweet apples and cut each apple into bite-sized pieces. Put 1 cup (150 g) of red grapes and 1 cup (150 g) of green grapes on the cutting board. Carefully slice each grape in half. For sweet apples, use Honeycrisp, Gala, Golden Delicious, or Pink Lady. To quickly and easily cut grapes in half, place them between plastic container lids of the same size. Then, simply hold down the plastic lids and slice! Mix the apples, grapes, and pineapple with the creamy mixture. Put the chopped apples and grape halves into the bowl with the creamy mixture. Then add the 8-ounce (227 g) can of drained pineapple. Use a large spoon to stir the fruit salad so the fruit is completely coated. Discard the pineapple juice from the can, drink it, or use it in another recipe. Toss in the mandarin oranges and serve the creamy fruit salad. Drain an 11-ounce (300 g) can of mandarin oranges and add the fruit to the salad. Use a rubber spatula to very carefully mix them into the fruit salad so they don't burst. Then serve the fruit salad. While you can refrigerate the creamy fruit salad for up to a day, avoid storing leftovers because the apples will brown and the creamy mixture will liquefy. [Edit]Recipe Ideas Fruit Pairings for Fruit Salads Fruit Pairings for Fruit Salads [Edit]Tips If you're including chopped apple in your fruit salad, toss the pieces with a little lemon, lime, or orange juice to prevent browning. To make your fruit salad look interesting and inviting, use different cutting methods. Try cutting the fruit into different shapes or use a crinkle-cutter. Substitute your favorite fruits in any of these recipes. If you happen to use watermelon, make it into a bowl to hold the salad. This way you'll have a decorative and edible serving bowl! For additional fruit salad flavors, consider stirring in toasted coconut, pecans, or mini-marshmallows. [Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Quick and Easy Fruit Salad Measuring cups and spoons Serving bowl Salad tongs or 2 large spoons Knife and cutting board [Edit]Fruit Salad with Citrus-Honey Dressing Measuring cups and spoons Whisk Small bowl Knife and cutting board Serving bowl [Edit]Creamy Fruit Salad Knife and cutting board Serving bowl Wooden spoon or hand mixer Can opener Rubber spatula [Edit]Related wikiHows Make a Sri Lankan Fruit Salad Make a Dishless Summer Fruit Salad Make Fried Chicken Bring Food to a Potluck Dinner Make Cold Mixed Fruits Sago Buy a Cantaloupe Make Creamy Grape Salad [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary ↑ https://cookieandkate.com/2016/summertime-fruit-salad-recipe/ ↑ https://thecozyapron.com/rainbow-fruit-salad/ ↑ https://bellyfull.net/2016/07/28/creamy-delicatessen-fruit-salad/

How to Tell if Glasses Block Blue Light Posted: 05 Jun 2022 01:00 AM PDT There's a lot of hype around blue light blocking glasses and a million brands to choose from, but how can you tell if your glasses are actually blocking blue light? Thankfully, you don't have to be an optometrist to figure it out since there are a number of tests you can do at home to judge the quality of your lenses. We've put together a helpful list of ways to determine if your glasses are really blocking blue light, whether they're clear computer glasses or darker orange lenses for nighttime. If you're ready to kick blue light to the curb, read on! [Edit]Steps [Edit]Check the light reflecting off of clear lenses. The light bouncing off your lenses shows which colors are being blocked. Hold your lenses up to a light source and check the colors reflecting off of them. If you see the color blue, you know your glasses are blocking at least some blue light.[1] This test works for clear daytime lenses and computer glasses. This is the simplest test you can do at home, but it doesn't indicate how much blue light is being blocked (ideally, you want to block 30% of blue light). [Edit]Hold your clear lenses up to the sky. The blue of the sky should look yellowish through your clear lenses. Clear lenses have a slight yellow tint that isn't super noticeable when you're wearing your glasses on your face.[2] To check if they're tinted, go outside and hold your glasses up toward the blue sky on a clear, bright day. If the sky looks warmer or yellow through the lenses, then they're blocking at least some blue light. [Edit]Look at a white background through your clear lenses. White should look yellowish if the lenses are blocking blue light. All you need for this test are your glasses and a white background (a computer screen or sheet of paper will work just fine). Hold your glasses up to the background and look through the lenses to check for a yellow tint.[3] The color warms up because there are special pigments in the lenses designed to absorb blue light passing through. If the lens is clear and the color of the background doesn't warm up, it means there is only a basic anti-reflective coating that filters about 5 to 20% of blue light maximum. [Edit]Compare orange lenses to a screen's "night mode" setting. "Night mode" should look like your view through orange lenses. Many devices have a "night mode" that blocks blue light from their display. First, look without your glasses at a phone or computer with night mode on. Then, turn off night mode and look at the screen with your glasses on. Depending on how intense the night mode setting is, the images should look pretty similarly warm or yellow-orange in color.[4] On Apple devices, this setting is called night shift. On Android, it's called blue light filter. Night mode settings essentially do the same work as blue light blocking glasses, but not all devices have the software to do this. There is a variety of free blue light blocking software available for computers and other devices that don't have a built-in night mode. [Edit]Do the Black and Blue Square Test. Through dark orange or red lenses, the color blue should look black. Darker nighttime lenses block most (if not all) blue light. Look up "black and blue square test" online to pull up an image of a black square next to a blue square. Put on your glasses and see how the blue square changes to test your lenses.[5] If your lenses are filtering out blue light, the blue square should now look black or dark gray. If the blue square still looks blue, your lenses are not blocking enough blue light. [Edit]Look at an RGB color chart. Orange or red lenses should darken the blue portion of a color chart. "RGB" stands for "red, green, blue" and this chart will show you all the colors humans can see. Look up "RGB color chart" or "RGB color wheel" online and look at the chart through your glasses to check their blue light blocking ability.[6] The blue portion of the chart or wheel should turn gray or black if your lenses are blocking blue light. The green portion should also darken. The darker the green portion, the better (especially for orange or red lenses designed for nighttime use). [Edit]Ask the manufacturer for a spectrum report. A spectrum report shows the full range of light blocked by your lenses. If the manufacturer is reputable, they won't hesitate to send you a report (it's a red flag if they insist you just take their word). For clear computer glasses, check to make sure the lenses filter out at least 30% of blue light before you buy a pair.[7] Yellow evening or driving lenses should block about 65 to 70% of blue light. Orange and red nighttime lenses designed for sleep should block 95 to 100% of blue light. Spectrum reports are useful no matter the color of your lenses—clear, yellow, orange, or red. [Edit]Try them out for a few days. Wear your glasses for several days and notice if your sleep improves. If your lenses are blocking sufficient blue light, you'll notice that your quantity and quality of sleep will get better, giving you more daytime energy and increased productivity. There's no harm in wearing blue light blockers, even if they aren't reflecting blue light.[8] Many manufacturers offer a trial period so you can test out the glasses and see if they work for you. Trials work for any lens color, but orange or red lenses will have a greater impact on sleep than clear ones. The effects are especially noticeable for "night owls" who go to bed later in the night. Blue light blockers don't help with eye strain. They only support better sleep since blue light disturbs your circadian rhythm (your sense of when it's time to go to bed).[9] [Edit]Tips The price of blue light blocking lenses doesn't always correlate to how effective they are. However, lenses that block at least 30% of blue light and include anti-reflective coatings are rarely cheaper than about $40. If a manufacturer won't provide a report or you're suspicious of the accuracy, take your glasses to your eye doctor or an independent company with a lab-grade spectrometer. They'll be able to tell you how much blue light is being blocked and at what frequencies.[10] [Edit]Warnings Some companies provide a "blue light pen" (a small flashlight that shines blue light) you can shine through the lenses of their glasses as proof that they block blue light. However, these pens are often emitting violet light (right next to blue on the light spectrum) and not blue. This marketing technique is widely regarded as a scam.[11] [Edit]References ↑ https://diamondlobby.com/tech-guides/how-test-blue-light-glasses/ ↑ [v161812_b01]. 24 May 2021. ↑ https://diamondlobby.com/tech-guides/how-test-blue-light-glasses/ ↑ https://www.lookoptic.com/blogs/the-look-blog/how-to-test-blue-light-glasses ↑ https://knowtechie.com/how-to-test-if-my-glasses-block-blue-light/ ↑ https://knowtechie.com/how-to-test-if-my-glasses-block-blue-light/ ↑ https://knowtechie.com/how-to-test-if-my-glasses-block-blue-light/ ↑ https://news.iu.edu/stories/2020/10/iub/releases/15-blue-light-glasses-improve-sleep-productivity.html ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-blue-light-blocking-glasses-actually-work/ ↑ https://journals.lww.com/optvissci/Fulltext/2019/07000/Spectral_Evaluation_of_Eyeglass_Blocking.8.aspx ↑ https://youtu.be/NUWTlBDFEhA?t=85

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