| How to Use Coconut Oil Posted: 10 May 2019 05:00 PM PDT Coconut oil has developed a reputation as a superfood and all-around wonder product. You can cook with it, use it as a face moisturizer or hair conditioner, or even clean with it, among other uses. So, even though most of its claimed health benefits have little scientific research to back them up, coconut oil may be worth giving a try![1] EditEating Coconut Oil - Use coconut oil for sautéing, pan frying, or roasting. Since it has a high smoke point and mild flavor, coconut oil is a great choice for a variety of cooking methods. If you're sautéing or pan frying, use an equal amount of coconut oil as whatever other fat the recipe calls for (butter, olive oil, vegetable oil, etc.).[2]
- To roast vegetables with coconut oil, melt 1-2 tbsp (15-30 g) of the oil—or whatever amount your recipe calls for—over low heat in a small saucepan, then drizzle it over your veggies on the roasting pan. Season and roast the vegetables according to your chosen recipe.
- Stir coconut oil into coffee, hot tea, or hot chocolate. Simply make your hot beverage of choice as usual, then stir in 1 tsp (5 g) of coconut oil before adding any cream or sweetener. The hot liquid will quickly melt the congealed oil.[3]
- The coconut oil will create a bit of an oily texture (especially on the surface) and impart a mild flavor to the beverage. If you don't care for the results, try replacing half of the coconut oil with unsalted butter (or just cut back on the coconut oil and don't substitute anything else).
- Is it worth making your morning coffee a bit oily by adding coconut oil? It might be. It's possible, but not certain, that coconut oil may help reduce cholesterol, burn fat, kill harmful bacteria, and improve brain function, among other benefits.[4]
- Blend coconut oil into your favorite smoothie recipe. Just spoon in 1-2 tbsp (15-30 g) of coconut oil with the other ingredients and blend them together. Congealed coconut oil may leave small chunks in your smoothie—if this bothers you, melt the coconut oil on the stovetop using low heat, then drizzle it into the smoothie ingredients before blending.[5]
- Coconut oil tastes great with smoothies that use bananas and other tropical fruits.
- Substitute coconut oil for other oils when baking. If your baking recipe calls for another liquid oil, like canola or vegetable oil, use an equal amount of melted coconut oil. You probably won't notice any difference in flavor or texture.[6]
- If you want to substitute coconut oil for a solid fat like shortening, butter, or margarine, use a 1:1 ratio of congealed coconut oil and the other solid fat, but add only 75% of the amount called for in the recipe. For instance, instead of 4 tbsp (60 g) of butter, add 3 tbsp (45 g) total of coconut oil and butter—1.5 tbsp (22.5 g) of each.
- Spread coconut oil on toast or pancakes instead of butter. Coconut oil will soften to a spreadable consistency as it approaches , at which point you can easily spread it onto a muffin or corn-on-the-cob. It provides a nice change of pace to the taste of butter![7]
- Or, try melting 1-2 tbsp (15-30 g) of coconut oil and drizzling it over your popcorn!
EditMoisturizing Your Face - Buy coconut oil that is organic, extra virgin, and unprocessed. Use a coconut oil that is as natural and unadulterated as possible. Avoid jars with terms like "bleached," "hydrogenated," "refined," or "deodorized." The term "cold-pressed" is a good thing to see on the label, though, as this is a natural process for extracting the oil.[8]
- Look for this coconut oil at stores that sell natural food and health products. It typically comes in a glass jar and looks like a whitish gel or paste.
- Massage in 1 tsp (5 g) of coconut oil after washing your face. Wash your face with a gentle soap, rinse it with warm water, and pat it dry with a towel. Scoop about 1 tsp (5 g) of the gelatinous coconut oil on your first two fingers, then massage it into your skin using circular motions. Repeat this process daily.[9]
- Your body warmth will melt the oil and it will absorb into your skin.
- Coconut oil works best if you have dry or normal skin. If you have oily skin, choose a different natural product, like argan oil or sunflower oil.[10]
- Use melted coconut oil in a moisturizing face mask. Melt 1 tbsp (15 g) of coconut oil over low heat on the stove, then stir it together with half of a mashed banana and a pinch of turmeric. Use your fingers to apply the mask to your face, leave it for 15 minutes, rinse it away with cool water, and pat your face dry. Repeat daily if desired.[11]
- This mask may help both moisturize your skin and reduce acne breakouts. Bananas may help add moisture, while turmeric may offer anti-inflammatory properties.
EditConditioning Your Hair - Scoop about 1 tbsp (15 g) of congealed coconut oil onto your fingers. If you have short hair, you may only need half of this amount. Buy organic, extra virgin, unprocessed coconut oil from a health food retailer for this application.[12]
- Store the coconut oil in its glass jar at a temperature below ; this will keep it in its congealed form.
- Melt the coconut oil over low heat, or in your hands. Put the scoop of oil in a small saucepan and place it over low heat on the stove. Let it cool enough that you can comfortably handle the oil.[13]
- Alternatively, you can melt small amounts of the coconut oil in your hands while you massage it into your hair.
- Massage the oil into your hair, section by section. If you have long hair, divide it into sections with a comb and hair clips. Then, dip your fingers into the melted oil and use your fingertips to massage it in from the roots to the tips of the hair in each section.[14]
- If you're using unmelted coconut oil, scoop up just enough to work into the section of hair you're working on, rub it between your fingers for 15-30 seconds until it melts, and massage it in with your fingertips.
- Wait at least 30 minutes before shampooing out the coconut oil. If possible, wait at least 2 hours before washing out the coconut oil—this will give it more time to absorb into your hair. When you're ready, just use your typical shampoo to wash your hair, then rinse and dry as normal.[15]
- You can even keep the coconut oil in overnight. Just make sure you put a towel down on your pillow so it doesn't end up stained. You might also want to put on a shower cap overnight.
EditCleaning with Coconut Oil - Remove stains with coconut oil and baking soda. Thoroughly mix equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda—for instance, 1 c (240 g) of each. Apply the mixture to stains on carpeting, walls, and other surfaces with a cloth, leave it for 5-10 minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth.[16]
- Like any stain remover, this may cause damage or discoloration to some surfaces. Test it on an inconspicuous area—like the corner of the carpet under the end table—before applying it to the stain.
- Make a coconut oil furniture polish. Melt 4 tbsp (60 g) of coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Mix in 4 tbsp (60 ml) of white vinegar and 2 tsp (10 ml) of lemon juice, then add it to a spray bottle. Shake the bottle, spray a light coating of the mixture on your wood furniture, and buff it off with a clean, soft cloth.[17]
- Test the cleaner on a hidden area of the furniture first, just in case it reacts with the finish and causes staining or discoloration.
- Use the mixture right away, since the coconut oil will congeal if it cools below .
- Clean and condition leather with straight coconut oil. Scoop a fingertip-sized amount of coconut oil onto a clean cloth. Work it into the leather item using a circular rubbing motion, leaving behind only a thin, shiny film of oil. Add more coconut oil to a clean section of the cloth as needed.[18]
- Test the coconut oil on a small spot of the leather first. There's a small chance it may discolor your favorite leather jacket or sofa!
- Lift away sticky residue by rubbing on coconut oil. Scoop a small amount of coconut oil onto a cloth and rub it into the sticky spot. The oil should cause the sticky residue to release and lift away. Wipe the area with a damp cloth if needed.[19]
- Try this on a sticky spot on your carpet, or to remove tacky residue left behind by a price tag or other sticker.
- Like always, test the coconut oil on an inconspicuous area first.
- If you are concerned about the coconut flavor being too overwhelming, you can reduce the flavor by blending the coconut oil with equal parts of sesame oil and olive oil (that is, a 1:1:1 ratio). In these proportions, you can still receive most of the benefits provided by coconut oil.
- There isn't a lot of clear medical proof regarding the health benefits of consuming coconut oil. It is possible, though, that it may help improve brain function, reduce cholesterol, kill harmful bacteria, and burn fat, among other possible benefits.[20]
EditThings You'll Need - Organic, extra virgin, unrefined coconut oil
- Small saucepan for melting (optional)
EditReferences EditQuick Summary
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Perform Stand Up Comedy Posted: 10 May 2019 09:00 AM PDT Stand-up comedy is a great way to make people laugh. If you want to try your hand at being a comedian, all you need to do is write jokes from your point of view. Once you have your material, you need to practice your set before you step on stage. While it takes time to find the right jokes and perfect your technique, you can create a tight routine that's bound to make your audience laugh! EditWriting Jokes - Brainstorm topics that you find humorous. You can write jokes based on anything you want as long as you can make it funny. Think about the things that you find funny and jot them down on a sheet of paper. Choose a personal story from your life, an out-of-the-ordinary experience you've had, or a topic that many people can relate to. Write down all of your ideas so you can come back to them later on.[1]
- For example, common stand-up comedy topics include dating, marriage, and children.
- Carry a notebook with you wherever you go so you can write down ideas as you get them.
- Stay current with the news so you can use topical humor in your jokes.
- Don't tell yourself any ideas are too stupid or not funny enough while you're brainstorming since they may be funny when you try them out with an audience. You may also get new ideas that built on the topic you don't think is funny.
- Make a list of ideas that are related to your concept. Choose one of your topics to elaborate on further. Write the topic at the top of a sheet of paper and start listing why you think the topic is funny. Include any unique thoughts you have on the subject to give your jokes an original point of view.[2]
- For example, if you want to write a joke about internet dating, you may include jokes about how you're constantly changing your personal information because it never feels good enough.
- Include any and all the ideas you get while you make your list. You don't know if an idea is bad until you try it out.
- Keep your set-up concise to draw audiences in. The set-up consists of an introduction to your topic and a few smaller jokes that build up to your punchline. Start writing a few sentences about your topic without providing too much backstory. Pick your words carefully so your joke sounds funny when you read it and so an audience understands the point you're trying to make.[3]
- For example, if your topic is about going to the movies, your set-up may be, "I love seeing movies in the theater, but I hate people going to the movies...besides me."
- Write a few different set-ups for your jokes to see what works and what doesn't.
- String related topics together. If your main joke is about going to a movie, you may start with smaller jokes about getting concessions or annoying people in the theater to build up to your punchline.
- Make the punchline your funniest moment. The punchline is the final part of your joke and should get the biggest laughs from your audience. Keep your punchline related to the rest of the joke you've already written so your audience doesn't get confused, but surprising enough that the audience doesn't expect it. Try different punchlines with your set-up to explore your options.[4]
- At the end of your punchline, your joke should only be about 250 words.
- Try writing one-liners to practice set-up and punchline in the same sentence. An example of a one-liner could be, "I probably won't eat soup when I live in Arizona, unless it's a little chili."
EditDeveloping and Practicing a Routine - Organize your jokes into a setlist. Aim to include 2-3 longer jokes for your first setlist, and arrange them so they flow well from one another. Save the joke you think is the funniest for last to end your set on the biggest laugh. Try to incorporate topics that are similar to one another so your setlist feels cohesive. Create an outline for your setlist to help you remember and memorize your jokes.[5]
- For example, you may tell a joke about an experience you had with a ghost and then your next joke could be about ghost-hunting TV shows.
- Mix up the order of your jokes to see what other options you can try.
- Try including a one-liner in between jokes that you can use to transition between topics.
- Record the audio and time your set to see how it sounds. Use your phone or a recording device while you perform your stand-up routine out loud. Try to keep your set under 5 minutes since this is usually how much time you'll have to perform at an open mic night. Listen to your jokes to see how they sound or if there's any material that sounds confusing, and make note of the jokes you need to keep working on.[6]
- Pretend there's an audience in the room while you record so you present as if you were on stage.
- Revise the flow of your jokes by eliminating unneeded words. Listen to your recording and look for areas that are going on too long or don't feel as funny. Try to find other shorter words or cut the section entirely. Make sure the joke still makes sense to your audience after you make your edits.[7]
- Each joke should last between 90 seconds to 2 minutes long, but there are no official guidelines on how your jokes are structured.
- Try writing your joke in 250 words, and then edit it down to 100 words. Keep editing it down until it only uses 50 words. This can help you filter your joke to the bare essentials.
- Try changing your tone and inflection with each joke. You won't sound as funny if you read your jokes in a monotone voice. Try enunciating words differently, getting excited or serious throughout your joke, or giving emphasis to a single word. This helps keep the audience interested in your jokes and makes you seem more invested in your material.[8]
- Listen to how other comedians tell their jokes to get an idea of how to structure your sentence.
- Think of writing a joke like writing a song by developing a rhythm for your material. Pay attention to how the words flow together to determine whether it sounds too abrupt.
- Practice in front of friends and family. Once you're satisfied with your material, ask friends and family to listen to you perform. Stand in the front of the room and start your routine. When you're finished, ask them for their feedback to see what worked and what didn't.[9]
- Record your performance to see where your friends and family laughed and where they didn't. Make edits to your material to try and make it more humorous.
- Practicing a few times in front of people you know can help you overcome stage fright when performing in front of your audience.
EditPerforming Your Material - Look for open mic nights where you can perform your routine. Check with local comedy clubs or venues like cafes to see if they host open mic nights. Sign up for as many open mics as you can so you can keep working and practicing your material. Check the guidelines for the open mic night to see what type of material you can perform since some events may not allow offensive humor.[10]
- Find a comedy club that's near you that has a good crowd and frequent open mic nights to establish as a "home base" where you can try out material regularly. You may need to try out a few different clubs to find one that works for you.
- Record your set when you perform. You can either record the set yourself on your phone or ask a friend to record it for you. Whenever you perform your stand-up, make sure to record it so you can listen to see what material worked and what didn't.[11]
- Record the audio and video if you can so you can also watch your stage presence.
- Speak slowly and confidently to avoid talking too fast. When you're performing, avoid speaking too fast or else the audience could get lost and they'll be able to tell that you're nervous. If you feel yourself rushing during your performance, take a deep breath and continue in a slower voice.[12]
- Don't be afraid to laugh at your own jokes a little when you tell them.
- Aim to speak at around 100 words per minute to stay engaging and tell your joke clearly.
- Continue your set even if it's not going as well as you want. Audiences usually don't laugh if they don't realize you said the punchline. If there are awkward pauses in your set, keep going with your jokes to see if something will land. Keep smiling and working toward your other jokes and punchlines if a certain joke doesn't work for the audience.[13]
- Never insult audience members or else you may come across as mean and unappreciative.
- Thank the audience and say your name at the end of your set. When you're finished with your material, thank the audience no matter how your set went. Before you put the mic down and leave the stage, say your name so people will remember you.
- For example, you could say, "I'm John Smith and thank you! You've been a great audience!"
- Keep testing material at future open mic events. Try to bring at least 1-2 new jokes every time you perform to keep your material fresh. As you write and workshop new jokes, sign up for other open mic events so you can keep working on your jokes. Continue workshopping past and present material until it gets the laughs you want.[14]
- Don't get discouraged if your routine doesn't do as well as you thought it would. Keep working on material and trying more events to hone your skills.
- Listen to your favorite comedians to see how they structure their jokes.
- Try to meet other comedians during open mic nights so you can network and bounce jokes off of one another.
- Don't engage or insult anybody that heckles you or interrupts your set. Instead, continue with your material.[15]
- Never steal material from another comedian.
EditReferences
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Grow Blueberries in a Pot Posted: 10 May 2019 01:00 AM PDT Although blueberry bushes are commonly grown outdoors, smaller varieties grow very well in pots. Potted blueberries don't require a ton of maintenance, but they do have some specific needs to be aware of. Set bushes in acidic soil, then maintain the moisture level with frequent watering. Blueberry bushes produce fresh fruit after 3 to 4 years of growth. If you enjoy fresh blueberries, caring for your own blueberry bushes can be a rewarding experience. EditSelecting and Potting a Bush - Pick a compact variety that fits well in pots. Dwarf plants produce plenty of blueberries without taking up much space. Some of the most common varieties for pot growing include Top Hat and Sunshine Blue. Other types, such as the northern highbush blueberry, do better in the ground but can survive in pots with proper care.[1]
- Look for young blueberry plants at a local nursery in the beginning of spring. Chances are you will find some that grow well in your area. If you can't find any, try ordering some from an online nursery.
- Choose a blueberry variety best suited to the weather in your area. Blueberry plants are pretty hardy but still struggle to survive in the wrong environment. Before settling on a variety to keep at home, research the kind of climate it grows in naturally. In particular, keep in mind the extreme temperatures in your region.[2]
- For instance, Top Hat bushes grow best in climates that experience minimum temperatures no lower than .
- Sunshine Blue bushes do best in slightly warmer climates with a minimum average temperature no lower than about .
- You can grow blueberries indoors. As long as you put them in a sunny spot with good temperature control, you may be able to keep varieties not usually suited to your region.
- Pick a deep container at least wide. Start off with a pot that is about the same size as the plant. A pot is good for most young blueberry bushes, but use something wider if the bush crowds up against the pot's edges. The starting pot you choose will last your blueberry bush 2 to 3 years on average. Make sure you choose a well-draining pot with drainage holes in its bottom.[3]
- Pots from in diameter are better for blueberry bushes a few years old.
- The type of pot you use doesn't matter much and is up to your personal preference. Terracotta pots drain well and are a good choice if you tend to overwater plants. Plastic pots are stronger and retain more moisture, meaning less frequent watering.
- Fill the pot with an acidic potting mix. Blueberries grow best in acidic soil, so look for an acidic potting mix at your local garden center. Try using a bagged mix meant for hydrangeas and azaleas. The average pH blueberries need is between 4.5 and 5.5. Check the label on the potting mix to make sure it's acidic enough for blueberry bushes.[4]
- Another way to make a mix is to combine equal amounts of regular potting soil and peat moss.
- You can also make your own mix using other ingredients, such as equal amounts of peat moss, pine bark, and sand.
- Tip over the blueberry bush to slide it out of its old pot. The plants come in small growing containers. After you get the bush home, remove it from the container without damaging the roots. Tap on the back of the container as needed to loosen the dirt. If it doesn't slide out, gently pry out the dirt clod with a dull knife or a similar object.[5]
- Use your free hand to support the plant's stem so it doesn't fall or bend.
- Loosen some of the roots in the bottom of the dirt ball. After you pull the plant out of the container, start removing dirt from the bottom of the dirt ball. Feel for the roots close to the outer edges. Gently pull some of the roots out to expose them. This causes the roots to expand outward in the new soil instead of staying in a small ball.[6]
- If you don't loosen the roots, they won't expand out of the dirt ball and your plant won't expand.
- Center the blueberry plant in the pot and bury it up to its crown. Make sure the crown, the part of the stem right above the dirt ball, is almost level with the top of your planter. Shift some of the soil mix around as needed to position the plant. Smooth out the dirt with your hands, then water it thoroughly until it feels moist to the touch.[7]
- Burying the crown essentially means burying your plant. The plant won't survive, so you won't get any blueberries.
EditDeveloping Blueberries - Place the plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. The more sunlight you give a blueberry plant, the better off it will be. Blueberry plants are usually grown outdoors for this reason, but you can also grow a potted bush indoors if you have space for it. Watch your home throughout the day to see which spots stay sunny.[8]
- Blueberry bushes may survive in partial shade, but keep in mind that too much shade leads to smaller, weaker berries.
- The exception to full sunlight is in very hot weather, especially in the middle of the afternoon. You may wish to move the bushes into a shady area to prevent them from drying out.
- Add up to of water per week. Blueberry plants are sensitive to soil moisture levels. Touch the soil often to make sure it feels moist about deep. If the soil feels wet or soggy, hold back on the water until the soil dries up again. For the best results, water your bushes frequently but lightly several times a week.[9]
- If you can, use rainwater on your blueberries. Rainwater has less of an effect on the soil pH than tap water.
- Drip irrigation is a great way to maintain the soil's moisture level. For example, use a plastic bottle with a hole in it to slowly leak water into the soil.
- Cover the soil with a layer of mulch. The best type of mulch to use is pine needles, pine wood, or chipped hardwood bark. These mulches are acidic, keeping the soil pH low for blueberry bushes to thrive. Mulch also insulates your plants, reducing stress from heat and water loss.[10]
- Spread mulch as soon as possible after potting a blueberry bush. Mulch is useful all year, but it is especially beneficial during summer.
- Spread an organic fertilizer 4 to 6 weeks after planting the blueberry. For the best results, get an acidic slow-release fertilizer. Any fertilizers made for acidic soil plants like hydrangeas and azaleas are also great for blueberries. Slow-release fertilizers give blueberries a continual boost instead of a big dose of nutrients all at once. Add the fertilizer directly to the soil.[11]
- Many growers choose ammonium sulfate. At a gardening center, ammonium sulfate will be labeled as 21-0-0. The number means it consists of 21 parts nitrogen, 0 parts phosphorus, and 0 parts potassium.
- Fertilizers with nitrate are dangerous for blueberry bushes. Read the ingredients carefully to make sure you don't apply this type of fertilizer by mistake.
- Cover plants with bird netting when the blueberries begin showing up. Blueberry plants produce fruit after 3 to 4 years of growth. Unfortunately, scavenging birds may get to the fruit before you do. While you're waiting for the blueberries to darken, drape netting over bushes. Most birds stay away for plants close to your home, but the netting prevents any brave ones from stealing your fruit.[12]
- Bird netting is available online or at most garden centers.
- The fruit shows up anywhere from May to July, although the exact time depends on your environment. Blueberries ripen faster in warmer weather. Have your netting ready just in case.
EditMaintaining Blueberry Plants - Test and adjust the soil pH as needed to keep the plants healthy. Maintaining the soil's pH is one of the biggest challenges to growing fresh blueberries every year. Get a pH probe and dip it about into the soil. Amend the soil as needed to bring the pH back to a safe level.[13]
- If the pH gets too low, try mixing dolomite lime into the soil. Lime is available at most home improvement stores.
- Continue adding pine mulch, cottonseed meal, or iron sulfate to lower the pH.
- Spread fertilizer 2 to 3 times a year starting in early spring. Add more of an acidic slow-release fertilizer to the soil each time. Sprinkle some on as soon as the bushes wake up in early spring. Add the final dose 2 or 3 months before the bushes go dormant in late fall. Be careful not to add too much fertilizer or use harmful nitrates.[14]
- Read the manufacturer's label carefully to find out how much of the product to add to the soil. Adding too much is dangerous and may affect your blueberries.
- Another option is to add a light amount of fertilizer each month. Cottonseed or feather meal fertilizers are great for this. The best time to start this practice is in the plant's second year of growth.[15]
- Prune blueberry bushes in early spring to remove old wood. Take care of your plants in February or March to prepare them for new growth. Use a sharp pair of shears to snip off about ¼ of the old branches. Cut the branches off at the stems to give the new ones plenty of room to come in.[16]
- Generally, you won't need to do much pruning in the first 2 years of growth. After that, trim off all of the old or damaged branches.
- Regular maintenance keeps your blueberries strong. Forcing the plant to use resources on new growth leads to bigger, better berries.
- Repot the plant once it begins to outgrow its old pot. Expect your blueberry bush to outgrow its original pot within 2 or 3 years. When it starts reaching the edge of the pot, transfer it to a new pot about in size. Replant the bush in acidic soil like you did originally.[17]
- Take the time to examine the root ball. Trim away gnarly or excessive roots as needed to keep the plant contained.
- Blueberries are self-pollinators and grow fine on their own. However, you can produce more and better blueberries by growing at least 2 bushes that flower at the same time.[18]
- To improve your berry yield, try trimming off the bush's flowers in its first year of growth. Doing this forces the plant to expand its root system instead of flowers you don't really need.[19]
- If you live in a very cold area, consider moving your blueberries indoors during the winter. Cover them in burlap and store them in a protected room, such as your garage.[20]
- Wait at least a week after blueberries turn blue to pick them. If you pick them too early, they won't be very sweet.
- Blueberry bushes are somewhat finicky, requiring a specific pH and moisture level. Don't waste your money if you think you won't have time to test and maintain the soil.
EditThings You'll Need - Blueberry bushes
- Planter pots
- Acidic soil or mix
- Acidic slow-release fertilizer
- Watering can or drip irrigator
- Bird netting
EditReferences
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment