| How to Maintain Leather Shoes Posted: 29 Apr 2018 01:00 AM PDT You love your leather shoes, and you want to keep them beautiful and shiny for years to come. To keep your shoes looking their best, clean them regularly, particularly in harsh weather like snow and ice. Condition them every month or so to moisturize the leather, and then polish them for that lovely sheen. You may want to waterproof your shoes, though many modern shoes already come with a protective layer. When you put them away, store them properly, which will keep them pristine. EditCleaning Leather Shoes - Remove dirt with a soft cloth. Rub off as much dirt and grime as you can with a clean, dry cloth. Try to scrape off any loose mud, for instance, and wipe away any excess salt.[1]
- Apply a cleaner with a soft brush. If the cleaner comes with an applicator top, use it to rub the cleaner into the shoe. If it doesn't have one, use a soft brush or cloth to rub it in. Make gentle circles with the brush or cloth.[2] Use a little water when applying saddle soap or other similar soaps.[3]
- Saddle soap or any smooth leather cleaner will work for unfinished or finished leather. Smooth leather refers to any leather that isn't textured. For instance, suede is a textured leather, so it's not considered "smooth."
- With finished leather, almost any mild soap will work, such as a laundry detergent meant for fragile clothing.[4]
- Don't use sponges, as they can contain chemicals that may damage your leather.
- Deal with salt stains using water and vinegar. Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water. Gently rub the mixture into the salt stains using a soft cloth or brush. Keep adding the mixture to your shoes to remove the stain.[5]
- Salt stains leave a white residue on your shoes.
- This method will also strip your shoes of wax polish if you have a buildup.[6]
- Allow your shoes to air dry at room temperature. Leave your shoes out to dry thoroughly before you apply polish, conditioner, or weather proofer. Don't use heat, however, as it can damage the leather.[7]
- Leave them alone for at least 15 minutes, though overnight is better.[8]
- Remove the laces from the shoes. Laces can prevent the polish or conditioner from spreading evenly across the shoe. If your shoes have laces, gently pull them out from the eyelets one by one until you've separated them from the shoes.[9]
- Condition your shoes at least every 25 wears. Conditioning helps moisturize the leather. As it dries out, it can crack, leading to damaged shoes. Use a clean cloth to rub the conditioner in using small circular movements. Remove any excess conditioner once you've conditioned the whole shoe.[10]
- If you live in a place with harsh weather, such as a place with icy winters and salty sidewalks or a very dry climate, you should condition your shoes after you wear them 5 to 10 times. In less harsh climates, do it every 15 to 25 wears.
- Apply a polish to your shoes once a month for protection. Using light pressure, use circles to add small amounts of polish to the shoe. A soft cloth or horsehair brush is good for this task. Keep applying the polish until you've covered the shoe. Wipe any excess off.[11]
- A wax-based polish will provide more protection for your shoes.
- Make sure you match the color of the polish to the color of your shoes. Once you think you have a good color, apply a little polish in an inconspicuous place to see if it matches.[12]
- Try a spit shine for shiny shoes. For a spit shine, tightly stretch a cloth over your fingers. Add a little bit of water. Rub it over one area on your shoe, which will begin to harden the wax already on it. Keep rubbing until the area shines, and continue with the rest of the shoe.[13]
- Typically, a polishing last about a week.
EditWeatherproofing for Snowy and Icy Weather - Use a beeswax product to weatherproof your shoes thoroughly. Weatherproofing products with beeswax provide a good seal against the weather. Apply the product to the shoe with a clean cloth or brush, and rub it in using small circles. Wipe off any excess, and let your shoes dry.[14]
- Apply these products about once a season.
- Some products come with an applicator that you can use to apply the beeswax product to the shoe.
- Use plain beeswax for a cheap option. Melt plain beeswax in a wax warmer, and apply it to the boot with a brush. It will leave a thick, ugly layer because it dries quickly, but you'll use the heat gun or blow dryer to melt the layer again.[15] Use a heat gun or blow dryer to melt the wax on the boot, and rub it in with the brush.[16]
- Beeswax was a common waterproofing material before modern waterproofing pastes were created.
- Apply wax about once a season.
- Try a spray-on product to weatherproof with a prettier finish. Spray-on products don't leave as thick a layer as beeswax products, so choose them for a prettier finish. Hold the spray-on polish about away from the shoe. Spray the product in a steady, even layer. Let the product dry before you wear the shoes.[17]
- These products don't waterproof as well or last as long as beeswax products so you'll need to reapply them several times throughout the season.
- Put galoshes on to protect your leather shoes in wet weather. If you're worried about an expensive pair of leather shoes, then your best bet is to put galoshes on over your shoes, particularly if you live in a rainy climate where you're required to walk a lot. You'll be able to avoid the majority of the moisture and the salt.[18]
- Galoshes come in many shapes and styles so you can find a pair that fits your fashion sense and look.
EditCaring for and Storing Leather Shoes - Give your shoes a break between wears. Leather tends to absorb moisture from sources like rain, sweat, and dew. Giving your shoes a break between the days you wear them allows them time to dry out.[19]
- Try alternating pairs of leather shoes if you prefer to wear leather everyday.
- Insert shoe trees when you're not wearing the shoes. Leather can lose its shape if it doesn't have support, particularly if it's wet at all. A shoe tree will draw out some of the moisture and help your shoe keep its shape at the same time.[20]
- Shoe trees are the inserts that are shaped like a human foot. Pick unfinished cedar inserts to wick water away, as plastic will not absorb the moisture.[21]
- Wadded up newspaper will work to absorb moisture in place of a shoe tree, but it won't work as well to keep the shoes in shape.
- Clean your shoes or have a professional do it before you store them. If you plan on storing your shoes for the summer, clean them first. Otherwise, the stains on them will set in and be nearly impossible to clean when you take them out of storage.[22]
- Have them cleaned by a professional to ensure they're really clean.
- Store your shoes in breathable fabric. Leather needs air to help rid itself of moisture. If you place it in a plastic bag, the bag seals that moisture in. Instead, choose something breathable, such as a fabric bag.[23]
- Most shoe boxes do not provide enough fresh air to keep leather dry, so avoid storing leather shoes in them.
- Avoid wearing your leather shoes on very wet days to keep them from getting soaked.
- Many of these tips will also work on second-hand leather shoes. With a bit of work, you can have a beautiful pair of leather shoes, and no one will know they came from the thrift store.
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| How to Eat Vegan at Subway Posted: 28 Apr 2018 05:00 PM PDT Whether you're eating vegan to be healthier or because you feel passionately about animal rights (or both!), practicing a vegan lifestyle can be hard when you're on the go. Luckily, if you have a Subway restaurant close by, you can have a quick and delicious vegan meal! EditIn a Hurry? For an easy vegan meal at Subway, order a Veggie Delite sandwich on Italian Bread or 9-Grain Wheat, or turn your Veggie Delite into a salad. Pile your sandwich high with your choice of veggies, like spinach, cucumbers, black olives, and jalapeños. If you don't mind an extra charge, guacamole is a healthy and delicious addition to your vegan sandwich. Top your sandwich with vegan-friendly sauces like Sweet Onion Sauce or Brown Deli Mustard. Keep reading for ideas on ordering healthy sides from Subway! EditCrafting a Veggie Sub - Order a Veggie Delite sandwich. The Veggie Delite is a meat-free sandwich, and you can add as many different vegetables as you want! You can order the sandwich in a 6" or 12" length on the vegan-friendly bread options.[1]
- Choose Italian Bread if you omit honey from your diet. Some vegans choose to avoid honey as a part of their diet. The Italian Bread is not made with eggs, dairy, or honey.[2]
- Subway's Sourdough Bread and Roasted Garlic Bread are both vegan, but they are not available at all Subway stores.[3]
- Choose the 9-Grain Wheat Bread if honey is a part of your vegan diet. If you choose to include honey in your diet, the 9-Grain Wheat Bread contains more whole grains than the Italian Bread.[4]
- Layer on your favorite veggies. Pile your Veggie Delite high with your choice of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, spinach, black olives, pickles, jalapeños, and banana peppers.[5]
- Some Subway restaurants also offer avocado, carrots, and sweet peppers.
- Add guacamole for a dose of healthy fats. Subway's guacamole is free of any dairy or egg products, making it a great choice for adding heart-healthy monounsaturated fat to your meal![6]
- There is an extra charge for adding guacamole to your sandwich.
- Finish your sandwich with your choice of vegan-friendly condiments. Subway offers a number of sauces that you can add to your sandwich. Vegan options include Yellow Mustard, Deli Brown Mustard, Oil and Vinegar, Sweet Onion Sauce, Fat-Free Italian Dressing, Subway Vinaigrette, and Buffalo Sauce.[7]
EditFinding Other Vegan Options - Turn your Veggie Delite into a salad to skip the carbs. If you're trying to eat less bread, opt for a salad topped with your favorite veggies. This is usually available to order straight from the menu, or you can just ask for it. You can dress your salad with any of Subway's vegan-friendly sauces, including Oil and Vinegar, Sweet Onion Sauce, Fat-Free Italian Dressing, Subway Vinaigrette, and Buffalo Sauce.[8]
- Try the Malibu Garden Patties if your local Subway carries them. A growing number of Subway stores carry vegan veggie patties, known as the Malibu Garden Patty.[9]
- Avoid the Vegimax Patty, as this is made with eggs and dairy.[10]
- If you're not sure if your Subway location carries this sandwich, call them ahead of time to ask!
- Order the Low-Fat Black Bean Soup for a hearty vegan treat. Soups vary by location, but if your store carries the Black Bean Soup, stop by and try it out. You can enjoy the soup by itself or as a side with your salad or sandwich.[11]
- Choose Apple Slices or vegan chips as your side. Finish your meal with a delicious, vegan-friendly side. Apple Slices are the healthiest option, but if you're craving a crunch, opt for Classic Lay's, Baked Lay's, or SunChips Original.[12]
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| How to Play House Posted: 28 Apr 2018 09:00 AM PDT Playing pretend is an important part of childhood. Kids play house or role play to make sense of the world around them and explore their environment. If you're playing house with a toddler, set out props in a play space to spur their imagination. Play along with them so they learn how to interact and pretend. Once your child is a little older, let them come up with the stories and direct the play. Set up play dates so your child can play house with other kids their age. EditPlaying with a Toddler - Create a space for playing house. You can play house with your child anywhere you'd like. Use a bedroom, the living room, a patio, or a yard. Since small kids will need a little imaginative encouragement, it's a good idea to set up a playhouse or dollhouse to jump start play. If you don't have a playhouse or doll house, set up couch cushions or cardboard boxes to make a play space.[1]
- If you make a cardboard playhouse, let your child decorate it with stickers, crayons, or markers.
- Set out house-themed props. Kids love to play with household items that are their size. Place toys or actual household items that are safe for play in your child's play space. For example, set out a toy vacuum, toy blender, toy tools, actual measuring cups, a small table with chairs, feather dusters, and plastic dishes.[2]
- Don't feel like you have to completely fill the play space with toys. Too many toys can overwhelm small children. Instead, rotate out toys every few weeks to keep your child interested.
- Play with dolls or figurines. Younger kids often prefer to play house using their favorite dolls or figurines. Get out your child's favorites and ask them which 1 they'd like to be. Ask your child which doll or figurine you should be. Keep in mind that the dolls or figurines don't have to match. The important thing is that your child is encouraged to imagine and play.
- For example, your child may want you to be a doll while they play as their favorite stuffed elephant. You might say, "I'll be your elephant, Nuffie, but who will you be? Would you like to play as Raggedy Ann?"
- Choose your roles. You'll probably need to start the imaginative play by telling your child who you're playing as. Then, your child may tell you who they're playing as. If they're too young, you might need to prompt them.[3]
- For example, say, "Hi! I'm a little girl doll. Who are you? Are you a mama elephant?"
- Keep your play simple. Small children won't be able to follow complicated story lines or lots of characters so stick with basic play. You might just perform 1 household task and ask your child to imitate you. Or ask your child to show you what they should do with a tool or household item.
- By keeping the play simple, you can also teach your child new words. Playing is a great way to expand your toddler's vocabulary.
- For example, if your child is fixing something, say, "The wrench is a good for tightening things. This is the wrench."
- Pay attention and encourage your child's interests. Let your child take the lead when it comes to what you play. Watch your child to see what toys they're interested in playing with and incorporate those in your play. Remember that kids don't have to use toys in a traditional way as long as they're having fun.[4]
- For example, if your child is drawn to the kitchen toys, direct your role play towards food-related make-believe. Perhaps you are a guest over for dinner or a child wanting breakfast.
EditEncouraging an Older Child to Play - Ask your child what they want to play. As your child gets older, they may want to add new activities to playing house. Instead of playing the same way every time, ask your child what tasks or chores they want to play. There might be things they've seen you do around the house. These may include:[5]
- Cleaning
- Cooking
- Folding laundry
- Paying bills with coins or fake money
- Mowing the lawn
- Watering flowers
- Caring for a sibling
- Play house without toys or props. Older children don't have to have toy household items or tools in order to play house since their imaginations are developing. This also means that you don't need a designated play space to play house with your child. Instead, play house whenever and wherever your child wants to.
- For example, if you and your child are waiting in the doctor's office, ask if they want to play. Your child might want to be the daddy taking their kid to the doctor.
- Offer advanced kitchen toys. If your older child loves to play tea party or pretend to cook and make meals, let them play with kitchen items that have parts or accessories. Buy or make mini kitchens with toy stoves, toy food, and dishes. You can also show them how to use easy bake ovens that will give them a chance to make real food.
- Create fun stories and roles. Come up with story lines that use your child's favorite characters and themes. You might make the starting story before encouraging your child to tell you how the characters act or what they do.
- For example, tell your child that, "Once there was a momma who had a baby dragon who didn't like to have her hair brushed. What do you think the dragon liked to do instead?"
- Be as silly as you like. Since your child is already familiar with the basics of playing house, add some fun elements to your play. This is especially important if your child becomes bored with the usual roles. Try incorporating places like castles, volcanoes, or space. You can also add new roles, like a new sibling, their favorite doll, pirates, or superheroes.[6]
- For example, tell your child, "You be the mommy who lives on the moon and I'll be a space pirate who comes to capture you."
- Set up play dates so your child can play with other kids. Now that your child is used to using their imagination, they may want to play house with other kids their age. Arrange a play date with kids from your neighborhood or your child's class. Let the kids take charge in playing the roles.[7]
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