Tuesday, December 6, 2016

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future

Posted: 06 Dec 2016 04:00 PM PST

Dwelling on the past or focusing on the future can make you lose sight of your present life. This can make your life quickly pass you by without enjoyment of the present. If you find yourself focusing too much on past events or trauma, or worrying about the future, there are some methods that can help you learn to live for today.

EditSteps

EditForgetting Past and Future Worries

  1. Express your feelings about the past. Whatever past event you focus on, you may need to express the feelings you have associated with the event, whether good or bad, before you can move on. There may be experiences in your past that were hurtful, but there also may be good memories as well. Getting out your pent up emotions, whether good or bad, can help you let go of the past and focus on the present.
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • Talk to a friend, family member, or counselor about your feelings.
    • Try writing down your feelings about the past. You can journal or write a letter to someone that hurt you (just don't send it!).
    • Even if you're dwelling on good memories, it can cause you to lose connection with the present. You may find yourself romanticizing the past or longing for things to be the way they were, instead of focusing on how to improve your present life.[1]
  2. Forgive and forget. Focusing on who to blame for past hurts can spoil the present. Instead of dwelling on who has caused you pain, forgive them. Focus on present events and leave behind any blame or hurt you feel. If there is someone in your past that has hurt you, choose to forgive and forget. Festering in the pain doesn't harm the person who hurt you and it will cause you to stay in the past.[2]
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • If you have to, write the person a letter or talk to the person about how her past actions. You don't have to send the letter, but it will help you stop blaming her for the past and help you move toward the present and your happiness.[3][4][5]
  3. Focus on happy things. If expressing your feelings about the past has not helped, focus on happy things. You can't change the past or worry about the future, so don't dwell on it. Think about happy things happening right now.
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 3 Version 3.jpg
    • If you find this hard, create a touchstone for yourself. For example, create a happy place that you can think that connects with your current life, such as your favorite reading place in your backyard. If you find yourself thinking too much about your past or worrying about the future, imagine the happy times you have there, or even picture yourself in that comforting place.[6][7]
  4. Block your memories. If all attempts haven't worked, try blocking or pushing aside your memories. This can help you get over bad memories with enough time. Plus, pushing the bad memories far enough into the back of your mind will help them bother you less. Envision yourself pushing the worries behind a door and locking it. Giving yourself a mental image will help, especially if the memories or worries are strong.[8]
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 4 Version 3.jpg
    • Studies show that suppression is a possible and learnable skill that can help you get away from memories or break from your past. The more you do it, the better at it you will get. Every time the bad memories come up, purposefully move them to the back of your mind. Train yourself to forget about the event and make a conscious effort to move your mind past it.[9]
  5. Work through your anxiety about the future. Whenever you're having anxiety about the future, remind yourself you can only change what is in the present and focus on it. Put together a list of things that you can focus on instead that are rooted in the present. Think about the book you are in the middle of, what it must feel like to be in Hawaii this time of year, or any other scenario to keep your mind off the future. Focus on what is possible instead of things you can't change.
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 5 Version 3.jpg
    • If you're having a hard time, make yourself physical reminders of the things in the present that you love and can focus on. Keep a copy of the book you're reading with you. Print a picture of the place you most love to spend your time and look at it when you need to ground yourself.
    • It may take some practice to come up with ideas and instances that don't trigger your worries about future events. Just keep at it and you'll get it right eventually.[10][11]
  6. Get help. If these methods have not worked for you, you should seek help in order to get over your past, worry less about the future, and focus on the present. Look for a mental health professional in your area. You can ask for referrals from your doctor or ask your family and friends. You can see many different kinds of mental health professionals, such as counselors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. They are trained in suggesting coping skills to help people become more productive or constructive within their daily lives by focusing on the present.
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 6.jpg
    • Never be embarrassed to ask for help. Your mental health is very important and you should not feel strange about seeking help. It is very common and these professionals are there to help.[12]

EditDealing with Past Trauma

  1. Recognize that trauma is different from painful memories. Trauma causes psychological and physiological effects similar to anxiety and intense fear in present time – as if the trauma never ended. Bad memories bring up painful emotions such as sadness and guilt, but they do not alter your perceptions the way that acute trauma does.
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 7.jpg
    • Trauma must be dealt with in its own way and usually requires professional assistance.
    • It can sometimes take years for the symptoms of trauma to surface. You may have nightmares, disturbing thoughts, depression, phobias, anxiety, or flashbacks because of a traumatic event.[13]
    • Healing from past trauma can be a slow process, and it may be difficult to stop thinking about it for a while. Just trust that if you keep working on it, things will get better.
  2. Seek help from a group or mental health professional. Look for a counselor or program that specializes in trauma. You are in charge of your recovery, and how and when it will take place.[14] However you decide to pursue treatment, your program should offer these essential things:
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 8.jpg
    • Empowerment: Your recovery is an opportunity for you to take back control. While guidance is important, you must be in charge of your healing.[15] If your counselor suggests something that feels wrong or you're just not ready to do, you don't have to do it.
    • Validation: Your experience may have been minimized or dismissed over the years. Your group or counselor can validate what happened to you and how the trauma has shaped your life.[16]
    • Connection: Experiencing trauma can be extremely isolating. Talking with others and sharing your story with people who understand can help you start feeling connected again.[17]
  3. Confide in someone you trust. Talking about what happened to you is an important part of healing. Choose someone patient, kind, and someone who knows that what happened to you is serious. Someone who responds with things like, "Just don't think about it anymore," "Forgive and forget," or "That's not so bad," is not an appropriate person to talk to.
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 9.jpg
    • You may need to talk about your trauma over and over – make sure the person you are talking to understands that this is important. Getting it off your chest one time is good, but you will need to keep re-visiting and talking about it.[18]
    • If there's no one in your life you feel close to or trust, reach out to someone in your life that you really like. Ask them to do something fun and, if that feels good, invite them to do something else in the future.[19] Spending time with this person can help you begin to form a close relationship.
    • Be aware that talking about trauma with someone can cause them vicarious trauma, in which they experience symptoms of trauma from listening to your story of trauma. Try not to be offended if your friend can not listen to your story everyday. Family and friends are a great place to start, but if you are needing more support, a trauma counselor is trained to avoid vicarious trauma.
  4. Make a list of ways you can take care of yourself. It can be hard to think of ways to comfort yourself when you're having a difficult time. Write a list of things that make you feel better and post it in a prominent place so you can reference it easily.[20] Some possibilities include:
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 10.jpg
    • Do something creative, like painting, drawing, woodworking, needlepoint, or other crafts.
    • Get some exercise. It doesn't have to be intense – you could just go for a walk around the neighborhood. Or try running, swimming, playing a sport, dancing, hiking, or anything else that gets your body moving.[21]
    • Play with children in your family or a pet. This can have a very calming effect, which can make you feel better.[22]
    • Sing quietly or sing at the top of your lungs. Fill your lungs with fresh air and belt out your favorite tunes.[23]
    • Wear something that makes you feel good. Put on your favorite shirt or some jewelry that you enjoy wearing.[24]

EditBecoming Mindful of the Present

  1. Become aware of your surroundings. Stop rushing through life and letting your mind get stuck in the past. Instead, take in everything around you, whether it is feats of nature or man-made creations. Make a conscious effort to pay attention to each aspect of your present life.
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 11.jpg
    • For example, take a walk and look at everything around you. If you are outside, look at the trees, the ground, and all the scenery. Feel the air on your skin. If you are inside, pay attention to the color of the walls, what sounds you hear from others in your area, or how the floor feels under your feet. This will help you stay focused on the present and be mindful of your current surroundings.[25]
  2. Slow down. People often speed through life as they rush from one moment to another. Make yourself slow down and enjoy everything you do, even if it's boring. For example, pay attention to your actions when you get a snack. Grab a handful of grapes and consciously look at them. Notice their shape and size. Eat one and pay attention to the flavors. Enjoy the burst of sweetness on your tongue and the sustenance the fruit is giving you.
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 12.jpg
    • It's okay not to be thrilled with everything that happens to you every day. If you are doing a project at work that you don't like or have an obligation you don't enjoy, that's okay. Instead of rushing past it, think about what you are doing each day and experience it.[26]
  3. Change your routine. One way you can get stuck in the past without knowing it is to get stuck in a routine. Maybe you do the same thing the same way every day or at the same time every week. While routine can be comforting, it can make you feel stuck and forget about the present all together. Instead, change up your routine. Walk a different way to the bus stop or drive a different way to work.
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 13.jpg
    • Even making subtle changes can help you break out. Change what you eat every day. Incorporate newly learned words into your vocabulary every day. Anything that can make you take notice of what you do on a daily basis will help you live in the now instead of the past or future.[27]
    • If you don't want to or can't change your routine, become more mindful of your actions during your routine. Take note of how the oatmeal you eat every morning tastes or what the trees look like out the window on the way to work.[28]
  4. Pay attention to calm moments. There are points in almost every day where you might have to wait for something. You could be in line at the supermarket or waiting at a red light in your car. During these moments, resist the urge to look at your phone and instead notice things around you. Become mindful of your surroundings instead of wasting time grumbling about how you wish the line was shorter or the light would change.
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 14.jpg
    • These are great moments to take in simple, small things in your present life. Avoid using your phone to pass the time. Instead, look around you at other people in line or in cars around you. Smile at someone or strike up a conversation with the person behind you in line.
    • Keep trying things until you find the best way for you to stay in the present moment.[29]
  5. Leave yourself a reminder. In order to keep thinking about being present, especially when you first start, you may need a reminder. Tie a string around your wrist, paint one nail a bright pink color, or wear your watch upside down. Let the object serve as a reminder.
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 15.jpg
    • Every time you see the reminder object, take a few seconds to focus on the sounds, smells, and sights around you. Take stock of how you feel and what you are doing. This will help you stay focused on your current situation and not dwell on the past or future.[30]
  6. Focus on the task at hand. Instead of mindlessly doing something, take the time to do something well. Let yourself be drawn into a writing assignment for school, a project at work, or your chores around the house. Engross yourself to the point where the thoughts of the past and the future fall away.
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 16.jpg
    • This is easier if you don't multi-task. Multi-tasking can make you lose track of what you are doing and start thinking about other things, such as finishing the tasks or moving on to a different one.
    • Try doing things slower. This will help you focus your attention on your actions in the present.[31][32]
  7. Meditate. One of the best ways to focus on the now is to meditate. The goal of mediation is to push everything else aside, including fears about the past and future, and focus on the exact moment you are meditating.
    Forget the Past, Live in the Present and Not Think About the Future Step 17.jpg
    • Start by taking deep breaths in and out, focusing on the action. Push everything else out of you head and focus on the sound of your breathing. Eventually, everything else will fade away.
    • Complete mediation takes time and practice. Don't give up if you don't experience that "zen" moment immediately, or even after a few months. Keep practicing and you will eventually begin to reap the (major) benefits of meditation.[33][34]

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations


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How to Pack for a Trip

Posted: 06 Dec 2016 08:00 AM PST

How you pack plays a big role in the outcome of your trip -- if you've ever arrived at your destination only to find your suitcase splattered with the remains of a toothpaste explosion, you know this to be true! To pack for a trip, you have to organize everything you'll need while you're away and pack it all into your suitcase in a manner that reduces space while still protecting your stuff from leaks or other damage. There are also a few specific pointers to keep in mind for anyone traveling by plane or train.

EditSteps

EditSample Packing Checklist

EditPacking Your Things

  1. Make a checklist of every item you plan to take on your trip. This will include clothing, shoes, toiletries, and paperwork and possibly also maps, guidebooks, reading material, and hotel or rental car information. This checklist will also help you when packing for the trip back home as you will have a list of everything that you brought with you.
    Pack for a Trip Step 1.jpg
    • Commonly forgotten items include toothbrush/toothpaste, socks, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, pajamas, razor, and deodorant.
    • Never underestimate how quickly your space will fill up. Will you really need five pairs of shoes for three nights? And four coats? Consider the weather and what kinds of activities you will be doing. You might want to visit www.weatherchannel.com to check out how the weather will be at your destination.
  2. Plan your outfits ahead of time to avoid over-packing. If you have a decent sense of what the weather will be like, you can be very precise. If not, bring versatile items (ex. a cardigan or light jacket that goes with several of your tops, some three-quarter-sleeve shirts, jeans that look good rolled up at the bottoms) that will allow you to adapt to changing conditions. As much as possible, bring items you can get away with re-wearing. Layering is a good way to not only disguise re-worn items but also deal with changing weather.
    Pack for a Trip Step 2.jpeg
    • Stretch your travel wardrobe by color-matching. If you make sure every piece of clothing you pack works with many other pieces, you can create a host of mix-and-match possibilities.
    • Bring empty plastic bags for dirty items. If you won't have an opportunity to wash your clothes, tucking them away in a separate bag will keep you from having to mingle the clean with the dirty or sort through your stuff every time you want to change.
  3. Buy travel-size containers for your toiletries, regardless of the length of your trip. This includes your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. Unless you will be in a remote location for weeks, you can always drop into a local shop to restock your supply of soap and toothpaste. If you will be flying, there might also be restrictions on the amount of liquid or gel you can bring on the plane, meaning you may find yourself forced to choose between shampoo and toothpaste while going through airport security. Go to the airline's website to check out the guidelines.
    Pack for a Trip Step 3.jpeg
    • Put all your toiletries in a secure bag. You definitely do not want an explosion or a leak in your luggage! Oh, and again, these should be in travel sizes.
    • If you will be staying at a hotel after your arrival, you can completely skip the shampoo and conditioner and simply use what the hotel provides. (You can buy other necessities at the destination such as toothpaste.)
  4. If you will be going through customs, check your luggage prior to packing. Ensure that it is completely empty (especially if the luggage is not yours), because as soon as you're in security check, no one is responsible for its contents except you. Usually, suitcases have hidden zippers along the center or side. Open these and give it a good once-over. It is better to be safe than sorry.
    Pack for a Trip Step 4.jpeg
    • If you will be crossing borders, consider using tamper-evident products to seal your case so you can check if your luggage arrives without being breached before you go on to clear customs.
  5. Place heavy items at the bottom of your bag, especially if it is an upright model. Struggling with a rolling luggage that twists and flips in every gentle turn and falls over when you let it go is no way to move around.
    Pack for a Trip Step 5.jpeg
    • As you pack your luggage, check items off your list. Be thorough; you don't want to have to dismantle your entire bag in a panic to find out whether or not you've taken care of something.
  6. Pack clothing using the time-honored "roll" technique. Lay two or three items on top of one another, smooth to flatten, and roll them up like you would a sleeping bag to save space and prevent wrinkles. For added wrinkle insurance, place a sheet of heavy tissue or packing paper between items of clothing before rolling. Don't worry about wrinkle-prone garments; most hotel/motel/inn rooms have an iron and board in the closet for your needs, not to mention a hotel laundry service.
    Pack for a Trip Step 6.jpeg
  7. Pack sweaters, jackets, and underwear in reusable compression bags, which can create up to 75% more space in your luggage. These lock in odors, so they also work for storing dirty laundry. Compression bags work very well. Ziploc sells these. What you have to do is place the item inside, close the bag, and put the included air pump over a little one-way hole. Suck out the air with the pump. It's that easy.
    Pack for a Trip Step 7.jpg
  8. Place breakable items, like jewelry or glass, wrapped in socks and tucked into shoes inside your luggage. This ensures ultimate safety.
    Pack for a Trip Step 8.jpg
  9. Buy wide clip rings. Available at major supermarkets like Target or Walmart, these look like shower curtain rings, and can be opened and then clipped onto something to connect it. Clip important things like the passport baggie onto your handbag or carry-on and clip that to your suitcase. Big bulky bags that you must let go of while tending to other concerns are an obvious target for thieves. Keep paperwork, identification, money, and expensive items slung over your shoulder or even hidden on your body (you can buy under-clothing pouches for slim items) depending on the safety of the location. However, don't hide anything you will need immediately.
    Pack for a Trip Step 9.jpeg
  10. Bring snacks in case you get hungry. Bring light snacks for quick trips or places where you can purchase meals and heartier ones for long bus/plane/train/car rides. If you have allergies or conditions that call for certain foods (e.g. gluten-free or nut-free) and won't have many options while traveling (planes that offer meals usually cater to this), bring more filling snacks.
    Pack for a Trip Step 10.jpg
  11. Bring entertainment in case you get bored. Diaries (and pens), travel-size games, decks of cards, books, and mobile devices are huge boredom-killers during long rides.
    Pack for a Trip Step 11.jpeg
  12. Remember that trips are meant for fun and rest, not stress! Don't fret too much over organizing and planning. If it gets too stressing for you, have a traveling agency plan your voyage. Sites like tripadvisor.com or seatguru.com can help you find reviews of places, hotels, restaurants, and airlines as well as good seats and hot deals.
    Pack for a Trip Step 12.jpeg

EditPack for a Plane Ride

  1. Know which items not to bring on a plane. This applies to safety, size, weight, and even food, as there are restrictions on all of these.
    Pack for a Trip Step 13.jpeg
    • Safety restrictions vary between countries but include obvious safety hazards (knives in your carry-on, flammable liquids in any of your luggage), not-so-obvious hazards (nail clippers or files in your carry-on), and a few seemingly inexplicable items (an unopened bottle of water on US flights – unless you purchased it after going through security).
    • Weight and size restrictions depend on the airline, so check their website ahead of time for more information. Most medium duffel bags and hand luggage marketed as carry-on will be accepted into the cabin.
    • Avoid bringing peanuts on planes. These can cause allergic reactions in other passengers.
    • If crossing international borders, don't bring agricultural items (fruits, vegetables, seeds), meats, or dairy products. Though you may be able to get away with it in some countries, many regulate these items to reduce the spread of nonnative species and disease.
  2. Separate liquids from the rest of your carry-on. Liquids should be easily accessible so that you can remove them for inspection while going through security. In the US, there are very specific liquid and gel allowances:
    Pack for a Trip Step 14.jpeg
    • You are allowed to bring a maximum of 3.4 ounces of a liquid/gel per container (not total). For example, a 2-ounce bottle of shampoo, a 2-ounce bottle of toothpaste, and a 3.4-ounce bottle of face wash would be okay.
    • All individual containers of liquid must be placed together inside a resealable 1-quart bag (provided for you if necessary as you move through the security line). Before you and your luggage go through the scanners, you will have to place the bag of liquids by itself on the luggage conveyor belt so that it can be inspected if necessary.
    • To circumvent the hassle of packing and storing liquids separately, bring solid toiletries (ex. solid deodorant, powder concealer, etc.). You can also put liquids in your carry-on bag.
    • Liquid allowances don't usually apply to prescription medication (provided that you have documentation with you to verify), infant formula, breast milk, or the like. Just be sure to store these separately from your other liquids and inform an agent that you have them.
  3. Avoid checking in luggage if possible. Many airlines pad their bank accounts by charging passengers for check-in luggage. Even if you don't mind the extra expense, waiting for check-in luggage to be processed and redistributed after arrival can add another half hour or more to your airport experience – and occasionally, bags that don't make the flight must be sent to you at a much later date. If you are traveling with kids, make sure each one carries the maximum amount of luggage allowed (if possible) so that, as a group, you can bring more items into the cabin. Wear your heaviest clothing (such as jeans, running shoes/tennis shoes, sweatshirt) while traveling to save on space. Consider replacing your jeans with light-weight travel pants which take less space and dry quickly.
    Pack for a Trip Step 15.jpeg
  4. Consider getting a TSA-approved laptop bag. If you are flying in or through the US and your laptop is inside your bag together with other items, you will be asked to remove it before your things are X-rayed, which can slow down the line and create a mess if not properly organized. If you're still luggage-hunting, you might want to get a bag designed to avoid this process (usually consisting of a laptop flap that folds away from the rest of the bag so that the laptop can be X-rayed by itself without technically being removed).
    Pack for a Trip Step 16.jpeg
  5. Keep your most important items in your smallest bag. Most airlines allow one small and one medium piece of carry-on so that people are still able to bring things purses and diaper bags. Since you will most likely be stowing the larger of the two bags in the overhead bin, avoid putting things you will want during the flight (ex. a sweater, book, or snack) up there or you will have to stand in the aisle and dig through it mid-flight.
    Pack for a Trip Step 17.jpg

EditPack for a Train Ride

  1. Distribute heavy items evenly between bags. Most trains have huge luggage allowances, making them a great alternative to planes in some situations. Like on planes, these items are often stored in overhead bins, but since you may be dealing with full-sized luggage instead of little bags, lifting them up and getting them back down can be tricky. Make sure you don't have any one bag that feels like a ton of bricks or you may find yourself stuck in the aisle with shaky knees and a bag over your head asking strangers to bail you out.
    Pack for a Trip Step 18.jpg
  2. Keep valuables on your person. Stowing luggage in the overhead bin might make you feel so much like you're on a plane that you decide it's safe to put important items there, but remember that your stuff won't be monitored by attendants and that passengers get on and off trains all the time. Carry your valuables with you at all times, especially if you plan to stretch your legs, get snacks, or nap.
    Pack for a Trip Step 19.jpeg
  3. Make sure the train offers snacks before deciding not to pack any. Most trains do (or stop at places where either vendors come aboard with food or you can quickly pop out and get some), but if you're traveling in a country where you aren't as familiar with the customs or train protocol, make sure you don't find yourself on a 18-hour overnighter without a scrap of food or drink.
    Pack for a Trip Step 20.jpeg

EditVideo

EditTips

  • Don't wait until the last minute to pack for a trip. This will put more stress on you and you are more likely to forget the most important items.
  • Try to pack your clothes as compact as possible. For example, roll your shirts very tightly. Put your underwear and socks inside a zip lock bag. Push out the air slowly by continuously pushing or rolling the zip lock bag. If it's very compact (like 2 times less volume than the original size) you can now lock the zip lock bag. No need for a vacuum. You can put small clothes inside the zip lock bag, like babies and kids clothing, also.
  • Make sure your luggage is able to standout, or get a vibrant luggage tag.
  • Pack neatly. When folding your clothes to put in your suitcase, fold them neatly and don't just throw them in. Try to be space conserving. When you fold neatly it'll definitely give you some more space! Also, try to use every part of your suitcase, wedging errant socks into gaps whenever possible.
  • Pack the most important stuff in a large bag.
  • If you are going to a warm place be sure to pack lightly because bulky clothing is an unnecessary hassle.
  • Always have a 10% to 20% empty space on your luggage for your souvenirs, giveaways or items that will be bought while you're traveling.
  • When packing, lay your suitcase open on your bed and try on all the clothes options you have to make sure they fit you.
  • Going abroad? Make a photocopy of your passport and store it separately from the original. If you lose your real passport, having a copy will speed the replacement process.
  • Always bring your prescription from your doctor while traveling. Some countries are strict when buying medicines.
  • Use gallon size zip lock bags to pack clothes into then press the air out of the bag and seal it. this saves space and also can help keep things in you suitcase organized in sections.
  • Double check everything you want is packed. Then add or decrease if you need to.
  • First pack necessary things like clothes, phone, passport. And then you can pack other things like jewelry, food, or makeup, so you will have enough space to keep all the things you need first.
  • Ask the person who organized the trip about things you need to bring.
  • Use straws to keep necklaces untangled by feeding the necklace through the straw!
  • Pack three days before you leave for your trip, it will save time.
  • Make sure your socks are clean before you roll your jewelry and glass in it.
  • Try putting a matching outfit in one Ziplock bag at a time, so that you can take that outfit out without digging through the whole travel bag.You could keep the outfit rolled up to save space if it does not fit. Press the air out of the plastic bag to save space.
  • If you wear makeup, take concealer, foundation, powder, eyeshadow, lipstick or gloss, and a blush. Sometimes you can get two or three makeup products together, so take them, as this will save space.

EditWarnings

  • Be aware of the dangers of luggage tampering. Check your luggage prior to going through immigration to ensure its integrity.
  • Be sure to pack medications and other important items in your hand carry, not your check-in baggage. If your luggage gets misrouted, you will still have them.
  • In some countries, you are not allowed to bring in certain foods, and can get fined or arrested. Be sure to double-check what you're allowed to bring into the country.
  • Keep in mind that the FAA's airport security measures disallow many carry-on items including straight razors, scissors, and "strike-anywhere" matches. For a complete list of both prohibited and permitted items, check out TSA's chart here.

EditRelated wikiHows

How to Color White Chocolate

Posted: 06 Dec 2016 12:00 AM PST

To color chocolate, you'll need to melt it first. This is always a tricky process, and even more difficult with white chocolate, which burns easily. If possible, allow extra time to track down the right ingredients and work on a test batch.

EditSteps

EditSetting Up

  1. Choose a white chocolate. The ingredient list should tell you whether a white chocolate is made with real cocoa butter, or with a cheaper vegetable oil substitute. Imitation products are less likely to seize (turn gritty) than real chocolate. Experts tend to back real chocolate in terms of taste, but some brands of imitation chocolate compete well in blind taste tests.[1]
    Color White Chocolate Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • Use freshly purchased chocolate. Chocolate suffers in flavor and texture when stored too long, especially if it's the real deal.
    • For detailed chocolate artwork, use a thin dipping or coating chocolate.[2]
  2. Pick your food coloring. Even a drop of water can turn your melted chocolate into a gritty mess. For best results, buy powder or oil-based food coloring from a specialty baking store or online.[3] You can use the instructions below with regular liquid food coloring, but the process is much more difficult.
    Color White Chocolate Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • Oil-based food coloring is best used for light colors, since too much of the coloring can add a bitter taste and stain mouths.[4]
    • These food dyes are more concentrated than liquid dyes. They will stain clothing, skin, and countertops.
  3. Warm oil-based coloring in advance. As though keeping the chocolate dry weren't difficult enough, chocolate can also seize if the food coloring is a different temperature than the chocolate. If you are using oil-based food coloring, raise it above room temperature first.[5] (Keep other types at room temperature.)
    Color White Chocolate Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • Place the closed bottle in a zip-locked bag. Remove as much air from the bag as you can, then seal tightly.
    • Submerge the bag in a bowl of warm water for 10–15 minutes. The water should feel comfortably warm to the touch, not scalding.
    • Shake the bottle once or twice during the process to distribute heat evenly. Replace water if it has cooled to room temperature.
    • Remove the bottle from the bag and dry it thoroughly.
  4. Bring a double boiler to a simmer. If you do not have a double boiler make one from a large pan, plus a heatproof mixing bowl or small pan that can sit atop the larger one. Start with just the large pan, uncovered. Heat 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) of water until it reaches a low simmer.
    Color White Chocolate Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • Dry the top container and a stirring utensil thoroughly while you wait, even if they don't look wet. A rubber or silicone stirrer is ideal, since wooden spoons may contain absorbed moisture.[6]

EditMelting and Coloring

  1. Decide when to add the food coloring. The timing depends on which type of food coloring you are using. Read the full instructions below before you start, since you may need to change the order of the steps:
    Color White Chocolate Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • Add powdered dye as soon as the chocolate starts to melt.[7]
    • You can add oil-based dye after the chocolate melts, as long as you warmed the dye as described above.
    • Liquid dye is less likely to cause seizing if added right away, before the chocolate melts.[8] (This is why there is no need to warm the dye in advance.)
  2. Place the chocolate in the smaller container. Put the chocolate into the top portion of the double boiler, which should still be at room temperature. Place this container on top of the simmering pan. The indirect heat from the steam will warm the chocolate slowly, keeping it below seizing temperature.
    Color White Chocolate Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • If using a chocolate bar, break it into small pieces of roughly equal size.
    • Make sure your hands are completely dry. Any moisture could ruin your chocolate.
    • If using chocolate with real cocoa butter, you may set aside 1/3 of the chocolate for later use. This is only necessary if you want your chocolates to look glossy.
  3. Stir until melted. White chocolate burns very easily, and should never get above 115ºF (46ºC).[9] Keep the heat on the lowest setting, or turn it off completely if melting a small batch of chocolate. Stir slowly and constantly until smooth, then remove from heat.
    Color White Chocolate Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • If the instructions above call for adding the dye before the chocolate is melted, see below for more information.
    • If melting a large batch of chocolate (several pounds or kilos), a chocolate thermometer or an instant-read thermometer with 1 degree increments is highly recommended.[10] Keep the chocolate between 100 and 110ºF (37–43ºC).[11]
  4. Add the dye slowly. Most powdered and oil-based food dyes are more concentrated than the common liquid type. Add in small increments and stir in thoroughly before deciding whether to add more.
    Color White Chocolate Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • Shake bottled food coloring well before adding.
    • If the chocolate seizes (turns gritty), remove it from heat and stir in a neutral-flavored vegetable oil a spoonful at a time. The chocolate will usually smooth out again, but this can affect the flavor.[12]
  5. Temper the chocolate (optional). If your white chocolate contains real cocoa butter, it may end up dull and slightly soft after melting and setting. This doesn't affect the taste, but you can restore the gloss if you like by "tempering" the chocolate. There are many ways to do this. Here's a common approach that doesn't require any extra equipment except an accurate thermometer:[13][14]
    Color White Chocolate Step 9.jpg
    • Remove the chocolate from heat and wrap a towel around the base to keep it warm.
    • Add chopped, unmelted chocolate until you have a ratio of 1 part unmelted chocolate to 2 parts melted.
    • Stir constantly until the chocolate reaches 80–82ºF (27–28ºC), and all the chocolate has melted.
  6. Let the chocolate set. Many chocolatiers cool their chocolate slowly at room temperature, so it is less likely to crack or sweat. Others prefer to let it set in the refrigerator for 10–20 minutes, which may work better if your kitchen is warm or humid.[15] Store your finished chocolate in a cool, dry room away from light.
    Color White Chocolate Step 10.jpg
    • For best results, place paper towels in your refrigerator to absorb moisture.
    • If you are pouring chocolate into molds or using it as a dip, keep it warm until you've finished working with it.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Double boiler (bain marie)
  • Rubber or silicone spatula or stirrer
  • Food coloring — powdered or oil-based strongly recommended
  • Bowl & zip-locked bag (if using oil-based food coloring)
  • Additional white chocolate for tempering (optional)

EditWarnings

  • Melting chocolate is very difficult if humidity levels are above 50%.[16] Run a dehumidifier in clammy weather.

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations


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