Friday, May 31, 2019

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Wear Red Shoes

Posted: 31 May 2019 05:00 PM PDT

Nearly every woman could benefit from having a pair of red shoes in her fashion arsenal. Red shoes can punch up the blandest of outfits and make a bold, confident statement. Unfortunately, red shoes can quickly look tacky or inappropriate if worn the wrong way. Use red shoes to add a touch of spice as needed, but resist the temptation to throw them into an already spicy ensemble to prevent red overkill.

EditSteps

EditChoosing the Right Shoe

  1. Look for a slinky red stiletto for the ultimate in sexy footwear. If you want a shoe that will leave a lasting impression for a date or big event, a red heel is the way to go. Be careful about what you pair this shoe with, however, since pairing it with too many notably sexy garments can push your look into the realm of trashiness.
    Wear Red Shoes Step 1.jpg
  2. Tone things down with a red pump. If you want to wear your red shoes to work or for a casual stroll down the block, a simple red pump is your best bet. Flats are simple enough to subdue wild red into submission.
    Wear Red Shoes Step 2.jpg
  3. Find middle ground by choosing a low-heeled pump. Heels can look classy, even if they are red. Closed-toe pumps are your best choice, and you can wear them with both casual and dressy outfits.
    Wear Red Shoes Step 3.jpg
  4. Try a different shade of red. If you feel uneasy about wearing a bright red shoe, start out by wearing a deeper shade, like burgundy. A deep shade of red is more subdued and a little less noticeable, which may make you feel more confident about your ability to pull it off.
    Wear Red Shoes Step 4.jpg

EditChoosing the Right Outfit

  1. Match red with neutrals. If black, brown, gray, nude, white, and deep navy blue are the only colors found in your outfit, a neutral shoe will only make your outfit seem duller. Adding a bright red shoe can make your style pop. Try wearing a red pump the next time you throw on a black pencil skirt and white button-down blouse.
    Wear Red Shoes Step 5.jpg
  2. Color block. Color blocking is the practice of wearing solid blocks of bright, complementary colors against one another. Try wearing your red shoes against an orange or pink dress.
    Wear Red Shoes Step 6.jpg
  3. Avoid wearing red with red. If you have a solid red dress, do not wear it with your red shoes. If you do, you run the risk of overkill. If you would prefer to wear your bright red shoes with a red dress, choose a deep red dress to add depth to your ensemble.
    Wear Red Shoes Step 7.jpg
  4. Also avoid wearing red shoes with bright green. Red and green are too closely associated with Christmas, and wearing them together will make your outfit look too seasonal. Instead of a bright green, mix your red shoes with deeper shades like olive.
    Wear Red Shoes Step 8.jpg
  5. Wear red shoes with a neutral pattern. Red peep-toe shoes make a good accompaniment to a black and white polka dot dress or pinstripe trousers.
    Wear Red Shoes Step 9.jpg
  6. Pair red shoes with patterns that have traces of red in them. While solid red outfits are often overkill with red shoes, a print with traces of red in it coordinates with your shoes in a subtle, appropriate manner.
    Wear Red Shoes Step 10.jpg
  7. Wear your red pumps with casual clothes. Red shoes look great against denim blue jeans, especially medium and dark washes. A red pump is an easy way to add a pop of color and a twist of sophistication to your everyday style.
    Wear Red Shoes Step 11.jpg
  8. Avoid wearing red shoes with trashy or suggestive pieces. Red shoes are already relatively sexy. Wearing them with ripped jeans, tube tops, cut-off shorts, and other revealing garments does not make you look sexier. Instead of looking confident, it may simply look like you are trying too hard to be noticed.
    Wear Red Shoes Step 12.jpg
  9. Wear your red shoes with a conservatively sexy ensemble. If you want to take full advantage of the seductive nature of red stilettos, pair them with an outfit that is subtly, rather than overtly, sultry. For instance, a little black dress with cap sleeves and a hemline that comes down to your knee can be very sexy, even though it shows a modest amount of skin. This makes it a potential candidate for your red high heels.
    Wear Red Shoes Step 13.jpg
  10. Resist the temptation to adorn yourself in too many red accessories. You can match your red shoes with red lipstick and a red handbag, but stop there. Do not add a red belt, red scarf, red bracelet, and ruby red ring to the mix. A few red accessories looks coordinated, but too many looks overdone.
    Wear Red Shoes Step 14.jpg

EditVideo

EditTips

  • If you like the way red shoes brighten up your outfit, experiment with other red accessories, as well. Tie a red belt around a white button-down blouse or sling a bright red purse over your shoulder. Introduce these pieces into your wardrobe one at a time, however, and avoid wearing them all at once.
  • Red shoes look great when matched with neutrals and patterns that contain faint traces of red, but they make a poor choice for solid red outfits. You should also avoid red shoes with outfits that are already fairly sultry.
  • No two pairs of red shoes are created equal. Before you can determine what to wear your red shoes with, you need to ask yourself what you hope to accomplish by wearing your shoes and where you plan on walking in them. For instance, a red high heel might be appropriate for a date, but a flat is better suited for the office.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Red shoes
  • Neutral colored clothing
  • Patterned clothing
  • Minimal red accessories

EditReferences

How to Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant

Posted: 31 May 2019 09:00 AM PDT

Aloe vera plants make great indoor or outdoor plants; they are also handy to have around because of their healing properties. These plants are succulents, and therefore can become sick due to overwatering, underwatering, and other environmental factors. Root rot is one of the most common ailments of Aloe vera plants, but they can also become sunburned. If your Aloe vera plant looks a little under the weather, don't lose hope! You can still revive it!

EditSteps

EditRepotting Due to Root Rot

  1. Remove the Aloe vera plant from its current pot. One of the typical reasons for Aloe vera plant death is root rot. In order to determine if this is the case, you need to first take the plant out of its pot.[1]
    Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • Loosely hold the base of the plant and the bottom of your pot. Tip the pot upside down, and continue holding the plant with your other hand. Hit the bottom of the pot with your hand or knock it against a table ledge (or other hard surface).[2]
    • Depending on the size of your plant, you may need another person to help you. One person should hold the plant base with both hands, while the other person tips the pot upside down and hits the bottom.[3]. You might also find it helpful to jostle the pot back and forth until the plant comes loose.
    • If you still have difficulties removing your plant with two sets of hands, you can run a trowel or knife around the interior of the pot and try releasing it again, or push some of the soil out through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. If your plant still does not come out of the pot, you may need to break your pot, but this is a last resort.[4]
    • While releasing the Aloe Vera plant from its pot, be sure that you are keeping the plant itself as steady as possible. All the movement should be centered on the pot, not the plant itself. In other words, hold, don't pull, the plant. Hitting the bottom of the pot will keep your roots intact, and gravity will push the plant downward.
  2. Tend the roots. Examine the roots and determine how many of the roots are still healthy. Mushy roots are characteristic of root rot and need to be removed.[5] Any roots that aren't black or mushy are good and can be kept.
    Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • If you see a lot of healthy roots and only a section of dead or mushy roots, you can likely save your plant without too much trouble, but you'll need to cut away the damaged roots.[6] You can use a sharp, sterilized knife to cut away the dead roots,[7] but make sure to get them all.
    • If you notice that the majority of your plant has damaged roots, it will take a little more effort to save the plant, and it may be beyond saving. In this case, you can try to save the plant by removing the largest leaves (with a knife). Cut away about half of the plant. This method is risky. However, with fewer leaves to nourish, the small amount of undamaged roots can better direct nutrients throughout the plant.[8]
  3. Choose a pot that is one-third larger than the root system. Any excess soil will hold water and could cause root rot in the future, so a smaller pot is better than a larger one.[9]
    Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • The roots of Aloe vera plants grow horizontally, rather than vertically. [10] Aloe vera plants can also become quite heavy, and the weight of the plant can cause a narrow pot to tip over. Thus, select a wide pot, rather than a deep or narrow pot.[11]
    • The pot you choose should also have plenty of drainage holes on the bottom so that excess water does not sit in the soil.[12]
    • A plastic pot is best if you live in a dryer climate, while a pot made from terra cotta or clay is best for cooler or humid areas.[13]
  4. Use potting soil suitable for cactus or succulents. This type of soil has a higher sand content and produces a well-draining environment for your plant. You can find this type of soil easily at your local garden center.[14]
    Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • You can also create your own soil mix for your Aloe vera plant by mixing equal parts of sand, gravel or pumice, and soil.[15] Be sure to use a coarse sand (like builder's sand), rather than a fine sand. Fine sand can clump and hold water, rather than allowing it to drain down and through the pot.[16]
    • Although you can use potting soil for Aloe vera plants, they will thrive better in a mixed soil.[17] Potting soil is more likely to hold moisture and could therefore cause root rot.
  5. Replant your Aloe vera. Prepare the pot by filling it with the potting soil mixture, and shake your Aloe vera plant gently to remove about a third of the soil that has attached itself to the root ball.[18] Place your plant in the newly prepared pot and cover the top with more of the potting soil mixture. Be sure that the entire root ball is covered with the soil mixture , but don't bury the plant deeper than it was in the first pot.[19]
    Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant Step 5.jpg
    • You can also layer small rocks or gravel on the top of the soil, which helps reduce the evaporation of water.[20]
  6. Do not water immediately after repotting. Your Aloe vera plant needs a few days to readjust to its new pot and to repair any broken roots.[21]
    Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant Step 6.jpg

EditMonitoring Water

  1. Check the soil. You can tell if your Aloe vera plant needs to be watered by pressing your index finger a few inches down into the soil. If the soil is dry, your plant needs water. Aloe vera plants are succulents and do not need to be watered often. Overwatering can kill your plant![22]
    Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant Step 7.jpg
    • If you keep your plant outside, watering every two weeks should be sufficient.[23]
    • If you keep your plant inside, water it every three to four weeks.[24]
  2. Modify watering according to the season. Aloe vera plants need more water in the warmer months, but less in the cooler months. Water less often in Fall and Winter, especially if your plant lives in a cool space.[25]
    Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant Step 8.jpg
  3. Examine the leaves. As a succulent, Aloe vera plants store water in their leaves. If you notice the leaves are dropping or are becoming almost transparent, your plant likely needs water.[26]
    Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant Step 9.jpg
    • However, the same qualities can be a sign of root rot, caused by overwatering. Ask yourself when you watered your plant last. If you watered it recently, you should remove the plant from the pot and check for root rot.[27]
  4. Water until the soil is just moist. Water should never sit on top of the surface of the soil, so water with a light hand. Continue to check your plant weekly or bi-weekly by testing the soil to see if it needs to be watered.
    Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant Step 10.jpg

EditCaring for a Sunburnt Plant

  1. Check the leaves. If the leaves of your Aloe vera plant are turning brown or red, your plant may be sunburned.[28]
    Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant Step 11.jpg
  2. Reposition your plant. Move your plant to a place where it receives indirect, rather than direct, sunlight.[29]
    Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant Step 12.jpg
    • If your plant is typically in a position to receive artificial light rather than sunlight, reposition the plant so that there is a greater distance between it and the light source. You can also try moving it outside so that it is getting some indirect natural light, rather than artificial light.[30]
  3. Water your plant. Check the soil and determine if your plant needs to be watered. The soil is likely dry if your plant has been getting too much sunlight, since the water would be evaporating more quickly.[31]
    Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant Step 13.jpg
  4. Remove dead leaves. With a sharp, sterilized knife, cut the leaf away from the plant at the base. Any leaves that are dead take nutrients from other parts of the plant, so be sure to remove them so that the rest of your plant doesn't suffer.[32]
    Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant Step 14.jpg

EditTip

  • Instead of snapping off leaves when you want to use the aloe, cut the leaves at the base with a sharp knife where the leaf meets the soil. The plant will heal itself better from a more precise cut.[33]

EditRelated wikiHows

EditReferences

EditQuick Summary


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How to Wear a Graduation Cap

Posted: 31 May 2019 01:00 AM PDT

Cap-and-gown graduation ceremonies are a tradition that go back to the Middle Ages. Even though times (and styles) have changed considerably since then, it's still important to cut a handsome image when you're walking across the stage. Donning a graduation cap may seem simple, but there's a right and a wrong way to do it that may vary depending on your school, field of study or graduate level. No matter what sort of cap you're wearing, you'll want to make sure that it fits properly and is lined up in all the right places, and that you keep it in pristine condition until it's time to receive your diploma.

EditSteps

EditPutting on the Cap

  1. Arrange the cap so that the point is in front. The mortarboard (the square piece on the crown of the cap) is meant to be worn offset in a diamond shape. The front and back of the cap will usually be indicated by the design of the headpiece—look for the slight taper in the forehead area and the elastic band in the rear.[1]
    Wear a Graduation Cap Step 1.jpg
    • Situate the cap so that the front corner of the mortarboard is centered on your forehead.[2]
    • If you're still not sure which way it goes, take a look inside the brim. The manufacturer often includes basic directions for how to wear the cap properly.
  2. Make sure the cap sits evenly. Once the cap is on your head, the mortarboard should be flat and level with the ground. If it's not, you may need to tilt it slightly to straighten it out. Double check that the band of the headpiece is symmetrical and comes to a stop about an inch above your eyebrows.[3]
    Wear a Graduation Cap Step 2.jpg
    • Don't push the cap too far forward or back on your head or let it lean to one side.[4]
    • To test whether your cap is level, try placing a lightweight object on top and see if it stays in place.
  3. Attach the tassel. If the cap doesn't have a fixed tassel, or it doesn't arrive preassembled, you'll need to put it on yourself. To do this, simply loop the circular end of the tassel over the raised button in the center of the mortarboard. It should be able to slide freely around the button without coming loose.[5]
    Wear a Graduation Cap Step 3.jpg
    • Give the tassel a couple gentle tugs to make sure it's secure.
  4. Position the tassel correctly. At the beginning of the ceremony, the tassel should fall on the right side of the cap (unless otherwise specified). Once everyone in the class has been announced, you and your fellow grads will flip it around to the left side, signifying your transition from student to graduate.[6]
    Wear a Graduation Cap Step 4.jpg
    • Some schools and programs may do things a little differently. Be sure that you're clear about your school's established practices prior to the big day.
    • Keep the tassel out of your line of sight and resist the urge to mess with it as much as possible.
  5. Leave your cap on for the duration of the ceremony. Once you've got your cap and gown on, try not to fidget with them too much. They may not be the most comfortable, but you'll only have to wear them for a couple of hours. When it comes time to remove your cap, do it in style—new graduates traditionally toss their caps into the air as a celebratory gesture when the ceremony draws to a close.
    Wear a Graduation Cap Step 5.jpg
    • Resist the urge to remove your cap for any reason once the ceremony is underway, unless it's for the singing of the National Anthem.[7]
    • You can hold onto your cap if you'd rather be wearing it when it comes time to take pictures. In fact, this will definitely be a good idea if your regalia is rented!

EditLooking Your Best

  1. Order your cap and gown in the right size. Use the size measurements provided by the supplier to ensure that your graduation regalia will fit the way it's supposed to. The cap itself should be snug, but not too tight. If it keeps slipping out of place, it's most likely too big, whereas if it's cutting off your circulation you might benefit from going up a size.[8]
    Wear a Graduation Cap Step 6.jpg
    • Get a more accurate estimate by measuring your crown with a tape measure and comparing that measurement to the available sizing options.[9]
    • Return poorly-fitting caps and gowns right away to give yourself plenty of time to have them exchanged for the correct size.
  2. Give the cap a trial run. It's a good idea to try your cap and gown on a time or two before the actual ceremony so you can get an idea of how the completed ensemble will look together. This will also give you a chance to make any necessary last minute adjustments.[10]
    Wear a Graduation Cap Step 7.jpg
    • The more times you wear the cap, the more comfortable you'll feel once it's time to take to the stage.
  3. Style your hair to fit under the cap. Most guys and ladies with shorter hair will be able to get away with minimal styling. Those with longer locks can experiment with ponytails, braids or straightened looks that draw the eye to the neck and shoulders. The key is to keep the hair smoothed away from the crown to give the cap the space it needs to rest comfortably.[11]
    Wear a Graduation Cap Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • If you'd prefer to show off a more elegant style, try curling the ends or tucking it up so that it's just visible beneath the cap.
    • It's typically wise to avoid up-dos and styles with too much volume.
  4. Save the cap for last. Wait until you're wearing your gown, stole and any other components to put on the cap. That way, you can focus your attention on fixing your hair and makeup without worrying about messing them up later. The cap should be the final addition to your graduation regalia.[12]
    Wear a Graduation Cap Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • Some gowns and hoods are designed to be slipped over your head, which can be tricky if you've already got your cap on.
  5. Decorate your cap. Some schools may allow you to add small embellishments to your graduation cap to express your personality and help you stand out from the crowd. Tack on a few buttons or a pendant for a modest injection of personality, or break out the paint pens, glitter and fabric letters to really make a statement. This is an important day in your life, so it's important that you enjoy yourself while you're receiving your honors.[13]
    Wear a Graduation Cap Step 10.jpg
    • Use paint, fabric and other accessories in your school's colors.
    • Spell out a special message or quote related to graduation. Even if your classmates can't see it, the audience will.[14]
    • Be sure to run your decorating ideas by the principal or dean before you making any drastic modifications to your regalia.

EditKeeping Your Cap in Good Condition

  1. Put the cap away until you need it. The best way to protect your graduation cap from damage is to not take it out any more often than you have to. Stash the cap in the box it was packaged in when it's not in use and set it on the top shelf of a closet where it won't get crushed or bent. This will keep it from being exposed to dust, sunlight and moisture, as well as other potential dangers like pets or small children.
    Wear a Graduation Cap Step 11.jpg
    • Handle the mortarboard carefully. Always grip it lightly by the edges whenever you're picking it up or setting it down.
    • As soon as you receive your cap and gown, place them on a hanger to work out the wrinkles.[15]
  2. Brush out the tassel. As your cap gets moved around, the strands of the tassel may get hung up on one another. Run your fingers through the strands before putting on the cap to separate them and keep them looking neat and orderly.[16]
    Wear a Graduation Cap Step 12.jpg
    • This should be done just before you put the cap on so you can walk down the aisle confident and tangle-free.
  3. Keep your cap spotless. There will probably be no need to clean your cap prior to graduation, but if for some reason you must, do it with a gentle steaming or ironing. Never put the cap through the washing machine, have it dry cleaned or allow it to get wet, as this can easily ruin the fabric or cause it to lose its shape.[17]
    Wear a Graduation Cap Step 13 Version 2.jpg
    • Brush loose dust and dirt from your cap and gown by hand rather than using an implement that may damage the material.
    • Don't leave your cap sitting out where it may get something spilled on it.

EditTips

  • Use a couple clips or bobby pins to prevent the cap from sliding around or being carried off by a gust of wind.
  • A small amount of low-hold hair styling product can keep a tight cap from wreaking havoc on your hair before you take pictures or go out for a celebratory dinner.
  • If your cap or gown needs to be ironed due to wrinkling, try placing a pillowcase between the gown and iron, then ironing it on low heat.

EditWarnings

  • Find a better place to keep your graduation regalia than in your car, locker or luggage.
  • Avoid ironing caps or gowns made from synthetic materials like polyester or rayon. Intense heat can cause them to melt.

EditReferences

EditQuick Summary


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