Farkle is a fun and easy game that anyone can play. All you need is 6 dice, a pen and paper, and a group of friends or family members to get started. We’ll walk you through the rules of Farkle step-by-step and even tell you all about some fun twists you can add to this timeless game. Get your dice ready and prepare to become a Farkle pro.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Throw all 6 dice and pull out dice that are worth points (1, 5, three-of-a-kind, etc.).
• Keep rolling until you “farkle” (run out of dice and lose your score) or decide to stop and keep your score.
• Take turns until someone reaches 10,000 points. Give everyone 1 additional turn to try and beat the high score. Whoever ends up with the highest score wins.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Standard Rules

1. Roll the dice to see who will start the game. As long as you have at least 2 people, there’s no limit to how many people can play a game of Farkle. Have each person roll 1 die. Whoever rolls the highest number will start the game, and players will take turns going clockwise from there.^[1]
   
   • If multiple people roll the same number, have them roll again until just 1 person is left holding the highest number.
2. Designate one person to be the scorekeeper. The scorekeeper plays a very important role and will be in charge of writing down and calculating all of the other players’ scores as the game goes on. That being said, make sure that everyone knows the scoring rules so that you all can help the scorekeeper keep track. The point system is as follows:^[2]
   
   • Single 1 = 100 points
   • Single 5 = 50 points
   • Three 1s = 300 points
   • Three 2s = 200 points
   • Three 3s = 300 points
   • Three 4s = 400 points
   • Three 5s = 500 points
   • Three 6s = 600 points
   • Four of any number = 1,000 points
   • Five of any number = 2,000 points
   • Six of any number = 3,000 points
   • 1-6 straight = 1,500 points (i.e., Rolling 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in a single throw)
   • Three pairs = 1,500 points (e.g., Two 1s, two 5s, and two 6s)
   • Four of any number with a pair = 1,500 points (e.g., Four 2s and two 1s)
   • Two triplets = 2,500 points (e.g., Three 3s and three 4s)
3. Roll 500 points in one turn to officially enter the game. On your first turn, you must get at least 500 points to officially be in the game. When it’s your turn, roll all 6 dice at the same time. Remove at least 1 die that is worth points (called a “point die”) and throw the remaining dice again. If you don’t throw any point dice, your turn is over, and you “farkle.”^[3]
   
   • If you “farkle” before reaching 500 points, your score stays 0, and you’ll try again on your next turn.
   • You don’t have to set aside all of the point dice right away. In some cases, it’s actually more strategic to rethrow some of the point dice to get a higher score.
   • For example, let’s say you roll 2 point dice—a 1 and a 5. In this case, it might be strategic to keep the 1 aside and place the 5 back with the rest of the non-point dice and roll again. You now have a better chance at rolling a three-of-a-kind (or other combination) and increasing your score.
4. Keep rolling if you throw “hot dice.” If all 6 dice become point dice, you must throw all 6 dice again and continue playing. This is called “hot dice.” There’s no limit to the number of hot dice you can throw, so technically, your turn can go on for a very long time if you’re lucky. This is the best way to rack up points. However, if you “farkle,” you lose all of your points for that turn.^[4]
   
   • If all 6 dice are point dice on your first roll, you immediately get to throw all of them again.
   • Taking out point dice one by one until all 6 have turned into point dice is also a form of hot dice. Take this sample roll as an example:
     • Roll 1: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
       You set aside the two 1s and have 4 dice remaining.
     • Roll 2: 1, 4, 5 , 6
       You set aside the single 1 and have 3 dice remaining.
     • Roll 3: 5, 5, 5
       Three 5s is worth 500 points. All of your dice have become point dice, so now you must throw all 6 “hot dice” again.
5. Keep rolling the dice until you decide to stop or “farkle.” This is where the excitement really amps up. You have the option to play it safe and stop after collecting a few points, or risk it all by continuing to throw. Just remember that if you “farkle,” you lose all of your points for that turn and the game moves on to the next player. Carefully consider strategy in deciding whether to roll or stop. For example, if you throw 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 5, any of the following plays are possible:
   
   • Score three 3s as 300 points and then roll the remaining three dice.
   • Score the single 1 as 100 points and then roll the remaining five dice.
   • Score the single 5 as 50 points and then roll the remaining five dice.
   • Score three 3s, the single 1, and the single 5 for a total of 450 points, and then roll the remaining die.
   • Score three 3s, the single 1, and the single 5 for a total of 450 points. Stop rolling and keep your 450 points.
   • In the cases where you decide to continue rolling, you risk “farkling” and losing all of your points. However, there’s also a chance you roll “hot dice” and get to keep playing.
6. Keep track of everyone’s scores as you play. After each person’s turn is over, write down the points they earned for that turn. Then, add all of their points together to get their total score.^[5]
   
7. Play until someone reaches 10,000 points. The game ends when someone passes 10,000 points. After their turn is over, everyone else gets 1 turn to try and beat the winner’s score. Whoever ends up with the highest score is the winner.^[6]
   
   • The person who passes 10,000 points first sets the end point goal for the other players. The other players must then try and beat that goal.
   • For example, let’s say person A passed 10,000 points on their last turn and ended with a total score of 10,300. Now, the rest of the players get one more turn to try and get more than 10,300 points.
   • If person B ended up with a total score of 10,400 after this last additional turn, they are the winner of the game.

[Edit]Alternative Rules

1. Divide players into teams before playing. One alternative way to play Farkle is to play in teams or pairs instead of individually. If you play like this, the score you earn during each turn goes toward your team’s cumulative score.
   
2. Play with 5 dice instead of 6. This eliminates some possible combinations, such as rolling 3 pairs. But it also raises the odds of getting certain combinations, such as a straight (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). This is also good if you just want to manage less dice.
   
3. Make the threshold for the starting play higher or lower than 500. In terms of standard Farkle rules, you need to get at least 500 points to officially get into the game and start earning points. However, you and the other players have the option to modify this threshold however you want. If you want a bit of an easier game, lower the threshold to 350 or 400. If you want a challenge, raise it all the way to 1,000.^[7]
   
4. Come up with new scoring variations. There are lots of ways to change the point values associated with certain numbers and combinations. Keep the standard scoring system and add on new rules, or completely scrap the original system and come up with your own. The beauty of Farkle is its adaptability. Some common scoring variations include:^[8]
   
   • Straight in one roll (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) = 2000 or 3000 points or no points at all
   • Three pairs (e.g., 2, 2, 3, 3, 5, 5) = 500, 600, 750, or 1,000 points
   • Full house (three-of-a-kind + 1 pair) = the three-of-a-kind value + 250 points
     • For example, the roll 3, 3, 3, 2, 2 is worth 550 points (300 + 250)
   • Four-of-a-kind = double the three-of-a-kind value or quadruple the three-of-a-kind value
     • For example, rolling four 4s can be counted as 800 points (400 x 2) or 1,600 points (400 x 4).
   • Five-of-a-kind = triple the three-of-a-kind value or six times the three-of-a-kind value
     • For example, throwing five 5s can be scored as 1,500 points (500 x 3) or 3,000 points (500 x 6).
   • Six-of-a-kind = quadruple the three-of-a-kind value or eight times the three-of-a-kind value
     • Therefore, rolling six 6s would be 2,400 points (600 x 4) or 4,800 points (600 x 8).
   • Six 1s = 5000 points, or the player is instantly declared the winner
   • If a player “farkles” 3 turns in a row, they lose 500 or 1,000 points.
5. Play with the piggybacking (high-stakes) rule. Allow players to begin their turn by rolling the dice remaining from the previous player's roll (the dice not set aside for scoring). If the player scores with any of these leftover dice on the first roll, they get 1,000 points in addition to any other points they win.^[9]
   
6. Set the winning score higher or lower than 10,000. If you’re on a time crunch, then make the goal score something like 5,000 or 7,500. On the other hand, if you have lots of time and just don’t want the game to end, set the score to 15,000 or 20,000.^[10]
   
7. Agree on all the rules and then begin to play. Take turns in a clockwise direction and roll until a winner is declared. And don’t forget to have fun!
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Scoring combinations only count when made with a single roll. For example, if a player rolls a 1 and sets it aside and then rolls two 1s, their score is 300 points (not 1,000).

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Two or more players
• Six dice
• Paper and pencil for keeping score
• A flat surface
• Optional: Shaker cup for dice

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

While there is some argument as to whether or not frozen garlic still tastes good upon thawing, it is possible to freeze garlic. You may want to experiment with a small amount first and make your own mind up about the success or otherwise of freezing it but it can be very useful if you suddenly have a glut of garlic on your hands.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Whole Garlic

1. Select quality garlic bulbs. Remove any dirt you can see just by wiping gently.^[1]
   
   
2. Toss it inside a resealable freezer bag. Label and date (the date is more important; you can probably see it's a garlic bulb).^[2]
   
   
3. Use. All you need to do is peel off a clove, peel it and use as normal.^[3] It won't take long to thaw but you can grate or chop it (with a sharp knife) while still frozen if you're careful.
   
   

[Edit]Chopped Garlic or Whole Cloves

1. Remove the garlic cloves from the bulb. Peel each one.
   
   
2. Either leave as a clove or chop into small pieces.
   
   
3. Wrap the cloves or chopped garlic in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped garlic inside a resealable freezer bag.^[4]
   
   
4. Freeze. Use by breaking off whatever is needed from the chopped mass, or simply take a clove (if the clove has gone mushy, it's only good for cooking that lets it break down even more). The frozen mass can be grated, as can the clove if it has remained intact.
   
   
   • Use within six months.

[Edit]Oily Garlic

This method requires that you don't delay in freezing the result, to avoid possible food poisoning (see Warnings below).

1. Select a suitable garlic bulb. Separate the cloves from it and peel them.
   
   
2. Place the cloves into a food processor or blender. Add oil in the ratio of 2 parts oil to 1 part garlic.^[5]
   
   
   • Olive oil is a good choice, or a less strong flavored vegetable oil of your choosing.
3. Puree or blend to combine the two ingredients. Transfer to a freezer-proof container with a lid to prevent odor transference.
   
   
4. Use. Stick a teaspoon or butter knife in and retrieve as much oily garlic as needed for such things as making pasta sauce, adding garlic flavor to meats, stews and other dishes and for adding to stir-fries or sautée-ing.
   
   
   • Do not let this mixture sit at room temperature; either keep it frozen or heat it up immediately.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Only the freshest of garlic should be frozen. A good garlic bulb should feel firm to the touch and have a clear, papery skin. If it is sprouting, blemished, puffing out grey powder or deteriorating, do not buy or use it as it's no longer any good.
• Garlic bread is a great way to freeze garlic, although clearly it has only one use.^[6]

[Edit]Warnings

• Garlic is a low-acid food. The low acidity, when combined with a lack of air that occurs when adding garlic to oil, there is a risk of bacterial growth at room temperature. Clostridium botulinum can grow, which can cause severe and even deadly food poisoning. This means that any method using oil and garlic should be stored chilled and used immediately upon removal from the freezer or refrigerator and not be left to sit around warming up.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Resealable freezer bags or airtight freezer-proof containers
• Cutting board and knife

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Preserve Fresh Garlic
• Store Fresh Garlic
• Make Garlic Powder
• Reconstitute Dried Garlic Granules

[Edit]References

• Linda J Harris, Garlic: Safe Ways to Store, Preserve and Enjoy, https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/7231.pdf – research source

[Edit]Quick Summary

Oh no! Did you toss your favorite sweater or pair of jeans into the dryer and it came out a size smaller than it used to be? Is there a way to “unshrink” your clothes? You’re in luck because it’s easy to relax the fabric and reshape your clothes. You can use the same method to unshrink most woven fabrics, but there are some more effective alternatives for wool, cashmere, and denim. By the time you finish reading and stretching your clothes back out, they’ll be back to the perfect fit again.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Soak clothes in lukewarm water mixed with of baby shampoo or hair conditioner for 30 minutes. This works for woven fabrics like cotton and wool.
• Squeeze the garment and roll it in a large towel to remove the excess water.
• Gently stretch the fabric by hand and weigh it down so it maintains its shape.
• ​​Let your clothes air-dry back into their original shape.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Unshrinking Woven Fabric

1. Fill your sink with lukewarm water. Add enough lukewarm water to submerge the garments you’re stretching. Make sure the water is at or a little warmer than room temperature so it relaxes the fibers in the fabric.^[1]
   
   • Avoid using cold water since it will make the fabric fibers shrink so they’re harder to stretch. Extremely hot water can also shrink and damage clothing so avoid using it as well.
   • Knitted clothes, including cotton, wool, and cashmere garments, respond better than other types of fabric to this method. Fabrics with tighter weaves, such as silk, rayon, or polyester, may not reshape as easily.
2. Mix baby shampoo or conditioner into the water. Add around of baby shampoo or hair conditioner for every of water you’re using. Stir the conditioner or shampoo into the water until it’s completely mixed in.^[2]
   
   • Soft shampoos and conditioners relax the fibers in the clothes without damaging them. If you wouldn’t use the product on your hair, don’t risk it on a piece of clothing you like.
   • Regular shampoo doesn’t have the same softening agents as conditioner or baby shampoo, so it won’t help unshrink your clothes.
3. Soak your clothes in the water for up to 30 minutes. Completely submerge your shrunken garments in the water. Leave your clothes to soak for at least 10 minutes so the fabric has time to soften up. Just take your clothes out of the water after 30 minutes since leaving them for longer could damage your clothes.^[3]
   
   • If you’re stretching a shirt, try lightly pulling on the fabric underwater as it soaks to start reshaping it.
4. Squeeze the garment to wring out excess water. Roll your clothing up into a loose ball. Gently squeeze your clothes so the excess water drips off. Just avoid twisting or wringing out your clothes since it could damage the fibers.^[4]
   
   • Avoid rinsing out the conditioner or shampoo since it’s still relaxing the fibers in your clothes. Wait until you’re done reshaping it before washing off the shampoo.
5. Roll the garment up inside a large towel to remove moisture. Set out a clean, dry towel and lay the shrunken garment flat on top of it. Then, slowly roll the towel up from one end to the other to squeeze out the rest of the water from your garment without wrinkling or stretching the fibers.^[5]
   
   • When you’re finished, it’s okay if the piece of clothing is damp as long as it isn’t dripping wet.
   • Leave the clothing inside the towel for up to 10 minutes to help get out as much water as possible. Just don’t leave it for any longer, or else the fabric’s fibers will cool down and become more difficult to stretch out.
6. Stretch the clothing out by hand to reshape it. Move the garment onto a second dry towel to start stretching it. Tug on the edges of your damp clothing where it felt tight. Be gentle as you tug on the fabric to avoid damaging the fabric’s fibers. Try to get the clothing as close as possible to its original shape.^[6]
   
   • For a more accurate way to gauge the right size and shape for your garment needs to be, find a similarly-sized garment and trace its outline on parchment paper. Then, place the shrunken garment over the outline while you’re stretching it.
   • If you’re having a hard time stretching the clothing, use the steam setting on an iron. Hold the iron over the area you need to stretch and press the steam button. The steam softens the fibers so they’re easier to move.
7. Weigh your clothing down while it air-dries. Once you finish reshaping a part of your garment to the right shape, set a book, paperweight, or heavy mug on the fabric so it stays put. Place weights on your clothing after you stretch each section until your garment is covered with them. Leave your garment to air-dry completely so it stays in the same shape.^[7]
   
   • Alternatively, hold the garment in place with clothespins.
   • Check on your garment every 30 minutes to check that it has held its shape. Tug on the edges and weigh your clothes down again if you need to make any adjustments.
   • Try hanging up your clothes to help them dry instead. When your garment is still a little wet, gravity pulls the weight down and could stretch the fabric slightly.
8. Wash and dry the clothing again if it is needed. Once your piece of clothing feels dry, try it on to see if it’s stretched out enough. If it fits, you can wear the garment right away without washing out the conditioner or baby shampoo. If your clothes still haven’t stretched enough, try repeating the treatment again.^[8]
   
   • If you don’t like how your clothes feel from the conditioner or shampoo, hand-wash your garment like you normally would.

[Edit]Stretching Wool and Cashmere

1. Fill a sink with lukewarm water. Pour in at least of lukewarm water, or enough to submerge your clothing. Try to keep the water at room temperature so it stretches out the fabric’s fibers without damaging them.^[9]
   
2. Mix in of Borax or white wine vinegar. Scoop in either 1 tablespoon (25.6 g) of Borax or pour in of your white wine vinegar to the water. Stir the Borax or vinegar into the water until it’s completely dissolved or mixed in.^[10]
   
   • Always dilute Borax or vinegar in water before using them as cleaners. If you apply them directly to clothing, you could end up damaging the fabric.
   • It’s okay to use distilled white vinegar but white wine vinegar is preferable since it is clearer and gentler on your garments.
   • Borax and white wine vinegar help soften the fabric so it’s easier to stretch back into its original shape. Alternatively, use a wool detergent that doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals to soften and stretch your clothes.
   • Borax and vinegar work best for animal-based fabrics, like for stretching wool and cashmere. Plant-based fabrics like cotton may stretch with Borax, but it’s not effective on synthetics or tightly-knit natural materials like silk.
3. Soak the shrunken clothing in the solution for 10–30 minutes. Submerge your clothes in the Borax or vinegar mixture. Give your wool or cashmere at least 10 minutes so the fibers can soften and stretch more easily. After 30 minutes, take your clothing out of the water to prevent it from getting damaged.^[11]
   
4. Squeeze as much water out of the garment as possible. Lift your clothing above the water and gently roll it into a ball. Lightly squeeze your garment to drain out all the excess water that’s caught in the fabric. Try to squeeze out enough moisture so the garment is damp but not sopping wet.^[12]
   
   • Be careful not to twist or wring your garment out since you could over-stretch or damage the fibers and make them difficult to reshape.
   • Avoid rinsing the garment yet since it stops the Borax or vinegar from working. Wait until you finish stretching out the fabric to fully wash your clothes again.
5. Stretch the garment by hand. Lay your sweater or garment flat on a dry towel. Tug on any areas that have shrunken to stretch the fibers back out. Be gentle as you pull on the fibers around the arms, chest, collar, and any other tight areas on the garment so they can stretch back out. Put something heavy on top of your garment to prevent them from shrinking back down.^[13]
   
   • Alternatively, roll up towels and slide them into sweater sleeves to help preserve the shape and absorb excess water.
6. Let the clothing air-dry for at least 15 minutes. Leave your garment flat on the towel so it doesn’t lose its shape. If you notice the garment starting to lose its shape, gently pull on the edges of the fabric to stretch it back out.^[14]
   
7. Hang the garment up to finish drying it. Place a hanger inside the garment and hang it up in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight. Leave the garment to dry completely before trying it on again. If the clothing doesn’t stretch enough, try soaking your clothes and stretching them out again until they’re the right size.^[15]
   
   • Avoid hanging wool and cashmere while they’re still really wet since the water could weigh down the fabric and cause it to over-stretch.
   • If the garment doesn’t feel as soft or smooth as it usually does, hand wash it in cold water to remove the vinegar or Borax.

[Edit]Fixing Tight Jeans

1. Spray water on your jeans and stretch by hand to make minor adjustments. Put lukewarm water from your tap into a spray bottle and spritz it onto your jeans where they feel tight. Then, hold onto each side of the fabric and gently tug them apart to stretch the fibers out. Try your jeans on to see if you need to keep making adjustments.^[16]
   
   • This works best for minor shrinkage, so it may not be effective if you’re unable to fit into your jeans in their current condition.
   • If you don’t have a spray bottle, then lightly dampen the fabric under your tap.
2. Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water. Fill the tub at least ⅓ of the way full so there’s enough to cover your legs if you sit down. Make sure the water temperature is lukewarm since cold water prevents stretching and hot water could make your pants stretch too much.^[17]
   
   • If you don’t have a bathtub available for use, just fill up a sink or bucket with warm water instead.
3. Soak the jeans in the water for about 15 minutes. If you’re able to, put on your jeans and sit in the water so the denim is completely submerged. If you’re unable to fit in the jeans, just put them in the water on their own. Try to keep the jeans submerged for at least 10 minutes or until the water gets cold.^[18]
   
   • The water softens the jeans and makes the fabric’s fibers easier to manipulate. Wearing your jeans while they soak starts stretching them out right away.
4. Wear the jeans for up to an hour or stretch them out by hand. After the jeans soak, put them on if you aren’t already wearing them. Walk around, jog, stretch, or even dance to help stretch out the fibers. If you don’t like the feeling of wearing wet jeans, then lay them flat on a towel and tug on the edges that you want to stretch out.^[19]
   
   • Focus on the areas most in need of being stretched. For instance, if the waistband needs to be adjusted, bend and stretch at the waist.
5. Hang your jeans so they can finish drying. Place your wet jeans on a clothesline or a drying rack. Keep them out of direct heat and sunlight but try to find a spot with good air circulation. While your pants dry, gravity will also pull the jeans down to stretch them out further.^[20]
   
   • Avoid putting your jeans back in the dryer. Heat will cause your clothing to shrink again and undo all your hard work.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Avoid using heated washer settings or your dryer on clothes that are prone to shrinking. Use cold water or do your laundry by hand to prevent damage to your clothes.^[21]
• You may need to repeat the treatment a few times to even get the shrunken clothing back to where you want it to be.^[22]
• Wash and dry clothing according to the care tag to prevent your clothes from shrinking in the first place.^[23]

[Edit]Warnings

• Soaking and tugging on your clothes could weaken the fabric, so be careful stretching them back out so they don’t rip.^[24]

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Unshrinking Woven Fabric

• Baby shampoo or conditioner
• Bath towels
• Books or other heavy weights
• Clothesline or drying rack

[Edit]Stretching Wool and Cashmere

• Borax, white wine vinegar, or wool detergent
• Bath towels
• Clothesline or drying rack

[Edit]Fixing Tight Jeans

• Spray bottle
• Clothesline or drying rack

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

This wikiHow teaches you how to change your computer, phone, or tablet's default web browser to one you'd prefer to use. You can change the default web browser on any operating system, including on your iPhone or iPad. You'll need to install your new web browser, such as Firefox or Chrome, before you'll see it as a default browser option in your settings.

[Edit]Steps

1. Select and install a popular browser from the list below. This will allow you to learn about the browser and change your default browser from the preset to one of the following options. If your browser is not listed here, Wikipedia has a more complete list.
   • Google Chrome (iOS / Android)
   • Microsoft Edge (Windows / iOS / Android)
   • Safari
   • Firefox (Windows / iOS / Android)
   • Chromium
   • Opera (Windows / iOS / Android)
   • Opera GX (Windows / iOS / Android)
   • Brave (Windows / iOS / Android)

[Edit]Windows

1. Open your Windows Settings. You can do this by pressing on the keyboard, or by clicking the gear icon inside of your Windows Start menu.
   
2. Click . It's the icon that looks like a bulleted list.
   
3. Click . It's in the left panel.
   
4. Click the web browser you want to set as your default. This will be listed in your app list on Windows 11. On Windows 10, select the "Default browser" option on the "Default apps" screen, then your preferred browser.
   
5. Click on under "Make [browser] your default browser". This will set the browser as your default web browser.
   
   • If your web browser is not showing up, make sure it and your operating system is up to date. Try running the web browser after installing it for a few minutes so it can register as a web browser in Windows settings. If all else fails, you can manually set each link type to your default browser.

[Edit]macOS

1. Open your System Preferences. To do this, click the Apple menu at the upper-left corner of the screen, and then click System Preferences on the menu.
   
   • If you haven't already installed the web browser you'd prefer to use on your Mac, you should do so before you continue.
2. Click . This loads a list of general system options.
   
3. Select a web browser from the "Default web browser" menu. Once you choose a web browser, it will be set to open all web links, shortcuts, and browser-related extensions on your Mac.
   

[Edit]Android

1. Open your Android's Settings. You can do this by tapping the gear icon in your app list, or by swiping down from the top of the home screen and tapping the gear at the upper-right corner.
   
   • If you haven't already installed the browser you want to use, install one from the Play Store before you continue.
2. Open the or option. The name of this menu option varies depending on your version of Android, but it will always have the word "Apps" or "Applications" in it.
   
3. Tap or . If you don't see this option, you may need to tap Advanced first.^[1]
   
4. Tap . This displays a list of installed apps you can use as your default web browser.
   
5. Select the browser you want to use. This sets the selected web browser as your default browser on this Android.
   

[Edit]iPhone or iPad

1. Open your iPhone or iPad's Settings . It's the gear icon on your home screen or in your Utilities folder in the app library.
   
2. Scroll down and tap the browser you want to use. As long as you've already installed the browser from the App Store, you will see it in your list of apps.
   
3. Tap . A list of apps you can use as your default web browser will appear.
   
   • If you don't see this option, you've selected an app that can't be set as your default web browser.^[2] It's also possible you may need to update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS.
4. Tap the app you want to use as your default browser. This sets the selected web browser as the default on this iPhone or iPad.
   

[Edit]Ubuntu

1. Open Activities View on your desktop. You can do this by clicking the Activities button at the upper-left corner of the desktop, or by moving your mouse cursor to the top-left hot corner (if enabled).^[3]
   
2. Type . In Activities View, you can start typing immediately to search for these words.
   
3. Click in the search results. This opens a list of default apps on your computer.
   
4. Click the "Web" drop-down menu. A list of available browsers will appear. You'll need to have your new browser installed in order for it to appear in this list.
   
5. Click the browser you want to use. This saves your new settings automatically. Whenever you click a web link, the browser you selected will load it.^[4]
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Change Your Browser's Default Search Engine

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Maybe you're trying to cheer up a friend on a bad day. Or maybe you're trying to get someone to fall in love with you. Whatever the case, making some feel extra special is an easy and effective way to improve your relationship, especially when approached with tact. There are tons of ways to make someone feel special, and many of them depend on your relationship with that person. However, there are some general ideas and guidelines that will make anyone feel appreciated.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Hanging out Together

1. Smile. Greet your special person with a smile, and smile often while you are with her (without faking it). Smiling will not only make you feel happier, but it will make you sound happier and more positive.^[1] It will also let her know that you’re happy to see her, and that you’re interested in what she’s saying.
   
2. Listen. Pay attention to what the person has going on in her life, like her hobbies and what she does at work or in school. Take note of people she frequently mentions; these people are probably important to her in one way or another.^[2]
   
   • Give the person your full attention, don’t play on your phone or computer. Giving someone your full attention makes them feel more heard and appreciated.
   • Some common people are siblings, parents, grandparents, and close friends. She may also mention pets, children, or even classmates and colleagues. Try to learn about these people and their relationship with your special friend.
   • Sometimes it is best to just listen, and not offer solutions. For example: your friend tells you that she’s frustrated with her basketball coach. Say something like, “That does sound really frustrating, I’m sorry you had to go through that.” Avoid saying things like, “I know exactly how that feels”, because chances are you don’t fully understand what she’s going through and it might make her feel bad. Instead, practice empathy by showing kindness and paying attention to the needs the other person expresses.^[3]
3. Ask about the person's life. This is a good time to reach back to things you've learned about your friend. Ask her about a specific person or event she mentioned last time you talked. Asking questions will show that you care about what she does and what she loves. Pay attention and try to remember the details of her stories. The next time you talk, ask her how these things are going.^[4] For example:
   
   • You remember that she is very close with her brother, and the last time they hung out was over spring break when they went on a family trip to the beach. Ask her how her brother is doing, and if she has seen him lately. Maybe ask her if she's been to the beach lately, or if she has any plans to see her brother again soon.
4. Share a memory. Not only will the memory be a warm, fun thought for you and your friend, but it will also show that you are thinking about her and that you value the time you spend together.^[5] It could be a memory from childhood, or one from the previous night. Maybe you stayed up all night talking, or you did something crazy like go skydiving. Reminiscing about your time spent together is a great way to show that your time with her is special.
   
5. Slightly touch the person often. It doesn’t have to be intimate, but touching has been shown to increase happiness and make people feel more connected.^[6] Hug her when you first see her and when you say goodbye, or pat her on the shoulder when you pass by.
   
   • Be careful to not overdo it, the limit and amount of touching depends on your relationship with your special person. There should be very different limits if your special person is a significant other versus a friend or family member.

[Edit]Giving Gifts

1. Learn about the person. Listen to everything she says. Make note of things like important people, sentimental things or places, or hobbies. It can even be as simple as learning what her favorite soda or candy is. Some of these things you can pick up on by just listening, and some things you will have to observe. Examples of common things to notice include:
   
   • Best friend(s). Does she hang out with one person or a group of people all the time? Learn about these people, how your special person met them, and what they do when they hang out.
   • Close family members. Is she close with any siblings, or is she closer to parents or grandparents? If she always mentions doing things with her dad, that’s a good sign that her and her dad are very close. Make a note.
   • Favorite soda. Does she prefer Pepsi or Coke? Does she like regular or does she prefer diet? Simpler things like this can still prove to be valuable.
   • Favorite food. Maybe she loves Indian food, or maybe there’s one specific dish that’s her absolute favorite. Try to notice if she always eats the same thing, or if she frequently suggests the same type of restaurant.
   • Sports and hobbies. Is your friend always at practice or taking lessons? Maybe she plays a sport, but doesn’t take it too seriously and just does it for fun. Try to pay attention not only to what her hobbies are, but how involved she is in them.
2. Allow the gift to be a surprise. As much as is possible, try to let the gift be a surprise for the other person. A gift that someone is not expecting or does not know about can make them feel incredibly special. If you are taking them for a nice dinner, for example, you could pretend to be going to a work function until you get there.
   
3. Give something sentimental. Take what you’ve learned about her and get something special. It doesn’t have to be expensive or crazy, just something you know she likes to let her know you’re thinking about her. If she’s having a tough day and seems stressed, giving her something simple like her favorite candy will make her feel special and ease her mind. Examples of some good gifts include:
   
   • A favorite food or drink. This one is super easy but will still make the person feel loved.
   • Something from your friend's favorite sports team. A team jersey, a t-shirt, or even tickets to a game are just a few good places to start.
   • A collectible item. Lots of people collect things like coffee mugs, cards, and plenty of other objects. Adding something to your friend's collection is a perfect way to show you care.
   • Another option is to make something for her. Have her over and cook her favorite meal for her, or draw her a picture of her. Use your talents to create something that shows you care about her.
4. Give a compliment. Giving a compliment can be more difficult than a physical gift, but be an even better gesture to show her she's special. The most important ideas for giving a good compliment are:
   
   • Be genuine. Think about things your friend is proud of and reinforce that idea. A genuine complement is more meaningful and is way easier to deliver.
   • Pay attention. If your friend is trying something new, like a new outfit or accessory, that is a great opportunity to say something nice.
   • Complement the person's personality. If your friend does something nice for you, thank them and use an extra sentence or two to let them know you think they're a genuinely kind person. Make sure to smile while you deliver your compliment.
5. Take the person someplace special. Maybe there’s a place in the woods that she used to go when she was a kid, or her favorite artist is coming to your city next month. Not only is this a good opportunity to see her, but it will also let her know that you care about her.
   
   • Some other examples of good places to go include restaurants, vacation destinations, and sporting events.

[Edit]Keeping in Touch

1. Stay connected. Call them when you have some free time. If you’re both busy and it’s difficult for you to both make time, schedule a time to talk. You can also stay in touch via text or email. Send them articles that you think she might enjoy, or things that remind you of her. Ask her how significant people are doing. These will all show that you care about her and the important things in her life.
   
   • When you talk, try to follow up on topics that she previously mentioned. This shows her both that you remember what she was saying and that you care enough to ask about her life.
2. Pay attention to social media. When you talk to her, you’ll have something specific to ask her about. When appropriate, comment on and like her posts on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Be careful not to overdo it, you don’t want to make her uncomfortable or seem clingy. A good example of using social media to make her feel special:
   
   • She posts a picture of her going skiing. The next time you talk, tell her you saw her post and ask her if she had fun. Did she go with friends or family? This will show her that you are thinking about her, and that you want to learn more about her.
3. Connect the person with a friend. If you don’t get to see her often, but know she’s looking for friends where she lives, think about other friends you have in her area. If someone comes to mind, introduce the two of them. In addition to showing that you’re thinking about her, this will also demonstrate that you care about her happiness even outside of your relationship with her.
   
   • When you introduce your two friends, tell a fun fact about them to give both of them something to talk about and make them feel good. Example: “Emily, this is my friend Olivia, we played on the same soccer team in high school, and she was by far the best defender on the team. Olivia, Emily and I were both chemistry majors in college and took a lot of classes together, we made class really fun together.” Now they both have context for your friendships, and have a few easy topics to start a conversation.
4. Plan your next hangout. Whether it’s tomorrow or next month, setting time aside in advance will show that it is a priority for you to see her. Planning ahead will also help you, in case you need to save up money or vacation time to see your special person. Ask her what she wants to do, and suggest things that you know she’ll like.
   
   • If the two of you have mutual friends or know her good friends, try to include them on the plans. This is an easy way to show her that you’re paying attention to the important people in her life.
5. Follow through. Backing out of plans will make her feel like you don’t care about her and can undo a lot of the work you’ve done to make her feel special. If you make plans, don’t flake! To prevent this from happening, mark your next event in your calendar and set reminders if you need to. Put post-it notes on your desk or bathroom mirror, or come up with your own way to ensure you don’t make other plans on the same day and time.
   

[Edit]Tips

• Know your boundaries, and don't overstep them. This will depend a lot on your relationship with the person.
• Don't get close to them just to have sex, focus on their personality and feelings.
• If you had hurt this someone and you want to make them feels appreciated again, don’t stop and keep going. The person will likely ignore you in your first few trials of making them feel special, but if you keep the effort going then the person shall fall for it.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Make People Feel Good
• Make a Girl Feel Special
• Be Special
• Make a Guy Feel Special

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Do you want to put reminders on your iPhone or iPad? Luckily, iOS offers plenty of apps that have built-in alarms for this purpose. You can use Apple's designated Reminders app, Siri, or even the Clock and Calendar apps. You'll be able to set an alarm for each reminder and control how often you receive notifications. This wikiHow will show you how to create a one-time or repeated reminder on your iPhone or iPad.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Open Reminders, tap "Add List", and create a list. Tap "+ New Reminder" to enter the title, set alarms, and toggle repeats.
• Open Clock, tap "Alarm", and tap "+". Select a time, toggle repeats, and set an alarm tone.
• Open Calendar and tap "+". Enter your reminder. Set a time, alarm, and toggle repeats.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using the Reminders App

1. Open the Reminders app. This looks like a list with three colored bullet points.
   
   • The Reminders app requires iOS 13 or later, so be sure to update your iOS.
2. Tap . This will be in the bottom-right corner.
   
   • If you want to make a quick reminder, tap the Today category below the search bar.
3. Enter a List name and color. This will help organize your reminders if you have more than a few. After inputting a name, select a color for you list.^[1]
   
   • When you're finished, tap Done in the top-right corner.
   • If you chose Today, skip this step.
4. Tap . This will be in the bottom-left corner.
   
   • If a new window doesn't open, tap the blue i next to the reminder field.
5. Enter your reminder. Include the Title and any additional Notes.
   
6. Add reminder details. Tap Details underneath the Notes field to set a Date, Time, Location, and/or Priority level. If you select a Date or Time, you'll also receive the option for repeat notifications.
   
   • • Toggle on Date and use the pop-up calendar to select a date for your reminder.
     • Toggle on Time and scroll through the numbers to select a time for your reminder.
     • Tap Repeat and select: Daily, Weekdays, Weekends, other, or custom.
     • Toggle on Location to share your location. With this option, you'll be able to assign a notification based on where you are. You must have your Location Services turned on.
     • Tap Priority and select: None, Low, Medium, or High.
7. Select a list for your reminder. By default, this will be the first list you created.
   
8. Tap . When a reminder has a set date and time, you'll receive a push notification before, during, or after the task (if left uncompleted).
   
   • To enable push notifications, go to Settings → Notifications → Reminders → toggle on Allow Notifications and Time Sensitive Notifications.

[Edit]Using Siri

1. Enable Siri. If your iPhone or iPad doesn't have Siri, make sure to turn it on. To enable Siri, do the following:
   
   • Open the Settings app.
   • Tap Siri & Search.
   • Toggle on Listen for "Hey Siri" and/or Press Side Button for Siri.
   • Tap Enable Siri.
2. Activate Siri. Depending on your settings, say, "Hey Siri" or hold the side button on your device. Siri will appear on your screen.
   
3. Ask Siri to set your reminder. Be as specific as possible. Some example requests include:
   
   • "Remind me tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. to call Mom."
   • "Remind me to feed the cat every day at 8:00 a.m."
   • Location-based reminders can look like: "Remind me to check the mail when I get home."
     • For location-based reminders, you'll need to have your address added to My Card in the Contacts app and Location Services activated.
4. Confirm the reminder. Siri will use the Reminders app to compile your reminders. If you don't already have a Reminders list created, you'll be asked if you want to create one. Tap Yes.
   
   • The reminder will be created. You'll see a pop-up preview of the reminder. Tap Change if you need to edit the information, or tap anywhere on the screen to accept and dismiss the pop-up.

[Edit]Using the Clock App

1. Open the Clock app. This looks like a white clockface with a black background.
   
   • Use this method to create a daily reminder with the iOS alarm clock.
2. Tap . This is the second tab at the bottom of the screen.
   
3. Tap . You can find this in the top-right corner.
   
   • A new window will open.
4. Select a time. Use the scroll wheel to select the hour, minute, and AM/PM.
   
   • If your device uses 24-hour time, you won't have to set an AM or PM option.
5. Set the alarm on repeat. Tap Repeat and select the days you want to repeat this reminder.
   
   • Tap < Back when finished.
6. Set a label for your reminder. This can be anything you'd like, but it's recommended to keep it short.
   
   • Tap done on the keyboard when finished.
7. Set a sound for your reminder. By default, the alarm tone will be Radar. If you want to change this, tap Sound. Select from the listed ringtones, or tap Pick a song to select a song from your library.
   
   • Tap Vibration to change the vibration type or create a custom one.
   • Tap < Back when finished.
8. Toggle off or on "Snooze". If you want the reminder to have a snooze option, toggle it on. Otherwise, the reminder will disappear after the first alert.
   
9. Tap . This will be in the top-right corner.
   
   • You'll see a list of your reminders on the Alarm page. Make sure it's toggled on.
   • If you want to delete a reminder, swipe left on the reminder and tap Delete.

[Edit]Using the Calendar App

1. Open the Calendar app. This will have the current date as the app face.
   
   • Use this method to add a reminder as an event in your iOS calendar.
2. Tap . You can find this at the top-right corner.
   
3. Enter the reminder title. Use the first field to enter a name for your reminder.
   
   • You can also add a location or video call in the field below.
4. Set the time. Tap Starts and Ends to assign a date and timeframe for your reminder. Tap the date to adjust the date, and tap the time to adjust the time.
   
   • You can also toggle on All-day if your reminder will be needed the entire day.
5. Set the reminder on repeat. Tap Repeat and select: Never, Every Day, Every Week, Every 2 Weeks, Every Month, Every Year, or Custom.
   
6. Set an alert. By default, this will be set to None. Tap Alert and select when you'd like to be notified of the reminder.
   
   • You can also add a second alert.
7. Tap in the top-right corner. The reminder will be added to your calendar. Depending on your settings, you'll receive a notification of the reminder.
   
   • To make sure you have notifications enabled, go to Settings → Notifications → Reminders → toggle on Allow Notifications and Time Sensitive Notifications.

[Edit]Tips

• You can adjust the sound effect used by the Reminder app by opening Settings, tapping Sounds & Haptics (or Sounds), scrolling down and tapping Reminder Alerts, and selecting a sound.

[Edit]Warnings

• If you have your iPhone on silent, your Reminders or Clock alarm may not sound.

[Edit]References

Castor oil has long been used to remedy a number of common hair troubles. It can reduce frizz, ease tangles, and add a lustrous shine to your ‘do, all thanks to its high amounts of vitamin E and antioxidants.^[1] We’ll show you how to mix and prepare your castor oil, then massage it into your scalp and hair to give you the mane you deserve!

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Dampen your hair with water, then dip your fingertips into your oil mixture. Massage the oil into your scalp for about 5 minutes.
• Distribute the oil through the rest of your hair with your fingers, then throw on a shower cap and let it sit for 20 minutes. Finally, shampoo it all out.
• Enjoy castor oil's benefits, like less frizziness, fewer tangles, and more shine in your hair!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Mixing the Oil

1. Gather your castor oil, a secondary oil, and your other supplies. Treating your hair with castor oil is simple enough, but there are a few ingredients and tools that make it even more effective and easier to apply, such as a secondary oil to mix with the castor oil for easier application.^[2]. Here’s what you’ll need for this method:
   
   • Castor oil
   • Other hair oil (We recommend argan, avocado, coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil.)
   • Hot water
   • Large bowl
   • Jar
   • Shower cap
   • Towel
   • Old shirt (recommended)
2. Dilute the castor oil with an equal amount of another hair oil. Castor oil is fairly thick, and mixing it with another oil makes it a little easier to apply. In a jar, combine 1 part castor oil and 1 part of another common hair oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil.^[3] You only need about of each, and you can always mix more.
   
   • Use cold-pressed castor oil if you plan to distribute the oil throughout your hair, and black castor oil if you only want a scalp treatment. It’s thought that cold-pressed oil is gentler on hair.^[4]
   • Try the following combination: 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of castor oil, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of jojoba oil, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of coconut oil.
3. Add a few drops of essential oil to mask the smell. Some people find the scent of castor oil unpleasant. If this bothers you, add in 2 to 3 drops of a fresh-smelling essential oil, such as tea tree oil. Or, mix a few drops of rosemary, peppermint, cedar, and thyme oil to create an essential oil mixture that targets hair growth.
   
4. Shake the jar vigorously to mix everything together. Once all your ingredients are inside the jar, close the lid tightly. Then, shake the jar for a few minutes, or until everything is well-incorporated. Ideally, the mixture will be uniform and free of any separation.
   
5. Place the jar in a large bowl of hot water for 2-4 minutes. Heat water on the stove or in a kettle until it just begins to boil. Then, place the jar into a large, heat-resistant bowl, and pour the water into the bowl around the jar, until the lower half of the jar is submerged. Heating the oil this way makes a hot oil treatment. The warm oil more easily saturates your hair and seeps into your scalp.^[5]
   
   • Do not attempt to warm the oil in the microwave, which can overheat the oil and cause injury when you apply it to your scalp.
6. Pour the warmed oil into a small, shallow bowl. This will make it easier for you to dip your fingers into when you go to apply it. Also keep an eyedropper handy, if you have one, which will make for more precise and easy application.
   
   • If you don’t have an eye dropper, you use a spray bottle.

[Edit]Using the Castor Oil

1. Dampen your hair to help the oil absorb into your scalp. Although castor oil can be applied to dry hair, dampening your hair may help the oil absorb better. Mist your scalp with a spray bottle of water, or wet your hands and run them along the length of your hair, starting at your scalp. Make your hair just a little damp, but not dripping wet.^[6]
   
2. Cover your shoulders with a towel. This will protect your clothes from oil splashes or drips. In addition, wear an old T-shirt to avoid getting oil stains on your good clothes.
   
3. Massage the oil into your scalp for 3 to 5 minutes. Dip your fingers into the oil, then spread it between your roots and across your scalp. Massage your head with your fingertips using small, circular motions.^[7] Don’t use too much oil, but just enough to coat your scalp. A little bit goes a long way!
   
   • Alternatively, use an eye dropper to drip the oil onto various points on your scalp. This may be easier and less messy. Be sure to massage the oil into your scalp for about 5 minutes.
   • Alternatively, dip a cotton ball in the oil and use it to apply the oil to your scalp.
4. Apply the oil to the rest of your hair. Wet your fingers with a little more oil and rub it between your palms. Then, run your hands across your hair, from the roots to the ends. Use your fingers to comb the oil through your hair; this helps distribute the oil. Again, start with a small amount. You do not need a lot of oil.
   
5. Cover your hair with a shower cap. Loosely pile your hair on top of your head, then put on a shower cap. If you need to, keep it in place with a claw clip. The shower cap will trap the heat inside, and it will keep your hair from drying out.^[8]
   
6. Wrap a hot, damp towel over the shower cap. Warm up a towel by soaking it with hot water under a shower head. Twist the towel to get any excess water out, then wrap it around your head. Tuck the end of the towel in under your "turban," or secure it with a large hair clip. The heat from the towel will make the oil more effective.
   
7. Wash the oil out of your hair after 20-30 minutes. After about 20 minutes, step into the shower and shampoo the castor oil out of your hair.^[9] Wash your hair until the oily feeling is completely gone. Some people find that washing with just conditioner—skipping the shampoo—is more effective than using shampoo.
   
   • If your hair doesn’t feel overly oily or heavy after the treatment, you may choose to leave the oil in instead of washing it out.
8. Apply oil to your scalp once a week, or according to your preference. Start by applying the oil once a week, and then shift to more applications if your hair continues to feel dry. Or, use fewer applications if your hair becomes uncomfortably oily.^[10] Keep in mind that you may not see results like thicker or stronger hair the next day; use the castor oil treatment for 2-3 months before expecting any dramatic changes.
   
   • If you begin to notice buildup from the castor oil on your hair and scalp, use a clarifying shampoo. This helps remove any buildup in between castor oil treatments.

[Edit]Tips

• Buy cold-pressed, unrefined castor oil.^[11] One-hundred percent castor oil will be more effective and have the most nutrients. Skip on the refined or adulterated castor oil, which have very few nutrients left and will not be as effective.
• If your hair tends to tangle easily, you may find that it is more sleek and easier to manage after this treatment.^[12]

[Edit]Warnings

• Castor oil may darken light-colored hair. This is not too noticeable, and it is not permanent.
• Apply a small dab of castor oil to the inside of your wrist as a test for irritation before applying it to your scalp. Wait 24 hours, observing the spot for adverse effects.^[13]
• Avoid ingesting castor oil if you are pregnant or suffer from long-term digestive issues.^[14]
• Note that castor oil has not been clinically proven to promote hair growth.^[15]

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Castor oil
• Other oil (argan, avocado, coconut, jojoba, sweet almond, etc.)
• Hot water
• Large owl
• Jar
• Shower cap
• Towel
• Old shirt (recommended)

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Use Coconut Oil on Your Hair and Skin
• Oil Your Hair
• Get Olive Oil Out of Your Hair
• Make a Hot Oil Treatment for Hair
• Remove and Prevent Split Ends
• Treat Split Ends
• Detect Split Ends

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Daffodils are a sure sign of Spring, but sadly, their bloom time is so brief. The good news is that a resurrection in the next season is quite possible. Many home gardeners leave their bulbs in the ground year around, but others prefer to bring them up and store them until the fall planting season, when they can be planted in another part of the yard. Here are a few tips on what you can do to salvage daffodil bulbs for another season by curing them.

[Edit]Steps

1. Allow the blossom and the leaves to completely fade on their own. Avoid cutting them back until they are completely withered. This will usually take about six weeks. Even though it might look scraggly, the foliage collects the sun's energy through photosynthesis and pumps it down into the bulb so it can grow next year. If you want, you can cut the spent flower early, but be sure to leave the stem intact.^[1]
   
2. Snip off the blossom (if you haven't done so already) and the withered leaves right at the soil line. If you’re going to leave them in the ground, that’s all you need to do. Normal watering of the garden and winter rains will not bring them up to bud until they are “ready”. That’s it. If your preference is to bring them up for over-summer storage, proceed to the next step.
   
3. Dig deep into the soil several inches away from where the bulb is located. Try to bring the bulb up with one clean spade full of soil and the bulb. Use care not to damage the bulb. Handle them gently, because bruising them will cause them to rot.
   
4. Clean off the bulb by brushing excess soil away with your fingers. Any bulbs that are clumped together will probably separate on their own as you brush off the dirt. Leave the ones that are firmly attached to the mother bulb as is. Remove any “caked-on” moist soil that is clinging to the bulb.
   
5. Examine the bulbs for any signs of rot, deterioration or damage that may have been caused by nibbling critters. Discard bulbs that do not appear to be healthy.^[2]
   
6. Set the bulb aside in open air for a short period of time (usually about an hour) until the last bit of soil has dried. Then, with a brush or a towel or rag, remove any additional clinging soil.
   
7. Loosely place the bulbs into a well-ventilated bag. A mesh onion bag or the leg cut from a pair of pantyhose or nylon stocking works very well. Inexpensive tulle from a fabric store can be used to fashion a bag, too. Close up the opening of the bag with twine or string, leaving enough excess to form a loop for hanging. You can also rest them on an old window screen set on two boxes or sawhorses so that air can flow underneath them.
   
8. Hang the bulb-filled bag in an area that will not be exposed to direct sunlight, heat or dampness. Far corners (away from the door) of the garage are fine, but avoid placing the bag near a water heater or laundry appliances. Generally, a shady spot with good air circulation is good.
   
9. Allow the bulbs to cure. If you're using a bag and you've hung it indoors, you can simply leave them alone until you’re ready to do Autumn planting. If you used a window screen or if you left your bulbs outside, bring them in and put them in a paper bag for storage in a dark, cool, well-ventilated spot.^[3]
   
10. Examine the bulbs again before replanting them. Look for any signs of rot or mildew and discard them if they do not appear healthy. Plant the remaining bulbs and wait for them to bloom in the Spring!
    

[Edit]Tips

• Planting daffodil bulbs and watching them grow is a wonderful and rewarding activity for children. Invite them to participate.
• Daffodils are an easy-to-grow bulb. Healthy, moist but not wet soil is the key factor to the growth of beautiful blossoms. Filtered or low sunlight is perfect for these hearty stems of yellow joy. Plant a few around the base of a tree for a touch of eye-catching color.
• Daffodils also do well in pots. Use potting soil, not garden soil. Line a large basket (or a wicker laundry basket) with inexpensive burlap, fill it with potting soil and plant the bulbs in the basket. Add a few lobelia for an amazing contrast of color and Voila! You’ll have a fabulous contained garden bouquet!
• If you don't have any choice but to lift the bulbs during flowering or shortly after flowering, heal them in a reserve bed and keep moist so that the foliage can mature; this will allow the bulbs to build up food reserves for the following season's flowers.

[Edit]Warnings

• Use caution when working with garden tools.
• Protect your eyes and skin. Keep your hands away from your mouth until you have thoroughly cleaned your hands with soap and water.^[4]

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Grow Daffodils Indoors
• Plant Flowers
• Plant Roses
• Construct a Raised Planting Bed
• Grow a Tomato Plant
• Choose Plants for a Garden
• Care for Bulbs

[Edit]References

• https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/give-flower-bulbs-a-protective-bath-before-planting/

Barbecuing with propane is cleaner and more predictable than barbecuing with charcoal, and it's an easy-to-learn process. To successfully use propane to grill food, you need to get the right supplies and follow a few safety precautions. By safely hooking up a propane tank to your gas grill and lighting the grill properly, you can start barbecuing your favorite foods in no time.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Attaching the Propane Tank

1. Get a propane tank for a gas grill. Propane tanks are measured by weight; if you plan on doing a lot of grilling, get a heavier tank with more gas inside. If you're only going to be using the tank a few times, opt for a smaller propane tank. You can find propane tanks at your local supermarket or hardware store.
   
2. Place the propane tank next to the grill. Set it as close to the grill as possible so the grill hose will be able to reach it.
   
3. Check to see if the propane tank is off. If the knob on the gas tank is turned to the on position, turn the knob to the off position. For most propane tanks, you'll need to turn the knob clockwise to turn the tank off.^[1]
   
4. Remove the safety cap from the propane tank. The safety cap is the plastic cap covering the valve on the top of the tank. Grab the tab on the safety cap and pull to remove it.^[2]
   
5. Attach the grill hose to the valve on the propane tank. The grill hose is the hose attached to the underside of the grill. Turn the propane tank so the valve is facing the grill, and connect the end of the grill hose to the valve; you should feel the end of the hose click into place. Once the end of the grill hose is attached to the valve, turn the knob on the end of the grill hose clockwise to tighten it into place. Continue turning until the knob won't turn anymore.^[3]
   
6. Set the propane tank on the grill rack. The grill rack is what holds the propane tank underneath the grill. Check the manual for your grill for specific instructions on how to attach the tank to the rack.^[4]
   
   • If the grill doesn't have a grill rack, leave the propane tank on the ground, next to the grill.

[Edit]Lighting the Grill

1. Turn on the propane tank by using the knob on the top of the tank. For most propane tanks, you'll need to turn the knob counterclockwise until it won't turn anymore to turn the tank on. Check the arrows on the knob to make sure.
   
2. Open the grill lid before lighting it. Don't ever light the grill with the lid closed or gas buildup could cause an explosion.^[5]
   
3. Turn the ignition burner knob from “off” to “high.” You may need to press the knob in before you can turn it. To locate the ignition burner knob on the grill, look for the knob with a lightning-bolt symbol or the word “ignition” next to it.^[6]
   
   • Don't worry if the grill doesn't ignite after you turn the knob; that just means the grill has an electric starter and you'll need to press the electric ignition button to ignite it.
4. Press the electric ignition button if the grill has one. Look for the electric ignition button next to the ignition burner knob. Press and hold the button until you see flames ignite in the grill. It's normal for the button to make a clicking noise as you press it.^[7]
   
   • Only the section of the grill directly behind the ignition burner knob and electric ignition button should be lit at this point. The rest of the grill knobs should still be turned off.
5. Turn the other grill knobs to the highest setting to preheat the grill. Turning on the other grill knobs should cause the rest of the grill to ignite.^[8]
   
6. Close the grill lid and let the grill preheat for 10-15 minutes. Always let the grill preheat before cooking on it so the food gets cooked all the way through.^[9]
   

[Edit]Cooking with Propane

1. Use a wire brush to clean the grates on the grill. Brush back and forth over each grate, getting any dried food or grease to fall off the grate. Make sure the grill is preheated before you clean it with a brush; the heat will make it easier to clean.^[10]
   
2. Turn the grill knobs down to a lower setting before you put the food on. This will prevent the food from burning. If you're only barbecuing a small amount of food, turn off the grill knobs for the sections of the grill you won't be using. If you'll be using the whole grill, alternate the grill knobs between medium and low heat so you have different temperatures to cook with.^[11]
   
3. Place the food you want to grill directly on the grill grates. Position the food so it's over the flames. Place foods that need less heat, like vegetables, on the side of the grill that's set to a lower setting. Place foods that need higher heat, like hamburgers and steaks, on the side of the grill that's set to medium or high.^[12]
   
4. Use a spatula or tongs to occasionally flip the food. Make sure each side of the food gets equal cook time so it gets cooked evenly through. Adjust the temperature as needed using the grill knobs.
   
5. Remove the food when it's finished and turn off the grill knobs. Leave the lid of the grill open; the propane tank is still on and gas could build up if the lid is closed.
   
6. Turn off the propane tank. To turn off most propane tanks, turn the knob on the top of the tank clockwise until it won't turn anymore. Look at the arrows on the knob to verify which direction you should be turning it in.^[13]
   
   • You can enjoy a barbecue even though you are on a diet by eating healthy dishes.^[14][15]
   • Avoid the traditional high-sugar, salty, and high-calorie barbecue food.^[16]
   • Some healthy barbecue food choices are skinless chicken, baked beans, fresh fruit, raw vegetables, corn on the cob, and baked potatoes with a salsa topping. Also, you can make kabobs with lean meats and fresh vegetables.^[17][18]

[Edit]Warnings

• Always turn off the propane tank after grilling. If you're worried about forgetting, set yourself a reminder on your phone or leave yourself a note by the grill.
• Never keep the lid closed if the propane tank is on and the grill isn't ignited.^[19]
• Don't attempt to light the grill when the lid is closed.^[20]

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Propane tank
• Gas grill
• Wire brush
• Spatula
• Tongs

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Spider plants (chlorophytum comosum) may also be called Airplane plants. Spider plants form arching clumps of grass-like leaves and get their common names from the baby plantlets that form on their dangling stems. They are one of the most adaptable and easy to grow houseplants, so they're perfect for people who don't necessarily have a green thumb!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Providing the Best Location

1. Choose well-draining soil or potting medium. If your spider plant is outdoors, plant it in an area with well-draining soil, such as soil that contains sand. If your spider plant is indoors in a pot, select a potting medium like vermiculite or coco coir. Don't fret too much over the soil, as spider plants are very adaptable.^[1]
   
2. Provide bright, indirect light. Spider plants don't need a ton of natural light, so they do well in bathrooms and bedrooms. They also thrive in windowsills, though they should be set about away from south-facing windows during the spring and summer months but please note that they will do well in a north facing window as well. Outdoor plants should have moderate to deep shade during the day, as too much direct sunlight may scorch a spider plant so indirect is better.^[2]
   
3. Maintain moderate and consistent temperature and humidity. If you live in an area where the temperature fluctuates wildly or reaches extremes, your spider plants will do better indoors. They prefer a temperature between to and can't thrive in outdoor areas with freezing or searing temperatures. Spider plants thrive in humid climates, so place a humidifier in the same room as your spider plant.^[3]
   

[Edit]Administering Basic Care

1. Water your spider plant with distilled or purified water. Spider plants in particular are sensitive to the fluoride in tap water. Tap water also leaves behind other minerals that build up and can destroy your plant, so it's important to use distilled or purified water. The water should be kept at room temperature, as cold or hot water can shock your plants and weaken them.^[4]
   
2. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Gently poke your finger into the soil to see if it is dry. If the top or so of soil is dry, it's time to water your spider plant. Watering moderately or once per week during the first year should be sufficient to keep the soil consistently moist, but not overly wet. After the first year, you can water the plant sporadically. Empty excess water from drainage trays immediately if your spider plant is potted.^[5]
   
3. Fertilize spider plants 1 to 2 times per month during the spring and summer. During the growing season, use a general liquid fertilizer to feed your spider plants. Liquid fertilizers will provide better results than granular fertilizers. Follow the directions on the fertilizer to know how much of the solution to apply to the soil at the base of the plant. Avoid fertilizing spider plants during the winter of if they are outgrowing their pots.^[6]
   
4. Transplant your spider plant when it outgrows its container. If your spider plant's roots begin to grow through the drainage holes, you'll need to repot it into a larger container in the spring. Be sure to provide fresh potting medium and choose a container with drainage holes to keep the plant from becoming waterlogged.^[7]
   
5. Propagate large plants. Divide spider plants that are too large by pulling or cutting the root ball into several sections, each with some leaves, and repotting the sections with fresh potting medium. Alternatively, you can pluck off plantlets and root them in a cup of water.^[8]
   
   • When propagating the baby plants, it can help to place a cotton ball or wad of napkin in the cup of water to keep the roots from being immersed.

[Edit]Dealing with Common Problems

1. Trim dead leaf tips or leaves with scissors. If you notice brown or dead leaves or leaf tips, you should remove them. Snip the tip or leaf off using scissors so that the plant's energy can be directed toward growing healthy leaves. Be sure to use distilled or purified water on your spider plants, as brown leaf tips could indicate mineral buildup in the soil or potting medium.^[9]
   
2. Treat spider mites with natural insecticides. Signs of spider mites include dull, graying leaves and webby substances on the undersides of leaves. Spray a natural insecticide, like neem oil, on the plant to rid it of spider mites. You can find neem oil at your local garden shop.^[10]
   
3. Heal blanched leaves by reducing sun exposure. Leaves and stems that are faded or bleached indicate too much sun. If your spider plant is outdoors, transplant it to a shadier location or place a tall plant near it to provide shade. If your spider plant is indoors, move it away from windows so that it receives indirect, rather than direct, sunlight.^[11]
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Spider plants are excellent for cleaning the air of tiny air pollutant particles. They were even grown in space capsules for air cleaning.

[Edit]Warnings

• Spider plants are poisonous to cats, though other animals don't seem to be affected. It would be wise, however, to prevent all pets, including birds, from eating them.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Divide a Spider Plant
• Care for Indoor Plants
• Care for a Garden Spider

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

When you’re building your own fence, all it takes is a few wooden posts to make it super sturdy. Installing the posts might sound a little complicated, but with a bit of elbow grease and our handy guide, it’s actually pretty simple! In this article, we’ll tell you how to plan out your fence, choose your posts, and install them in the ground with concrete, gravel, or soil. If you’re ready to get your fence built, read on!

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Place batter boards or stakes at your fence ends. Connect the boards with string and place a stake at each post spot to mark your fence outline.
• Use a post hole digger to make holes that are ⅓ the length of the post and 12 inches (30 cm) wide.
• To set a post in gravel or soil, tamp down a 2-3 inch (5-8 cm) layer of gravel and insert the post. Then, add and tamp gravel or soil into the hole until it’s filled.
• To set a post in concrete, tamp down a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) layer of gravel and insert the post. Brace it with stakes, then shovel concrete into the hole.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Getting Your Fence Posts Ready

1. Check the building codes and permits in your city. Before you start digging, make sure your fence follows the guidelines for your city or neighborhood association. Just search for your area’s building department online to find any relevant codes, restrictions, and permits.^[1]
   
   • For example, there might be rules about maximum fence heights and how deep you have to dig the post holes.
2. Call your utility company or 811 to locate utility lines before you dig. To protect yourself and your utilities, ask a utility worker to come to your house and mark all the buried lines. Either call your utility company directly or call the national US dig line at 811. Or, go to your state’s 811 dig website. It typically takes 2 to 3 days for a utility worker to come to your house.^[2]
   
3. Outline the area of your fence with string attached to batter boards. A batter board is a simple marker made out of 2 wooden stakes and a piece of wood attached between them. Make and place a batter board at each end of your fence. If your fence has corners, place them there too. Then, connect the batter boards with string to outline the area of your fence.^[3]
   
   • The string provides a guideline for your posts and ensures that they’re installed straight when you put them in the ground.
   • Using a batter board allows you to move the string across the wood piece to adjust your fence guideline.
   • If you don’t want to make batter boards, just use stakes to mark the corners.
4. Insert a wooden stake at each post location, lining it against the string. Fence posts are typically spaced 5 to 8 feet (1.5-2.4 m) away from each other, though that depends on your city’s regulations and the type of fence you’re building. Just drive a stake into the ground where you’ll install each post. Line the stake flush against the string to ensure all the posts are straight.^[4]
   
5. Choose fence posts made from heartwood or pressure-treated wood. Use wood that stays sturdy in the climate you live in. Both heartwood and pressure-treated wood make durable fence posts, so look up your area’s building guidelines or codes to see what specific lumber they recommend. Regardless of the type of wood you use, only buy lumber that’s labeled as suitable for ground contact.^[5] Unless you live in a desert, choose durable lumber for your posts, like:
   
   • Durable heartwood: Western juniper, black locust, and Osage-orange are excellent lumber choices. Pacific yew, redwood, and most cedar and white oak species often last 20+ years in most conditions.^[6]
   • Pressure-treated wood: choose a variety with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of sapwood surrounding a core of heartwood. Aspen, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and Douglas fir are great options. Just buy this wood from a trusted source to avoid poorly treated wood.
6. Coat the posts with wood preservative to protect them against moisture. While this step is optional, it helps your wood posts stay sturdy for longer. The sawn-off ends of fence posts are often vulnerable to moisture. If you live in a damp climate or want to take some extra precautions, follow these steps to protect your wood:
   
   • Use a saw or sliding bevel to cut the top of the fence post at a 45º angle, which encourages rain runoff. Or, install post caps on the posts once they’re in the ground.^[7]
   • Treat each end of the wood with a non-water-based, brush-on wood preservative, such as copper naphthenate. Wood preservative is toxic, so follow the safety recommendations on the label when you apply it. Apply multiple coats of the copper naphthenate, letting each coat dry for 24 hours.

[Edit]Setting the Post in Soil or Gravel

1. Use soil or gravel to set your fence post if you have dense soil. Install your posts directly into the soil as long as it's dense and has good drainage. Installation is typically more labor-intensive and a bit less stable than concrete, but it’s often cheaper and makes your wood more resistant to decay.^[8]
   
   • Loamy soil, which has an even mixture of sand, silt, and clay, is generally dense and has good drainage. Soil that is mostly sand or clay tends to have poor drainage.^[9]
   • Dig a hole 12 inches (30 cm) deep and 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) wide to check your soil drainage. Fill the hole with water and wait for it to drain. Then, fill it with water again. Measure the water depth, wait 15 minutes, and measure again. Multiply the measurement by 4 to find how fast the water drains per hour. If it’s less than 1 inch (2.5 cm), your soil has poor drainage.^[10]
   • Due to additional strain, gate posts work better when installed in concrete.
2. Use a post hole digger to dig a hole about ⅓ of the length of your post. For sturdy fence posts, stick to the general rule of burying ⅓ of its length in the ground. For example, if you have an 8-foot (2.4 m) post, make a hole at least 2 feet (0.6 m) deep. When anchoring the post in soil, dig the hole about as wide as the fence post. If you’re anchoring the post in gravel, dig a hole about 8 inches (20 cm) across for a standard 4x4 post.^[11]
   
   
   • If your soil is hard, cut through the sod with a shovel and soak the ground with water.
   • Keep some dirt, or dirt mixed with gravel, nearby to backfill the hole.
3. Pour 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of gravel into the hole. Adding some pea gravel or crushed stone to the bottom of the hole improves soil drainage. Pour it in then tamp it down flat with your post. It’s especially important to add gravel if your soil has poor drainage.^[12]
   
   
   • Alternatively, use a wooden stick, a broken wood tool handle, or a piece of scrap lumber as your tamping bar.
4. Position the post in the center of the hole. Ask a friend or family member to help you center the post in the hole and get it level and in line with the other posts. Then, get your assistant to hold the post in place. If you’re by yourself, use scrap wood and stakes to stabilize the posts. Drive the stakes into the ground about 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm) away on two sides of the post. Then, nail one end of the piece of wood to the stake and the other end to the post.^[13]
   
   
   • Make sure the post is flush against the string guideline you made.
   • Measure the distance between your posts to ensure that the top and bottom rails fit.
5. Pour gravel or soil into the hole, tamp it down, and repeat. Crushed stone typically offers better drainage than soil. It can also improve the stability of your posts if it’s well-tamped and installed in dense soil. Whether you’re using crushed stone or soil, shovel it in 3–5 inches (7.5–12.5cm) at a time, tamping well after each batch. Repeat until the hole is filled.^[14]
   
   
   • Before each tamping, hold a level against the post and adjust it if it isn’t level.
   • If you want to plant grass at the base of the post, use soil for the last 2-3 inches (5-8 cm).
6. Make a small hillock with dirt at the base of the post. Build up the soil at the base of the pole to make a small "hill" sloping away from the post in all directions. The spot where the post leaves the ground is the most common location for rot. Good drainage here is extremely important.
   
   

[Edit]Setting the Fence Post with Concrete

1. Set fence posts in concrete when stability is extra important. Whether you’re installing a fence in sandy or muddy soil, or simply want extra stability, go with a concrete setting. The main downside to using concrete is that it can trap water around the post. This sometimes reduces the lifespan of your posts by many years. However, adding a gravel base and an open-bottomed concrete sleeve helps mitigate this issue.^[15]
   
   
   • If you’re adding a gate post, be sure to use concrete.
2. Dig a hole ⅓ as deep and 3 times as wide as the fence post. Use a post hole digger or post driver to make a hole at least ⅓ the length of your post. Then, dig an extra 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) for the gravel base. For a typical 4x4 fence post, dig the hole 12 inches (30 cm) wide across, or 3 times the width of the post.^[16]
   
   
   • If you’re digging a lot of post holes, use an auger to make the process faster and easier.
   • If the soil is rocky, using a power tool might be dangerous. Instead, use a clamshell digger to make your holes and a long digging bar to lever out rocks.
   • Make sure the hole is straight and the same width all the whole way down.
3. Add 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) of gravel to the bottom of the hole. Adding a base of gravel or crushed stone below the post greatly improves drainage. Pour 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) of gravel into the hole and tamp it down with your post or a piece of scrap lumber.^[17]
   
   
4. Brace the post to keep it straight by using 2 stakes and scrap lumber. Position the post in the center of the hole, using a level to ensure it's straight. To hold the post in place, pound 2 stakes into the soil about 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm) away from the post and on adjacent sides. Nail or screw scrap lumber to the stake and the post to keep the post upright and straight. Don't pound the nails or screw the screws all the way into the post so they’re easy to remove later.^[18]
   
   
5. Dig holes and add braces to each wooden post. To pour the concrete all at once, make every post hole, insert each post in the center, and brace each one using the stakes. Then, ensure the string you tied at each post corner is flush against the other posts. Adjust any posts to make them in line with each other.
   
   
6. Add 1 to 2 more inches (2-5 cm) of gravel inside the post holes. Adding another layer of gravel further improves drainage and the post’s stability. Just tamp the gravel down after you pour it inside.
   
   
7. Mix your concrete in a wheelbarrow. Put on safety glasses and waterproof gloves.^[19] Then, pour a full bag of concrete mix (or as much as you can transport) into your wheelbarrow. Mix in about 90% of the recommended water according to the label. Combine the mix and water together for a few minutes. Check the consistency and slowly add more water until the concrete feels like paste.^[20]
   
   
   • Add the water in small increments to ensure the concrete doesn’t come out too runny. When it’s a good consistency, the concrete falls off of the shovel easily.
   • To save effort, rent a portable concrete mixer or a concrete truck.
   • To save money, make your own concrete mix. Mix together 1 part Portland cement, 2 parts sand, and 3 parts coarse gravel, by volume.^[21]
   • For a quicker solution, use fast-setting concrete. With this type of concrete, you pour the dry mixture into the hole, then add in water. These mixes tend to be weaker and more expensive, so use them with your own caution.^[22]
8. Use a shovel to fill the hole all the way with concrete. Shovel concrete into the hole up to soil level. Work quickly enough to use each batch of concrete before it hardens. Take care not to splash cement onto the post.^[23]
   
   
   • Set a level on top of the post before the concrete dries to ensure it's straight.
9. Use a trowel to slope the concrete at the base of the post. Shovel concrete around the post. Then, smoothly cap off the top of the cement with a trowel, sloping it downwards from the post. Make a slope that’s about ½ inch (1.25 cm) above ground level that drops about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below ground level. This pitch helps the water flow off the post, preventing pools of water at its base that promote rotting and decay.^[24]
   
   
10. Let the concrete cure for at least 3 days. It typically takes several days for the concrete to dry and harden before you’re able to build the fence or put any weight on the post. Read the directions on your concrete mix to see how long you need to wait for it to dry.
    
    
11. Seal the gap between the post and the concrete with caulk. A little gap often forms around the base of the post and the concrete. This gap can widen from natural expansion and frost, which lets water pool around the post and cause rot. Once the concrete is dry, apply a sealant that bonds to concrete and wood, such as some silicone sealants or exterior acrylic latex caulk, over the gap.^[25]
    
    

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Install your end or corner posts first. Once they are in place, run a string between them to guide the placement of the additional fence posts. Usually, corner or end posts are bigger than other types of posts and they are built in an “H” bracing design using another post for stability. If the posts are in dirt, set them in the ground deeper than the other posts.
• Give the fence time to lose its natural moisture before you paint it. If it isn’t fully dry, the paint can trap moisture and encourage rot.^[26] Depending on the humidity and how freshly cut the wood is, drying can take up to a few months. Consider using a water-repellent stain, which lasts longer than paint.

[Edit]Warnings

• Most wood slowly warps over time. This is much more noticeable in some species than others.
• Some types of pressure treatments and wood preservatives contain harmful chemicals. Wood treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is the most notorious, but is no longer sold to homeowners in the US or EU. If you are using CCA-treated wood, do not place it where it can contact drinking water or where animals might chew on it. Wear a respirator while sawing it, and do not burn the scrap.^[27]

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

[Edit]Planning Your Fence

• Wooden stakes
• Scrap lumber
• String
• Non-water-based, brush-on wood preservative, optional

[Edit]Setting the Post in Soil or Gravel

• Fence posts
• Post hole digger
• Pea gravel or crushed stone
• Stakes
• Scrap lumber
• Nails
• Soil

[Edit]Setting the Fence Post with Concrete

• Fence posts
• Post hole digger
• Pea gravel or crushed stone
• Stakes
• Scrap lumber
• Nails
• Concrete mix
• Wheelbarrow
• Shovel
• Trowel
• Caulk

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

If you've recently gone through a breakup and are struggling to move on, you're not alone. And while it isn't always easy, anyone can do it with a bit of perseverance and patience. There are no hard and fast rules for moving on, but if you need a little help, you've come to the right place. Treat yourself with kindness, take your time to heal, and use the following guide to move on for good.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Give yourself time to process your emotions and allow yourself to feel sad. Talk to somebody you trust and practice self-compassion.
• Get closure by distancing yourself from your ex until you're ready to talk. Identify lessons you’ve learned that you can use in future relationships.
• Keep yourself busy and do things you enjoy to boost your mood. Practice self-care and spend plenty of time with friends while also trying new things.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Give yourself permission to feel sad.

1. Accepting and processing your emotions is critical to healing. When you're feeling many negative emotions, it's normal to want to push those feelings down—but that just extends your heartache. Instead, allow yourself to mourn the relationship. Acknowledge what you feel and reassure yourself that your emotions are valid; feeling them is just part of the path to healing.^[1]
   
   • Listen to what your body needs so that you can release your emotions. You might write in a journal, express your feelings through art, exercise, or vent your emotions in a letter you destroy later.
   • Try to separate your raw feelings from the sad or despairing thoughts that might accompany them.
   • For example, your brain might say things like "You'll never find someone else to love you" or "Life will never be the same," but that isn't true. You're sad, and that's valid, but the intrusive thoughts are not.

[Edit]Reflect on the relationship realistically.

1. Idealizing the relationship and your ex makes it harder to move on. Relationships can be funny: once they're over, it's easy to focus only on the good memories and deny anything bad happened. However, that won't help you move on. Recall the struggles and issues as well as the moments of happiness, and you'll remember why breaking up was necessary in the first place.^[2]
   
   • Similarly, it's common to fantasize about an ex post-breakup, creating an illusion that they were perfect when really, they had issues like anyone else. Let go of that illusion and see your ex for who they are, good and bad.
   • Once you can realistically visualize your ex and the relationship, your motivation and resolve to move on will grow steadily stronger.

[Edit]Talk to a trusted confidante.

1. Expressing your emotions is an essential part of processing them. Sit down with a close friend or family member you trust to support and love you no matter what. Talk to someone who is an excellent listener and won't interrupt you; you deserve to feel heard! Tell them everything: what happened, what you're feeling, and anything else you need to express.^[3]
   
   • Choose someone you're comfortable being vulnerable around. You might need to cry, scream, or punch a pillow while you talk—and that's okay.
   • If you can't shake the sadness alone, a therapist or counselor can help you move on. They’ll help you work through your feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

[Edit]Practice self-compassion.

1. Treating yourself compassionately strengthens your resolve to move on. When a relationship ends, it's natural to blame yourself for it—but that's not fair. When a relationship fails, it doesn't make you a failure. Treat yourself with compassion and shut down those critical thoughts. Instead, tell yourself that you didn't fail, you're not at fault, and you can overcome this and move on.^[4]
   
   • Even if you don't believe you can move on, set aside the uncertainty and encourage yourself anyway. Firmly tell yourself, "I can do this. I am moving on," until that statement becomes true.

[Edit]Give yourself time to heal.

1. Moving on takes time, and rushing things will make it harder. There's no definitive timetable for getting over a breakup, so it's up to you to give yourself the time you need. Many people take around 3 months to move on, but that's not a hard rule. Go at your own pace, and don't let anyone else tell you when to move on—it's your heart, and you know yourself best.^[5]
   
   • It can help to give yourself a gentle timeline. For example, you might say, "I need this week just to be sad, but next week, I'm going to start going out with friends and doing fun things again."

[Edit]Imagine the breakup as a tiny blip in your life's journey.

1. Looking at the bigger picture helps put the breakup in perspective. When you're in the middle of a breakup, it can feel like the end of your world—so it helps to remind yourself that’s not true. Take a step back: in reality, this is just a moment in the long arc of your life, and you have a lot more growth to look forward to. Years from now, you won't feel this sadness; it'll just be a memory.^[6]
   
   • This is especially helpful to remember in moments when the sadness makes you feel like you'll never be able to move on. It will pass, and you'll be able to do more than move on—you'll be able to thrive.

[Edit]Stay open to the possibility of new love.

1. Moving on is easier when you have hope for the future. It's a big world, and there's someone out there for you—even if you haven't found them yet. Whether this was your first or fifth relationship, it doesn't have to be your last (or your best). So long as you're open to love and committed to living your best life, the right partner will find you sooner or later.^[7]
   
   • You're also not alone. Many people in the world are in your position, and any of them could be the right match for you.
   • Remind yourself that a fulfilling life doesn't depend on your relationship status. You can find special someone if you want a relationship, but there's more to life than that. You are complete, with or without a partner!

[Edit]Cut contact with your ex and discard mementos.

1. No contact or physical reminders of your ex makes it easier to move on. Processing your emotions is hard when your ex is nearby, so cut off all contact if you can: don't call, text, or hang out with them. Then, unfollow their social media pages and throw away physical reminders of them, like gifts, photos, and mementos. As the saying goes: out of sight, out of mind.^[8]
   
   • It's okay if you can't break contact entirely, but do your best to avoid situations where you know you'll see them.
   • If you don't want to throw everything out, box a few things up and give them to a friend for safekeeping. When you're ready, you can either discard or retrieve the box.
   • Even if you'd like to be friends with your ex, it's best not to force it immediately. Instead, say something like, "You're still important to me, and I want to be friends in the future, but right now, I need some time to process."

[Edit]Talk to your ex for closure when you’re ready.

1. Closure makes it easier to accept and make peace with the breakup. Once you've had time to process your emotions by yourself, ask your ex to discuss the breakup so you can get closure. Prepare questions and thoughts beforehand, so you're prepared for the conversation, and use the opportunity to clear the air with them. Be sure you ask for your ex's side of the story and listen to what they say, too!^[9]
   
   • At the end of the day, it might help to understand your ex's perspective and your own. If nothing else, you'll know where both of you stand—no more uncertainty.
   • It can be disappointing if your ex can't give you a proper answer or won't even sit down to give you closure, but it also means they're not worth your sadness in the first place.

[Edit]Look for patterns in your past relationships.

1. Future relationships will be stronger if you identify unhealthy patterns. Consider your childhood relationships and past breakups: do they have any similarities? Did they end for the same reasons? Chances are, this heartache is rooted in your past. Identify patterns you may have learned earlier in life and work on fixing them as you move on.^[10]
   
   • For instance, you might have trouble communicating because your parents didn't like talking about their feelings. If you learn to communicate with your partner, you can have happier relationships in the future.
   • Furthermore, consider what you’ve learned from this breakup. Breakups are hard, but they can show you much about who you are and what you want from life. Treat them as learning opportunities rather than failures.

[Edit]Forgive yourself and your ex for the breakup.

1. Holding onto grudges and painful emotions will make you feel worse. If your ex hurt you, try to forgive their mistakes and focus on your future instead. Similarly, forgive yourself for your role in the breakup and for investing in a relationship that didn't work out. It’s easier to heal when you’re not still clinging to the anger and sadness of the breakup.^[11]
   
   • Forgiving someone is about your mental health and happiness, not theirs. It doesn't mean that they didn't do anything wrong. It helps you let go of the past and move on.

[Edit]Keep yourself busy.

1. Staying busy means you won’t have time to dwell on the breakup. If you have time to sit and think, you might contemplate the breakup and consequently feel worse. Instead, fill your time with activities and creative projects that get you out of your head, like doing crafts, redecorating, or going out with friends. This will help you feel better as you work through your negative emotions.^[12]
   
   • Invite your best friends to spend time with you, whether you're going out for a night partying on the town or just for a quiet dinner and movie. A thriving support system can help you through hard times.
   • Focus on the benefits of being single! Look for ways to have fun with your friends, assert your independence, and pursue what makes you happy.
   • Push yourself to stay busy, even on days when you feel like staying in bed with a tub of ice cream. You'll feel happier and healthier when you're out and about with people you love.

[Edit]Pamper yourself.

1. Self-care can boost your mood and rebuild your self-confidence. Treat yourself to things that always cheer you up and get you in a better headspace; for example, you could take a luxurious bubble bath, get a massage, play your favorite game, or start an exercise regimen. Practice self-care and do activities that are both healthy and comforting!^[13]
   
   • Remember that self-care doesn't mean eating lots of junk food or doing other unhealthy things. Now is the time to take care of yourself in mind and body.

[Edit]Try new and exciting things.

1. Moving on is the perfect time to turn over a new leaf! Get in touch with yourself, boost your self-esteem, and regain independence by doing new activities and hobbies you've always wanted to try. Pick something you're interested in, take an online class, attend a workshop, enroll in a community college course, or teach yourself how to do it.^[14]
   
   • For example, you might learn to draw, take guitar lessons, start playing tennis, or visit a city you've never seen before.
   • It also helps to develop new interests and hobbies after a breakup because you'll have something you can do without thinking of your ex.

[Edit]Be generous towards others.

1. Connecting with others will make your problems seem less daunting. Whether you volunteer, donate to charity, or engage in small but meaningful acts of kindness, help others when you can. Breakups are a source of sadness, and that sadness can really get you caught up in your own head. Practicing generosity will get you out of your head and feeling great about yourself!
   
   • For example, a simple act of kindness might be thanking the person who bags your groceries, holding the door for someone whose arms are full, or helping someone who needs directions.
   • You can also practice generosity by helping your friends and family members. Tackle a chore they need help with, or simply ask them about their day and how they've been doing.

[Edit]Meet new people.

1. Meeting new friends and love interests will boost your confidence. Put yourself out there and say “hello” to new people, whether you’re at a bar, attending a friend’s party, or using a social networking app. You also don’t have to look for a date; new friends and acquaintances are just as important as potential love interests! The important thing is to put yourself out there and enjoy the adventure.^[15]
   
   • When you start dating again, make sure it's not a rebound. You'll know you're ready when you feel excited about the idea of having a genuine connection with someone.
   • Focus on building connections with people rather than finding love again. Take the time to get to know them before you dive into something serious.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Activity books can be fun as well as educational for children. One of the advantages of homemade activity books is that you can tailor them to your child's preferences. They also make nice gifts for your friends’ children. You can plan, write, and construct activity books using items you have at home. For a fun bonding activity, you can even include your child in the construction process.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Planning Your Activity Book

1. Choose a theme. Although it can be general, most books have a theme based on holidays, seasons, or your child's preferences. This is an important step because it will make it easier for you to come up with content to fill the pages. Having a coherent message will also make it easier for you to educate your child.
   
   • Holidays make good themes for activity books. You can educate your child about the cultural origins of the holiday and how people celebrate it. It also gets your child excited about the season.
   • Seasons of the year are also good themes. They can teach your child fun outdoor activities as well as cultural folklore surrounding that time of year.
   • If you want your activity book to tell a fun story, the theme may simply be adventure.
   • Some examples of other topics are family, farms, flowers, food, animals, history, and cultures.
2. Figure out activities your child enjoys. You may already know that he or she enjoys - for example, coloring or doing simple crosswords. Ask your child their favorite activities or get together a few for he or she to try. Observe which your child enjoys the most. This is a good time to ask your child if he or she wants to help you make the activity book.^[1]
   
   • Look in the newspaper for comic strips and puzzles. Children love comic book strips and they are a great way to encourage a burgeoning reader.
   • Examples of other children’s activities that could easily be compiled in an activity book are fill-in-the-blank stories, mazes, word search puzzles, and even open-ended doodling.
   • A few examples of creative activities that your child may not have tried before are stenciling, torn paper art, and stamps.^[2]
3. Decide on some educational content for the book. In addition to reading, you can supplement an activity book with activities that include telling time, simple math, writing, vocabulary, history, and more. If you incorporate the lessons into the activities well enough, your child will only notice the fun they’re having. Choose activities at your child's level and search for them online, or write the problems yourself.
   
   • You may have a book that teaches your child days of the week, months, and holidays by having them write in the correct answer in the blanks.
   • Another example of educational content may be a series of mathematical crossword puzzles. If you can weave the puzzles into the plot of the book, it is a fun way for your child to learn basic arithmetic.
4. Write a story to include in your activity book. This is a great opportunity to include your child in the story. Look at the types of stories they enjoy and try to create something similar. This will keep your child turning the pages and discovering what happened to his or her favorite character. Who knows, your child may enjoy the story so much you have to write a sequel.
   
   • Some examples of fun adventures may involve a child rescuing a pet, a family discovering what is in their attic on a snow day, or a knight journeying to a foreign land.
   • Try to include songs, nursery rhymes and poetry. This will draw your child in and promote an appreciation for music. You can write your own lyrics or put in well-known songs and poems. Choose songs that are based on the theme – such as "Let it Snow" for a winter-themed activity book. You all can sing the songs together.
5. Decide on a medium. Now that you have a collection of activities, stories, and songs for your child to enjoy, you need to think about the physical makeup of the book. Will it be paper printouts, or will you get more creative with it? This is an excellent time to get your child involved in the joy of making something by hand.^[3]
   
   • The simplest way to make an activity book is with a three ring binder or folders with built-in brads. You can print out or design pages, punch holes in the side, and put them in.
   • Fold computer paper in half to create an easy binding system. This will also make the book smaller and more easy for your child to handle.
   • Blank bound books are inexpensive. This will give the activity book a more polished feel. They are also a more interesting texture for your child to interact with. You can paste pages in the bound book, or draw on activities by hand.
   • A fun project is dry erase coloring exercises. Make the black and white outline on a piece of paper and place it in a plastic sheet protector. Give your child dry erase crayons and watch them redo the activity over and over again!

[Edit]Constructing the Activity Book

1. Decide the size of your book. Larger books using an entire piece of paper for each page are good for coloring activities. If you use more word searches or are more interested in telling a story, opt for smaller paper or half sheets. Keep in mind that your child may want to take the book in their backpack, so make it small enough to fit. If your child will only play with it at home, you can afford to make a larger book.
   
2. Create coloring pages by tracing other images. Print off family photos or large images and place them behind a white piece of A4 or 8.5"x11" paper. Trace the image outlines using a thick black marker. This is a good way to create professional looking images for your child to color.
   
   
3. Write final drafts of the content. It is easy to combine images and text in most computer project software, presentation software, and even word processing programs. Make sure you take note of which pages will be side-by-side when you print them out. This is especially important if you are binding the book by folding the paper in half.
   
4. Create a cover and a title page. Be sure to include your child's name, such as "David's Activity Book" on the cover. A title page should list the authors, if you and your child have written a story together. Having a colorful and attention-grabbing cover will ensure that your child wants to pick up and open the book.
   
5. Print computer-generated content. Now you are ready to piece the book together. Collect your printed content and that you made by hand. Make sure you have them in the correct order before binding them together.
   
   • Number the pages on the front and back. Insert blank pages, if you want to have extra drawing paper.
6. Copy your book, if desired. If you are making the book for more than 1 child, there are a few ways to create multiple copies. To give the copies a more handmade feel, you should repeat the same steps of drawing and printing out each page for every book. If you are creating the book for a large number of children or want to expedite the process, you can photocopy each spread to create a simple
   
   • If you use a three ring binder or folder with brads, you can continue to add activities.
7. Consider professional binding. You may not have the materials to bind the book yourself, or might want a more professional look. Take your activity books to an office supply store or print shop. They have printing departments that can bind the book for you. This is usually inexpensive, depending on the materials you want them to use.
   
8. Provide any supplementary supplies. Your book may require crayons, colored pencils, stickers, stencils or something else for your child to complete the activities. There are many ways to include them in the book. Stick a cloth pouch on the front with adhesive, or fold paper like an envelope.
   
   • Hand sewing a cloth pouch is a good activity for to teach your child basic sewing methods and safety.

[Edit]Tips

• Consider laminating the activity book, if you have access to a laminating machine. Laminated activity books are great for breakfast time, trips and restaurants. You can use erasable markers so your child can wipe off the color and start again. Some print shops may be able to provide this service.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Choose Age Appropriate Books
• Illustrate a Children's Book
• Publish a Children's Book
• Have Your Kids Read Books
• Plan Your Child's Activities

[Edit]References

Ever since Carrie sank her teeth into a Magnolia bakery cupcake in a 2000 episode of Sex in the City, America has had a love affair with the cupcake. And when cupcakes are made by the dozen, with love and great care lavished upon them, they deserve to be served in as elegant a manner as possible. A cupcake stand is the ideal way to hold many cupcakes at once, perfect for weddings, dinner party dessert, kids' parties and your workplace morning tea. And while you can buy them ready-made, making your own is really rather a lot of fun!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Simple single layer stand

For those times when you have a half dozen or so cupcakes and don't need to layer it, this stand is easy and quick.

1. Find a base layer. A platter or plate is ideal.
   
2. Find a suitable pillar. It needs to be tall, so a martini glass, a wide brimmed glass or vase or something similar is ideal.
   
3. Find a single plate of a decent size. This forms the only layer you'll make.
   
4. Place the base layer in the spot where the cupcakes are being served from. While it is possible to very carefully move this stand, it's best not to!
   
5. Arrange the pillar object in the center of the platter or plate base.
   
6. Add the plate layer. Balance with care.
   
7. Place the cupcakes on the top layer. If wished, you can also add to the base layer but if you don't have enough cupcakes, that's fine, just use the top layer only, as this is the layer which draws the eye.
   

[Edit]Bits and pieces stand

This stand is very easy to make from things around the house.

1. Create a base. For the base, use a flat piece of cardboard, plastic, or a thick cutting board. It can be in any shape - square, circle, or heart-shaped, provided it's solid and pretty.
   
   • Some stores sell cake bases that could serve as a suitable base for the cupcake stand. These are usually very cheap to buy and come already wrapped in gold or silver foil.
2. Cover the base if needed. Cover the base with wrapping paper, foil or another type of covering to improve its appearance. This step isn't necessary if the base is already in great condition and looks nice.
   
3. Choose the layers. Basically, choose plates and platters that are lightweight and strong. They should ideally decline in size as they go up the stand, so choose something like a dinner plate for the first layer, a side plate for the next layer, a cake plate for the next layer and a saucer for the final layer.
   
   • Match the plates or mix them up. If you have plates with pretty patterns, eclectic matching won't matter. Plain white or silver platters are always a safe bet when you want a neutral look.
   • For the top layer, where you place only one layer, an unwanted CD is a clever item to use. You can leave it unwrapped (but do wash it first in warm, soapy water), or cover with paper or fabric.
4. Make the pillars to hold the layers. Here is where you get to have quite a bit of artistic license. Choose whatever is strong and likely to look nice. Most importantly, the item must be safe for use around food, it must not take up too much room on the plate, it must be balanced and it must decline in size as it goes up the layers, just like the plates do.
   
   • Some great examples of things to use as pillars between the layers include: a glass, cup, eggcup, fabric-covered cleaned out can, vase, sugar bowl, etc.
   • An example of layering could be: First pillar vase, second pillar a glass, third pillar a sugar bowl and final pillar an eggcup.
5. Arrange the pillars and layers.
   
   • Place the base layer down in the area where it'll stay. This stand won't be moved once made.
   • Add the first pillar. Then carefully balance the next layer.
   • Continue adding pillars and balancing layers. Anytime something seems wobbly or uncertain, try a different pillar or layer object in its place to see what sits more soundly.
6. Add the cupcakes. Carefully arrange the cupcakes on every layer of the cupcake stand. Wait for the oohs and aahs from your party guests.
   

[Edit]Cake stand cupcake tier

Turn large cupcake stands into a cupcake stand with ease. Here's what to do.

1. Find a base layer. Choose a flat base layer which has good strength to it and looks pretty. A silver platter, a favorite dish, etc. are nice choices.
   
2. Find two cake stands. They can be the same size or different. If different, the smaller stand sit atop the larger one.
   
   • If you want to make the stand complementary with a table theme or your favorite tea set, etc., you'll need to be a little more picky about the colors and patterns of the stands and base layer. If in doubt, plain white and plain metals are safe choices. (But nobody much minds eclectic placement when the stands are pretty and have heirloom quality.)
3. Assemble. This is easy and fast:
   
   • Assemble in place, so that you don't have to move the cupcake stand once put together.
   • Place the base layer down. If using doilies underneath, make sure the doilies are already securely in place.
   • Place the first cake stand on the base layer. Center the stand's leg in the middle of the base layer.
   • Place the next cake stand on the first cake stand. If using different sizes, this should be the smaller of the two. Again, center it.
   • Fill with cupcakes, using the base layer and the two cake stand layers.
   • Done. It will look wonderful but don't be surprised if the cupcakes steal all the attention!

[Edit]Cake dummy and cake board cupcake stand

This stand has the advantage of being somewhat more portable and it can be reused again and again if you keep it clean after use.

1. Visit the cake supplies store. Cake dummies are foam pillars that are used by bakers when making wedding cakes and other decorative cakes. Cake boards are the foil coated boards sold by cake supplies stores to hold heavy cakes like wedding and Christmas fruit cakes for easy transportation. For a three-tired cupcake stand, you'll need:
   
   • 3 cake boards in descending size
   • 4 cake dummies, one pair larger than the other pair (note that you can substitute with like objects, such as an unwanted hat box and a large can, etc.)
   • Glue
   • Satin ribbon in color of choice
   • Pretty wrapping paper (match your party theme or just choose a color or pattern that you adore)
   • Scissors
   • Dressmaking pins
   • Double sided tape (strong)
   • Pencil.
2. Prepare the cake dummies. Glue each pair of cake dummies together. Allow to dry.
   
3. Pin the satin ribbon to the base edge of one of the glued pairs of cake dummies. Now wrap it all the way around the cake dummy until you reach the top of it. Add a dab of glue here and there to keep it tautly in place.
   
   • Secure the other end with another pin when you reach the top of the cake dummy.
   • Repeat with the other cake dummy.
4. Arrange the first cake board on the paper. Draw around it with the pencil and remove. Do the same for the other two cake boards.
   
   • Cut out the paper shapes you've drawn.
5. Dab glue all over the first cake board. Match the paper circle to it and press down, taking care to evenly match the circle so that it covers the whole board.
   
   • Repeat with the other two cake boards.
6. Wrap satin ribbon around the edges of each cake board. Glue in place. (You may need to hold it briefly so that the glue takes.)
   
7. Build the cake stand. Use double sided tape of tested strength to keep the boards attached to the pillar cake dummies.
   
   • Place the largest cake board down first. Place double sided tape to the the base of the first pillar. Find the center of the cake board and press the pillar down firmly.
   • Place double sided tape on the top of this dummy. Find the center of the middle cake board and press the two together, the base facing the pillar's top.
   • Repeat for the next dummy and final layer.
8. Place where you will be serving it from. While this cupcake stand can be moved around with ease when there are no cupcakes on it, it's best not to move it once the cupcakes are in place. Arrange the cupcakes around each layer as desired.
   
9. After use, wipe down with a dry cloth to remove crumbs. Use a well-wrung out damp cloth to spot clean frosting or sticky crumbs.
   
   • Eventually the stand will become a bit rundown and you'll need to pull it apart and rewrap with new paper and possibly wash the ribbon. Try not to throw away the base materials––they can be reused again and again if you're prepared to keep renewing the outer materials.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• A very simple and fast fix is to simply arrange your cupcakes on a cake stand made for a large cake. It's effective, and you can always place a doily on first for a pretty feature. The benefit of this is less things in your house to have to store!
• When sizing layers, make sure there is plenty of room for the cupcakes to stand upright without any of their frosting or decorations getting bumped. Squished frosting isn't very appetizing.

[Edit]Warnings

• Always check that items used are food safe first. Lead leaching from great Uncle Bulgaria's heirloom snuffbox used as a pillar is a no-no.
• Don't make too many layers from a mish-mash of items. Very tall cake stands should be custom-made and carefully screwed together to avoid toppling and breakage. Homemade cupcake stands are limited by the weight and balance of the objects used, so stick to four to five layers as your outermost limit.
• Wash everything well before using to display food.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Base layers: Trays, platters, plates, large bowls, etc.
• Layers: Plates, platters, CDs, strong cardboard rounds, etc.
• Pillars: Vases, cups, glasses, eggcups, sugar bowls, covered cans, mugs, pencil holders, etc.
• Paper doilies for decoration, optional but pretty
• Wrapping paper or cloth for covering up the less pretty things you're using as layers
• In some cases, you may need non-slip mats underneath the whole arrangement, depending on what you're balancing the stand on; antique furniture should always have some form of protection when placing things on it

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

You're likely super excited about your upcoming long weekend, and planning what you're going to do is part of the fun! A long weekend is the perfect time to make memories, whether you take a trip or stay home. To get the most out of your weekend, decide what you're going to do before the weekend starts. You deserve time to rest and have fun, so use your time off to something you enjoy.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Going on a Weekend Getaway

1. Compare taking a road trip versus taking a flight. Generally, short road trips are the best way to spend a long weekend because they'll allow you to spend more time enjoying your destination. However, you might choose to book a flight if you want to go further from home. Plan a road trip if your destination is 2-3 hours away, but consider flying if you want to travel further from home.^[1]
   
   • Check the cost of plane tickets and the price of gas to figure out how much more expensive it would be to fly. You might be able to find deals for some destinations.
   • A long road trip could work for you if you want to stop in other cities along the way.
   • Talk to your travel companions about what they want to do if you're traveling with others.
2. Plan a trip to visit friends and family in another city. You might be able to have a fun, low-cost weekend getaway by staying with someone you know. Contact your closest friends and family members and ask if they can accommodate you for the weekend. Offer to bring them a host gift or to pay for a group outing in exchange for staying at their home.^[2]
   
   • If you can't stay with family or friends, you can still visit them! Ask if they can meet up for an afternoon or to have dinner, and make sure to get recommendations for things to do while in town.
3. Book a trip if you can afford a hotel and travel costs. Maximize a long weekend by taking a mini-vacation. You might go somewhere exciting, like Las Vegas or New York City, but you could also stay closer to home. Make travel and hotel arrangements ahead of time so you won't have to worry about everything being booked up. Then, enjoy your whirlwind trip.^[3]
   
   • Make the most of a short vacation by leaving as soon as you can on Friday evening and returning as late as possible on Sunday.
4. Travel to a nearby city for a weekend getaway. You don’t need to go far to have fun! Go on a short road trip to a city or town that’s close to home. Both big and small cities will provide a fun change of pace.^[4]
   
   • Pick a major city if there’s one close to you. For instance, visit Chicago, Seattle, Portland, Houston, Austin, New Orleans, Atlanta, Boulder, Miami Beach, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, or New York.
   • If there aren’t any big cities near you, don’t worry! You can still have fun in another small town. Check out their local eateries, parks, and shops.
5. Look for quirky hotels, restaurants, and activities to enjoy. Many cities and towns boast something unique that will create a memorable experience for you. This might include a funky restaurant, a trendy boutique hotel, or a local landmark, such as a big ball of yarn or a large fire hydrant. Schedule visits to the quirky attractions in the city you choose for your getaway.^[5]
   
   • If you’re staying overnight, focus on boutique hotels that have a unique flavor or pick an Airbnb to experience the city like a local.
   • When eating out, check online to find the hotspot bars and restaurants where you’re going. You might visit a teahouse, food truck park, or fusion restaurant that combines different cuisines.
   • Check the city’s website to find a listing of any special events happening over the weekend. Similarly, learn about the city’s popular attractions, like museums.
   • You can find a list of fun attractions near you here: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/
6. Schedule activities in advance to maximize your trip. When traveling over a long weekend, it's easy to feel like all you did was arrive and depart. Doing a variety of activities on your getaway will help you feel like you took a full trip. Plan how you'll spend each day and book reservations for your activities, if necessary. Be sure to leave transition time between activities so you don't get behind schedule.^[6]
   
   • For example, your Saturday plans in a beach town might include watching the sunrise over the ocean, eating breakfast at a local cafe, going to a museum, eating lunch at a food truck, swimming in the ocean, eating dinner at a popular seaside restaurant, and watching a movie with your family.
   • Some activities may fill up or sell out over the weekend, so it's best to book things before you go.^[7]
7. Build anticipation by talking about your trip in the days before it. Discussing what you'll do on your trip before you go can help you feel like your trip was longer than it really was. Talk to your family and friends about your travel plans. Additionally, look at photos of the place where you'll be going and read advice from other travelers about how to get the most out of your experiences.^[8]
   
   • Say things like, "I can't wait to hit the slopes this weekend," or "This time tomorrow I'll be relaxing on a beach. I can't wait to feel the sand between my toes."
   • When it comes to finding tips, you might read reviews about a famous restaurant you want to visit to find out when you're less likely to have to wait for a table.
8. Check out a state landmark or historical site for an educational activity. Most areas have an important landmark or site nearby that is open for visitors. Travel to a landmark or historical location to walk the grounds, read the posted facts, and take photos. Invite family and friends to join you so you can all talk about what you learned.^[9]
   
   • For instance, you might visit the Alamo if you’re in Texas, the Statue of Liberty if you’re in New York, Independence Hall if you live near Philadelphia, Mount Rushmore if you’re near South Dakota, or Alcatraz Island if you’re near California.

[Edit]Enjoying the Great Outdoors

1. Go on a hiking or camping trip during cool, clear weather conditions. Spending time outdoors relaxes you and stokes your adventurous spirit. Plan a hike at a local park or nature reserve. If you want to camp overnight, reserve a camping spot, pack your camping gear, and invite others to go with you.^[10]
   
   • If you’re camping, make sure your tent can hold everyone who is coming.
   • If you live in a warm area, spring and fall might be the best time for hiking and camping. In cooler areas, late spring, summer, and early fall might be the best time to go hiking or camping.
2. Hang out at the beach or lake on a warm, sunny weekend. A fun day at the beach can give you instant vacation vibes. If the weather is warm and clear, there’s no better place than the beach or lakeside. Pack up your bathing suit, blankets, towels, and a picnic. Then, enjoy a long day at the beach or lake.^[11]
   
   • You can visit the beach or lake for a day trip or a weekend-long getaway.
3. Visit a state or national park during spring, summer, or fall. National parks allow you to see natural wonders and wildlife up close, so they can give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Find the national park that's closest to you. Check the hours for the park and purchase tickets, if necessary. On the day of your visit, wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes to the park and carry drinking water with you.^[12]
   
   • For example, you might visit the Rocky Mountain National Park or Yellowstone National Park.
   • You can find a park near you by visiting here: https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm
4. Take a ski trip in the mountains during snowy breaks. A visit to the mountains lets you enjoy an exhilarating adventure and cuddle by a fire. During cold weather, a trip to the mountains might be your perfect long weekend holiday getaway. Book a short stay at a mountain lodge or ski resort, then spend your free time on the slopes.^[13]
   
   • For instance, you might spend your weekend in Aspen, CO, Bend, OR, or Whistler, British Columbia.

[Edit]Touring Your Town

1. Plan a special activity for each day and night. Make your long weekend special by pretending you're on vacation. Schedule fun events for each day to help keep your weekend exciting. Look for special events like concerts, parades, and festivals that are happening over the weekend. Additionally, pick activities you might do if you were vacationing in your city.^[14]
   
   • For instance, you might see a movie Friday night, visit a museum and a new restaurant on Saturday, play mini-golf and watch live music on Sunday, and join friends or family at a local park on Monday.
2. Spend an afternoon at the park. Parks are fun because they have playground equipment, walking paths, and attractive nature elements. Visit your local park for a picnic, games, or scenic walk. Make it an even more fun afternoon by inviting friends and family! Here are some activities you might try:^[15]
   
   • Bring board games and play at a picnic table or on a blanket.
   • Kick around a soccer or kickball.
   • Play a pickup game of baseball.
   • Draw on the sidewalk with chalk if it’s allowed.
   • Play badminton.
3. Eat at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try. Sampling some new cuisine is a fun way to mix things up without having to travel outside your hometown. Pick a restaurant that you’ve never tried before or a place that has a lot of different kinds of dishes. Then, order something that you typically wouldn’t get.^[16]
   
   • If your city or town has limited restaurants, you might order a different entree at your favorite eatery.
4. Visit a local attraction in your city or town. It’s easy to forget about the fun things your city and town has to offer, and a long weekend is a perfect time to remind yourself that there’s fun all around you. Pretend like you’re on a vacation in your hometown and enjoy the recreational activities available. Here are some great options:^[17]
   
   • Play mini-golf.
   • Go bowling.
   • Tour a local museum.
   • Visit a nearby winery or brewery.
   • Walk along a local waterfront.
   • Go to the zoo.
   • Take a painting class.
5. Look for local events happening over the weekend. You never know what fun activities are going on until you look! There might be a movie screening, a farmers' market, a festival, or something else going on in your town that you never knew about—and a long weekend is the time to try it out.
   
   • To find fun events going on in your town, look for community boards where people can post flyers about what's happening. These can often be found in cafes, libraries, supermarkets, or public buildings.

[Edit]Enjoying Your Break at Home

1. Spend your extra time working on a hobby. Your busy work or school week can make it hard to do the things you enjoy. A long weekend is the perfect time to engage in a favorite hobby. Dedicate a few hours over the weekend to your hobbies. For instance, you might do the following:^[18]
   
   • Knit a scarf.
   • Paint.
   • Build a birdhouse or shelf.
   • Write a short story.
   • Play a game.
   • Practice the guitar.
   • Make homemade bath products.
2. Read a book that captures your full attention. Reading can be a great escape, so it’s an excellent weekend activity. Pick a book that you find interesting and engaging. Then, snuggle up with a blanket and warm beverage so you can read in comfort.^[19]
   
   • As an example, you might pick a fantasy, science fiction, or adventure novel if you want to be transported to another world. On the other hand, you might pick a cozy mystery if you want a quirky puzzle to solve.
3. Binge watch a TV show or movie franchise that’s in your queue. Diving into a TV show or movie is a fun way to rest and relax. Best of all, you can likely do it for free. Pick a show that you’ve been wanting to watch or re-watch your favorites.^[20]
   
   • If you like, invite a friend or family member to enjoy a marathon with you.
4. Make a big meal for your family or friends. Enjoying a meal with people you care about is a great way to make memories, relax, and remind yourself what’s important. Invite friends and family to your home for lunch or dinner. Then, cook up a tasty meal or ask everyone to bring their favorite dish.^[21]
   
   • For example, you might host a picnic or barbeque if it’s warm outside.
   • On a cool day, make a big pot of chili or gumbo to share with those you love.
5. Complete a major home improvement project. You likely have projects that you want to tackle but just don’t have enough time to do. Luckily, a long weekend can be the perfect time to get these things done. Choose a project that will help you feel happier and more content at home. For instance, you might do 1 of the following:^[22]
   
   • Clear out your clutter and organize your home.
   • Redecorate a room in your home.
   • Paint a room.
   • Plant a garden.
   • Fix your car.
   • Lay stones for a new patio.
   • Get deck furniture.
   • Build a swing set.
6. Catch up or work ahead on work or school assignments. While it’s important to use your vacation to relax, you might decide to work if it’ll make your life easier in the future. Carve out a few hours in your weekend to take care of assignments or projects that are behind the deadline or to work a day or 2 ahead. However, remember to relax a bit, as well.^[23]
   
   • For example, you might catch up on a reading assignment for school or start working on a research paper you know is due soon.
   • Similarly, you might finish up a presentation for work that needs to be submitted as soon as possible.

[Edit]Tips

• It’s best to plan out your activities in advance so you can make arrangements to do everything you’d like to do. However, try to stay flexible so your fun weekend doesn’t become stressful.^[24]
• Give yourself permission to relax and have fun so you can enjoy your break.^[25]

[Edit]References

Trying to keep track of your inventory using Excel? There are a couple easy ways to go about this task — you can use a pre-formatted inventory list template to do this, or you can manually create your sheet. This wikiHow guide shows you how to manage your business' inventory using an Excel spreadsheet on a Windows or Mac computer.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• To use a template, click the "New" tab in Excel and search for "inventory" in the search bar.
• To create your own template, start a new spreadsheet and add column headers.
• Columns can include the SKU, item name, quantity, and unit price for items.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using a Template

1. Click the tab. It's an option in the left menu. There are plenty of great template options for keeping inventory and controlling inventory for your business.
   
   • On Mac, first click File in the upper-left corner, then click New from Template… in the drop-down menu.
2. Click the search bar. It's at the top of the Excel New tab, under the Blank workbook button. It will say "Search for online templates."
   
3. Search for inventory list templates. To do so:
   
   • Type into the search bar at the top of the page.
   • Press . This will bring up a list of templates for inventory management.
4. Select a template. Click the inventory template that best suits your needs. Its preview page will open.
   
   • Each inventory list template offers different features. If you don't like the template you've selected, press to return to the templates page.
5. Click . It's to the right of the template's preview window.
   
6. Wait for your template to load. This may take a few seconds. Once the template is open, you can proceed.
   
7. Enter your inventory information. To change a pre-filled cell, double-click it, delete the number or word there, and enter your item's information. While your selected template may have slightly different options, every inventory list should include the following options:
   
   • Item Number - An item's inventory (SKU) number.
   • Item Name - An item's descriptive name.
   • Item Cost - The cost of one item.
   • Number in Stock - The quantity of an item in your inventory.
   • Net Value - The total value of an item's stock.
8. Add an image for each item. You can add a picture of each inventory item. These images will go in a new "Images" column. To add images:
   
   • Go to the Insert tab and select Illustrations > Pictures > This Device.
   • Click the image file and then click Insert.
   • Right-click (Windows) or ctrl-click (Mac) the image and select Format Picture.
   • Click the Size & Properties tab button > click the Properties drop-down > select Move and size with cells.
   • Drag the size anchors on the image to adjust its size to what you need for your inventory.
   • Adjust the row and column width for your image column to fit the image.
9. Save your work. To do so:
   
   • Windows:
     • Click File and then click Save As.
     • Navigate to the location where you want to save the file.
     • Type a name for the document (e.g., "Inventory List") into the "File name" text box.
     • Click Save.
   • Mac:
     • Click File and then click Save As.
     • Type a name for the document (e.g., "Inventory List") into the "Save As" field.
     • Select a save location by clicking the Where box and clicking a folder.
     • Click Save.

[Edit]Creating from Scratch

1. Click . This box is in the upper-left side of the Home tab in Excel. If you're trying to maintain inventory accuracy, a custom-made spreadsheet can go a long way!
   
2. Create your inventory list headers. In the following cells, enter the following headers:
   
   • A1 -
   • B1 -
   • C1 -
   • D1 -
   • E1 -
   • F1 - (optional)
3. Adjust the column widths. Click the space between two column letters (e.g., A and B) at the top of the sheet, then drag the mouse to the right to widen the column.
   
4. Enter an item's inventory number. To do so:
   
   • Click cell A2.
   • Type in your item's inventory number (e.g, ).
   • Press .
5. Add an item's name. Click cell B2, and then enter the item's official name (e.g., ).
   
6. Enter the item's cost per unit. Click cell C2, then enter the item's individual cost (e.g., ).
   
7. Add the total number of that item that you have on-hand. Click cell D2, then enter the number of items that you have in stock (for example, if you have 80 cable ties on-hand, you'd enter ).
   
8. Enter the net value formula. To do so:
   
   • Click cell E2.
   • Type into the cell.
   • Press . You should immediately see the calculated net value appear in the cell.
   • You can repeat this general formula for every cell in the "Net Value" column—just make sure that you replace C2 and D2 with the correct cells (for example, if you're multiplying values in cells C10 and D10, you'd use those cells instead of C2 and D2).
9. Add the rest of your items to the inventory list. Repeat the above process for each item in your inventory. You'll assign one item to each row until your list is full. You're off to a great start developing an inventory system for your company.
   
10. Add an image for each item. You can add a picture of each inventory item. These images will go in a new "Images" column. To add images:
    
    • Go to the Insert tab and select Illustrations > Pictures > This Device.
    • Click the image file and then click Insert.
    • Right-click (Windows) or ctrl-click (Mac) the image and select Format Picture.
    • Click the Size & Properties tab button > click the Properties drop-down > select Move and size with cells.
    • Drag the size anchors on the image to adjust its size to what you need for your inventory.
    • Adjust the row and column width for your image column to fit the image.
11. Save your work. To do so:
    
    • Windows:
      • Click File and then click Save As.
      • Navigate to the location where you want to save the file.
      • Type a name for the document (e.g., "Inventory List") into the "File name" text box.
      • Click Save.
    • Mac:
      • Click File and then click Save As.
      • Type a name for the document (e.g., "Inventory List") into the "Save As" field.
      • Select a save location by clicking the Where box and clicking a folder.
      • Click Save.

[Edit]Tips

• You can add another sheet to your workbook by clicking ＋ in the lower-left side of the page.
• Next, check out how to easily calculate inventory turnover.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Move Columns in Excel
• Add a Filter in Excel 2007
• Create a Graph in Excel
• Prepare Amortization Schedule in Excel

Choosing a place to go when you have the opportunity to travel can sometimes be overwhelming. However, you can easily narrow your choices down with a thoughtful approach. Considering basic concerns, like what you and everyone else coming along enjoys doing, is an important first step. From there, factoring in how much money and time you have will further help you choose between destinations. Finally, comparing your final choices based on additional concerns, like the time of year and ease of travelling, will help you decide between them.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Determining Goals and Desires

1. Consider your interests. Write a list of activities that you enjoy. Brainstorm others that you would like to try for the first time. Narrow down your destination options by knowing exactly what you expect to be there waiting for you.^[1] Such activities could include:
   
   • Physical pastimes, like hiking, swimming, or skiing.
   • Cultural activities, such as museums, dining, and theater.
   • Rest and relaxation, such as spa treatments or simply reading a book poolside.
2. Factor in your current needs. Now that you have created a list of things you enjoy in general, take a step back. Examine your life and situation as it stands today. Ask yourself what you would want most out of a trip if you were to go on one this minute. Then go back through your list and cross out those activities that don’t suit your needs at the moment.^[2]
   
   • For example, if you’ve been working 60 hours per week, fixing your house up during your off-hours, and training for a marathon, you might appreciate more laidback activities that will allow you to unwind, such as sightseeing or cultural/cuisine related experiences.
   • Conversely, if you’re bored stiff by your routine, you may want to climb out of your rut by challenging yourself with more adventurous pursuits, such as waterskiing or even skydiving.
3. Take fellow travellers into account. If anyone will be travelling with you (such as family or a significant other), have them write their own list(s) of preferred pastimes. Share your lists as a group. Discover which activities everyone hopes to experience so you focus on destinations that will make everybody happy.^[3]
   
   • If there’s an odd duck in the group whose interests don’t match everyone else’s, ask them to prioritize items on their list so at least some of their expectations are met. For example, if their #1 priority is hiking, while everyone else is more interested in museums, shopping, and theater, consider going to a city that also offers a lot of walking tours.
   • If only you and your significant other are going on this trip, and your lists don’t match, consider letting one person decide on a destination this time around, and then let the other decide your next trip.
4. Research travel destinations. Consult online and print publications to find locations offering the experiences that you are seeking and that can accommodate the group you’re traveling with (or just you). Use tourism websites, travel blogs, and travel guides to gain an idea of what is out there. Search by location (say, "Italy") or interests (like "Top 10 Destinations for Rock Climbing").^[4] Ask friends, family, or other associates for recommendations and warnings based on their own travels. However, maintain a healthy skepticism when researching. Be on the lookout for:
   
   • Sources that are attempting to sell you something.
   • Out-of-date information
   • Reviews based on a different set of criteria than yours.

[Edit]Evaluating Finances and Time

1. Determine your budget. Figure out exactly how much you can afford to spend on travel, so that you aren’t breaking the bank for this trip. At the same time, determine what luxuries you can and can’t do without. With this info, whittle your list of preferred destinations down even further according to cost.^[5]
   
   • Ask yourself if you are willing to stay at a campground or hostel in order to see the sights you want to see, or if you need comfier accommodations.
   • Make the same call regarding food: is dining out an integral part of your dream vacation, or are you willing to live on peanut butter sandwiches to reduce costs?
2. Research costs of living. First, come up with a list of items that you expect to purchase while travelling. Then, for each destination you have in mind, research the costs of those items to make sure they don’t exceed your budget. Remember that an American dollar, for example, doesn’t go as far in NYC as it might in Smalltown, USA.^[6]
   
   • Factor in basic items (like, say, grilled cheese sandwiches if that’s what you’ll be living on) as well as items specific to your trip (such as theater tickets).
   • If you are considering other countries, also factor in the exchange rate between their currency and yours.
   • Also consider whether each destination has a tourist season, when costs may rise above their off-season norm.^[7]
3. Decide how much time you have to travel. Now that you have a firm budget, figure out how long it has to last you. Determine how many days (including travel time) you will spend away from home. Use this number to better decide which activities you want to focus on and how much money you are willing to spend on them.^[8]
   
   • A brief trip (like a week or two) may enable you to spend more on luxuries like fine dining and accommodations. Or, it may make a steady diet of PB&J seem more doable so you can spend your money on things like scuba gear rentals, Broadway tickets, or high-end shopping.^[9]
   • A longer trip of a few weeks will allow you to visit multiple places, such as all of Holland instead of just Amsterdam. You may have to sacrifice some luxuries in order to stretch your budget, but with so much time at your disposal, you can also utilize more cost-cutting options, such as indirect flights.
   • If you’re traveling with children, you’ll also need to consider their school schedule and whether or not you want them missing school.
4. Consider travel deals. Look for all-inclusive or partially-inclusive travel deals that charge a flat fee for things like travel fare, accommodations, and food. Sign up for alerts from companies offering discounted travel or lodging. If you plan on traveling regularly, find companies that offer loyalty programs.^[10]
   

[Edit]Considering Safety and Convenience

1. Think about convenience. Research the realities of day-to-day life in your dream destinations, as well as any hurdles that you will have to overcome in order to get there. Then ask yourself how much hassle you are willing to endure in order to travel. Weigh this against the benefits of travelling there to make sure that your trip will still be a positive experience in the end. Consider things like:^[11]
   
   • Whether you will need to get a passport, visa, and/or vaccinations beforehand (which will also have to be factored into your budget).
   • How developed their infrastructure is in terms of medical services, public transportation, roads, internet and cellphone service, and availability of ATMs and/or currency exchanges.
   • How comfortable you’ll feel when visiting a country or region where you don’t speak the local language.
   • What special needs you or fellow travelers may require based on age, disabilities, or medical conditions.
2. Consider the season. In addition to deciding how long you will be travelling, decide when you’ll be going. For each destination, research what weather you should expect during this timeframe. Decide whether these conditions are tolerable to you. Then judge their impact on the activities you hope to pursue while there.^[12]
   
   • For example, if you don’t mind the extra heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, there is little difference between visiting Puerto Rico in the summer and any other time of the year.
   • On the other hand, if you’re an outdoorsy type who hates the bitter cold, but who can only currently travel during the winter, you may want to postpone that trip to Maine for another time.
   • Also consider the weather's impact on your health or those who will be joining you, based on age, medical history, and current health.
3. Take special events into account. Of course, a special event (like spending New Year’s Eve in Times Square) may be part of a destination’s draw for you.^[13] But if not, research each destination’s cultural calendar to see if they will be hosting any big activities during your stay there. If so, gauge whether this will add or detract from your own experience.
   
   • Research how large of a crowd will attend based on past numbers. Then find out how this number affects availability for things like accommodations, tickets, restaurant seating, and transportation.
   • Consider the nature of the event versus the people you will be travelling with. Planning a family vacation to, say, Daytona Beach during spring break may not be the best idea.
4. Make sure the destination is safe. Stay up-to-date about the current environment for each destination. Although it is impossible to foresee every eventuality, be on the lookout for any trends that indicate consistent danger. If traveling abroad, refer to government websites (such as https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html) for alerts and warnings about specific areas. Always consider:^[14]
   
   • Health risks, such as outbreaks of diseases.
   • Civil unrest, like protests, riots, rebellions, and war.
   • Spikes and trends in crime.
   • Environmental concerns, like seasons of high-risk (such as hurricane or wildfire seasons).

[Edit]Making the Final Decision

1. Review your final choices. If you’ve narrowed your list to a couple of choices instead of one stand-out, compare the two. Apply the same criteria that you used to eliminate other choices. Find out if one seems more sensible, doable, and enjoyable than the other.
   
2. Follow your gut. If your final choices still seem equally appealing after a second comparison, forget the checklist. Take a step back, clear your head, and give yourself some time. Wait to see which destination you find yourself dreaming about more. Listen to your heart and go with that.
   
3. Compromise with fellow travelers. If your group is equally torn between two destinations, work toward an agreement. Ask for everyone’s reasons for their preferred choice. Based on these, try to find a solution by considering things like:
   
   • The likelihood of being able to travel as a group again in the future so you can visit both.
   • Whether individuals in the group will have a chance to go to their top pick on their own in the future.
   • Timely considerations, like the season, special events, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
   • Whether a previous option that has already been nixed for this or that reason should be reconsidered if everyone can agree to it.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Choose a Travel Partner

[Edit]References

Parchment paper, also often called “baking paper,” is a super handy item to have in your kitchen! It can be used on baking sheets, inside cake pans, and on other baking containers to act as a barrier between the dish and the food being baked or cooked. It keeps food from sticking or burning on the baking dish, and it makes food much easier to remove from those dishes once they’ve been cooked.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Creating Baked Treats with Parchment Paper

1. Use parchment paper to make brownies and cakes so they don’t stick.^[1] Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of a baking tray. Make it long enough so that the edges of the paper extend over the lip of the tray . Cut a second piece of parchment paper to go the opposite direction across the tray so that all the edges are covered. Pour the batter in on top of the parchment paper. When the brownies or cake are done cooking, simply lift the parchment paper out of the baking tray to easily remove the baked goods.^[2]
   
   • For a round cake tin, cut a circle of parchment paper for the bottom of the tray, and then grease or butter the sides of the tin like you normally would.
   • To keep the parchment paper itself from slipping, spray just a little bit of cooking spray or add some grease to the corners. This will make the parchment paper stick to the sheet or tray, and it won’t move when you start adding batter or cookies to it.^[3]
2. Keep your counters clean by decorating baked goods on parchment. When you need to drizzle sauces or decorate baked goods with sprinkles, lay them out on parchment paper before you begin. After you’ve finished decorating things, simply throw away the parchment paper.^[4]
   
   • For extra help containing those sprinkles, lay the parchment paper on a baking sheet that has an edge around it. That way the sprinkles will stay on the parchment paper and in the baking sheet, no matter what.
3. Line a baking sheet to keep cookies from sticking. The next time you bake cookies, cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of your baking sheet. Place the cookies on the parchment paper, and then cook them as you normally would.^[5]
   
   • The parchment paper distributes the heat to the cookies more evenly, keeps the bottoms from burning, and prevents the cookies from spreading too wide as they bake.
4. Cut squares to put in the bottom of muffin tins. When making muffins, cut out a parchment square for each individual tin. Place a square into each tin, and then press them down with a thin glass, so that the bottom creases around the edges of the tin. Then pour in your batter and cook the muffins according to the recipe.^[6]
   
   • When the muffins are done baking, you should be able to turn them out easily onto a clean linen towel and peel the parchment off of the bottoms of the muffins.
5. Fashion a pastry bag out of parchment paper to decorate baked goods. Take a square of parchment paper, and roll it into a cone shape. Fill it with frosting, snip off the end of the cone with a pair of scissors, and decorate your baked goods!^[7]
   
   • You won’t get any pretty designs in your frosting from the parchment paper pastry bag, but it’ll allow you to frost and decorate baked goods when you find yourself without a real pastry bag.

[Edit]Cooking Savory Goods with Parchment Paper

1. Roast veggies and acidic fruits on parchment paper. Veggies will be easy to clean up, and fruits like strawberries or tomatoes will have a great flavor. Lay a piece of cut parchment paper over a baking sheet, and layer your fruits or veggies evenly across it. Bake them as you normally would, and throw away the parchment paper when they’re done.^[8]
   
   • Aluminum pans can make acidic fruits taste really bitter, and the acid from the fruits could also react with the pan, causing damage.
   • Some vegetables cook better with aluminum foil rather than parchment paper: potatoes, beets, corn, and cauliflower get softer in aluminum foil than they would if cooked on parchment paper.^[9]
2. Use parchment paper to roast tender, juicy meats. Whether you’re cooking chicken, beef, or pork, cut out a sheet of parchment paper to fit on the bottom of a baking sheet. Place the prepared protein on the baking sheet, and cook it in the oven as you normally would. Once you’re done with your meal, simply throw out the parchment paper.^[10]
   
   • If you’re roasting an entire chicken or turkey, use aluminum foil rather than parchment paper. The foil will keep that quantity of meat more moist than parchment paper would.
3. Protect fish by cooking fillets on a sheet lined with parchment paper. Cooking fish directly on a baking sheet often results in the skin of the fish sticking to the pan. Line the sheet with parchment paper, and cook the fish on that instead. When the fish is done, it should easily slide off of the paper.^[11]
   
   • This is an especially great method to use when cooking fish that still has its skin on.
4. Roll specialty homemade butters in parchment paper. Butter infused with different herbs is delicious and makes a great gift. After you’ve made the butter, put it in the middle of a large piece of parchment paper. Then use the paper to mold and roll the butter into whatever shape you’d like, whether that’s a round ball or a log.^[12]
   
   • You can use this same method for rolling out slice-and-bake cookie dough.
5. Make a steaming pouch out of parchment paper for vegetables. Fold a piece of parchment paper in half, and then cut the paper into the shape of a heart. Put your prepared veggies (and fish, too, if you want) in the middle of the parchment paper. Roll the edges of the parchment paper up toward the vegetables as tightly as you can, creating a seal overtop of them. Put the parchment packet on a baking sheet, and bake them like you normally would.^[13]
   
   • The parchment can come up over the veggies, or it can just create walls around the ingredients. Either way, you should get steamed veggies and have very little left to clean up.
6. Line a baking dish with parchment paper when making casseroles. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit your baking dish, with the edges of the paper coming up slightly higher than the natural edge of the dish. Cut a second sheet of parchment paper to lay in the dish going the opposite direction so that all sides are covered with paper. Pour or assemble the casserole inside the lined dish, and bake it in the oven. When the casserole is done and has cooled for 10 minutes, lift the entire thing out of the oven by grabbing the protruding ends of parchment paper.^[14]
   
   • This also makes it a lot easier to cut the casserole. Just do it on top of the parchment paper, and then throw it out or compost it once you’re done.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Parchment paper and wax paper are different products. Wax paper shouldn’t be put into the oven, whereas parchment paper can be baked up to .
• Most parchment paper is compostable, so think twice before you throw it out! If it isn’t too badly burnt or messy, add it to your composting pile.

[Edit]Warnings

• Never use parchment paper in the broiler! It can burst into flames if it gets too close to the broiler.^[15]

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

• Parchment Paper
• Scissors

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Make Parchment Like Paper for Writing
• Line a Cake Tin
• Bake With Silicone Cupcake Liners
• Make a Spongy Chocolate Cake

[Edit]Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about using parchment paper in cooking, check out our in-depth with [v162213_b01].

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Reflection is the art of pondering on one's virtues and faults. It is also the ability to reflect on the "here and now", on your feelings and thoughts. This also includes reflecting on the thoughts, emotions and the feelings of others. Reflection can be a useful way to make positive changes in life as you assess and evaluate the decisions you've made in the past. This may require letting go of some people or ways of thinking and retaining others. Learning how to reflect on your own life, your experiences, and the lives of others can help you grow as a person and make informed choices to shape your future.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Learning How to Reflect

1. Find time to reflect. If you have a hard time balancing your work life and your personal life, it may seem impossible to add in time to reflect. However, reflection can take place anywhere at any time. Some mental health experts recommend taking time during daily tasks and errands to reflect, if you cannot commit to a longer period of reflection. The key is identifying little "pockets" of time that are otherwise wasted everyday, and dedicating that time to reflect, no matter how short the time span may be.^[1]
   
   • Reflect in bed, either right before getting up after your alarm has gone off, or right before you fall asleep when you're lying down for the night. It can be an invaluable time to prepare yourself for the day ahead (in the morning), or to process the events of the day (in the evening).^[2]
   • Reflect in the shower. It's an ideal time for reflection, as it may be one of the few chances for real solitude in your day. Being in the shower is also emotionally comforting for many people, which may make it easier to reflect on upsetting or unpleasant events and memories.^[3]
   • Make the most of your commute. If you drive to work and find yourself stuck in traffic, take a few minutes to turn off the radio and reflect on anything that has been troubling you or making you anxious. If you take public transportation, put down your book or headphones for a few minutes and let yourself reflect on the day ahead or the day you're coming home from.^[4]
2. Be still. It may be easier said than done, but one of the biggest factors in taking time to reflect should be stillness and, if possible, solitude. Let yourself Relax, sit and breathe mindfully, and try to block out any surrounding distractions. That may be as simple as turning off the television, or as difficult as blocking out a cacophony of sound and chaos. Whatever your surroundings may be, allow yourself time to be still and alone, even if you can only be alone with your thoughts and not physically alone.^[5]
   
   • Studies show that taking time to be still can have positive effects on your health and energy levels, and may boost productivity.^[6]
3. Reflect on yourself and your experiences. During moments of stillness, your thoughts may begin to rush with anxiety over things you need to do or should have done differently. Those thoughts are not necessarily bad, as they could be an important part of reflecting at the start or end of your day. However, if you're trying to reflect on your own life, you may need to direct your thoughts, using a series of questions. Try asking yourself:
   
   • who you are, and what kind of person you are
   • what you've learned about yourself from the things you've experienced each day
   • whether you've challenged yourself to grow by questioning your thoughts, beliefs, and notions about your own life

[Edit]Using Reflection to Improve Your Life

1. Assess your core values. Your core values are the values and beliefs that ultimately shape every other aspect of your life. Reflecting on your core values can help give you a better sense of who you are as a person, and what you've worked toward your whole life. The easiest way to access and evaluate your core values is by reflecting on the question, "What is your most important trait/characteristic as a person?"^[7] This can help you cut through issues of self-esteem or self-doubt and get at what motivates you on a basic human level.
   
   • If you're not sure which values are your core values, think about how someone who knows you intimately (a child, a parent, or a partner) would describe you in a few words to others. Would they say that you are generous? Selfless? Honest? In this example, generosity, selflessness, and honesty might be some of your core values.^[8]
   • Assess whether you remain true to your core values in moments of hardship. Being in touch with your core values means always staying true to who you are and what you value as a person.^[9]
2. Analyze your goals. Some people may not think about reflection when thinking about goals, but studies show that reflection is an important component of any goal-oriented pursuit.^[10] It can be easy for a person to get caught up in day-to-day habits and routines without ever taking the time to assess the work we have been putting in to attain our goals. But without that assessment and evaluation many people get off-track or stop pursuing the goal altogether.^[11]
   
   • Reflection is a critical part of goal pursuits precisely because many people become motivated by realizing they aren't meeting their goals. Rather than letting such a realization make you feel apathetic, it may be beneficial to change your approach to failure. Instead of feeling helpless, push yourself to prove that you can accomplish your goals.^[12]
   • If you're having trouble meeting your goals, consider re-thinking your goals. Research suggests that the most successful goals are S.M.A.R.T. goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-focused, and Time-bound.^[13] Just be sure that any goal plan you develop includes a healthy component of reflection and self-assessment.
3. Change the way you think. Reflection can be an invaluable tool in changing a person's thought patterns and responses to situations. Many people lapse into "auto-pilot," our day-to-day way of dealing with people, places, and situations. However, without frequent reflection and evaluation of the way we respond to these external stimuli, it can be easy to fall into patterns of behavior that are unproductive or even damaging. Reflection can help you actively assess your situation and reappraise it to feel more positive and in control.
   
   • Stressful or otherwise difficult situations are often the most difficult to feel positive about. However, many difficult situations will ultimately benefit us.
   • Instead of feeling anxious or upset about uncontrollable situations - like having to undergo a dental procedure, for example - reframe your perception of the situation to reflect on the positive changes that will result from that procedure. In this scenario, the procedure will be a temporary inconvenience, and you will come away with a better smile, less pain, and a clean bill of health.

[Edit]Reflecting on the World Around You

1. Analyze experiences. You will have so many experiences every day that over the course of a lifetime it may be difficult to take stock of what they all meant. If you take the time to reflect each day on what a given experience meant right after it happened, however, it can be easier to process the event and your reaction to it.^[14]
   
   • Think about your reaction to the experience. How do you feel the experience went? Does that match how you anticipated the experience might go? Why or why not?^[15]
   • Did you learn anything from the experience? Is there anything you can take away from the experience that will help you better understand yourself, other people, or the world around you?^[16]
   • Does the experience you had affect the way you think or feel? Why, and in what way?^[17]
   • What can you learn about yourself from the experience and the way you reacted to it?^[18]
2. Evaluate your relationships with others. Some people find it difficult to question why they are friends with certain people, or what those friendships/relationships mean. However, it's vital to reflect on your relationships with others from time to time.^[19] In fact, some studies suggest that reflecting on former relationships can even be helpful by aiding your ability to overcome the loss of that relationship and learning where things may have gone wrong.^[20]
   
   • Keep track of the way people in your life make you feel. This can include people currently in your life, or people you've had to cut out of your life for any reason. Write these observations down in a journal or diary to help process those observations and learn from them as you develop future relationships.^[21]
   • As you reflect on your relationships, assess whether or not a given relationship with a friend or partner is actually a healthy one. For example, you may want to ask yourself whether you trust your partner, are honest with each other, understand one another, use respectful language and behavior towards one another, and are both willing to compromise on issues that cause disputes.^[22]
3. Use reflection to avoid arguments. Whether you're spending time with a partner, a friend, or a family member, there's a good chance that you've had an argument over something at some point in your relationship. Arguments often happen because two or more people allow their emotions to dictate the tone of the conversation. But by stepping back and reflecting before you speak, you can help diffuse arguments or avoid them altogether.^[23] If you sense the possibility of an argument arising, take a moment to ask yourself the following questions:
   
   • What are you feeling in the moment, and what do you need?^[24]
   • If you were to communicate how you feel and what you need, how will the other person/people involved respond?^[25]
   • What does the other person need in the moment, and how might that need affect the person's ability to understand what you need?^[26]
   • How might your words and actions appear, both to one another and to an outsider watching you communicate?^[27]
   • How have you resolved conflicts in the past that were mutually-agreeable? What did you each say or do to help diffuse the conflict and allow everyone to be happy and feel validated?^[28]
   • What is the most ideal or mutually-agreeable way to resolve the conflict, and what needs to be said/done to reach that resolution?^[29]

[Edit]Tips

• Focus using your senses and the emotion you felt at the time.
• The more you reflect the better you will get at it.
• If you a have a lot of negative thoughts, work on becoming a more positive person.

[Edit]Warnings

• If a thought you are reflecting on is very damaging, you should speak to a friend about it or seek therapy. Find closure and attempt to move forward, away from these damaging thoughts and feelings.
• It helps to be in a controlled environment (like the therapists or psychologists office) when bringing up negative and/or disturbing memories.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Meditate
• Be Calm
• Reflect on Your Life

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Blanket stitch is used for working the edges of table-covers, mantel valances, blankets, etc., or for edging any other material, including clothing. The blanket stitch is similar to the method used for the buttonhole stitch but there is more space between the stitches and a definite requirement for even regularity. This stitch is also quite easy and would be a good project to do with kids!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Beginning

1. Keep in mind the need for regular stitching when sewing blanket stitch. The blanket stitch is as much decoration as it is functional. Regular stitching with the same space between each one will make your finished product look nice and even.
   
   • You can also alter the vertical stitches for a unique look if you choose. For example, you could have one stitch closer to the edge and the next farther from the edge, then closer again and so on.
2. Choose your thread. Because the blanket stitch is decorative it is better to choose a slightly thicker thread. This way it will stand out against your fabric. It should be whichever color you prefer to go along with your fabric.
   
3. Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end of the long thread. Push the thread through the head of the needle to thread it. Leave one end long and the other shorter, about 6- 12 inches (15-30 cm). With kids, it might be better to do a double thread and tie both ends together at the long end. This way they do not get frustrated if the thread comes out of the needle.
   
   
4. Choose your stitching direction. This will either be left to right or right to left. Many prefer left to right although either direction will work fine.
   
   
5. Push the needle through the cloth from back to front about half an inch (1 cm) away from the edge. Use your left thumb to hold down the thread so it does not pull through the needle (if you have knotted both ends of the thread together then this is not necessary). Starting back to front will leave your knot on the back side where it won't be seen easily.
   
   
   • If you are sewing one layer then the knot should be on the back side of your fabric.
   • If you are sewing two layers then the knot should be between the two fabrics where it will not be seen. Once you have finished sewing the knot will be inside and the stitches will thus look neater.
   • If you are sewing in from the edge (two pieces of fabric with one on top smaller than the other) then this first stitch should come out along the bottom edge of the fabric on top.^[1]
6. Bring the thread around the edge of the fabric and back through the same spot as the first stitch. Your first and last stitches should always be two jumps in the same spot. This way the first and last stitches are vertical like the others rather than on a diagonal.
   
   
7. Push your needle through the loop you just made. If you are sewing left to right then your needle should be pushed through to the right along the edge of the fabric. The opposite is true if you are sewing right to left. This anchors your thread but is not a true stitch.
   
   

[Edit]Edge Sewing

1. Move a short distance to the right (or left if sewing right to left) and insert the needle at the upper end of the line. The thread will come out directly below on the lower line.
   
   
2.   Pull the needle through the loop that has now appeared. The loop should be underneath with your thread coming out over the top of it. You have just completed your first true blanket stitch! Proceed with the next stitch by moving to the right and inserting the needle at the upper end of the line once more .
   
   
3. When you reach the corner, poke your needle down diagonally across from the corner. You could stitch down through the same hole as the previous one or simply make a hole on the diagonal.
   
   
4. Pull your thread through the loop as in the normal blanket stitch. After poking the needle down, draw it through the loop as you would when stitching along the edge. You will now have completed your corner stitch!
   
   
5. Push the thread through vertically on the next edge. This following stitch can either be in the same hole as the corner stitch and the last one on the preceding edge, or it can be a new hole. It is personal preference as to which option you choose.
   
   

[Edit]Adding a New Thread

1. Poke your needle down as if you are beginning a new stitch but do not finish the stitch.
   
   
   • If you are sewing a single layer along the edge or sewing in from the edge then simply let the thread come out the back of the fabric.
   • If you are sewing two layers along the edge then only push the needle through the upper layer, allowing the excess thread to come out between the layers.
2. Leave enough of a loop for the next thread to pull through. This should not be so loose that there will be extra thread nor so tight that your next stitch will not be able to catch the loop as in the basic blanket stitch. You can pull the thread to the side where it would be pulled flat at the end of the stitch to determine how loose you must leave it.
   
   
3. Tie a knot in the thread tight along the fabric. You will want to tie this knot right at the edge of the fabric (either on the back side or in between the two layers) so that the thread cannot become too loose.
   
   
4. Thread your needle with your new thread. You can choose a different color for this next thread to add variety or use the same color thread. Tie a knot in the end of the thread, either in the longer end of the thread or tying both threads together at the end.
   
   
5. Start by poking through your next thread. This will begin the stitches with your added thread.
   
   
   • If you are sewing one layer along the edge then you should tie the new thread onto the knot at the end of the old thread, attaching the two together.
   • If you are sewing two layers along the edge then your new thread should start in between the two layers and come out through the back of the fabric.
   • If you are sewing in from the edge then your new thread should start the same as when you began your first stitch, from back to front along the bottom edge of the fabric.^[2]
6. Slide your needle under the loose loop you left from the previous thread. Sliding your needle under the loose loop will make it seem as though the stitching has not been interrupted. It is as though you are completing the second part of the basic blanket stitch (pulling the thread through the loop) with your new thread.
   
   
7. Pull your thread tight and continue stitching as normal. After pulling the thread tight you will push the needle down along the upper line and pull it through the loop as in the basic blanket stitch.
   
   

[Edit]Finishing

1. Repeat this stitch-through-loop until you come to the end of the fabric.
   
   
2. Connect your last stitch to your first stitch by sliding your needle sideways underneath your first stitch. This completes the edging of all your stitches.
   
   
   • If you are sewing in from the edge you will not have a stitch to slide under. You can simply poke your needle down through the back on the right side of your last stitch. Then knot the thread at the back of the fabric.
3. Poke the needle through the top of the first stitch you made and knot it at the back. This should result in two threads along the same line and complete your blanket stitch.
   
   
   • If you are sewing two layers along the edge then do not poke your needle through at the top of the first stitch. Rather loop your thread underneath your first stitch once again and before pulling it tight send your needle through the loop to make a knot. Then pull it tight.
4. Cut off the extra thread. Cut off any remaining thread to make your stitches look tidy.
   
   
   • If you are sewing two layers along the edge then you can push your needle between the layers and out through the front about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the edge. Then cut off the excess thread very close to the top layer of the fabric. The thread should be pulled inside, hiding the knot from view.
5. Add variety if you choose. Now that you have mastered the blanket stitch you can experiment with new styles for different looks. The blanket stitch may be varied in many ways by:
   
   • Sloping the stitches alternately to right and left
   • Working two or three together, and leaving a space between them and the next set; or
   • Working a second row around the edge of the cloth over the first with a different shade of wool.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• When blanket stitching around a pointed decoration piece on a quilt, keep the stitches flat by anchoring the stitch at the point on the back of the design on the quilt and bring the thread up as if it is a new thread.
• Thicker thread is usually used for making blanket stitch because the stitch itself is often a decorative element as well as a means by which to finish off the edge of fabric.
• Variations on blanket stitch include knotted blanket stitch, knotted edging, and whipped.
• Try doing this around the edge of a pillow for a nice effect.
• The blanket stitch is easy enough that it would also make a fun craft project for kids!

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Needle
• Thread
• Blanket or similar sewing project

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Cross Stitch
• Backstitch

[Edit]References

• Videos provided by Made To Sew

[Edit]Quick Summary