| How to Wear a Cravat Posted: 09 Apr 2019 05:00 PM PDT Traced back to the military uniforms of 17th-century Croatian soldiers, the modern day cravat is a stylish alternative to the common necktie. Cravats are colorful pieces of fabric worn tied around the neck that can add visual interest to any outfit. With a few quick tips on tying and wearing cravats, you'll be ready to sport this sophisticated neck piece with confidence! EditTying a Cravat - Hang a cravat around your neck so that one end is longer than the other. Position the cravat so that it hangs unevenly. One end should extend slightly longer than the other.[1]
- Consider making whichever end is closer to your dominant hand the longer end to make tying a little easier.
- Wrap the long end around the short end. Hold the long end of the cravat in one hand and wrap it across the front of the short end as you hold it tight with your other hand. Continue wrapping the long end around the back of the short end until you have completed one loop.[2]
- Holding the cravat tightly as you wrap will help make the knot more secure.
- Wrap it around again, then thread the long end through the neckband. Wrap the long end around the short end again, following exactly the same method as before. As you complete the second loop, thread the long end up through the center of the neckband.[3]
- Pull the long end through the neckband just as you would with a regular necktie.
- Pull the long end down over the front of the loop. Lift the long end up and over the loop once it has been threaded through the neckband. Pull the long end down in front of the loop until it is hanging straight down the front of your shirt.[4]
- Be careful not to twist the fabric as you pull it over the loop in your neckband or it will not lie flat.
- Tuck the cravat ends into your shirt or waistcoat. Make sure the fabric is lying flat against your chest as you tuck it in to securely fasten the cravat. You can either tuck the cravat inside your shirt or wear it on the outside of your shirt depending on the type of occasion you are attending.[5]
- When attending a formal occasion such as a wedding, wear a formal cravat. Formal cravats are worn on the outside of your shirt and are tucked into your vest or waistcoat.
- For a casual look, tuck the ends of your cravat inside of your shirt after tying it.
EditChoosing a Fabric and Color - Choose a silk cravat to go with a tuxedo. Purchase a silk cravat to wear with a tuxedo at a formal event such as a wedding. Silk cravats can also dress up an ordinary suit if you don't have a tux.[6]
- Silk is a very delicate fabric so make sure to treat your silk cravat with care by following any specific cleaning instructions.
- Purchase a polyester cravat for everyday wear. Choose a cravat made of polyester that can be worn for everyday activities. Polyester cravats are more durable than silk and will hold up better to frequent wear.[7]
- Purchasing a polyester cravat doesn't mean you have to compromise on comfort. Most polyester cravats are just as soft and comfortable as silk!
- Due to the nature of the fabric, polyester cravats can also accommodate a wider range of printed or woven designs than silk.
- Match the color of your cravat to your vest. Wear a cravat that matches the color of your vest or waistcoat if you are wearing one. Choose a solid color for a formal look or consider a very subtle pattern.[8]
- If you are attending a wedding, consider choosing a color that matches the theme of the event.
- Choose a patterned cravat to add visual interest. Select a cravat with a pattern like paisley for an elegant look to dress up any casual outfit. Consider wearing a striped cravat for a classic look.[9]
- Avoid selecting a patterned cravat that might clash with your shirt or suit. If your shirt has a pattern, consider wearing a cravat with a single color.
- Match your cravat with a pocket square. Consider coordinating the color and pattern of your cravat with a pocket square placed in the pocket of your suit jacket. Match the colors exactly or choose a complimentary color to create a coordinated look.[10]
- Pocket squares add extra style and interest to an ordinary suit.
EditWearing a Cravat with Different Outfits - Swap a tie for a cravat with a business suit. Complete your business look with a cravat rather than a necktie to add a unique style that will set you apart. Cravats are a less common accessory and a great way to add interest to a plain business suit.[11]
- Cravats are worn more loosely around the neck than ties and are a cooler option during warmer months.
- Add a cravat to a casual polo shirt. Dress up a casual polo shirt with a plaid or floral cravat to add an extra dose of style. Tie a casual cravat and tuck the fabric inside the front of your polo shirt.[12]
- Unbutton the first few buttons of the polo shirt to expose more of the cravat.
- Wear a cravat untied around your neck like a scarf. Layer a cravat with a sports coat or blazer and allow it to hang untied around your neck for a relaxed look. The cravat will create visual interest by adding a unique texture and color to your outfit.[13]
- For a dressier look, wear a collared shirt underneath your sports coat and cravat.
- For a more relaxed and edgy look, pair a casual t-shirt with your sports coat and cravat.
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| How to Escape from a Straitjacket Posted: 09 Apr 2019 09:00 AM PDT Even though straitjackets were designed to restrain someone who's in danger of harming themselves or others, magicians and escape artists often escape from them as part of their acts. If you're trying to become like Harry Houdini, you may want to consider learning how to perform this trick, which was one of his most famous! Fortunately, although it may seem impossible, escaping from a straitjacket is a trick that almost anyone can learn how to do. EditGetting Your Arms Free - Pinch the straitjacket as you're being buckled up, if possible. Use one of your hands to inconspicuously pinch the front of the jacket as it's being put on you. This will end up giving you about of slack that will help you tremendously later on.[1]
- You may not be able to do this if you're being watched closely or you can't maneuver your fingers this way for some reason. But don't worry, this isn't completely necessary for escaping the straitjacket.
- Breathe in and expand your chest when the jacket is being put on you. Take a deep breath and tighten your muscles in order to make your upper body as big as you possibly can. Then, once the straitjacket is fully on, let the air out of your chest and loosen your muscles to put more slack in the jacket.[2]
- After the jacket's been put on you, try to make your upper body as small as possible. The smaller you are, the easier it will be to get out of the straitjacket.
- Push your strong arm up forcefully towards the opposite shoulder. Using the slack you've managed to give yourself, work your dominant hand up the other arm and towards the opposite shoulder. This will move the slack in your jacket to where you need it to be for the next step.[3]
- As your sleeves are pulled behind you, try to make sure your stronger arm is over your weaker arm. This will make performing this step a lot easier.
- If your dominant arm isn't above your weaker arm, simply perform this step with the arm that's closest to your head.
- Bring your strong arm up and over your head. Move your head down and towards your elbow in order to make it easier to move your arm over your head, if necessary. Keep your weak arm where it's at. Once your strong arm is over your head, pull it down to the front of your body.[4]
- Once you've done this, you should be able to move your arms around inside the straitjacket.
EditRemoving the Straitjacket - Unbuckle the sleeve buckle with your teeth. Once your arms are loose in front of you, bring the sleeve buckle up to your head and use your teeth to undo it. If you have weak or fragile teeth, you can also use your surroundings to do this.[5]
- For example, work the sleeve buckle against a nearby table or door knob to push the strap out of the keeper. Once it's out, use the same technique to get the tongue out of the hole in the strap.
- Use your free hands to unbuckle the buckles behind you. You don't have to unbuckle all of the buckles behind you; just the top and bottom ones. Simply put your arms behind you and work from underneath the canvas of the jacket to undo the neck and body buckles.[6]
- Your hands will not be out of the straitjacket by this point, so what you'll need to do is grip the buckles while your hands are still covered by the canvas of the jacket.
- Step on the sleeves to pull off the straitjacket. Bend your body forward and lower the sleeves of the straitjacket so that they're on the floor. Step on the ends of the sleeves, then pull your body upwards and backwards to remove the straitjacket.[7]
- Keep the person who helped put on the jacket close to you, just in case you can't escape and need help getting out.
- Never try to do this by yourself!
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| How to Clean Mussels Posted: 09 Apr 2019 01:00 AM PDT Fresh mussels are delicious when eaten with a tasty sauce or tossed into a decadent pasta dish, and you can easily enjoy them from the comfort of your own home! In order to keep them healthy and tasty while being cooked and prepared, mussels need to have the ocean dirt and sand removed from them, as well as the beards emerging from the shells. Make sure to buy live mussels, and clean them right before you want to eat them. EditSorting and Storing Mussels - Examine the mussels as soon as you get home from the store. Remove the mussels from whatever packaging the store used right away, otherwise the mussels are at risk of suffocating. If you don't have time to sort through them immediately, at least move them out of the package and into a bowl in the fridge, and cover them with ice.[1]
- Mussels are the best when bought and cooked on the same day, though they can last in the fridge for 1 to 2 days if you need to buy them beforehand.
- Discard cracked, smashed or open mussels, as they can make you ill. Look at each mussel individually. Any mussels that have large cracks across them or that are smashed and crumpled need to be thrown away. Chances are, they are already dead. If a mussel is open, that is also a sign that it has died and should be discarded.[2]
- Not all gaping mussels need to be discarded. You can quickly test to see if it's still alive by tapping it on the counter or against another mussel. If it closes, that means the mussel is still alive and you can use it. If it doesn't move, throw it away.
- Some mussels that are stressed, but not dead, will open slightly, so give them a quick check before throwing them out.
- Store fresh mussels in the fridge until you're ready to use them. Put the good mussels in a clean bowl, and cover them with a resealable plastic bag that is full of ice. Cover the bag with a damp dishcloth. This will keep the mussels alive and fresh until you're ready to clean and cook them.[3]
- If you don't want to use a dishcloth, you could also use damp paper towels.
- Use fresh mussels within 1 to 2 days of purchasing them. You can sometimes leave them in the fridge for longer, but 1 to 2 days is a safe window. If you do leave them for a few extra days, make sure they still smell like the ocean (rather than like rotten fish) and that they haven't gotten slimy.[4]
- If you find you won't be able to use your mussels in time, you can transfer them to a resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.
EditSoaking and Removing the Beard - Soak the mussels in a salt water bath for 15 minutes. Mix 1/4 cup (68 grams) of kosher salt with of cold water. Whisk the mixture until the salt is incorporated. Add your mussels to the bath and set a timer for 15 minutes.[5]
- The mussels will "breathe" and expel salt and dirt from their shells as they soak in the salt water. It helps purify them, and it'll give you a much nicer eating experience.
- Use a slotted spoon to move the mussels from the bath to a colander. Once the 15 minutes are up, spoon the mussels out of the salt bath and into a colander that has been placed in your sink. Once all the mussels have been removed, you can drain and clean the bowl.[6]
- Don't dump the water and mussels into the colander, as all the salt and grime that was released during the salt soak will just end up back on top of the mussels.
- Remove the beard from each mussel by pulling it toward the hinge. Pick each mussel up individually and check for any string-like appendages coming out of them (this is the beard). Grab the beard between your forefinger and thumb, and gently pull it toward the hinge of the mussel to remove it.[7]
- If you have trouble removing the beard with your fingers, try gripping it with a paper towel or scraping it off with a knife.
- If you can't get the entire beard off, that's okay, too. They're edible and won't hurt you if they get cooked in with your meal.
EditCleaning off Sand and Debris - Run cold water over the de-bearded mussels in the colander. After you've removed the beards from all the mussels, turn on the water and let it run over them as you clean them. Use cool to cold water, rather than warm.[8]
- If you notice any beards you missed earlier, take a moment to remove them now.
- Scrub each mussel to remove sand and grime from the shells. Use a scrub brush to gently wipe each mussel. Sand and dirt should come away easily, and it shouldn't take you more than a couple of minutes to clean an entire batch.[9]
- The shell of the mussel should be smooth to the touch. If you feel any bumps or rough spots, scrub that area a little harder.
- Discard any dead or damaged mussels you have may missed initially. Continually check the mussels to make sure they're all still alive and well. If you come across any that are open or badly cracked, throw them out.[10]
- With mussels, it's better to err on the side of caution and get rid of any suspicious ones. The last thing you want is to end up with food poisoning!
- Set the cleaned mussels on paper towels to dry before you cook them. After you clean each mussel, set it to the side on a clean paper towel and let them dry as you continue cleaning the rest of your batch. Pat them dry once they've all been cleaned, and you're good to continue on and cook them.[11]
- You could also set them on a clean dish towel if you don't use paper towels.
- When buying fresh mussels, make sure they are stored in and covered with ice and that the shells look damp. A dry shell generally indicates that the mussel hasn't been stored properly and it may be dead.[12]
- A lot of farm-raised mussels are stored in salt water solutions as they're transported, so they may already have filtered out a lot of salt and grime, but it won't hurt to give them an additional soak.[13]
EditThings You'll Need - Resealable plastic bags (optional)
- Bowl(s)
- Measuring cups
- Kosher salt
- Whisk
- Colander
- Scrub brush
- Paper towels
- Knife (optional)
- Slotted spoon
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