Vacuum flasks, also called vacuum thermoses, are a handy way of keeping your beverages hot or cold. You can easily clean light dirtiness in your flask with soap and water. To deodorize and clean, try a baking soda and vinegar solution. Use an abrasive, like uncooked rice or eggshells, for extra scrubbing power on the inside of your flask. Apply formulated cleaners, like Oxiclean or denture tablets, for severe stains.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using Soap and Water

1. Use clean water to remove loose buildup. Loose buildup can make your flask seem dirtier than it actually is. Pour a moderate amount of clean water into the vacuum flask. Cap the flask and shake it firmly. Remove the cap and pour the water down the drain.
   
2. Add dish soap and water to the flask. Fill the flask with a moderate amount of clean water. Add a few drops of dish soap to the water. Cap the flask and shake it well to clean it. Open the flask and inspect its condition. If there is stubborn buildup, you may need to scrub it away.^[1]
   
   • If the water has become dirty, dump it down the drain. Rinse the flask and refill it with clean water and a few drops of dish soap.
   • For severely dirty flasks, allow the soapy water to sit for a few minutes. This will allow more time for the soap to break up buildup.
3. Scrub the flask if necessary. To remove stubborn buildup from the inside of flasks, you may need a scrubbing tool. Because some vacuum flasks may have narrow top openings, small, long handled scrubbers or toothbrushes may work best.
   
   • Specialty bottle brushes are available at most grocery stores and drug stores. Look for these in the “baby” or “infant” section of the store.^[2]
   • If you don’t have a suitable handled scrubber, wrap or tie a washcloth to a wooden spoon. Scrub the insides of the flask with the cloth wrapped spoon.
4. Rinse the flask and repeat this process as needed. When the inside of the flask looks clean, pour the cleaning solution down the drain. Rinse the flask to remove soap and loosened buildup. Allow the flask to air dry completely before storing it.
   
   • Storing a vacuum flask while still wet or capped could cause it to smell musty. To remove mustiness, use the process described for deodorizing and cleaning with baking soda and vinegar.^[3]

[Edit]Deodorizing with Baking Soda and Vinegar

1. Combine baking soda and apple cider vinegar in the flask. Rinse your flask to remove any loose foreign matter already inside it. Pour out the rinse water and add 1 or 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) of baking soda to the flask. Combine a moderate amount of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide with the soda.
   
   • Most normal sized flasks will only need about an inch (2½ cm) of vinegar in the bottom of the flask to be effectively cleaned.
   • Distilled white vinegar can be used in place of apple cider vinegar. However, apple cider vinegar is more acidic, making it more suitable as a cleaner.^[4]
   • The reaction between the vinegar and the baking soda should cause fizzing and bubbling. This is completely natural. Wait until this reaction has stopped before going further.^[5]
2. Add boiling water to the solution. Check your vacuum flask user instructions before doing so. Some flasks may only be intended for cool substances and could be damaged by boiling water. Pour boiling water into the flask until it is half to three-quarter’s full.
   
   • To boost the cleaning power of the soda/vinegar solution, let it sit in the flask for a few minutes before giving it a thorough shaking.^[6]
3. Shake the flask. When the foaming of the soda/vinegar solution has stopped, cap the flask firmly. Shake the flask lightly, then remove the cap to release pressure. Recap the flask, then shake it thoroughly for a minute or so to clean and deodorize it.
   
   • Capping the flask too soon could cause pressure to build up from the baking soda/vinegar reaction, which may damage your flask or cause the top to suddenly pop free.^[7]
4. Dispose of the solution and reapply it as necessary. Remove the cap from the flask and inspect its inside. If the flask is still dirty or musty, repeat this process. Leave the uncapped flask out overnight to air dry. Flasks should be stored uncapped when completely dry.^[8]
   

[Edit]Removing Buildup with Rice or Eggshells

1. Add water, uncooked rice, and a mild detergent to the flask. Flush the flask with clean water. Dump the water down the drain and refill it with a moderate amount of clean water. Insert a small amount (roughly a handful) of uncooked rice to the water. Add a few drops of a mild detergent, like dish soap.^[9]
   
   • In place of uncooked rice, you can substitute crushed eggshells. Boil an egg to clean the shells. Peel the egg and crush the shells with your clean hands. Add these to the flask in the same fashion and amount as uncooked rice.^[10]
2. Shake the flask thoroughly. Cap the flask firmly to prevent leaking. Use a variety of motions while shaking the flask: swirl the solution back and forth, tip the bottle upside down and rightside up. Using firm motions will clean the inside best.^[11]
   
3. Empty the flask and rinse it. Dump the cleaning solution outside or down a drain. Rinse the flask thoroughly to remove any remaining rice (or eggshells) and soap. Inspect the flask for remaining dirtiness. If it is still dirty, repeat this process.
   
   • When clean, air dry the flask for about eight hours or overnight, then store the flask uncapped. This will prevent your flask from developing an unpleasant odor.^[12]

[Edit]Using Cleaners on Tough Stains

1. Brighten discolored flasks with Oxiclean. Rinse the flask as you would for a normal cleaning, then add roughly a half tsp (5 ml) of Oxiclean to the flask. Pour hot water into the flask until it’s nearly full. After a short while, empty the flask and rinse it thoroughly. Air dry the flask and store it as you would normally.
   
   • For the best results, keep the solution in the flask for at least eight hours or let it sit in the flask overnight.
   • This technique is also especially useful for removing difficult stains and stubborn odors from flasks.
   • Take care to completely remove the Oxiclean from the flask. Remaining cleaner may cause stomach irritation, sickness, or a bad taste.^[13]
2. Remove buildup with denture tablets. Check the size of your thermos. For every 2 cups (473 ml) your flask can hold, use a single denture tablet. Put your flask in a sink and fill it with hot water. Let it sit capless for several hours. Dump out the cleaner afterwards and thoroughly rinse the flask.
   
   • Denture tablets are formulated to cleanse ingrained stains, making them useful for flask cleaning.
   • Denture tablets will likely fizz and foam quite a bit. To prevent overflowing solution from making a mess, you clean flasks with this technique over a sink or outside.
   • Flasks with stubborn buildup may require a little scrubbing action. In the same fashion described for general flask washing, scrub the inside of the flask with a toothbrush, bottle brush, or washcloth.^[14]
3. Use a descaling agent to clean the flask. Common descaling cleaners include CLR, Mineral Magic, and Renegite. Apply these to your flask according to the cleaner’s label directions. Rinse the flask several times after cleaning to ensure no cleaner remains.^[15]
   
   • Be careful when using harsh cleaners on your flask. In some cases, these may cause damage to your flask.
   • Harsh cleaners can be harmful when ingested. To prevent indigestion, sickness, or a bad taste in your flask, be sure to rinse the flask well.

[Edit]Tips

• Specific cleaning instructions for Hydro Flasks can be found here: How to Clean a Hydro Flask.

[Edit]Warnings

• Cleaners that foam, bubble, or fizz can cause pressure to build up inside of capped flasks. Too much pressure could cause damage to the flask or the lid to pop free suddenly.
• Some flasks may require special cleaning procedures and products to preserve its condition. Always follow the care instructions for the best results.

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

[Edit]Washing with Soap and Water

• Dish soap
• Washcloth (optional)
• Scrubbing tool (like a bottle brush or toothbrush; optional)
• Wooden spoon (optional)

[Edit]Deodorizing and Cleaning with Baking Soda and Vinegar

• Apple cider vinegar (or distilled white vinegar)
• Baking soda
• Scrubbing tool (like a bottle brush or toothbrush; optional)

[Edit]Using Rice or Eggshells

• Uncooked rice (or crushed eggshells)
• Mild detergent (like dish soap)
• Pot (for boiling the egg; optional)
• Scrubbing tool (like a bottle brush or toothbrush; optional)

[Edit]Applying Cleaners

• Denture cleaning tablets
• Descaling agent (like CLR, Mineral Magic, or Renegite)
• Oxiclean (or a similar product)
• Scrubbing tool (like a bottle brush or toothbrush; optional)

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

A necklace can be a great finishing touch for almost any outfit. However, the length of the necklace can drastically affect the overall appearance of that outfit. Necklaces tend to accentuate the area where they fall on the body, so you can use length to emphasize your best features and downplay others. When choosing a necklace length, it’s important to take into account the general appearance of your neck, as well as your neck size, your body type, and face shape. Pairing necklace length with particular types of clothing and different necklines can also help you create flattering results.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Inspecting Your Neck

1. Measure your neck. Before purchasing a necklace, it’s wise to first measure the circumference of your neck. This is especially true if you are considering buying a very short chain, like a collar or choker, since those styles are supposed to fit relatively tightly.^[1] Wrap a soft measuring tape around your neck, holding it close to your skin. Make a mental note of your measurement and take it into account when selecting a length.^[2]
   
   • For chokers, add two inches to whatever your neck measurement is for a comfortable fit.
   • Adding four inches to your neck measurement will give you a good length for an average necklace, like a pendant. Keep in mind that a pendant necklace should cascade down, creating a V-effect.^[3]
2. Evaluate the length and width of your neck. Short chains, like collars and chokers, look most flattering on those who have long, slender necks. They look less flattering on short or wide necks.^[4] If you have a short neck, you can make your neck look longer by choosing a chain that measures between 20 and 24 inches (50 and 60 cm) in length. If your neck is an average length and width, then you can probably wear any length of necklace successfully.
   
   • For those with wide necks who are considering a choker length, you may need to go up an inch or two to ensure it fits comfortably.^[5] That means adding three to four inches to your neck measurement instead of only two.
   • If you have a wide neck, you can typically wear any length that you like, but consider the width of the chain. Opt for a thin chain over a thick one.
3. Choose a long chain to accentuate your collarbone. If you have a wide or short neck, try to avoid short chains and go for something 18 inches (45 cm) or longer. This will take the emphasis off your neck area and place it more on your collarbone and bust area. You can increase this effect by adding an eye-catching pendant or charm to the chain. This will naturally draw eyes to the jewelry and away from your neck.
   
   • If you have wrinkles or feel less than comfortable with the appearance of your neck, opt for a longer chain, as well.^[6]
4. Wear a shorter chain to emphasize your neck. To emphasize a long, graceful neck, go for a shorter chain that measures between 14 and 18 inches (35 and 45 cm). Collar and choker necklaces are great options because they are very short and draw the attention straight to your neck.
   
   • Choose a short chain that has eye-catching details to emphasize the area even more.

[Edit]Evaluating Your Body Type and Face Shape

1. Consider your height. If you’re on the short side (below 5’4” or 162 cm), go with a 16 to 20 inch (40 to 60 cm) necklace. Anything longer than that tends to overwhelm small frames. Those of average height (between 5’4” and 5’7”) can get away with wearing almost any length of necklace. Most necklace lengths flatter taller frames (5’7” or 170 cm and higher) as well, but long chains can look especially flattering since they accentuate height.^[7]
   
   • While someone with a tall frame can definitely pull off a short chain, keep in mind that this style may not stand out as much as you’d like.
   • If you’re short, try to avoid chunky necklace designs, which can overwhelm your frame as much as a long chain length.^[8]
2. Choose a length that will emphasize your best features. A necklace emphasizes the area where it falls on your body. If you don’t want to draw attention to a certain area, avoid necklaces that end there. For example, if you have a small bust, long and layered chains will flatter your body type. Try something between 28 and 38 inches (71 and 96 cm) in length. Those with fuller figures may want to avoid very long chains, since they won’t hang properly. Go for a chain that is between 18 and 22 inches (45 and 55 cm) in length, as these will sit higher up on the neckline.
   
3. Factor in your face shape. The necklace length you choose can help you emphasize your best facial features. Likewise, it can also accentuate features you’d rather play down if you aren’t careful. Use your basic face shape as a guide for selecting the best necklace length for you. For example, if your face is round, avoid chokers and other short necklaces, since these will emphasize the roundness of your face.^[9]
   
   • Oval shaped faces can typically wear any length.
   • If your face is long, a short chain (between 16 and 18 inches/40 and 45 cm) will soften and round off its appearance.
   • For those with heart-shaped faces, try a choker or other short necklace style. Short chains will create the appearance of fullness and balance out a narrow chin.^[10]

[Edit]Coordinating Necklace Length with Clothing

1. Wear collars and chokers with open-neck clothing. Since shorter chains emphasize the neck area, you’ll want to choose tops that allow you to expose that area.^[11] The more bare skin that surrounds a choker, the more the necklace will stand out. To get the most flattering results, go for tops with sweetheart, scoop, v-neck, strapless, off-the-shoulder and square necklines.
   
   • Avoid wearing turtlenecks and other high necklines with chokers.
   • To make your choker stand out even more, coordinate the basic necklace design with the neckline of your top. For example, pair a round-shaped choker with a top that has a scoop neck.
2. Choose an 18 inch (45 cm) chain if you want a versatile piece. This length is the most common necklace length available.^[12] A necklace that is 18 inches (45 cm) long will fall at approximately the collar bone area and marry well with almost anything in your closet.^[13] You could wear it with a t-shirt or simple top just as successfully as you could with a dress or other formal attire.
   
3. Wear 20 to 24 inch (50 and 60 cm) chains with business attire. Chains that are between 20 and 24 inches (50 and 60 cm) in length are as versatile as 18 inch (45 cm) chains, since they can be easily styled with both casual and dressy clothing. However, they work particularly well with slightly more formal attire, such as clothing you would wear to the office. These chains will end somewhere between the collarbone and bust area.^[14]
   
4. Save your longest necklaces for high necklines and evening wear. High necklines will balance out the length of the chain and allow you to best showcase the look of the necklace. For instance, try pairing a long necklace with an eye-catching pendant with a turtleneck. Additionally, long chains tend to create a dressier, more elegant vibe. Wear a long strand of pearls with an evening gown or cocktail dress.^[15]
   
   • Extremely long necklaces that measure between 36 and 42 inches (91 and 106 cm) in length should be looped around the neck twice.

[Edit]References

Want to find your dress shirt size? Look no further—by taking your measurements at home, you can discover your perfect fit in minutes. The process is surprisingly easy and accurate, and we're here to help you every step of the way. After you take your measurements, we'll also provide everything you need to know about dress shirt sizing. Once you're done reading, you'll know how to find a dress shirt that fits well and matches your personal style.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Measuring for a Dress Shirt

1. Measure your neck just under your Adam's apple. Wrap soft measuring tape (tailor's tape) around your neck. To add some extra breathing room, place a finger underneath the measuring tape.^[1] This measurement will help you determine the perfect neck size for a well-fitting collar.
   
2. Measure your sleeve length from your neck to your wrist. Hold the top of the measuring tape against the middle of the back of your neck. From there, guide the rest of the tape over the top of your shoulder and down to just below your wrist. Measure along the curve of your arm with your elbow slightly bent.^[2]
   
   • This method might be a little easier with a friend's help. If doing this by yourself is too difficult, you can also try measuring the length of a long sleeve shirt that fits you well.
3. Measure your chest at its widest point. With your tape measure parallel to the ground, place it on the widest part of your chest (usually just below your armpits). Then, wrap it around your back so that it makes a circle around your chest. As you wrap the measuring tape, relax and hold your body in a natural standing position.^[3]
   
   • Take a deep breath to make sure the measuring tape doesn't constrict (this will give you some breathing room in the chest).
4. Measure your natural waistline. Wrap the measuring tape around your waist (usually where your belly button is located). As you wrap the measuring tape around yourself, avoid sucking in your stomach and stand in a natural position.^[4]
   
   • Make sure the measuring tape has a close fit against your skin, but is not uncomfortably tight. To leave yourself some room, place a finger underneath the measuring tape.

[Edit]Dress Shirt Sizing

1. Compare your measurements to alpha sizing. Write down your measurements so you can choose a dress shirt that fits correctly. Alpha sizing is typically small, medium, large, and extra-large. If you have mismatched measurements (i.e. your arms fit a small but your waist fits a medium), consider opting for the larger size and visiting a tailor.^[5] Though the measurements vary slightly depending on the brand, they typically correspond to the following:^[6]
   
   • Small: neck size of , sleeve length of , chest size of , and waist size of .
   • Medium: neck size of , sleeve length of , chest size of , and waist size of .
   • Large: neck size of , sleeve length of , chest size of , and waist size of .
   • Extra-Large: neck size of , sleeve length of , chest size of , and waist size of .
2. Compare your measurements to numerical sizing. If a store uses numerical sizing, the size will be listed according to sleeve measurement and neck measurement. Compare the sizing to your sleeve and neck measurements, and try on a few sizes just to be sure.^[7]
   
   • A shirt that's size is listed as "16 / 34-35" has a neck measurement of and a sleeve measurement of .
3. Pick a dress shirt in your desired fit. Aside from measurements, there are a few fit styles to choose from as well. The fit you pick ultimately depends on your personal style and how you feel in the shirt. In general, a classic fit will fit comfortably on average to large sizes (since this cut allows for more breathing room). A modern or slim-fit shirt will work well for those with a smaller build.^[8] Common fit options include:^[9]
   
   • Classic fit: Also known as traditional fit, this style offers some breathing room in the chest and a looser fit in the shoulders.
   • Modern fit: This style offers a more tailored look, as it fits closer to your chest than a traditional dress shirt.
   • Slim fit: This sharp style fits snugly across your chest and offers a more tailored fit in the shoulders, sleeves, and armholes. Shirts in this style will have a tighter fit in the waist as well.

[Edit]Tips

• If you're having a dress shirt custom made, consider measuring your wrist size and measuring your shoulder width as well.
• Many stores offer alpha sizing in extra-small and extra-extra-large if your measurements don't match up to small, medium, large, or extra-large.
• When you've found the perfect shirt, don't forget to iron it so that you look suave and put together.^[10]

[Edit]References

Pork chops make a great quick dinner, but they're easy to overcook. For tender, juicy chops, marinate them or brine them before cooking them. Then decide if you want to sear them on the stove and finish baking them in the oven or if you want to toss them on a hot grill. Use bone-in pork chops to keep moisture in the meat or take care to cook boneless pork chops just until they're cooked to your liking.

[Edit]Ingredients

[Edit]Bone-in Pork Chops

• 3 cups (709 ml) of cold water, divided
• 3 tablespoons (54 g) of coarse kosher salt or 2 1/2 tablespoons (42 g) table salt
• 2 to 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 pound or 453 g each)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 smashed garlic cloves, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) of black peppercorns, optional
• 1 bay leaf, optional

Makes 2 to 4 pork chops

[Edit]Tender Boneless Pork Chops

• 4 boneless pork loin chops
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) of olive oil
• 2 1/2 tablespoons (37 ml) of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon (3 g) of steak seasoning

Makes 4 pork chops

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Brining Bone-in Pork Chops

1. Bring 1 cup (240 ml) of water to a boil and stir in the salt and flavorings. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of water into a pot and turn the heat to high. Once the water boils, stir in 3 tablespoons (54 g) of coarse kosher salt or 2 1/2 tablespoons (42 g) of table salt. If you want to add extra flavors, stir in:^[1]
   
   • 2 smashed garlic cloves
   • 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) of black peppercorns
   • 1 bay leaf
2. Turn off the heat and add 2 cups (470 ml) of water. The water in the pot will stop bubbling when you add the extra water. The salt should be completely dissolved and the brine will be at room temperature.^[2]
   
   
3. Pour the brine over the pork chops. Place 2 to 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 pound or 453 g each) into a shallow plate or pie pan. Pour the brine over the pork chops so they're covered.^[3]
   
   
   • The chops should be between and thick.
   • If the chops aren't covered, stir together an extra 1 cup (240 ml) of water with an extra 1 tablespoon (18 g) of kosher salt. Pour the extra brine into the pan.
4. Cover and chill the chops for at least 30 minutes. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chill the pork chops for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.^[4]
   
   • The brine will tenderize the meat. For the most tender pork chops, chill them for the full 4 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to and heat a skillet. When you're almost ready to cook the pork chops, turn on the oven and place a cast-iron skillet in it. The rack should be in the center of the oven.^[5]
   
6. Dry and season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Take the brined pork chops out of the refrigerator and take them out of the pan. Pat the chops dry with paper towels and set them on a work surface. Drizzle the chops with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste. Use your fingertips to rub both sides of the chops so the seasonings evenly coat the meat.^[6]
   
   
   • Let the pork chops sit out at room temperature while the oven finishes heating.
7. Sear the pork chops for 3 minutes over medium-high heat. Use oven mitts to remove the hot skillet from the oven. Set the skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Lay the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet and cook them for 3 minutes without moving them.^[7]
   
   
   • The pork chops will sizzle and smoke as soon as you put them in the skillet. Consider turning on a vent fan or opening a window.
8. Flip the pork chops and bake them for 6 minutes in the oven. Use tongs or a spatula to flip each pork chop over. Turn off the heat and use oven mitts to transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Cook the chops so they become tender and cooked throughout.^[8]
   
   
   • Because the bottom of the chops will cook in the oven, there's no need to sear them.
9. Ensure the temperature has reached . Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a pork chop. The chop should reach between and once it's finished cooking. If the pork chop isn't finished cooking, roast and check the pork chops every 2 minutes until they're done to your liking.^[9]
   
10. Rest the tender chops for 5 minutes before serving them. Turn off the oven and move the pork chops to a shallow rimmed plate. If there are any juices in the skillet, pour them over the chops. Lay a sheet of aluminum foil loosely over the chops and rest them for 5 minutes. Consider serving them with scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rolls.^[10]
    
    • The pork chops will finish cooking while they rest.
    • Store the leftover chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

[Edit]Grilling Tender Boneless Pork Chops

1. Combine olive oil, soy sauce, and steak seasoning in a bowl. To make the marinade, get out a small bowl and pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) of olive oil into it. Whisk in 2 1/2 tablespoons (37 ml) of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon (3 g) of steak seasoning.^[11]
   
   
   • You can substitute your favorite herb or spice for steak seasoning, if desired. For example, use 1 teaspoon (2 g) of dried rosemary or thyme.
2. Coat the pork chops in marinade and chill them for at least 3 hours. Pour the marinade into a large resealable bag and add 4 boneless pork loin chops. Squeeze out as much air as you can and seal the bag shut. The pork chops should be covered in the marinade. Refrigerate them for at least 3 hours or up to 1 day.^[12]
   
   
   • The pork chops shouldn't be over thick. If they are too thick, slice them in half horizontally to make chops that are closer to thick. This will give you 4 extra chops.
3. Heat a grill to medium heat. Once you're ready to grill the tender pork chops, turn a gas grill on to medium. If you're using a charcoal grill, fill a chimney with briquettes and light them. Dump the hot, ashy coals in the center of the grill grate.^[13]
   
4. Grill the boneless pork chops for 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the marinated pork chops from the refrigerator. Lay them on the hot grill and cover the lid. Grill the chops for 6 minutes if you're using thin pork chops, or up to 8 minutes if you're using thick pork chops.^[14]
   
   
5. Flip and grill the pork chops for 6 to 8 more minutes. Remove the lid and use tongs or a spatula to flip the pork chops over. Put the lid back on the grill and cook them for another 6 to 8 minutes, depending on how well-done you want the chops.^[15]
   
   
6. Check if the temperature of the pork chops is at . Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a pork chop. The chop should reach between and once it's finished cooking.^[16]
   
7. Move the chops to a cutting board and rest them for 5 minutes. Transfer the grilled pork chops to a cutting board or large plate using tongs. Lay a sheet of aluminum foil loosely over the chops and let them rest for 5 minutes. They'll finish cooking and the juices will redistribute within the meat.^[17]
   
8. Serve the tender grilled pork chops. Place 1 pork chop on each serving plate or slice each chop into thin strips before plating them. Serve the tender chops with orzo pilaf, roasted potatoes, green salad, or pasta salad.^[18]
   
   • Store the leftover grilled pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Tender Brined Bone-in Pork Chops

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Shallow plate or pie plate
• Spoon
• Plastic wrap
• Instant-read thermometer
• Cast-iron skillet
• Oven mitts
• Paper towels
• Knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil
• Shallow rimmed plate
• Tongs or spatula

[Edit]Tender Grilled Boneless Pork Chops

• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large resealable bag
• Knife and cutting board
• Gas or charcoal grill with briquettes
• Tongs or spatula
• Instant-read thermometer
• Aluminum foil
• Serving plates

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Looking for a change of scenery? Moving to a new place can be an exciting new adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of uncertainty, especially if you’re running low on funds. There’s no need to worry—you’ve come to the right spot. Whether you’re looking for your first place or heading to a new state, we’ve put together plenty of low-budget options to help you out. We’ve even included some money-saving tips and tricks you can use during and after your move.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Relocate to a town with a low cost of living.

1. A low-cost town can take a lot of financial stress off your shoulders. States like Indiana, West Virginia, Arkansas, Missouri, and Alabama are a lot more affordable than other parts of the country. Plus, towns like Cedar Park, Texas; Ogden, Utah; Raleigh, North Carolina; Midland, Texas; and Provo, Utah are especially budget-friendly. Here are a few other cheap towns and cities you could consider:^[1]
   
   • Minneapolis, Minnesota
   • St. Paul, Minnesota
   • Winchester, Virginia
   • Des Moines, Iowa

[Edit]Apply for a driveaway company.

1. Certain companies will pay you to drive a vehicle one-way to a new location. Car renting road trippers often take one-way trips with their vehicles, leaving them pretty far from their place of origin. Driveaway companies hire people to drive these cars on a one-way trip back to their original location.^[2] This could be a great way to get to a new place, all while making some money in the process.
   
   • Auto Driveaway is the most well-known driveaway company out there, but you can also find open driveaway jobs on most job hunting sites.

[Edit]Move to a place with a relocation initiative.

1. Some areas will pay you thousands of dollars to move there. The state of West Virginia pays interested newcomers $12,000 to live there for 2 years, with prepaid outdoor activities like downhill skiing and whitewater rafting included in the package. Places like Tulsa, Oklahoma and Topeka, Kansas are also willing to pay thousands of dollars to new residents who move there. Here’s a closer look at some of your options:^[3]
   
   • Northwest Arkansas: $10,000 to each person who moves there
   • Vermont: $7,500 for remote workers to relocate
   • Topeka, Kansas: $15,000 in housing support to new residents
   • Tulsa, Oklahoma: $10,000 for remote workers to relocate

[Edit]Borrow a friend’s car.

1. Cut costs on a moving van with free or cheap transportation. Ask your friend if you can use their car to move your belongings over to your new place—the bigger the car, the better! See if they’ll let you use their car for free, or offer to pay for gas.^[4]
   
   • Try chatting up your friends who have an SUV or pick-up truck first. The bigger their car is, the fewer trips you’ll have to make.

[Edit]Move with a friend.

1. Having a roommate is a great way to save money. You’ll still need to pay rent, but your original costs are split in half (or by however many roomies you get on board). Look for a place where the rent is already reasonable, so you pay even less per month.^[5]
   
   • The median rent in America is a little less than $1,100.^[6] If you were splitting that cost with a friend, you’d pay less than $550 each month!

[Edit]Lease a sublet.

1. Sublets let you piggy-back on someone else’s rental contract for a set amount of time. Renters and home-owners sublet their homes when they’re away for a long period of time—this way, they won’t lose their home while they’re away. Sublet contracts can last for weeks and months at a time, and can be a great solution if you’re looking for a quick, cheap way to move out.^[7]
   
   • Airbnb has a section of their site dedicated to subletting: https://www.airbnb.com/sublets. In fact, plenty of hosts offer discounts to renters who book a room for at least 28 days.^[8]
   • Subleases come in 2 forms: short-term and long-term. With a short-term sublease, the original renter plans on coming back—you’re just staying there until that time comes. With long-term subleases, however, the renter doesn’t plan on coming back. So, you stay in the room or space until the lease runs out.^[9]

[Edit]Couch surf at someone else’s place.

1. Couch surfing is a good short-term option if you really need to leave your old place. The Couchsurfing app lets you browse available hosts (or “couches”) in the area where you can crash for the night.^[10] Couch surfing at someone’s place is completely free—just keep in mind that service is targeted toward travelers and tourists, and isn’t a viable long-term moving solution.^[11]
   
   • The official Couchsurfing company recommends doing some sort of nice gesture for your host in return for your lodging, like offering to make dinner.

[Edit]Stay at a hostel temporarily.

1. Hostels offer cheap housing if you need a short-term place to stay and don’t mind crowds. The cheapest hostel rooms are designed to fit small groups of people, and may not be ideal if you like peace and quiet. Still, some hostels let you pay for your lodging for a week at a time, which is definitely helpful if you need a new place to stay.^[12]
   
   • Sites like Hostel World and Hostelling International USA can help you find hostels in your area.

[Edit]Join a home-sharing arrangement.

1. Home-sharing lets you live in someone’s home for low or waived rent. This kind of set-up typically pairs elderly homeowners in need of a little extra assistance with younger individuals looking for discounted (or free) rent. In exchange for a little extra help and/or companionship, you can live in someone else’s home for almost nothing.^[13]
   
   • Check out this directory to find home-sharing opportunities in your state: https://nationalsharedhousing.org/program-directory/

[Edit]Sell your unwanted belongings.

1. Turn your unwanted items into cash for your move. Sort through your belongings and decide what you do and don’t want to keep. Sell any valuable, unwanted items online or host a yard sale in your neighborhood to help with your downsizing efforts. There’s no point in packing and moving things that you don’t want or need!^[14]
   
   • Feel free to donate some of your old clothes if you don’t feel like selling them.

[Edit]Get free moving boxes.

1. Stores, strangers, and offices all have unwanted boxes you can use. Stop by your local liquor store, bookstore, and grocery store first—these shops have plenty of boxes to spare. Coffee shops, fast food joints, and schools are also great places to check.^[15]
   
   • Spread the word on sites like Craigslist and Freecycle, too. Chances are, there’s someone in your area with some boxes that they don’t need.
   • The U-Haul company manages a “box exchange” web forum dedicated to helping people find and distribute their unused boxes.
   • Ask your friends and loved ones for help, too! They might have some leftover boxes that they don’t need.

[Edit]Set up a fundraising page for the move.

1. Crowdfunding can be very effective if your campaign gets enough money. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help from friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and even perfect strangers, especially if you’re trying to escape a dangerous living situation. Explain what your story is on the campaign page, and let potential donors know that any and all contributions are greatly appreciated.
   
   • Sites like GoFundMe, GoGetFunding, FundRazr, Plumfund, and Fundly are all good options to consider.^[16]

[Edit]Ask friends and loved ones for money.

1. Create a detailed repayment plan so they’re more likely to support you. There’s no easy way to ask a friend or relative for money, but a repayment plan shows that you fully intend to pay them back. Draft up a loan agreement explaining how much money you need, how much and how often you plan on repaying the loan, and how much interest you’ll pay. To help convince your friend or loved one further, explain what consequences you’ll face if you don’t pay them back in time.^[17]
   
   • Making a loan agreement definitely requires a little extra work, but it will also show how serious you are about what you’re asking.
   • When first bringing up the loan in conversation, say something like, “I’d really like to move out and have a place of my own, but I’ve hit a rough patch financially. Would I be able to borrow $1,500 to help get me on my feet? I plan on paying it all back over the next 6 months with 3% interest.”

[Edit]Look for job opportunities in your new town.

1. Landing a job before the move can offer some financial peace of mind. Once you’ve settled on where you’re moving to, start searching online for jobs in that area. Having a job lined up makes it much easier to manage any new bills and expenses after you move, and gives you one less thing to worry about in the weeks or months to come.^[18]
   
   • Gig work, like driving for Uber or Lyft, is a great way to make some quick cash, especially if you live in a busy area.^[19]

[Edit]Adjust your budget after the move.

1. Give yourself time to save money and adjust to your new setup. Adjusting to a smaller budget prevents you from living beyond your means, along with any unnecessary financial stress. Experts suggest using a 50/30/20 guideline to manage your monthly paychecks. This involves putting:^[20]
   
   • 50% of your monthly pay toward necessary expenses
   • 30% of your monthly pay toward things you want
   • 20% of your monthly pay toward debt repayment and long-term savings

[Edit]Create a backup plan.

1. Know what you’ll do and where you’ll stay if your housing falls through. Talk with your trusted friends and loved ones to see if you can come up with a contingency plan in case you lose your housing or don’t have enough money to make ends meet. Knowing that you can crash at a friend’s place can offer some peace of mind as you transition through your move.
   
   • If you do lose your home, the government might be able to help. Check out this directory of homelessness assistance programs by state: https://www.hud.gov/topics/homelessness/localassist

[Edit]Tips

• Moving out is a big decision that can be really difficult and stressful, especially if you’re nearly broke. If your situation allows for it, push your move-out date back a bit so you can save up a little more. You’ll feel a lot more at ease if you have a nest egg on hand, even if it’s small!
• Plan to lease any new apartment between January or February—these months aren’t as busy, so the rent may be cheaper.^[21]
• Don’t feel like you have to juggle your move all on your own! Lean on your friends and loved ones for assistance, like finding a new place and packing up your belongings.

[Edit]Warnings

• Always do plenty of research before moving into a new home or apartment, especially if you’ll be living with someone you don’t know.

[Edit]References

Superglue on clothing is no reason to worry because it can be cleaned off with some acetone and a good rinse. Though different fabrics will react differently to superglue, most should be fine if you first let the glue dry and then break it down by soaking with acetone. After that, a deep rinse should get the rest of the residue off. Before doing anything, though, you should check the tag on your clothes to see the proper care recommended to make sure you don't add further damage to the garment.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Scraping the Glue Off

1. Take delicate fabrics to a professional dry cleaner. Scraping, acetone, and washing may work for most fabrics, but it can destroy delicate fabrics. Luckily, dry cleaners own products that can safely remove the glue from your fabric.^[1]
   
   • Check the care label on your fabric. If it says that it must be dry cleaned, then take it to a dry cleaner.
   • Delicate fabrics include sheers, lace, and silk.
2. Let the glue dry on its own. Be patient and let the glue dry. If you try to tackle the glue while it is still wet, you'll only make things worse. Do not attempt to speed the process up with a dryer, or you will permanently set the stain into your garment.^[2]
   
3. Soak the stained area in iced water if you are in a hurry. The glue should only take 15 to 20 minutes to dry. If you can't wait that long, fill a bowl with water, then add enough ice cubes to make it cold. Dip the stained area into the water for a few seconds, then pull it out. The iced water will have caused the glue to harden.^[3]
   
4. Scrape as much of the glue off as possible. Place the garment on a hard surface, then scrape the glue off with your fingernail or the edge of a spoon. You won't be able to get all of the super glue off, but you should be able to get most of the larger chunks off.^[4]
   
   • Skip this step if the fabric is loosely-woven, such as knits or delicate muslin, or you'll risk tearing it.
5. Take a look at the affected area and decide if you need to continue. Sometimes, all you need to do is scrape the glue off. If large pieces of glue are still stick to the garment, you will need to move onto the next step: acetone.
   

[Edit]Soaking the Glue in Acetone

1. Test the garment with acetone in an inconspicuous area. Soak a cotton ball with 100% acetone, then press it against an inconspicuous area of the garment, such as a hem or seam. Wait a few seconds, then pull the cotton ball away.^[5]
   
   • If you don't notice any discoloration or disintegration, you can proceed with the tutorial.
   • If you do notice any discoloration or disintegration, stop, rinse the area with water, and take the garment to a dry cleaner.
2. Press a cotton ball soaked in acetone against the stain. Soak another cotton ball with more 100% acetone. Press it against the stain, making sure that you avoid the other parts of the garment. This will help minimize potential damage.^[6]
   
   • You can also use a piece of white fabric instead of a cotton ball. Do not use colored or patterned fabric.^[7]
3. Wait for the glue to soften, then pull the cotton ball away. Check on the glue every few minutes. How long it will take for the glue to soften depends on how much glue there is, the exact chemical makeup of the glue, the fabric, and so forth. It can take anywhere from 3 to 15 minutes.^[8]
   
4. Scrape the softened glue off. Once again, use your fingernail or the edge of a spoon to scrape the glue off. You may not be able to get all of the glue off, which is fine. The key to removing super glue safely is to take it slowly.^[9]
   
   • Do not use your fingernail if you are wearing nail polish. The area is soaked in acetone now, which can dissolve the polish and stain the garment.
5. Repeat the acetone process, if needed. While powerful, acetone can only remove the upper layers of the glue. This means that you may have to repeatedly soak and scrape the stain off. If you still see large chunks of glue, soak another cotton ball in acetone and repeat the process.^[10]
   

[Edit]Washing the Garment

1. Apply a laundry pre-treatment stain remover. Once most of the stain is gone, apply a laundry pre-treatment stain remover to the garment. Massage the product deep into the stain, then rinse the stain with cold water.^[11]
   
2. Wash the garment using the cycle and temperature on the care tag. This will remove any final residue. Most garments can be washed in warm or cool water. If your garment no longer has the care tag, use cool water and a gentle cycle.
   
   • If you do not have time to do the laundry, wash the affected area with cool water and soap. Rinse the area, then pat it dry with a towel.
3. Wash the garment again if the stain remains. If the stain is very light, another run through the washer may be all that is needed. If the stain is still visible, you may need to repeat the acetone treatment.^[12]
   
   • Do not put the garment into the dryer if the stain is still there. You can air-dry the garment, however.
4. Dry the garment once the stain is completely gone. The safest option is to allow the garment to air dry, but you can use a dryer if you are absolutely certain that the stain is gone. If you notice any residue after washing the garment, do not put it in the dryer, otherwise you'll set the stain.^[13]
   
   • If there is any residue, put it through the washer again. You can also repeat the acetone treatment, or take it to the dry cleaner.^[14]

[Edit]Tips

• You can use an acetone-based nail polish remover. Make sure that it is clear, as a tinted one can stain your clothing.
• If you cannot get acetone, try lemon juice instead. You can also try regular nail polish remover.
• Ask a dry cleaner for advice whenever you are in doubt.^[15]

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Cotton balls
• Acetone
• Laundry pre-treatment stain remover (if needed)
• Washer

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Brita pitchers filter out certain elements, such as chlorine and copper, that don’t belong in your drinking water.^[1] If you’re concerned about what’s in your tap water and you want to ensure that you’re ingesting the healthiest water possible, filling and using a Brita pitcher might be a step in the right direction.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using Your Brita For the First Time

1. Take the pitcher out of its packaging. When you purchase your pitcher, take it out of the box it’s in. Then, pull off the plastic that’s wrapped all around the pitcher and discard it. Take out any items that are inside of your pitcher, such as the manual and/or the filter, and set them aside.
   
2. Wash and dry the pitcher. With all packaging discarded, take apart the pitcher and place the different parts in a sink. Use a mild dish detergent, a sponge, and warm water to wash the parts. Then, dry them with a clean hand towel.^[2]
   
3. Rinse the filter under cold water for 15 seconds. Take the filter that came with your pitcher out of its packaging. Then, hold it under cold running water for at least 15 seconds. At this point, the filter is ready to be used.^[3]
   
4. Insert the filter into the pitcher. Take the lid off of your pitcher and hold your filter by its top. Line up the groove in the filter with the notch in the hole that’s located in the bottom of the reservoir. Slide the filter down into the hole.^[4]
   
5. Fill the reservoir with water. With the lid still off and the filter in place, fill the reservoir completely with tap water. The water will slowly filter through and fill the bottom of the pitcher. At this point, your water will be ready to drink.^[5]
   
   • In order to fill the pitcher completely, you may need to fill the reservoir more than once.

[Edit]Filling Your Brita Daily

1. Remove the lid and bring the pitcher to the sink. When you’ve drank all of the filtered water in your pitcher, take it out of the refrigerator. Take the lid off and place it on the counter. Pick up the pitcher by the handle and hold it in the sink underneath the faucet.
   
2. Fill the reservoir with cold water. Fill the reservoir all of the way up to the top. Wait as the water slowly filters through into the bottom of the pitcher. Once the reservoir is about half emptied, refill it to the top. This should allow the pitcher to fill completely with filtered water.^[6]
   
3. Put the lid back on and return the pitcher to the refrigerator. Once the bottom of the pitcher is full of water, put the lid back on. Then, put the pitcher back in the refrigerator so that it stays cool.^[7]
   
   • Drink all of the filtered water in your pitcher within 1-2 days to ensure that you’re consuming the freshest water possible.
4. Add tap water to the reservoir every time you use it to keep it full. Instead of waiting until your pitcher is empty to refill it, refill it a little bit each time you use it. Every time you take out your pitcher to pour yourself a glass of filtered water, first fill the glass with tap water and pour it into the reservoir. This way, your Brita pitcher will always stay full.
   
   • Be careful when you pour yourself the glass of filtered water, as the water in the reservoir may spill out if the lid doesn’t stay securely on.

[Edit]Replacing Your Filter

1. Take off the lid and pull out the old filter. When it’s time to replace your filter, you first need to take the old one out. Take off the pitcher lid and place it aside. Then reach into the reservoir, grab the filter by its top handle, and pull it out. Discard the old filter.^[8]
   
2. Rinse the new filter for 15 seconds. Take your new filter out of any packaging that it came in. Hold your new filter by its top handle underneath running water for at least 15 seconds.^[9]
   
3. Insert the new filter. Continue holding the new filter by its top handle while you match up the notch on the pitcher with the groove that’s on the filter. Then, slide the filter down into place.^[10]
   
4. Fill the reservoir will cold tap water. Once the new filter is securely in place, fill the reservoir to the top with cold tap water. Your pitcher will then be ready to use again.^[11]
   
5. Replace Standard or Stream Brita filters every 2 months. If you’re using the white-colored Standard Brita filter or the gray-colored Stream Brita filter, it’ll need to be switched out after you’ve filtered of water through your pitcher. This should take about 2 months.^[12]
   
6. Switch out Longlast Brita filters every 6 months. If you have the blue-colored Longlast Brita filter, you can use your filter for a longer time before it needs to be replaced. This type of filter can filter of water, which means it typically lasts about 6 months.^[13]
   
7. Change your Brita Smart Pitcher’s filter when an arrow is displayed. If you have a Smart Pitcher, the electronic indicator will let you know when it’s time to replace the filter by displaying a flashing arrow at the top. After you’ve changed the filter, reset the screen by holding down the start button for 5-10 seconds, and letting go once you see 4 flashing bars.^[14]
   
   • If you have a hard time holding down the start button, try using a capped ballpoint pen.
   • Every 2 weeks, 1 of these bars will disappear.
   • Once there’s only 1 bar left on the screen, make sure you have a new filter on hand.
8. Put in a new filter when the current one is filtering slowly. If you aren’t sure if you need to switch out your filter, pay attention to how long it takes to filter the water. If you notice that the filtering process takes longer than it used to, it may be time to replace your filter.^[15]
   

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

If you want to appear taller, new shoes are perhaps the easiest way to do it. Whether you’re looking for an extreme height boost or just a subtle lift, choosing the right pair of shoes can help you look taller without sacrificing style.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Picking the Right Shoes

1. Get shoes with heels for a major height boost. Heeled shoes come in a wide variety of sizes and, on average, can give you anywhere between and of additional height. Though heeled shoes are quite noticeable, they go well with a variety of outfits and are considered appropriate for most formal occasions.^[1]
   
2. Get hidden heeled shoes for a secret height boost. If you want to enjoy the benefits of high heels without calling attention to yourself, look for footwear that hides heels inside the shoe itself. Not only do these hidden wedges lift you further off the ground, they are often more comfortable than traditional heels because they have full arch support.^[2]
   
3. Try platform shoes for a subtle lift. Platform shoes are a type of flat footwear that have an incredibly thick outsole. They make your legs appear longer by lifting you further off the ground. If you want to avoid calling attention to your elevated soles, wear long pants or a maxi skirt that covers the tops of your shoes.^[3]
   
4. Put on elevator shoes for a noticeable height boost. Similar to platform shoes, elevator shoes have additional material added to their soles that lift them further off the ground. However, the shoes contain this lift to the outer heel and include an additional insert within the heel itself. Elevator shoes normally have a distinct, fancy style, so save them for high-class functions.^[4]
   
5. Buy air-cushioned shoes for a stylish lift. Though designed for use in sports and other athletic activities, shoes with air-cushioned soles have the added benefit of making whoever wears them appear taller. Manufacturers like Nike and Reebok offer shoes with built in air-cushion technology, and since the companies are incredibly popular their designs are stylish by association.^[5]
   
6. Wear shoes that show some skin to make your legs look longer. If you’re wearing a long skirt, dress, or pair of pants, put on a pair of shoes that are cut to show a little more of the top of your foot. This will help you expose as much skin as possible, making your legs appear longer.^[6]
   
   • For example, instead of wearing ankle booties that cover the whole top of your foot, you might wear a heel that's open all the way down to right above your toes.^[7]
   • Wearing nude shoes that match your skin tone will also help make your legs look longer.^[8]
7. Wear long boots with short outfits to make you look taller. If you’re wearing an incredibly short skirt or pair of pants, contrast it with boots that go over your knees. This sharp contrast will will bring attention to your legs and make them look longer.^[9]
   
8. Use insoles to help you look taller in shoes you already own. If you don’t want to buy a new pair of shoes, you can alter the ones you already have with a pair of insoles. Insole pads come in a number of different styles, including fabric, gel, and silicone, and simply slip inside your shoe, making them invisible. You can find insoles at most footwear stores.
   
   • If you need to use your insoles with high heels or open toed shoes, look for specialty insoles designed specifically for that type of footwear.

[Edit]Putting Together a Flattering Outfit

1. Buy form-fitting clothes to accentuate your figure. Baggy clothing items, including stretched t-shirts, loose dresses, and oversized suits, drape down over your body and make it appear significantly shorter. You can combat this with fitted clothes, which bring attention to your physique while making your legs and torso appear longer. You don’t need to wear things that are extremely tight, just items that fit you well.^[10]
   
2. Put on v-neck tops to make your body look longer. V-neck tops have large, upside down triangles cut into the front collar, revealing the area immediately below your neck. By showing some extra skin, the v-neck draws people’s eyes to the top of your chest, making your upper body appear longer.^[11]
   
3. Wear high-waisted pants, skirts, and dresses to make your legs look longer. Most lower-body clothing items have waistlines designed to sit on or around your hips. However, fashion retailers also sell specialty pants, skirts, and dresses with much higher waistlines. When worn with a short or tucked-in shirt, these clothing items shift your waistline up and make your legs look longer.
   
4. Use flared jeans or maxi skirts to accentuate your legs. In addition to shifting your waistline up, you can also bring your clothing’s hemline down. Flared jeans, maxi skirts, and other extra-long clothing items will make you appear taller simply by virtue of their added length. To be effective, the item’s hemline should sit between your ankle and the bottom of your foot.
   
5. Put on accessories that draw attention to your upper body. Hats, scarves, glasses, pocket squares, tie pins, and other accessories are not only fashionable, they can make you appear taller by drawing people’s eyes toward your upper body. Don’t use more than 2 or 3 accessories at a time, though, as it will bog down the look.^[12]
   
6. Wear single-shade and vertical striped outfits to create a tall look. Vertical lines make your body appear longer by leading people’s eyes up and down as opposed to left and right. You can create a strong vertical line by making all your clothing a single shade, or you can create multiple lines by wearing items with vertical stripes on them.
   

[Edit]Tips

• Make sure to keep you back straight whenever standing or walking. Slouching will get rid of any height added by your shoes or outfit.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

You might already recognize a basic definition of homophobia as the fear of or prejudice against people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. But it’s just as important to recognize homophobia in action—that is, in the things people say and do. This article lists common types and examples of homophobia, and also provides advice on what you can do to support positive change. After all, identifying homophobia is the first step toward eliminating it.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Types of Homophobia

1. Institutional homophobia. This is when governments or other powerful institutions enact and enforce policies that discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals—for example, by denying the right to marry, adopt, or visit a partner in the hospital.^[1]
   
2. Cultural homophobia. This refers to a dominant cultural view, reinforced by traditional media and social media, that LGBTQ individuals and couples are less "normal" and "desirable" than heterosexual people and couples.
   
   ^[2]
3. Interpersonal homophobia. This occurs when someone shows hatred, disgust, or disdain for LGBTQ+ individuals through their words and actions; such as by making stereotypical jokes, using homophobic slurs, or engaging in physical violence.^[3]
   
4. Internalized homophobia. This is when an LGBTQ+ individual feels self-hatred due to their sexuality, which they have been taught is wrong, sinful, abnormal, or less desirable.^[4]
   

[Edit]Examples of Homophobia in Action

1. Using derogatory names or terms. Forget the “sticks and stones” stuff—words do matter and they can hurt. Describing LGBTQ+ individuals in derogatory terms, or using those same terms to describe something else as wrong or lesser, demeans members of the LGBTQ+ community as unequal and unworthy.^[5]
   
   • For example, even if you never use offensive names against LGBTQ+ individuals directly, casually using phrases like “that’s so gay” or “you’re so gay” in negative or mocking ways supports the homophobic view that “gay” equals “lesser” or “unworthy.”
2. Enacting or supporting discriminatory policies. As mentioned elsewhere in this article, “institutional homophobia” refers to policies and laws that prevent LGBTQ+ individuals from living their lives as freely as anyone else. When the law says homophobia is okay, it’s easier for individuals to see homophobia as not only okay but sanctioned or even expected.^[6]
   
   • Homophobia can exist both in the presence or absence of specific policies or laws. For example, a school might not have explicitly anti-LGBTQ+ policies on the books, but it may still lack adequate policies to protect and support LGBTQ+ students.
3. Outing someone against their wishes. Everyone of us has the absolute right to either withhold or share information about our sexuality as we see fit.^[7] It is always wrong to “out” someone forcibly or to pressure them to do so. At the same time, it is also wrong to try to prevent someone from “coming out” when they wish to.^[8]
   
   • Even if you are a member or ally of the LGBTQ+ community, you should not pressure someone to come out so they can “join the cause” or “live their truth.” Give them advice and encouragement if they seek it, but support their personal decisions regardless.
4. Spreading misinformation. It’s always been a problem, but misinformation is easier to spread than ever before thanks to social media. Sharing inaccurate or false information about the LGBTQ+ community is easy to do on purpose or by mistake, but, the result is the same—others pick up the hurtful misinformation and spread it along, further seeding homophobia.^[9]
   
   • For example, the claim that gay men are more likely to contract HIV might be warped into the claim that only gay men contract HIV, resulting in further stigmatization.
5. Believing in stereotypes. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are unique individuals, just like everyone else on this planet. Making blanket assumptions based on stereotypes robs individuals of their identities and makes it easier to view them as an undesirable “other.”^[10]
   
   • For example, it is homophobic to assume that all LGBTQ+ individuals must be hyper-sexualized, promiscuous, and uninterested in long-term relationships. So too is the assumption that gay men aren’t “tough” enough to play sports like football or hockey.
6. Holding irrational fears. One of the most common irrational fears is that all LGBTQ folks are out to “get” straight people somehow. A gay man changing in a men’s locker room, for instance, is not automatically sexually attracted to every other man there. Nor is he trying to “convert” (perhaps by somehow “tricking”) the straight men--he’s just trying to get cleaned up after a pickup basketball game.^[11]
   
   • Here’s another example of irrational fear: A school teacher who also happens to be a lesbian is not automatically trying to “confuse” and “indoctrinate” her students.
7. Expressing unequal reactions. A homophobe responds differently to very similar circumstances. For example, it’s discriminatory and offensive to be okay with heterosexual public displays of affection, but to label, similar homosexual displays as “over-the-top” or “awkward,” let alone “wrong” or “inappropriate.” The same is true for major life events like engagements, weddings, and the arrival of children.^[12]
   
   • Of course it’s okay to be uncomfortable with all public displays of affection, or not to get excited when any random co-worker gets engaged. The problem arises when you use different standards based on sexuality.
8. Assuming heterosexuality by default. Treating being straight as normal treats all others as abnormal. In other words, if you assume that each person is hetero by default until proven otherwise, you relegate the alternatives to lesser exceptions to the rule.^[13]
   
   • For example, asking “Do you have a girlfriend?” to a guy you just met makes an unnecessary hetero assumption, when you could just as easily ask “Are you dating anyone right now?”
9. Denying someone’s identity. Rejecting a person’s LGBTQ+ identity outright is more obviously homophobic: telling someone, for instance, “You’re not gay, you’re just confused.” But it’s also homophobic to say things like “I don’t even think of you as being gay” or “It doesn’t matter to me that you’re gay.” Why? Because you’re still denying an important part of who they are.^[14]
   

[Edit]What kind of damage does homophobia cause?

1. It negatively impacts its targets, sources, and all of society. Homophobia creates unnecessary barriers and hostility that are harmful to all parties involved and society at large. That said, LGBTQ+ individuals are most directly and severely impacted. Here are just a few examples:^[15]
   
   • Increased risk of depression and suicide (especially in younger people).
   • Increased stress due to the lack of social support.
   • Social anxiety out of the fear of encountering people who are homophobic.
   • Difficulty obtaining adequate health coverage and quality services.
   • Inability to marry or adopt (depending on legislation).
   • Negative effects on income and employment.

[Edit]How should I react to homophobic comments?

1. Educate, correct, or ignore the offender. Always consider the situation to help you choose the best course of action. For example, is it best to speak up to a stranger in a public situation or walk away? Should you correct someone you know now or wait until you’re alone with them? Is the person being intentionally hurtful or are they misinformed and open to being better informed?^[16][17]
   
   • For instance, if your friend says “that’s so gay” during a group conversation, you might decide it’s best to speak up right then and there and explain why that’s wrong to say. Or, you might decide it’s best to wait and talk privately as the more effective way to educate them. Use your best judgment based on the situation.^[18]
   • Or, if a stranger is using homophobic slurs in public, you might decide your best course of action is to calmly but forcefully tell them they are being offensive and rude.^[19] Alternatively, you may determine that walking away is the safest course of action.
   • If you notice someone repeatedly making homophobic remarks at work, report their behavior to a manager or HR rep.^[20]

[Edit]How can I take action?

1. Be a supportive advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Regardless of your orientation, make it clear to the community that you are a friend and ally.
   
2. Show your support in person and with your wallet. Go to pride fairs and join a GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) group. Donate to LGBTQ+ organizations.
   
3. Become better informed. Do research based on reliable sources. Ask questions to members of the LGBTQ+ community and listen carefully to their answers.
   
4. Work to end institutional homophobia. Write to your legislators and support candidates who favor anti-homophobic laws and policies.
   
5. Work toward equality in schools. Schools can be challenging environments that are especially hostile to LGBTQ+ youth. Ensure that schools have anti-bullying and harassment policies in place that specifically protect LGBTQ+ students and staff.
   
6. Watch what you say. Never use derogatory or offensive terminology to describe LGBTQ individuals, be mindful of even casual language, and encourage others to do the same.
   
7. Point out misinformation when you encounter it. Use reliable sources to help you explain why it is hurtful and wrong, and encourage the person sending it to evaluate their sources carefully before spreading (mis)information.
   
8. Question LGBTQ+ stereotypes. Challenge yourself and others to avoid making assumptions about individuals based on stereotypes. Learn more about the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
   
9. Treat people as unique individuals. Remind yourself and others to evaluate people in the LGBTQ community based on what they do, not on what they must be thinking or wanting to do.
   
10. Accept everyone equally. Encourage everyone to respond in a consistent way to things like public displays of affection, engagements, weddings, and welcoming children, regardless of sexuality.
    
11. Avoid making assumptions about sexuality. When talking to or about someone you don't know well, use neutral language regarding sexuality. Don’t make assumptions about someone's sexuality based on how they express themselves or behave.
    
12. Show respect to everyone in every situation. Remind yourself and encourage others to respect the fullness of others’ identities. LGBTQ+ identity, for instance, isn’t all a person is, nor is it irrelevant to who they are.
    

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Deal With Homophobia
• Deal With Internalized Homophobia
• Deal With Online Homophobia
• Take a Stand Against Homophobia
• Deal with Homophobia at Work

[Edit]References

__SECTIONS__

Gift bags are simple, fun alternatives to wrapping paper that can be used for any special occasion. But after using them enough you'll probably end up stuck with a pile of leftovers stuffed in a closet somewhere. And when the next occasion comes around, you have to rifle through your mess in search of the right one. Luckily, you can store your gift bags in baskets, hang them up, and repurpose other storage items to hold them.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Storing Gift Bags in Baskets

1. Purchase simple magazine racks to hold your bags for easy access. After organizing your inventory, purchase simple magazine racks to store your gift bags in. You don't need anything too fancy—basic magazine racks will do.^[1]
   
   • Designate each rack for a specific gift bag category.
2. Place your gift bags in wicker baskets for simple long-term storage. Using wicker baskets to store you bags is a simple way to organize them. Fold your bags up and place each category in different baskets. This is ideal for anyone who has lots of shelf space but no organization system.^[2]
   
3. Repurpose empty water bottle boxes for a cheap storage option. If you purchase water bottles regularly, you can recycle them into homemade baskets. Use one box for each category and store them beside or on top of each other.^[3]
   
   • Attach metal drawer handles to them using screws to make them easier to get a hold of.
4. Organize your gift bags based on holidays and events. Split your gift bags into piles according to occasion. For example, put all of your Christmas-themed bags into one pile and Easter bags in another. Or, make a pile for holidays like Easter and Christmas, and others for celebratory occasions like weddings and birthdays. This will help you determine how many magazine racks you need.
   
   • Try using one basket per category. If any category is particularly big, split it across two baskets.
5. Create or purchase one label for each category. Purchase or create labels for each basket. Use clear writing and colors to make it easy to distinguish between each one.
   
   • If you're creating your own labels, one simple idea is to cut out squares of various colored construction paper, assigning one color to each category. For example, blue for birthdays, yellow for new babies, and green for holidays.^[4]

[Edit]Hanging Your Gift Bags

1. Install a towel bar for a more permanent hanging solution. Purchase a towel bar and follow the template to choose an installation location. Afterwards, install your bar near your crafts area and hang your bags using plain or colored plastic hooks.^[5]
   
   • Take out the mounting brackets from their packaging and loosen their screws prior to installation.^[6]
2. Suspend an adjustable tension rod underneath your crafts table. If you have a designated crafts table, storing your gift bags underneath it is a convenient solution. Suspend a tension rod between the two bookcases of the craft table and hang your bags on it. This works best if you don't have a big enough collection to separate based on occasion.
   
   • Use small plastic hooks to hang each bag.^[7]
3. Hang your gift bags directly in your clothing closet using metal hooks. Purchase some colored metal hooks—designate one color for each category. Afterwards, you can hang each group of gift bags from their corresponding hook colors.^[8]
   
   • If you have a small enough collection of gift bags, you can hang them with no color scheme.

[Edit]Repurposing Other Storage Items

1. Place your gift bags in larger gift bags for a portable storage solution. One of the simplest ways to store gift bags in your closet is to store them in larger gift bags. Fold each bag up, place them inside your larger bags, and hang them by their rope handles on a hanger.^[9]
   
   • Use different colored storage bags to separate your gift bags based on occasion. For example, organize birthday bags in orange-colored bags and Christmas bags in green-colored bags.
2. Fasten clip hangers around bundles of gift bags for simple closet storage. You can cheap clip hangers (typically reserved for clothes) to hang your gift bags. Each one can hold anywhere from 3 to 10 bags, depending on their size.^[10]
   
   • Stick colored tape around the top of the hangers to separate different types of bags.
3. Organize your gift bags in an expandable file folder if you only have a few. An expandable file folder is a great storage solution for your bags since it's so small to store! However, if your file folder starts bulging, you might want to separate them into multiple colored folders or use a different method.^[11]
   
4. Purchase a wired file organizer to store your bags in your crafts desk. Wired file organizers are cheap and easily transported. They come in plenty of different shapes and sizes, giving you plenty of flexibility in terms of how and where to store your gift bags.
   
   • Wired file organizers come in both vertical and horizontal designs. Choose one based on your available space.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Storing Gift Bags in Baskets

• Magazine racks
• Sticker labels (one for each category)
• Marker
• Wicker baskets
• Empty water bottle boxes
• Metal drawer handles

[Edit]Hanging Your Gift Bags

• Towel bar
• Painter's tape
• Drill
• Drill bit
• Screwdriver
• Small flat head screwdriver
• Scissors
• Marker
• Plastic hooks
• Colored metal hooks
• Adjustable tension rod

[Edit]Repurposing Other Storage Items

• Large gifts bags
• Adjustable tension rod
• Plastic hooks
• Clip hangers
• Colored tape
• Expandable file folder
• Wired file organizer

[Edit]References

__

King oyster mushrooms are the largest of the oyster mushroom species and have been described as having the taste and texture of abalone.^[1] One of the best parts about oyster mushrooms is that they’re easy for you to grow at home! With a little time and effort, you can grow your own mushrooms to include in a variety of dishes!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Creating a Grow Area

1. Cut cardboard into squares and put them in a bucket. Use a box cutter or utility knife to cut the cardboard down to size. Aim to have about 10 pieces of cardboard in the end, but it’s okay if you have more or less. Place the cardboard pieces in a sanitized bucket.^[2]
   
   • Cardboard egg cartons would also work well for growing the mushrooms.
   • You can sanitize your bucket with a diluted bleach solution.
2. Boil water and pour it over the cardboard until it is completely saturated. Place a large pot or kettle on the stove until the water boils. Pour the hot water onto the cardboard until it’s completely wet through and submerged. This helps kill any organisms that may contaminate your mushrooms later on.^[3]
   
   • Push the cardboard down to compact it if you want to use less water.
   • The boiled water will kill any microorganisms on the cardboard in a process called pasteurization.
3. Cover the bucket and let it cool for 8 hours. Put a lid on top of the bucket and let it soak overnight. The heat from the water would kill any mushroom spawn, so it needs to rest until it is cool to the touch.^[4]
   
4. Squeeze the cardboard to drain any excess water. Pour the water out of the bucket and drain the rest of the water from the cardboard squares. Start squeezing on 1 side of the square and work your way across. In the end, they should be damp to the touch, but not completely saturated.^[5]
   
   • Wash your hands with antibacterial soap or use hand sanitizer before handling the cardboard so you don’t bring in foreign contaminants.
5. Place 10 mushroom spawn on 1 piece of cardboard. Sprinkle the spawn evenly near the edges of the cardboard square. The king oyster mushrooms prefer to grow from the sides of the cardboard rather than on top of the cardboard.^[6]
   
   • Check your local gardening store to see if they have spawn for king oyster. Otherwise, king oyster mushroom spawn can be purchased online.
6. Stack the squares on top of one another, placing spawn on each layer. Continue building layers of the cardboard and spawn until you’re out of cardboard. Don’t place any of the spawn on top of the last piece of cardboard since it will not be covered and may not grow as effectively.^[7]
   
   • You’ll need about 100 mushroom spawn total to grow on 10 layers of cardboard, but you don’t have to be precise with your count.

[Edit]Fruiting the Mushrooms

1. Place the cardboard squares and spawn into a garbage bag and close it. Use a garbage bag with a cinch for the easiest way to close it. Closing the bag builds up the concentration of carbon dioxide inside and stimulates the mushroom spawn to grow faster.^[8]
   
   • Place the garbage bag in a cardboard box if you want to keep it safer.
   • The mushrooms do not need light as they establish.
2. Keep the bag in an area between . Keep the bag in a warm dark place, like a cabinet, to help the spawn colonize more quickly. The warmth mixed with the moisture in the cardboard pieces creates a humid environment that’s perfect for mushrooms.^[9]
   
   • The bag can be stored in a dark cabinet or even under your bed.
3. Open the bag after 2 days to check for pools of water. While the bag should stay humid and moist, it should not have pools of standing water at the bottom. If you find excess water, drain the bag into a sink before putting it back.^[10]
   
   • This should only have to be done once since the water is excess that has drained from the cardboard.
4. Leave the bag alone for 3-6 weeks. Don’t disturb the bag during this time since the mushroom spawn is starting to produce mycelium, which looks like white strands, and will eventually fruit. The cardboard will be completely colonized by the mushroom after this time.^[11]
   
   • Set a reminder on your phone or in a planner so you know when to return to your mushrooms.
5. Open the plastic bag once you see white strands covering the cardboard. After the third week, check every 2 weeks to see if the mycelia have formed. It will look like the cardboard is covered in white strands if it’s ready. If it isn’t, close the bag and leave it alone for another week or two before checking it again.^[12]
   
   • Opening the bag exposes the mycelia to oxygen and will stimulate it to start producing mushrooms.
6. Move the bag to a sunny area when the mycelia is present. Make sure there is enough light getting to your mushrooms. A good rule of thumb is to have it bright enough so you could easily read a book. During this time, you may see small mushrooms starting to form.^[13]
   
7. Spray the inner walls of the bag with water twice daily. Maintain a humid environment for the mushrooms by using a spray bottle with tap water. Wet the walls of the bag to keep the mushrooms moist.^[14]
   
   • Mushrooms may not tolerate water sprayed directly on them.
   • If you live in a dry climate, spray 3 times per day.

[Edit]Harvesting the Mushrooms

1. Collect the mushrooms before they develop a wavy edge. The mushrooms should only take 1 to 2 weeks to fully grow, but they will develop a wavy edge around their cap when they are starting to go past their prime. They can still be eaten, but for best results, pick full-sized mushrooms just as they finish growing.^[15]
   
   • Pin mushrooms are part of the first flush of growth and will become full size within 3 to 4 days.
2. Twist the mushrooms off of their base. Avoid pulling the mushroom straight off since this could damage the mycelia underneath. A gentle twist and pull should be all it takes to remove the mushrooms.^[16]
   
   • As an alternative, you can cut the base of the mushrooms with a pair of sanitized scissors.
3. Spray the bag with water twice a day to get more flushes of mushrooms. After 10 to 15 days, you may see another growth of mushrooms if you keep the bag moist and in a light place. They will tend to be just as large, if not larger, than the first mushrooms you collected.^[17]
   
   • Mushrooms can return for multiple flushes every 2 or 3 weeks, but they will grow smaller each time.
4. Leave the stems on the mushrooms, if you'd like. Unlike with other mushroom varieties, you can eat the stems of king oyster mushrooms. Leave them on for an easy, delicious meal.^[18]
   
   • Clean your mushrooms before adding them to any dish.
   • King oyster mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked.

[Edit]Tips

• Oyster mushrooms can be grown at any time of the year inside as long as you keep temperatures between and provide light.

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

• Cardboard
• Box cutter
• Bucket
• Pot or kettle
• Mushroom spawn
• Garbage bag
• Spray bottle

[Edit]References

The jade plant, also commonly called the money plant, is a popular, low-maintenance succulent—it doesn’t require much water and thrives with minimal attention. Because jade plants can live for many years, plant lovers need to know how to maintain their plants. To keep your jade plant healthy and encourage new growth, prune overgrown sections and remove leggy branches.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Encouraging New Growth

1. Trim the jade plant when branches start to droop. Because the jade plant is top-heavy and stores water in its leaves, branches that aren’t thick enough won’t be able to support the weight of the leaves. Pruning those branches develops thicker, stronger stems, which lets your plant grow taller and wider.^[1]
   
   • Don’t prune young plants (under 1 year old). They are still developing their roots and trunk during the first year, and pruning them too soon will permanently stunt their growth.^[2]
2. Prune the branches and stems in the spring or early summer. Jade plants can technically be pruned all year long, but they actively grow in warm weather. The sunlight and warmth help them to recover more quickly from the pruning.^[3]
   
   • Your jade plant only needs 3-5 hours of sunlight every day. Keep it somewhere it gets sunlight but avoid placing it in direct light for long periods of time, as this could burn your plant.^[4]
3. Use sharp shears or bonsai pruning shears to make your cuts. Prune back branches that are drooping by clipping the branch where it intersects with the trunk. Or if you are mainly looking to shape your jade plant, prune individual leaves or partial sections of branches. Cut just above the leaf node (where the leaf grows out of the branch).^[5]
   
   • Avoid cutting the main branch (or trunk) of the plant. This is the main section that connects to the roots. The only time you will cut this main truck is when you are cutting down most of the plant to help it heal from infection.
   • Give branches enough space so they aren’t touching or rubbing each other. Overcrowding limits the amount of light the plant gets.^[6]
   • A compact and full jade plant is a healthy jade plant—it will regenerate and thrive when you prune it.

[Edit]Cleaning up a Neglected Plant

1. Trim leggy or drooping branches. If your jade plant has grown for a long time without pruning, it will resemble an overgrown bush. These leggy sections aren’t healthy and are draining resources from the rest of the plant. Use your shears to cut the leggy stems back to 1/3 of their length, cutting at a 45-degree angle.^[7]
   
   • Leggy sections are thin and longer than other branches.
   • Yellow or light green leaves indicate your plant is overtaxed. Removing them will refocus energy so it can grow in a fuller pattern.^[8]
2. Use shears to cut excess branches back to the trunk of the plant. When a plant has been left to grow for too long, there will be multiple branches shooting off from the main trunk. Some of these are okay to leave, but remove any that are making the plant look scraggly.^[9]
   
   • The intersection of the branch and the stem makes a “V” shape. Cut at that intersection at a roughly 45-degree angle. This lets the plant sprout multiple new branches that are thicker and more compact.^[10]
   • It might feel backwards to cut off entire branches of the plant, but by doing so you’re making room for new growth and are giving your plant a chance to grow stronger.
3. Cut off any leaves or branches that have dark spots. Dark spots indicate your plant either has a disease or there are pests present. Left untreated, these dark spots can spread to the rest of the plant. Pruning the entire section is the best chance you have to save it.^[11]
   
   • Try sanitizing your shears with an antibacterial gel in between snips to minimize the risk of spreading disease to healthy parts of the plant.^[12]

[Edit]Tips

• Rather than throwing away your pruned leaves and branches, you can propagate new jade plants from them.^[13]
• Jade plants grow vigorously after pruning, so don’t be afraid to trim away! You can even prune all the leaves and branches so just the main trunk and roots are left, and it will regrow.^[14]
• Make sure your garden shears are very sharp, as blunt shears can damage your plant and introduce infection.^[15]

[Edit]References

It's all too common to find yourself with leftover rice and no plan as to what to do with it. Luckily, it's easy to transform old rice into yummy rice cakes! These aren't quite like the standard puffed rice cakes from the grocery store, because they won't taste like styrofoam. There are several variations of homemade rice cakes that are all delicious in their own way, including simple fried sticky rice cakes and savory cheesy rice cakes.

[Edit]Ingredients

[Edit]Sticky Rice Cakes

• Cooked sticky rice (as much as you want)
• olive oil

[Edit]Cheesy Rice Cakes

• 200 g (1 cup) cooked rice
• 1 egg
• 1/2 of a small onion, chopped (optional)
• minced garlic (optional)
• red pepper flakes (optional)
• onion powder (optional)
• parsley flakes (optional)
• 14.79 to (1-2 tbsp) of olive oil

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Frying Sticky Rice Cakes

1. Wet your fingers and mold cooked sticky rice into circular cake shapes. Wetting your fingers prevents the sticky rice from sticking to your fingers.^[1] Then, gently pull away about 12.5 g (1 tbsp) of rice and mold it into a circular cake shape that is about in diameter. Use your fingers to press down on the rice and flatten it so it's thin, but don't press so hard that you make holes in the rice.^[2]
   
   
   • Sticky white rice is best for this recipe because it holds its shape well.
   • It's better to make your rice cakes thinner rather than thicker, because they will expand a lot during cooking.
   • To make this process easier, you can press the rice into a simple circular cookie cutter or round mold.^[3]
2. Let the shaped cakes dry at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Check that they've dried completely by gently trying to bend and break them. They should be pretty firm when they are dry.
   
   
   • If you aren't quite ready to fry the cakes, you can store the dried ones in an airtight container indefinitely until you're ready.^[4]
3. Pour of olive oil into a skillet. You may need to add more or less depending on the size of your skillet. The layer of oil should still be relatively thin, but also deep enough so that the cakes can be fully submerged in the oil as they're cooking.
   
   
4. Bring the oil to a boil. Use a cooking thermometer placed in the skillet to know when the oil is at the right temperature. It's important to make sure that the oil is hot enough, because this results in a rice cake that is more crisp and less greasy.^[5]
   
   
5. Place 1-2 rice cakes in the oil. Using tongs, place the 1-2 rice cakes in the oil.^[6] You're essentially going to deep-fry them.
   
   
   • Depending on the size of your pan, you may be able to cook more than 2 rice cakes at the same time.
6. Remove the rice cakes from the oil when they rise to the surface. Use tongs to remove the cakes from the oil when they expand and rise to the surface — that's when you know that they're done. The rice cakes will cook pretty quickly, so usually about 30 seconds in the oil is plenty.^[7] The rice should be fairly white with no discolorations.
   
   
7. Serve the rice cakes within one day of making them. It's best to serve your cakes as soon as possible after frying them. The oil will cause the cakes to spoil quickly, so it's not recommended to store them and save them for later.^[8]
   
   

[Edit]Making Cheesy Rice Cakes

1. Mix cooked rice, egg, cheese, and spices in a bowl. Combine 200 g (1 c) rice with 1 egg in a bowl. Then add cheese. It's super easy because all the mixing is done in one bowl!
   
   
   • If you'd like, you can dress up this recipe by mixing half of a small onion (chopped), minced garlic, and red pepper flakes, onion powder, and parsley to taste.
   • This recipe also lends itself really well to experimenting. Add your favorite vegetables and spices to make the patties your own. Carrots or green onions might be yummy additions.^[9]
2. Form small patties with the rice. The size of the patties is up to you — they can be cookie-sized or pancake-sized. However, just remember that the larger the patties are, the longer they'll need to cook.
   
   
   • If you feel like your rice is not sticking together enough, add another egg to the mixture to increase the stickiness.
3. Chill the patties for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This will help them retain their shape when you fry them afterward. You'll want the rice to stick together as much as possible. You can leave them in the fridge for longer than this if necessary, but be sure they have at least 30 minutes to chill.
   
   
4. Heat 14.79 to (1-2 tbsp) of olive oil in a skillet on medium high heat. The oil should form a thick coat over the bottom of the pan. You'll want the oil to be crackling and popping before you put the patties in.^[10]
   
   
5. Fry the patties for about 5 minutes on each side. You'll know that they're ready when the surface of the rice becomes golden brown. Remember, larger patties will probably need a few extra minutes to fully cook.
   
   
   • Be careful when flipping the patties, as they can easily break. This won't affect the taste at all, but they just won't look pretty on a plate.^[11]
   • It's best to eat cheesy rice cakes right after eating them, as the oil will go rancid if you try to store it.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Before cooking, make sure that your olive oil is still good. Olive oil is usually fine to use within a year of purchase. If it develops any kind of bitter or rancid flavor, throw it out!^[12]
• You can make this with normal short-grain rice cooked with a little more liquid to mimic sticky rice. However, long-grain rice like basmati won't keep its shape well.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Sticky Rice Cakes

• Cookie cutter or mold (optional)
• Skillet
• Thermometer
• Tongs

[Edit]Cheesy Rice Cakes

• Medium-sized bowl
• Skillet
• Thermometer
• Tongs
• Refrigerator
• Spatula

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Wondering how to get started enjoying your single life after a divorce? It's totally normal to be a bit nervous about getting back out there, but there are so many opportunities waiting for you, and so many ways to live a surprising, active, and fun life as a single person. We’ll help you get started on embracing these opportunities with our guide on how to enjoy being single after a divorce.

This article is based on an interview with our professional matchmaker, dating coach and relationship expert, Cristina Morara, founder of Stellar Hitch Private Matchmaking.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Take time to heal.

1. Becoming single is a big change, so take time to acclimatize. Focus on taking care of your daily needs—eating, sleeping, and staying active. Although your emotions might be rocky for some time afterward, remember that you’ll gradually get used to your new life with time. Have faith in your own emotional strength and resilience.^[1]
   

[Edit]Shift your mindset.

1. Life is an adventure, and there are endless possibilities for you. Whenever you feel down about being single, tell yourself the truth either in your head or out loud: being single is an opportunity to open yourself up to new things. Focus on the positives of being single—you might even want to make a list—and you can put yourself in the frame of mind to enjoy this chapter of your life.^[2]
   
   • For example, you might write down in a journal that being single gives you a chance to focus on your own desires, not your spouse’s.
   • Happiness has a lot to do with your mindset. If you can remind yourself of the benefits of being single, you’re on the right track to enjoying this stage of your life.

[Edit]Plan out the life that you want.

1. Design this new chapter of your life to prioritize your happiness. Think about this new chapter of your life as a project that you can design any way you want, and plan out your goals in writing. It’s exciting to do this: you’re the director of your life, and you get to decide how the show goes. Now that you’re single, there’s absolutely nothing holding you back from achieving goals that you might have kept on the back burner during your marriage.^[3]
   
   • For example, you might find that being single gives you more time to focus on your career. Or, you might find that your divorce has made you realize that you’d rather spend less time on work and more time getting involved with your community. This choice, or imagining another one entirely, is completely up to you.

[Edit]Pick up a new hobby.

1. A creative activity can bring a lot of meaning to your life. If you’ve ever wanted to try painting, grow a garden, or get started on your long-awaited novel, now is the time. You might be able to surprise yourself with how creative you can be, and find joy by making things that produce it.
   
   • If you need to give yourself a little push, joining a class to learn a new hobby is a great start. Check out any cooking or art classes in your area, or join a writing group.^[4]

[Edit]Reconnect with your surroundings.

1. The place where you live is full of opportunities for happiness. While our phones and screens can often end up making us feel pretty isolated, observing your neighborhood and the natural world can give you a feeling of connection. Smile and say hello to everyone, take walks in the woods or in a park, and find joy in the real world, not the virtual one.^[5]
   
   • When you’re out there exploring the world, you might run into the chance to spark a new romantic connection. There’s no need to push yourself into this if you’re not ready—being single might just be too good to give up—but keep an open mind, and see where life takes you.

[Edit]Say yes to every invitation.

1. Every opportunity is a chance to squeeze more out of life. Isolation can feel pretty tempting after a divorce, but don’t fall for this trap. If a friend or even an acquaintance invites you out somewhere, give it a try—the worst thing that can happen is a boring night. Keeping yourself active and social is an important part of enjoying your life when single.^[6]
   
   • There are some exceptions here. If someone is making you feel unsafe, trust your gut and consider refusing their invitation to hang out.
   • Saying yes to every invitation doesn’t mean that you have to avoid being home. Although some people find it hard to be at home alone after a divorce, finding activities that you enjoy—like reading, taking care of tasks around the house, or even watching movies—can keep your home feeling like a safe space.

[Edit]Join clubs and groups.

1. Group activities are fun ways to meet new people. Whether you’re interested in joining a book club to keep your mind active, a sports league to stay fit, or a professional networking group to make new career connections, there’s a group of people out there waiting for you.^[7]
   
   • If your town has a local community center, this can be a great way to find local clubs or groups. You can also use a website like Meetup.com, where clubs look for members or even make your own and invite some friends.

[Edit]Lean on your support system.

1. Your friends and family are sources of meaningful connection. The more time and effort that you pour into these relationships, the more they can prosper and meet your emotional needs. Pick up the phone and give your friends and family a call, invite them over for a meal or coffee, or plan a trip with them.^[8]
   
   • Many people feel anxious after divorce when they think about getting older without their partner. But by having a good support system of friends and family, you can keep loneliness at bay—many single people are able to live lives that have even greater foundations of emotional support by doing this.

[Edit]Throw dinner parties.

1. Keep your evenings fun with regular dinner parties. Invite your friends, and tell them to bring their friends—growing your social circle and playing the part of a good host can give your new life as a single person a sense of excitement. Spend the afternoon putting together the perfect menu, or if you’d rather spend your time doing something else, get some food catered or organize a pot-luck.^[9]
   
   • Plenty of people throw themselves divorce parties to celebrate the start of a new chapter. This can be a great idea if your divorce is still pretty recent, but no issue if you want to throw yourself a belated one.

[Edit]Travel by yourself.

1. Discover yourself by exploring a new place on your own. We’re rarely as in touch with who we are or what we want than when we put ourselves into unfamiliar environments. It can feel a little intimidating to fly off to a foreign country all by yourself, or even just drive to the next state over, but remember that the whole world is yours to explore.^[10]
   

[Edit]Approach new connections with an open mind.

1. Meeting new people without expectations can bring a lot of joy. If you’d like to casually date, that choice is yours to make—being single can be really liberating, and there’s no need to immediately find a new relationship. Your divorce gives you the chance to ask yourself if you want a new partner sometime soon, and think about what kind of person they should be.^[11]
   
   • If you don’t want to date, that’s also a good decision. Focus on meeting new people without any romantic expectations, and see where it leads you.

[Edit]Talk to a therapist if you're struggling.

1. Therapists are skilled at dealing with the fallout from divorce. Don’t feel embarrassed or hesitant to reach out to a mental health professional—there’s no stigma in talking to someone who has helped people going through the same situation, just wisdom. A therapist can give you a space to talk about your feelings and anxieties, and can offer you suggestions to help you get more enjoyment out of your life.^[12]
   
   • Divorce support groups are another option to connect with others while processing your feelings. Try to find one in your area if you think this is something you could use.

[Edit]References

An important part of being a good singer is being able to produce a good tone while singing clearly. You want your listeners to understand your words so that they can better connect with you and your music. Accomplish this by being aware of your physical presence and posture, and by consistently practicing vocal techniques.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Practicing Proper Physical Techniques

1. Warm up with tongue trills to release tension and improve your tone. You can trill your tongue by holding your mouth open and placing your tongue either on the roof of your mouth or allowing it to rest with the tip touching the back of your bottom teeth. Take a deep breath and vibrate your tongue. It should sound similar to a cat purring.^[1]
   
   • When the tongue is full of tension and in the wrong position, it can block the tone and cause the sound to be swallowed—making you sound throaty. A relaxed tongue will allow the tone to flow freely and sound more clear.^[2]
   • In general, it is helpful to release the tension in your entire body before singing.
2. Control your breath flow by singing long tones. After doing lip trills, sing a note softly, then slowly increase the volume.^[3] Practice getting softer, louder, then softer again. This exercise can help you stay on pitch while also strengthening your breath control.^[4]
   
3. Keep your chin pointed downward while singing. Point your chin about in toward your chest and down toward the ground. Keep your chin firmly in place as you sing the notes of an Ah scale.^[5]
   
   • It may feel more natural to lift your chin upwards when you are projecting your voice. Try to avoid this—it may work temporarily, but can cause vocal problems in the long run. Keep it in place to gain more power and control and eliminate strain on your vocal cords.
   • Practice in front of the mirror to make sure you have the correct position.
4. Keep your soft palate high and your tongue forward to get the right tone. A lowered soft palate creates a nasally sound when speaking or singing, which affects the clarity of your words. You need to create space at the back of your mouth by raising your soft palate in order to produce a clear, rich tone.^[6]
   
   • To find your soft palate, run your tongue across the roof of your mouth. The hard part is called your hard palate and the fleshy bit towards the back of your mouth is called your soft palate.
   • To raise your soft palate, yawn or laugh. That feeling of space in the back of your mouth is your soft palate being raised. You should have this feeling every time you sing.
   • Take a look at this YouTube video of someone singing inside an MRI machine to see what happens inside the body when you're singing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3TwTb-T044&t=157s.
5. Check for a vibration in your face to confirm you are singing correctly. You should feel the vibration in your head, face, and lips. If you feel this vibration while you are singing, it means that you are resonating effectively. Proper resonance and vibration allows you to produce a clear tone with a strong projection without using excessive force.
   
   • If you don’t feel the vibration in your face while you are singing, keep practicing your tongue trills and make sure your chin is pointed in and down while you are singing.
   • For additional help, try slowly shaking your head from side to side while humming.

[Edit]Controlling Your Vocals

1. Control your breathing. Breathe in and out using your diaphragm (your stomach). When you breathe in, your stomach should expand. When you breathe out, it should go back. Make sure that there is no movement in your chest.^[7]
   
   • Singing from your chest or throat is shallow and unsupported, whereas singing from your diaphragm allows you to use your 'powerhouse' to support the notes you are singing and keep you in tune.
   • Note that you are not actually breathing from your diaphragm, since your diaphragm doesn’t hold air. This term is more of a reference to the way your diaphragm moves and responds to proper, controlled breathing.
   • Breathing while singing is different from breathing while talking or resting, which you do without much thought or effort. When singing, you have to pay attention to your breath control and ensure you have plenty of air.^[8]
2. Articulate your words clearly so listeners can understand the lyrics. Articulating your words clearly, distinctly, and fluently is extremely important while singing. Even if you have an amazing voice, your listeners can’t connect with you or your song if they can’t understand the words you are saying. Practice a few tongue twisters to help you improve your enunciation:^[9]
   
   • She says she shall sew a sheet.
   • Lesser leather never weathered lesser wetter weather.
   • She stood on the balcony, inexplicably mimicking him hiccupping, and amicably welcoming him home.^[10]
3. Be very deliberate when enunciating your vowels. Paying special attention to the vowels (A, E, I, O, U) can make a tremendous difference in the clarity of your singing. It helps to clearly differentiate the shape of your mouth for each vowel. It may feel silly or exaggerated, but this is one of the best ways to ensure the vowels are prominent and your voice is clear.^[11]
   
   • If you don’t focus on your vowels, you may have the tendency to sound like you are mumbling.
   • For instance, “Happy birthday” should sound like “Haaappeee biiirthdaaay”^[12]
   • To sing a word that begins with a vowel, imagine adding a tiny bit of an "h" before the vowel and think about arriving at the note from a higher note. This technique, called easy onset, helps to prevent a harsh sound (glottal stop) as well as scooping up to the note.^[13]
4. Practice scales to see a noticeable improvement in your tone and clarity. Scales, as boring as they may be, are the best way of getting a clearer, brighter tone. Start with singing the classic solfège scale: do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do. You can also simply sing, “Ahh” as you sing through the scale. As you work on the scales, practice long notes and short notes, and high tones and low tones.^[14]
   
   • Exaggerate your sounds while practicing your scales. Your mouth should be open wide (but don't over-exaggerate this, as it can lead to tightness in your jaw) and your voice very loud. Try words like “Yeah” and “No.” Don’t go higher than is comfortable so you don’t put too much strain on your vocal cords.^[15]
   • Search “practice scales” on YouTube to get access to a variety of videos that will guide you.
   • Set aside 5-10 minutes each day to devote to practicing scales.
5. Replace the words in a well-known song to help you enunciate clearly. Think of a song that you know and can sing well. Now replace every word in the song with one of the following words: Mom, Nay, No, Go, Gug. This sort of easy practice can help you enunciate clearly while hitting every note.^[16]
   
   • Experiment with the different words to find which one is easiest for you. Once you find it, try mastering a couple different songs using your chosen word.

[Edit]Tips

• Drink a glass of room temperature water before singing. Cold water can make your voice raspy.
• Record yourself often and listen for improvements.
• It's better to sing for a few 15-minute periods than 1 hour-long period. Your vocal cords are delicate and need occasional rests.
• Practice in short sessions consistently over a long period of time. If you only practice for a short time, you'll get short-term benefits.
• Use an app like Vanido to improve the pitch and clarity of your singing voice.

[Edit]Warnings

• Listen to your body. If your throat starts to hurt or you find it hard to breathe, stop singing to avoid damaging your vocal chords.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Be Good at Showchoir
• Audition For a Musical
• Become a Child Singer
• Be a Singer
• Avoid Getting Cracks in Your Voice When Singing
• Throat Sing
• Stop Mumbling and Speak Clearly

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

It's easy to create a loop on the end of a thread or line for a loop knot. These types of knots are particularly useful in fishing for attaching the hook to the line. Some common loop knots you can try are the Kreh loop knot, which can keep your line from snagging, and the perfection loop knot, which is an easy, tight knot. The surgeon's loop knot is a great beginner's knot since it relies on movements you likely already know.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using a Kreh Loop Knot

1. Make an overhand knot. Cross the end of the thread back over itself. Leave about of thread toward the end of the line. Wrap it around the other side, and then pull the end back towards you through the middle of the loop. Tighten it up until the loop is a bit smaller than a dime.^[1]
   
   
   • This knot is also called the non-slip knot. It's a tight knot, and it doesn't snag on weeds when fishing because the tag end of the line faces down towards the hook.
2. Thread the hook on if you're using one. If you're using the knot for fishing, push the end of the string through the eye hole in the top of the hook. Pull the hook toward the knot you made earlier.^[2]
   
   
3. Push the end of the thread back through the loop. Keep the hook between the end of the line and the loop. Thread the end of the line back through the loop and up toward the main, longer part of the line.^[3]
   
   
   • When choosing where to push the thread through, pick the side that's facing slightly downward toward the end of the thread.
4. Wrap the thread around itself. Moving up the line toward the main part of the thread, take the tail end of the line and wrap it up and around the main part of the line 3-5 times. Turn the end back toward the bottom, and slip it through the loop again.^[4]
   
   
   • This time, push it through the side of the loop that's facing slightly upward toward the rest of the thread.
5. Tighten and adjust the loop. Pull on the end of the line slightly to tighten it and then add a little bit of water on the main part of the knot so you don't burn the line against itself. Pull on it until the knot tightens up completely, and chop off the end, leaving less than .^[5]
   
   
   • To adjust the loop, pull on the end of the thread to make the loop smaller. Pull on the main part of the line to make the loop bigger.

[Edit]Making a Perfection Loop Knot

1. Create a simple loop by passing the line behind itself. It's easier to do this loop on a table the first time. Lay the line out, and bring the end of the thread up toward the main part of the line. Pass it underneath the main line, creating a loop.^[6]
   
   
   • You'll need to leave enough room at the end of the line to make another loop, so leave at least .
2. Pass the end of the loop back over the top end of the other loop. Pick up the end of the line. Pass it over the main line again, including the top of the loop you just made. Create a second loop by tucking the end underneath the main line. The second loop will overlap the top of the first loop, like scales.^[7]
   
   
   • If you want to add a hook, thread it onto the second loop before you pass the end of the line underneath the main line.
3. Bring the end of the line between the 2 loops you've made. Cross the end over the main line again, but make it go between the edges of the other loops you've made. The end should come out the other side.^[8]
   
   
   • Be careful not to stab yourself if you've added a hook to the line.
4. Pull the second loop through the first loop you made. Stick your fingers through the first loop. Grab the edge of the second loop, including the hook. Pull it over the line you just pulled to the other side and out through the large loop.^[9]
   
   
   • The second loop becomes the main loop of the knot.
5. Tighten the knot. Make sure the hook is where it needs to be. Pull on the end of the line and the loop end until the knot forms. Keep pulling to tighten it up, completing the knot.^[10]
   
   

[Edit]Tying a Surgeon's Loop Knot

1. Pull the end of the line back up toward itself. You're going to double the line on itself to create this knot. Therefore, tug the end of the line back toward the main part of the line.^[11]
   
   
   • Add the hook to the line now, keeping it at the bottom of the loop you just made.
   • Be sure to leave at least to tie the knot.
2. Make an overhand knot with the doubled line. Keeping the doubled line against itself, wrap the new "end" (which is now a loop) over the line and back around the other side. On the other side, push the end through the circle you've just created and out the other side. Tighten it up slightly.^[12]
   
   
3. Wrap the "end" back through the overhand knot again. Take the loop end and wrap it around the back of the overhand knot. Pull it back through the overhand knot a second time. Tighten up the knot.^[13]
   
   
   • The loop you've been using as the "end" of the line now becomes the main loop.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Line or thread
• Fishing hook, optional
• Water, optional

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Are your chickens cooped up but you want to let them run outside? A chicken run, or an outdoor pen attached to the coop, will help solve your problems and protect your birds from any predators that may be lurking about. With standard tools and supplies that you can pick up from your hardware store, you can build your own safe enclosure and let your birds roam!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Planning the Size and Location

1. Create at least of outdoor space per chicken. Count how many chickens you have and calculate the total area your run needs to be. For example, if you have 10 chickens, you would need minimum for your chickens to be comfortable.
   
   • Build your chicken run larger than you need if you plan to grow your flock in the coming years.
2. Plan the layout of your run next to your chicken coop. Lay boards on the ground to get an idea of the shape and size your chicken run will be. Aim to make the sides similar in length rather than long and narrow. This gives your chickens more room for roaming around.
   
   • Measure the planned length and width of the run to find the total area. Compare the area of the chicken run to the minimum requirement for the size of your flock.
   • Make sure one of the sides aligns with the small door built into the coop so the chickens can get in and out. If your coop doesn’t have a small door, cut one into the side with a saw.
   • Think about where you want to install the gate so you can access the run easily.
   • Account for how tall you need to make your run. You should comfortably be able to walk in and out of the run once it’s finished, so it should be over tall.
3. Keep the run in the shade in warmer climates. Temperatures consistently over can be lethal for chickens if they’re in direct heat.^[1] Chickens adapt to the cold better than the heat, so make sure the run isn’t in direct heat. Build your run so it has tree cover or another source of consistent shade throughout the day.^[2]
   
   • Plant new trees near your run if you don’t have any existing shade.
4. Let the run get full sun in cooler climates. Chickens can easily survive in low temperatures, but they don’t want to be cold all of the time. If you live in a climate that gets below often, make sure your run isn’t shaded.^[3]
   
   • Find an area that gets even amounts of sun and shade throughout the day if you live in a climate that gets extreme highs and lows.

[Edit]Placing Posts and Building the Frame

1. Dig a hole deep for your first fence post. Place the first fence post about from your coop so you can place a gate there. Use a shovel or a post digger to make a hole that is on each side.
   
   • Make sure your fence posts are at least tall.
   • Place a layer of gravel on the bottom of the hole to protect the post’s end from moisture.
   • Opt for a rot-resistant wood like cedar or white oak for your fence posts and supports.
2. Set the post in the hole and pack the soil back in. Hold the pole firmly while you fill it back in with the dirt you removed. Compact the dirt with the bottom of your shovel or with your foot around the entire post. Use the extra dirt to form a mound around the bottom of the post to keep it in place.
   
   • Make concrete to fill your hole to keep your post from rotting in the future if you want.
3. Space the other fence posts from one another. Use a tape measure to make sure the fence posts are equal distances apart so your chicken run has even support. Make sure the posts on opposite sides are in line with one another. Dig a hole and place the posts until they’re all set.
   
   • If your run is larger than wide, put a fence post inside the run for an added support beam. Make sure the post is in line with the outer posts on each side.
   • Saw the tops of the fence posts to the same height if they aren’t on level ground. Use a handsaw and a level so all of your posts are the same height. Make your chicken run at least tall so you can easily walk inside.
4. Attach boards across the top of the run. Run the boards horizontally so they go from one fence post on one side to a post on the other side. Use a drill with the screwdriver bit attached to attach wood screws to the top of the fence posts.
   
   • If you have supports in the middle of your run, make sure to attach screws to them as well.

[Edit]Installing the Fencing

1. Use welded wire to keep out predators. Calculate the area of fencing you need by measuring the height and length of one side of your run and multiplying them together. Add to each height measurement as excess. Repeat this for each side as well as the top of the run and add the areas together to find the total amount of fencing you need.
   
   • Fencing can be purchased at your local hardware or farm animal care stores.
   • The wire is small enough so raccoons, foxes, and weasels are kept out of your run and coop.
   • If you have larger predators in your area, such as bears, use a chain link dog fence wrapped in smaller welded wires to protect your birds.
   • Fencing on top of the chicken run will help protect your flock from owls, hawks, and other predatory birds.
2. Dig a deep trench around the perimeter of your run. Use a shovel to dig your trench. Place the bottom of your fence in the trench on the outside of the fence posts and fill the dirt back in. Having your fence below the ground will protect your flock from digging animals like foxes and coyotes.
   
3. Staple the fence every to the fence posts. Wrap the fence horizontally around the outside of the fence posts. Use a staple gun or a hammer to drive U-shaped staples into the fence posts. Place the staple in the middle of the post so that the ends of the staple go into 2 different links.
   
   • Leave a gap in the fencing where you plan to hang your gate.
4. Lay the fence on top of the run. Use a ladder to reach the top of your run and cover the entire area with fencing to keep out flying or climbing predators, like hawks or raccoons. Staple the fence on top of the posts you’ve set in the ground to secure it.
   
5. Frame your fence with boards to secure it. First, screw horizontal supports on the top, middle, and bottom of each fence post so the fence is sandwiched between the wood. Use your drill and wood screws to keep the boards in place and make sure they are flush with one another. Then add boards vertically between the horizontal supports by screwing them in every .
   

[Edit]Adding Finishing Touches

1. Install a gate with a spring so the door shuts automatically. Attach 2 hinges from the top and bottom of the fence post with screws and a drill. Hang the door so the bottom is flush with the ground. Screw in the hinges on the side of the door to attach it. Hook one end of a hooked spring to the fencing on the gate and the other end to the fencing of your run.
   
   • Gate doors can be purchased or built on your own.
   • Make sure the door opens out from the run. Otherwise, the spring won’t force the door closed.
   • Make sure the spring is tight and unstretched. This way, the gate will snap back into place after it’s been opened.
2. Line the bottom of the run with straw or a bedding alternative. Spread chopped straw evenly on the ground of the run so your chickens feel comfortable while they are outside. Alternatives to straw are leaves, construction-grade sand, or wood shavings.^[4]
   
   • Chopped straw can be purchased at your local farm care store.
   • Rake your leaves into the run in the fall once they start to fall for free outdoor bedding.
   • Change the bedding once it starts to smell or once it looks soiled.
3. Place a container of food and water inside the run. Cover the top of the feeder with foil so your chickens can’t get into it and so it is protected from the elements. Hang a chicken waterer from one of the supports on the top of your run with an eye-bolt so they water stays clean.^[5]
   
   • If your coop has enough space, keep your food and water inside to protect it from the elements and mold. Make sure the chickens all can fit comfortably inside along with them.

[Edit]Warnings

• Predatory birds or climbing predators will try to access your chickens through the top of the run. Cover it with fencing as well to make sure your birds are protected.

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

• Shovel or post digger
• fence posts
• Gravel
• Tape measure
• Handsaw
• boards
• Wood screws
• Drill
• welded wire fencing
• U-shaped staples
• Staple gun or hammer
• Food and water containers
• Straw

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Shrimp is a versatile and delicious seafood used in a variety of cuisines. Although you can simply use salt and pepper to season them, you can create a variety of flavors for your meal. Whether you want a buttery garlic sauce, a spicy kick, or a creamy and fresh marinade, you can easily make your shrimp the star of the dish!

[Edit]Ingredients

[Edit]Garlic Butter Shrimp

• of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 tablespoons (113.4 g) of butter
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• of chicken stock
• of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Makes 4 servings

[Edit]Spicy Shrimp

• of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• of olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon (1.05 g) of ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon (1.35 g) of chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon (0.6 g) of onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g) of salt

Makes 2 servings

[Edit]Yogurt Marinated Grilled Shrimp

• of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (245 g) of plain full-fat yogurt
• of lemon juice
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 5 large, fresh mint leaves, chopped

Makes 6 servings

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Making a Basic Garlic Butter Shrimp

1. Melt 2 tbsp (28.4 g) of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cut the butter into 2 smaller slabs so it melts faster and more evenly on the pan. Move the butter by tilting the pan so it doesn't burn.^[1]
   
   
   
   • Standard-sized sticks of butter are 8 tablespoons (113.4 g). Cut the entire stick into 1 tbsp (14.2 g) sections to make it easier to use throughout the recipe.
   • Work with butter or any preferred substitute you have.
2. Cook the shrimp in the butter for 2-3 minutes. Stir the shrimp occasionally with a spatula or wooden spoon so they cook evenly. The shrimp will turn pink when they are finished cooking. Set them aside on a hot plate when they're finished.^[2]
   
   
   • Make sure your shrimp is peeled and deveined. These parts are inedible and will affect the overall flavor.
   • If your shrimp is frozen, allow it to thaw before you start cooking it.
3. Add 5 cloves of minced garlic along with the lemon juice and chicken stock. Stir the garlic in with of lemon juice and of chicken stock in the skillet. Make sure they are thoroughly mixed.^[3]
   
   
   • You can either mince garlic at home or purchase a jar of minced garlic from your local grocery store.
   • Replace chicken stock with any other stock you prefer, such as vegetable or seafood.
4. Bring the marinade to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer for 2 minutes. Turn the heat to high and allow the mixture to start boiling. Once it reaches temperature, turn the heat down to medium-low so it simmers. The marinade will reduce by half in about 2 minutes.^[4]
   
   
   • Continue stirring the marinade so it cooks evenly.
5. Stir in 1 tbsp (14.2 g) of butter at a time until you've added 6 tbsp (85.2 g). Drop in the slab of butter and stir it until it completely melts in the marinade. Continue adding butter 1 slab at a time until you've used the full stick.^[5]
   
   
   • The butter will add creaminess to your marinade so the flavor isn't too heavy.
6. Put the shrimp in the marinade and coat them evenly. Put the cooked shrimp back in the skillet and stir them with a spoon. Once they are coated in the marinade, serve them on a warm plate.^[6]
   
   
   • Top the shrimp with a garnish of fresh parsley leaves if you want.
   • Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

[Edit]Cooking Spicy Shrimp

1. Combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl with a whisk. Pour the olive oil into the bowl first, then add the minced garlic, cumin, chili and onion powder, and salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix the spicy marinade together.^[7]
   
   
   • You can either purchase minced garlic from the grocery store or mince it yourself with a knife at home.
2. Toss the shrimp until they are completely coated. Place the raw shrimp in the bowl and mix them in the marinade until they are completely coated. Use your hands to toss the shrimp in the sauce.^[8]
   
   
   • Make sure your shrimp are completely thawed if you purchased them frozen.
   • Wash your hands after handling raw seafood.
3. Cover the bowl and let them refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Put a lid or a layer of plastic cling wrap on top of the bowl and keep it in the refrigerator. Let the shrimp rest in the marinade for at least 10 minutes so they absorb the flavor.^[9]
   
   
   • The shrimp can be marinated for a full day before cooking them.
4. Cook the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. When you're ready to make your meal, heat the skillet to a medium heat for 2 minutes before putting your shrimp in. Let them cook until they are pink.^[10]
   
   
5. Serve the shrimp while they are hot. Put the shrimp onto a warm plate so they don't lose any heat before you eat them. Squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice on the shrimp to add some zest and extra flavor.^[11]
   
   • Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

[Edit]Making Yogurt Marinated Grilled Shrimp

1. Chop the mint leaves. Roll the leaves into cylinders and use your chef's knife to cut them into small pieces. Continue to cut the mint leaves from opposite sides until they are finely chopped.^[12]
   
   • Remove most of the stems if you can since they could have a bitter flavor.
2. Whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and mint. Pour the yogurt and the lemon juice in first, followed by the garlic and the mint leaves. Use a whisk or a mixing spoon to combine all of the ingredients thoroughly.^[13]
   
   
   • Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to mix in any of the ingredients that you may have missed.
   • Use minced garlic from the store or mince your own at home.
3. Coat the shrimp in the mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking them. Place the raw shrimp in the yogurt mixture and mix it together with your hands. Once they are thoroughly coated, place them in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill before you cook them.^[14]
   
   
   • Make sure any frozen shrimp is completely thawed before you mix them in with the marinade.
4. Skewer through the thickest part of the shrimp. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers so there are 6 to 8 pieces of shrimp on each piece. Keep them on a large baking sheet you can easily carry out to your grill.^[15]
   
   
   • Leave the excess yogurt marinade on the shrimp since it will drip and cook off on the grill.
5. Place your skewers on the grill so they're apart. Make sure your grill is completely heated before you place your skewers on it. Keep the skewers over direct heat so they can cook thoroughly.^[16]
   
   
6. Grill each side of the shrimp for 2 minutes. Use a pair of tongs to flip the skewers over. As they cook, the meat should look pearly white and the outside skin will turn pink. Once the shrimp are cooked, set them aside on a baking sheet and cover them so they retain heat.^[17]
   
   
   • Let the shrimp get a little char from the grill to add to the flavor.
7. Serve the shrimp while they're hot. Eat them while they are still on the skewer or remove them from the skewer to place them on a plate. Enjoy them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.^[18]
   
   • Leftover shrimp can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days after you cook them.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Experiment with different spices and flavors you like to create a whole new shrimp seasoning.

[Edit]Warnings

• Make sure you cook the shrimp so the flesh is opaque and pearly white. Undercooked shrimp can make you sick.^[19]

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Making a Basic Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Skillet
• Stove
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Hot plate
• Measuring cups and spoons

[Edit]Cooking Spicy Shrimp

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Lid or plastic cling wrap
• Skillet
• Stove

[Edit]Creating a Yogurt Marinade

• Cutting knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Wooden skewers
• Baking sheet
• Grill

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Nothing is quite as a delicious as fresh, juicy pineapple, but that hard fruit with the spiky leaves can be a little daunting! Coring it is easier than it sounds, as you just need to slice out the center in some way. If you want to use the pineapple halves, try coring it with the skin still on. You can also try a pineapple corer or take the core out of individual slices if you want pineapple rings at the end. A simple method is to just skin the pineapple and quarter it, then slice out the core on each quarter.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Slicing the Pineapple in Quarters to Core It

1. Cut the top and bottom off your pineapple. Lay the pineapple on its side. With a very sharp knife, slice off the top of the pineapple about into the brown part. Toss the leaves and top of the pineapple. Turn the pineapple around, and slice off the bottom the same way.^[1]
   
   • Grasp the pineapple while you're cutting so it doesn't slide around on the board, and make sure to get your fingers out of the way!
2. Place the pineapple on one of its flat ends to cut off the skin. Use one of the cut sides as a base, and then slice down the edges of the pineapple to chop off the skin. Keep turning the pineapple, slicing a strip of skin each time you turn.^[2]
   
   
   • Try not to cut too much of the fruit off with the skin.
3. Cut the pineapple into quarters. Moving from top to bottom, slice the pineapple in half lengthwise. Cut each half in half again, also lengthwise, until you are left with 4 quarters.^[3]
   
   
4. Remove the core by cutting along the inside of each slice. The core is in the very center, so cut along the inside of each slice. As you cut off the inside edge, you'll get a triangle shape. Move from top to bottom to cut it all out.^[4]
   
   
   • You can toss the core or save it for other uses.

[Edit]Coring a Pineapple Half with the Skin Still On

1. Chop off the top and bottom of the pineapple. With the pineapple on its side, slice off the top of the pineapple where the leaves are, coming about into the main part of the pineapple. Flip the pineapple around and cut off the bottom the same way.^[5]
   
   
   • You should have a flat top and bottom now, which makes it easier to cut the pineapple.
2. Slice the pineapple down the middle. Set the pineapple on one of the ends you just cut off so that it stays upright. Run your knife through the pineapple from top to bottom, cutting it in half.^[6]
   
   
   • Use a large, sharp chef's knife for this process.
3. Identify the core by its fibers. The core is easy to see, as the fibers run up and down through the center of the pineapple, while the rest of the pulp runs horizontally. The core is the long piece in the middle, which will be a slightly different color than the rest of the pineapple.^[7]
   
   • The core is a slightly paler yellow.
4. Cut a wedge in the pineapple half to remove the core. Place the pineapple on a cutting board skin-side down. Cut from the outer edge of the core on one side of it, going down and towards the middle as you do. Cut from the other edge of the core, and go down and towards the middle, ending up in the same spot you did when cutting from the other side.^[8]
   
   
   • You'll end up with a triangular-shaped wedge that has the core in it. You can just pull it out with your knife or your fingers.

[Edit]Removing the Core with a Pineapple Corer

1. Slice off the top of the fruit. Turn the pineapple on its side, and use a sharp knife to cut off of the crown where the leaves are. Slice the fruit into the main part of the fruit.^[9]
   
   • A large, sharp chef's knife works best for this process.
   • Try to get the top as level as you can. If it's slanted, the corer will have a hard time moving straight down through the fruit, and it may want to push out through the left or right side.
2. Set the base of the corer on top of the pineapple. It should go along the cut you just made with the handle at the top. Press down on the corer slightly to get it started in the pineapple.^[10]
   
   • The base of the corer is the round circular part with the blade.
3. Turn the handle and press down to cut and core the pineapple. Grab the pineapple with one hand, and twist the corer clockwise with the other hand by turning the handle at the top. As you do, apply light pressure downward so that the corer continues to move through the fruit. Keep going until you hit the bottom.^[11]
   
   
   • If your corer tries to move off center, gently redirect it back to the middle.
4. Take the pineapple out of the skin by lifting out the corer and slices. Pull upwards on the handle while holding on to the fruit with your other hand. The corer will bring out the core and the sliced pineapple all in one go.^[12]
   
   
5. Release the core and the slices by taking off the handle. The handle of the corer should have 2 small buttons. Push the buttons at the same time to pop the handle out. Slide the pineapple off the center pole, and use a butter knife or other handle to push the core out of the center.^[13]
   
   
   • Sometimes, the core will just stay attached to the inside bottom of the pineapple as you pull the slices out, so you can just toss it with the skin.
   • You can slice down one side of the pineapple slices from top to bottom to make rings, as it comes out of the corer in one, long curlycue.

[Edit]Coring Individual Slices

1. Slice off the top and base of the pineapple. Turn the pineapple on its side, and cut off the crown about into the fruit part. Flip the pineapple around and cut off the base, as well.^[14]
   
   • Use a sharp chef's knife to slice it.
2. Cut off the skin in long strips. Place the pineapple on one of its flat sides. Cut from top to bottom along the outer edge, slicing off the skin in strips. Turn the pineapple and keep cutting off strips as you turn.^[15]
   
   
   • If any eyes are left in the pineapple, use the tip of your knife to dig them out.
3. Slice the pineapple into coins. Turn the pineapple on its side. Cut the fruit into thin coins by slicing into the side of the pineapple. Each one should be about wide or slightly less.^[16]
   
   
4. Take the core out with a knife or icing tip. Look for the round circle in the middle of the coins you just made, which is the core. Run the knife tip around the core and then push it out with your finger.^[17]
   
   
   • You can also use a wide icing tip or a very small, round cookie cutter to cut the center out.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Sharp chef's knife
• Cutting board
• Pineapple corer, optional
• Wide icing tip or small, round cookie cutter, optional

[Edit]Tips

• Try using the core in smoothies or in the juicer.
• Add the core to soups you're making for a sweet and sour flavor. It's especially good in Thai or Chinese soups.^[18]
• Make crisps from the core by slicing them into very thin pieces. Lay them out flat on a parchment-lined baking tray, and place them in the oven at the lowest temperature your oven can be set at. Bake them for 4.5-5 hours, turning 2-3 times. They'll turn crispy for a light snack.^[19]

[Edit]References

Do you ever feel like you have two bosses? There’s your actual boss, and then there’s a coworker who acts like they’re your boss. Getting told what to do is frustrating enough, but it’s even harder to deal with when it comes from a peer and not someone in charge. Fortunately, there are ways you can deal with your coworker without making a huge scene. Read this article for a comprehensive list of tips for dealing with a bossy coworker that you can use today.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Treat your coworker with kindness.

1. Being calm and nice will lead to a more productive workplace environment. It can be tough to keep your emotions in check when your coworker bosses you around. If you find yourself getting frustrated or worked up, take a few deep breaths and count to 10 before responding.^[1]
   
   • Bossy people tend to look for situations where they can play the victim. The more you treat them with respect and kindness, the less fuel you’ll add to the fire.
   • However, being kind doesn’t mean letting them tell you what to do forever. You can still be kind and civil while also being assertive about your own needs.

[Edit]Call out their behavior in the moment.

1. Calling them out now will help prevent a big blow up later on. If you feel like your coworker is being bossy, calmly but firmly tell them that the way they just talked to you wasn’t okay. They might just take the hint and stop bossing you around, especially if they don’t do it often.^[2]
   
   • “I’m not sure you can assign that task to me, since you aren’t in charge of this project.”
   • “I feel like you don’t trust me to do a good job on my own. Is that the case?”
   • “I actually don’t need your help with that, I can tackle this on my own.”

[Edit]Tell them no gently.

1. Decline their orders without starting a fight. When a coworker demands that you do something, it can feel tough to tell them no without sounding rude. Try skirting around the issue by telling them you aren’t going to do that while still being professional. Use phrases like:^[3]
   
   • “That’s a great idea, but I have a lot on my plate already. Why don’t I focus on my work, and you can focus on your own?”
   • “I’m going to follow the guidelines set by the boss.”
   • “Let’s check in with the boss first to see what they say.”

[Edit]Have a private conversation with them.

1. Talking to your coworker one-on-one can help settle your differences. If your coworker has bossed you around a few times already, it’s worth having a conversation with them. Invite them out to coffee or go out to lunch together to have a chat. Talk to them about how you’ve been feeling, and use “I” statements to bring up issues without your coworker getting defensive or angry.^[4]
   
   • “When you micromanage my work, I feel like you think I can’t handle it on my own.”
   • “When you tell me what to do, it makes me feel frustrated. We’re coworkers and peers, so we’re on the same level here.”
   • “When you walk me through things I already know how to do, it makes me feel belittled.”

[Edit]Set clear boundaries.

1. Boundaries will tell your coworker what is (and isn’t) okay. In a private conversation, spell out exactly what you’d like your coworker to stop doing, and how you’d like them to treat you in the future. That way, they know their behavior is unacceptable, and they can work on making changes in the future.^[5]
   
   • “I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t tell me what to do anymore. I’ll focus on my work, and you can focus on yours. If you have concerns about my work, feel free to ask me questions about it.”
   • “In the future, let’s work on collaborating with each other instead of trying to tell each other what to do.”
   • “I like working with you, but I’d like it even more if we could both focus on our own work.”

[Edit]Focus on your common goals.

1. Direct your coworker’s attention toward your workplace, not you. Chances are, your coworker is being bossy because they want everyone to put their best foot forward. Remind your coworker that you’re both working toward the same goal, and you care about your work just as much as they do.^[6]
   
   • “I understand that you want our projects to be polished—so do I! We all want our work to look good so that our clients trust us.”
   • “We’re both working toward the same goal. I also care about this company and doing the best I can do.”
   • “I’ve worked here for 5 years, so I know just how important the deadlines are.”

[Edit]Lead by example.

1. Show your coworker how you can make requests, not demands. Maybe your coworker isn’t sure how to approach you when they have a question or a concern. You can give them an example by treating them with respect and never bossing them around. That way, they know what’s expected of them, and they can follow your lead going forward.^[7]
   
   • If you need them to do something for you, you might say, “Hey, do you have time to take this on later? No worries if not; I know you’re busy.”
   • If you want to work together on something, you could say, “Hey, just checking to see if you wanted to collaborate on this report. With some team effort, I think we could knock this out of the park.”

[Edit]Try not to take their bossiness personally.

1. Let their comments roll off your back to help you move on. Bossy people rarely single out one person in particular—if you pay attention, you’ll probably find that your coworker is bossy toward everyone, not just you. When you find yourself getting fed up, remind yourself that it’s nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.^[8]
   
   • Bossy people often feel the need to control everything around them, which can be exhausting. There’s a good chance that your bossy coworker doesn’t enjoy telling everyone what to do, but they don’t really know how to stop.

[Edit]Give your coworker the benefit of the doubt.

1. Thinking about their good traits can help calm you down. Your coworker might not mean to be bossy—maybe they’re trying to be assertive, or they care a lot about the workplace. Try to keep these points in mind, and don’t assume that your coworker is out to get you.^[9]
   
   • Some people talk with a harsher tone, which can make them sound bossy when they don’t mean to be. Your coworker might just have a different communication style than you do.

[Edit]Get close to your other coworkers.

1. Lean on your peers so you can all be assertive together. If you notice that you’re not the only one being bossed around by your coworker, sit down and chat with your other coworkers about it. Try not to be rude or gossip about them—stick to the facts, and then talk about what you can all do together about it in the future.^[10]
   
   • “Have you noticed that Sarah is a little bossy? Maybe the next time she tries to tell one of us what to do, we could stick up for each other.”
   • “I noticed that Sam was telling you what to do yesterday. He does the same thing to me. Should we talk to him about it?”

[Edit]Talk to your boss if you need to.

1. Your boss can help mediate if nothing is changing. If you’ve tried talking to your coworker one-on-one and they still tell you what to do all the time, escalate the situation. Approach your boss or the HR department and ask them to have a chat with your coworker. They can help you deal with the conflict and get things resolved quickly.^[11]
   
   • Treat your meeting with the boss or HR as a chance to go over peer-to-peer relations rather than a coworker-bashing session. Keep your comments professional and respectful to get the higher-ups on your side.
   • “Jeremy does great work, and I can tell he cares a lot about this company. However, I’ve noticed that he tends to take on a leadership role often, even when it’s not required of him. I’d love to chat with you and Jeremy at the same time to go over his role and how he fits into this team.”

[Edit]References