| How to Use the Alexa App Posted: 17 Apr 2018 05:00 PM PDT This wikiHow teaches you how to use the Alexa app on your iPhone or Android phone. You may have already used the Alexa App to set up your Echo or customize its settings, but the Alexa app can be used to make Alexa calls and messages, control music playback, as well as see more detail for the questions you ask Alexa. - Open the Alexa app. It's the app that resembles a blue speech bubble with a white outline.
- If you haven't done so already, you can download the Alexa app on your Android phone from the Google Play Store or on your iPhone from the App Store, then log in with the email address and password for your Amazon account.
- Review recent questions. When you open the app, you are taken to the home screen where you can see a "card" for the most recent questions you have asked Alexa. If there is more info on your question, you can see it here or click a link on the card to see more. The extra information displayed on cards will vary depending on the question:
- "Alexa, what's the weather?" This card will have more detailed weather info, including a five-day forecast.
- "Alexa, Wikipedia otters." This card will give you link to the Wikipedia page on otters.
- "Alexa, how did the Rockets do?" This card displays a breakdown of the points by quarter and details of when the next game is scheduled.
- Tap to browse additional settings. It's the three-lined icon in the top-left corner of the screen. This will open the main menu for the Alexa app on the left-side of the screen. This offers a few options to view additional settings:
- Tap "Lists" to check-off tasks from your To-do list or take a look at your grocery list when you go to the store.
- Tap "Reminders & Alarms" to add in new reminders, look at active alarms and manage their volume and sounds, and see a countdown from your active timers which you can pause from this screen if you wish.
- Tap "Routines" to combine different Alexa functions into a single voice command. (For instance, turn on your Alexa-enabled lights and hear a traffic report when you say, "Alexa, good morning.")
- Tap "Skills" to browse or search through the Skill Store or manage your Skills by tapping "Your Skills" in the upper right corner.
- Tap the Messaging icon to send and receive Alexa messages. It looks like a speech bubble on the bottom of the screen. After importing contacts, you can send text or voice messages and make calls to other Alexa users that they will receive either on their phone or directly from their Alexa device.
- To start a new conversation or call, tap the Contacts icon. It looks like a person in the upper right corner.
- Tap the music icon to control audio playback. This icon looks like 3 vertical bars (like an equalizer) at the bottom of the screen.
- When music is playing, you can view album art, the title of the song, album, and artist, as well as controls to play/pause, skip, shuffle, and repeat. Tap "Queue" to scroll through and select a different song from the current album.
- For podcasts, you can view info on the podcast and play/pause. Tap "Queue" at the top of the screen to scroll through and select an earlier episode of the podcast.
- For an Audible book, you can view info on the book, play/pause, go back or forward 30 seconds and seek through the current chapter.
- When Alexa is reading a Kindle book, you have the same controls as with an Audible book except you cannot seek to a different point in the chapter.
- Tap "History" in the top-right corner to view a list of all the music, podcasts, and audiobooks you have played. This comes in handy if you were listening to shuffled songs and want to find the name of a song that was played or play it again.
- Tap the Alexa icon to ask Alexa a question. Currently, this only works on the latest version of the Android app but iPhone support is being added soon. The Alexa icon looks like a speech bubble with a blue icon and is in the middle of the bottom of the screen. While timers, alarms, and volume cannot be set when using Alexa from the Alexa app, most other questions work fine. Just tap the Alexa icon instead of saying the "Alexa" trigger word.
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| How to Store Wine Glasses Posted: 17 Apr 2018 09:00 AM PDT Because of their fine material and delicate design, wine glasses need a little more care than normal dishes when it comes to storage. Whether you decide to store your wine glasses in a cupboard or a rack, your main goal should be to keep them free from dust and residue while minimizing breakage. EditStoring in a Cupboard - Place them upright to protect from weakening the rim. The rim is the most fragile part of the glass, so it's important to put as little weight as possible on the delicate crystal. Carefully set the flat bottom of the glass onto the cabinet or cupboard shelf, making sure not to bump any other glasses.[1]
- This also prevents any moisture from being trapped inside, such as leftover water from washing.[2]
- Leave of space between each glass to prevent chips. It's important to make sure to give the glasses enough space so they're not touching or bumping into each other. This can lead to chipping and cracking, especially if they've been stored bowl-down. When you place them in the cabinet, make sure to set them down about from the other glasses.
- Fasten your cabinet to the wall if you live in an earthquake-prone area. Generally, a cabinet is your best option for storing your stemware long-term. If it isn't already, make sure that the cabinet is fastened or bolted to the wall and ensure that it has doors with latches so the glasses don't come tumbling out.[3]
- If you purchase glasses in bulk, keep them in the boxes until you have enough space in the cabinets to store them.
- Lay down some grip-textured liner or mats on the cabinet shelves. The extra grip will help the glasses can stay upright more easily against shaking or rattling. Purchase a roll of no-slip shelf liner or several individual textured silicone mats, which you can find online or in home improvement stores. Lay them down in the cabinets based on the packaging instructions, making sure not to crease or bunch up the liner or mat material.[4]
- No-slip shelf liner often has an adhesive side to place against the shelf and hold it in place.
- Mats may be textured on both sides, which allows them to grip both the cabinet and the bases of the wine glasses.
- Add a slide-out rack that holds the glasses upright and in place. This option works great as an extra precaution against earthquakes. Make sure to choose and measure a space inside your cabinet for the drawer-style sliding rack, then purchase it from a home improvement store according to your specifications. Choose a material that matches your existing cabinet so it blends nicely.[5]
EditUsing a Rack - Use a shelf-style rack for displaying your glasses upright. Make sure the shelf is thick and steady enough to hold your glasses. If you do choose a shelf-style rack, you'll only need some screws and a drill to install it into the wall. Make sure to use drywall anchors if your rack is heavy and you can't find a stud in the wall.
- Wood is the best option for this rack, since a thick metal shelf may be too heavy and difficult to install.
- If your shelf comes with its own hardware, use that for installation.
- Install an under-the-counter rack to save space. Under-the-counter racks let you store the glasses upside down without any pressure on the rims. This prevents dust, dirt, or bugs from collecting inside the bowls and tainting the wine. Purchase an under-the-counter rack online or from a home improvement store.[6]
- You can quickly attach under-the-cabinet racks with a drill and screws, drilling up into the cabinet to keep the rack secure.[7]
- However, since the glasses will be displayed in the open, they may collect a fair bit of dust on the outside of the bowl, stem, and base. If this is the case, give them a good rinse before you use them!
- Wood or metal are the best material options for an under-the-cabinet rack.
- Choose a free-standing rack for easy installation. Place this type of rack on a sturdy, flat surface, such as a kitchen counter. Make sure it's made of sturdy, quality materials, such as wood or metal. Keep in mind that the free-standing style is a great option for a low-key household of adults, but it may not be the perfect choice for a house with kids![8]
- If the rack tends to rock or shake at all, do not put your wine glasses in it! Find a new rack or repair the existing one so you don't risk breaking your stemware.
- If you live in an earthquake-prone area, make sure to bolt or fasten your rack to a wall.
EditKeeping Your Glasses in Good Condition - Rotate out your glasses if you have a fairly large collection. It's easy to always reach for the same glasses in the cabinet or rack, but if you have over 6-8 glasses, it's a good idea to switch them out to prevent excess wear. When you wash your glass, put it in the back and then draw from the front the next time you open up a bottle.[9]
- Regular use also helps keep dust and dirt from collecting in the glass bowls.
- Clean off the glasses before and after using them. No matter how you store them, your wine glasses will always collect dust between uses. For a small amount of dust, give the glass a quick rinse with hot water. Use a soft-bristled stemware brush to gently remove any dirt or grime, then rinse and use a clean microfiber cloth to dry it thoroughly.[10]
- Make sure your water doesn't contain high levels of chlorine, which could potentially taint the wine's flavor. You can purchase a kit, tablet, or solution online to test the chlorine levels in your tap water.[11]
- Use the dishwasher as a last resort for cleaning sturdy wine glasses. Make sure to use a delicate wash cycle, skip the heated drying cycle, and space them far apart so they won't clink. However, because dishwashers tend to leave a little residue behind, you'll get the best long-term results from hand-washing.[12]
- Only use this option for wine glasses with thick stems and bases. Delicate crystal goblets can crack easily in the dishwasher.
- Wash out glasses right away after using them. Red wine tends to stain crystal, so it's important to at least rinse out the bowl fairly quickly. Use warm, soapy water and a soft, clean sponge to carefully remove any marks or residue. These can include any wine left inside the bowl, lipstick marks around the rim, or fingerprints on the outside of the bowl.[13]
- If you won't be able to wash the glasses out right away, at least fill the bowl with water so the wine doesn't evaporate and leave a stain.
- Dry the glasses immediately with a clean microfiber towel. This will help prevent any water spots from forming. A soft, clean cloth also protects the glasses from being scratched or contaminated. Gently rub the microfiber towel over the glass in circles, soaking up the water without applying too much pressure.[14]
- You could also store your wine glasses in the boxes they came from when you're not using them. However, the crystal can sometimes absorb the musty smell of the boxes and interfere with the taste of the wine.[15]
- If you store your glasses in a rack, be aware that you do run a risk of breakage with a longer way to fall.
- If you have kids or pets, you should also keep the rack somewhere secure and out of reach.
- Never place extremely delicate crystal glasses in the dishwasher, since they can break easily.
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| How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint in the Garden Posted: 17 Apr 2018 01:00 AM PDT Your garden is already the greenest part of your home, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Taking steps like planting tree cover to lower your household energy usage and switching to handheld gardening tools can cut down on the amount of harmful gases you produce and help pave the way for a greener planet. You might be surprised by how big a difference even small changes can make. EditChoosing the Right Plants - Grow your own vegetables and fruits. Set aside one corner of your garden for tending a few small crops like tomatoes, strawberries, beans, peppers, and squash. Fewer trips to the grocery store will help you save money and fuel, as well as say no to the plastic bags and packages that have a tendency to pile up once you're there.[1]
- Raising a selection of your own crops will also ensure that you always have fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables to eat.
- Make room for a patch of fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, and cilantro. You'll then have everything you need to put together a delicious meal.[2]
- Fill in open space with trees, shrubs, and flowers. The less grass there is covering your lawn, the less gas you'll consume while mowing it. In addition, trees and other large plants absorb carbon and convert it to clean, breathable oxygen, which helps to purify the air.
- Attractive, well-kept landscaping can also add value to your property, making it practical as well as responsible.
- Plant shade-producing trees near your home. A wall of natural shade can cool your home during the summer and block cold winds in the winter. Situate your trees near your fenceline to establish a boundary, or disperse them throughout your yard for more of a forest effect.[3]
- Trees can offer privacy when strategically positioned near windows, patios, and property lines.
- Prune the lower branches of trees planted on the sunrise side of your home to keep them from obstructing the view.
- Bring in more native plants that are well-suited for your area. These species generally require less water and fertilizer, and will have all the nutrients they need in the surrounding soil. They're also more resistant to common pests, which means you won't be forced to saturate your lawn or garden with harmful pesticides.[4]
- Consult a regional gardening handbook or use an online plant finder tool to learn what sorts of plants are indigenous to your area.[5]
- Native plants play a vital role in supporting a diverse and flourishing local ecosystem.
EditReducing, Reusing, and Recycling - Decrease the overall size of your lawn. Put in a paved patio or picnic area to create some outdoor living space. Alternatively, you could add ornamental touches like a man-made pond, rock garden, or bed of wildflowers The idea is to limit the amount of space that has to be regularly mowed, fertilized, or sprayed.
- Grass itself is an unexpected source of serious carbon emissions. Downsizing therefore not only has the potential to beautify your property, but make it that much greener at the same time.[6]
- Consider relocating your gardening hutch or workshed to one corner of your yard to cover up patches of unused grass.
- Turn kitchen and garden waste into useful compost. Buy or make a compost bin, or simply designate an out-of-the way corner of your yard as a dump site—all you need is a space about 3 square feet in size. You can throw in anything that's biodegradable, including grass clippings, raked leaves, fruit and vegetable scraps, and even shredded newspaper or cardboard.[7]
- Turn the compost frequently with a rake and keep it slightly moist to speed up the decomposition process.
- Never put meats, dairy products, or processed food items in your compost pile. The bacteria that accumulates when these items decompose can pose a health risk.[8]
- Apply mulch liberally around plants and trees to conserve water. Spread the mulch a few inches away from the base of your plants and water it thoroughly. Mulch promotes healthy growth, prevents runoff, and smothers weeds. It even insulates root systems during particularly hot or cold stretches of weather.[9]
- Shredded hardwood, pine straw, and recycled leaf mulches are among the most popular varieties used by environmentally-conscious gardeners.[10]
- Avoid piling your mulch any higher than about . Too thick a layer can interfere with the absorption of water and nutrients.[11]
- Collect and store rainwater in barrels. Set up your barrels near your garden so that you'll always have a fresh supply of water close at hand. You can use this water to fill watering cans and give thirsty plants, trees, and crops just as much moisture as they need rather than letting the hose run interminably.
- If you live in an area that receives sparse precipitation, situate your rain barrels under a downspout to help them fill up faster.
- Rainwater can even be used for drinking once it's been properly purified.[12]
- Stop using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These products contain chemicals that may be harmful to both the user and the surrounding environment. If you want to be more mindful of your cultivation practices, switch to all-natural organic fertilizers and pesticides, or learn to make your own from basic household items.[13]
- You can also use the material from your compost pile for fertilizer, effectively killing two birds with one stone.
EditUsing More Efficient Tools - Make use of handheld tools whenever possible. There are plenty of opportunities to go green while tending to the sweat-inducing work in your garden. Leave the gas-powered tools in the garage and start raking leaves and pulling weeds by hand. You could even downgrade to a push mower to keep your lawn tidy while getting a workout in![14]
- Other options for manual manicuring include tilling the soil with a trowel and using an axe to chop up downed trees.
- Invest in a soaker hose. Traditional irrigation systems like sprinklers are responsible for a lot of wasted water. With a soaker hose, you're only giving your plants as much moisture as they can absorb at one time. And since that water is being deployed from ground level at an extremely low pressure, there's less chance of overwatering or causing destructive runoff.[15]
- Simply stretch your soaker hose out along the base of your plants and turn on the main water supply. You can even snake it throughout your garden to make sure the water is only going where you need it.
- Soaker hoses have been shown to use 30-50% less water on average than standard irrigation systems, which means you'll be saving money while doing your part to save the planet.[16]
- Keep your electric and gas-powered equipment in good condition. Get in the habit of performing routine maintenance on your tools. Replace air filters at regular intervals, and have cutting blades sharpened or changed as soon as they start to dull. By keeping your motorized equipment running efficiently, you can reduce their overall energy consumption.[17]
- Most basic maintenance tasks are simple and inexpensive enough to take care of yourself.
- Install solar landscape lighting to conserve energy. Solar lights get their power directly from the sun, so they won't put a drain on the local electricity or your wallet. They're a cinch to put in—all you have to do is hang them up or stake them into the ground along the walkways in your garden. As an added bonus, most types come equipped with dimness sensors, so you'll never have to worry about forgetting to turn them on and off.[18]
- No wiring or complicated parts means no calls to the electrician for repairs.
- Another major advantage of solar lighting sources is that they'll continue to provide illumination even in the event of a power outage.[19]
- Research all new additions to your garden thoroughly before you plant them. Under the wrong conditions, some species actually give off more carbon than they take in.
- Whenever possible, look for natural alternatives to commercial gardening supplies. The energy that goes into manufacturing, packaging, and transporting these products also contributes indirectly to your carbon footprint.
- If you really want to go the extra mile, utilize planters and waste containers made from recycled materials, or rig up your own from repurposed objects like boxes or tires.
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