How to Hang Outdoor String Lights on a Deck Posted: 05 Jun 2019 05:00 PM PDT String lights suspended above a deck space creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The soft glow of the lights is both soothing and practical, filling your outdoor space with light and a relaxing aura. Installing string lights on your deck is actually really simple. With the right materials and a little bit of effort, you'll be enjoying your hanging string lights in no time. EditHanging String Lights from Posts - Hold the lights above the deck and mark where you need support posts. The first thing you should do before hanging your lights is to lay them out along your deck where you want them to hang. Hold them up so you can see where they will need supports. Use a pencil or piece of painter's tape to mark where you will need to attach support posts.[1]
- You will need to install supports roughly apart to hold up your string lights.
- Have another person help you hold the lights up above your deck.
- Be sure to leave a little slack in your string lights so they have a little give when you hang them.
- Make sure the plug is near a power outlet.
- Use furring strips or thin wooden posts to hang your string lights. Furring strips are thin by posts that work great to hang light things like string lights. But you can use any type of wooden post that you want. Just use posts that are strong enough to withstand wind and rain. And make sure you have enough posts to support your lights![2]
- You can find furring posts and other wooden posts at your local hardware or home improvement store.
- Paint or stain your posts to match your deck. Since you'll be attaching the posts to your deck, you'll want them to either match or complement the color of your deck. Whether you want the posts to blend in or accent your deck, painting or staining also strengthens the posts, and will make them last longer. Be sure to allow your posts to fully dry before you use them.[3]
- Be sure to use paint or stain that is rated for outdoor use!
- If your posts are already stained or painted but you want to change it, you can remove the paint and then restain or repaint them!
- Attach cup hooks to the ends of your posts. Cup hooks are small, curved hooks with a screw on one end that can be used to hang your lights from your posts. It's easier to attach them to your posts before you install them on your deck. Screw a cup hook onto the end that the lights will hang from. You can use a power drill to make a hole or manually screw the hook into the post. Make sure the hook is all the way in and secure in the post.[4]
- Choose cup hooks that also complement your deck. There are gold, silver, and other color options to choose from. You can find them at your local hardware store.
- Install the posts onto your deck where you marked. You can either screw or nail the posts into place, just as long as they are securely attached. Measure the height of your posts so that they are mounted at the same level to hang your string lights evenly. You can either mount them on the inside of your deck or the outside, whichever you prefer.[5]
- If you're using furring strips, be sure to attach them gently. They can be fragile enough to crack under the strain of a hammer or drill.
- Hang your lights on the hooks mounted to the posts. With your supports mounted, it's time to hang your lights! Keep the plug near the outlet and string the lights from post to post. Let them hang a little loosely so they can give a little under the strain of the outdoor elements. Once they're attached, plug them in to enjoy them whenever you like.
- Keep the lights unplugged while you attach them.[6]
EditUsing Heavy Planters to Hang String Lights - Get heavy planters that complement your deck. Planters can be ornate and come in a variety of colors and designs, so you want to choose ones that suit your deck. You also want to the same planters for a uniform look. Planters can be made out of many different materials as well, so choose materials that you like and are durable enough to last.[7]
- You can find heavy planters at home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe's.
- You can also repaint your planters to match your deck.
- Arrange the heavy planters around the perimeter of your deck. Before you fill your planters, you need to arrange them where you will need support posts to hang your lights. Hold your lights up around your deck to see where they will need supports, and place a planter there. Install your planters on the outside of your deck so the poles are not in the way.[8]
- You can place your planters at the corners of your deck or space them out every or so.
- Planters are both heavy and can be chipped, so try not to move them too much so you don't risk damaging them.
- Use wooden posts or taller to install in your planters. Because you're installing support posts that start lower, in the planters, they need to be tall enough to reach above your deck so your lights can hang. You can use furring strips or any other wooden posts as supports. Just be sure your posts are strong enough to support your lights and withstand the movement caused by wind.[9]
- You can also paint or stain your posts.
- Attach cup hooks to the posts before putting them in the planters. Since the posts have to be taller to reach above your deck, you need to attach your cup hooks before you put them into the planters. You also don't want to disturb the posts too much once they're in the planters. Screw in a cup hook to the end you plan to hang your lights from.[10]
- Make sure the hooks are securely attached.
- Insert the posts in the planters and fill with heavy materials. After you've attached your cup hooks to your posts, put them into the planter and fill the planter with heavy materials like concrete or gravel. If you plan to keep plants in the planters, you can put gravel in the bottom of the planter and fill the rest with dirt before adding any plants.[11]
- For a strong hold, fill the bottom of the planter with wet cement, insert the post in the center, and allow the cement to fully dry.
- String your lights from one post to another. With your posts in the planters and the planters in place, start connecting your string lights, keeping the plug near an electrical outlet. Work your way from one post to the next, making sure the lights are securely connected to one post before moving to another. Leave a little bit of slack in the string lights so they can sway with the wind.[12]
- If you're not using wooden posts or cup hooks, you can use zip ties to attach the lights to the supports.
EditAttaching String Lights Directly Onto the Deck - Hold the lights along the deck and mark where you want to attach them. If you plan to attach your lights directly onto your deck, the first thing you should do is run the lights along the length of your deck, keeping the plug near an outlet. Find where the lights will need to be attached to the deck to be supported. Mark with a pencil or a piece of painter's tape where you will need to add cup hooks.[13]
- For a more "relaxed" hang in your lights, mark every so the lights can hang a little bit. If you want the lights to stay snug against the deck, you can mark every 3-5 feet.
- You may not want much slack in your lights when attaching them directly to your deck.
- Install cup hooks where you marked. Take your cup hooks and screw them into the places you marked. Make sure that they are screwed all the way in. Make sure the hooks are pointed up so the string lights won't fall out of them.[14]
- Use cup hooks with colors that either blend in with or complement your deck!
- Attach the lights on the the hooks using mini carabiners. After you've installed your cup hooks, connect your lights to them and secure them with mini carabiners for additional support. Thread the carabiner through the eye of the screw and cord of the light. Carabiners are easy to remove as well, so if you need to take down the lights, simply remove the carabiners and uninstall your string lights.[15]
- Make sure the lights are not plugged in while you attach them!
EditThings You'll Need EditHanging String Lights from Posts - Pencil or painter's tape
- Hammer or drill
- Nails or screws
- Wooden posts
- Cup hooks
EditUsing Heavy Planters to Hang String Lights - Tall wooden posts
- Heavy planters
- Cup hooks
- Concrete, gravel, or dirt
EditAttaching String Lights Directly Onto the Deck - Pencil or painter's tape
- Cup hooks
- Mini carabiners
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How to Record Skype Calls Posted: 05 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT This wikiHow teaches you how to record a video or audio call on Skype on both your computer and your mobile items. If you use Skype a lot, chances are you've had some conversations that you wish you could relive. From funny to touching, these moments can be incredibly important. Luckily, you can protect your future moments by recording your audio and video calls. EditOn Mobile - Open Skype. Tap the Skype app icon, which resembles a white "S" on a blue background. This will open your Skype main page if you're logged in.
- If you aren't logged into Skype, enter your Skype email address or username, then enter your password when asked.
- Start a Skype call. Choose a contact from the list, then tap either the phone-shaped "Call" button or the video camera-shaped "Video Call" button.
- Tap . It's at the bottom-center of the screen. A pop-up menu will appear.
- Tap . This is in the pop-up menu. Skype will begin recording your call.
- Tap when you are done. You'll see this link in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Make sure you don't stop the call until the "Finalizing your recording..." message disappears.
- End the call. Tap the red-and-white phone icon (or the X on iOS) to terminate the call.
- Play back the recording. Everyone in the chat will see the recording you made in the chat section of the conversation. Tapping the recording will play it.
- Long-pressing the video and then tapping Save in the resulting menu will save the video to your smartphone or tablet.
EditOn Desktop - Make sure that you are running the latest version of Skype. You need version 8 of the new Skype interface to record calls.[1]
- You can download the latest version of Skype by going to https://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/, clicking the Get Skype for button, and selecting your operating system.
- Once you've downloaded Skype, you can install Skype by double-clicking the downloaded file and following the on-screen prompts.
- If you are using Skype for Windows 10, then check the Microsoft store for updates. Click on the triple dots, then choose "Downloads and Updates", then choose "Get Updates".
- Open Skype. Click or double-click the Skype app icon, which resembles a white "S" on a blue background. This will open your Skype main page if you're logged in.
- If you aren't logged in, enter your email address and password when prompted before you continue.
- Start a call. Select a contact from the left-hand list of people (or search for a contact), then click either the phone-shaped "Call" button or the video camera-shaped "Video Call" button.
- Click . It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. A pop-up menu will appear.
- Click . This option is in the pop-up menu. Skype will begin recording your call.
- Click when you are done. You'll see this link at the top of the window.
- Make sure you don't stop the call until the "Finalizing your recording..." message disappears.
- End the call. Click the red-and-white phone icon at the bottom of the window to do so.
- Play back the recording. Everyone in the chat will see the recording you made in the chat section of the conversation. Clicking the recording will play it.
- Right-clicking (or -clicking the video and then clicking Save to "Downloads" in the resulting menu will save the video to your computer.
- Always ask the other party for permission prior to recording a phone call.
- Skype recordings will automatically be deleted after thirty days.
- You may need Skype Credits to complete your calls. Prior to calling and recording your conversation, make sure you have enough Skype Credits, as this could otherwise cause delays with your call, or have your call be cut short.
- Recording someone without their consent is illegal.
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How to Get a Traveling Job Posted: 05 Jun 2019 01:00 AM PDT If you don't want to work a normal 9-5 job where you're stuck behind a desk all day, consider getting a job that allows you to travel. There are a variety of ways you can travel for work, including working in the travel industry, joining an international organization, and teaching abroad. Consider your skill set and choose an option that suits your interests to get a job that lets you make money while you travel! EditWorking in the Travel Industry - Become a flight attendant to fly all over the world as part of your job. Flight attendants travel daily and often get to spend the night in exotic locations, all while earning a good income and receiving nice benefits like discounted flights. Experience in the service industry or customer service will help you get a flight attendant job.[1]
- Requirements for flight attendants are different among different airlines. In general, you will need to be in good physical health, be able to stand on your feet for long periods of time, and be able to reach the overhead bins.
- Lots of airlines post available flight attendant jobs on their websites. Search online for available jobs with airlines that operate out of airports in your area.
- It's important to know that flight attendants often work odd hours, especially when starting out, and you won't be able to choose which destinations you fly to when you begin.
- Work on a cruise ship to travel the world with free room and board. Working on a cruise ship will allow you to travel full-time while earning a salary and living for free aboard a cruise ship. Search online for available cruise ship jobs to find one matches your experience and interests.[2]
- Cruise ships are like miniature floating cities, so it's possible to find almost any type of job you can imagine aboard a cruise ship. From restaurant servers to entertainers, people with all kinds of job experience and backgrounds are in demand on cruise ships.
- Understand that working on a cruise ship is not all fun and games. You will often have to work long hours and hard shifts. However, you will be rewarded with stopovers in far-away ports all over the world that you can explore.
- Naturally, cruise ships depart from major ports, so if you don't live in a port city you will have to travel to one to start working on a cruise ship.
- Be a travel agent to get good deals on travel and accommodation. If you've spent a lot of time exploring other places, you may be able to have a successful career as a travel agent. Travel agents provide the best advice on accommodations, entertainment, dining, and other attractions to their clients.[3]
- Though technically travel agents don't get paid to travel, they often receive deals on hotels and tours so that they can recommend them to clients. If you work as a travel agent, you will also learn how to find the best deals on flights to different locations around the world.
- With the proliferation of online booking sites and travel comparison sites, the travel agent profession has seen a decline in recent years. However, there are still many people who trust travel agents to find them the best travel options because of their experience and expertise.
- Become a tour guide if you have people skills and knowledge of a place. Apply for a job with a large tour company that will allow you to take tour groups to different travel destinations. Another option is to start traveling and try to find local tour guide jobs wherever you end up.[4]
- You will need to have local knowledge, including the history of the area, to be a successful tour guide. If you don't already know something about a place, then do your homework first to stock up on knowledge that can help you get a tour guide job.
- Keep in mind that tour guide jobs can be very seasonally based. You will have better luck finding local tour guide jobs during the high seasons for tourism.
- You need to be able to manage large groups of people and keep them interested in the tours you are giving to be successful as a tour guide.
EditWorking for International Organizations - Join the Peace Corp to help the less fortunate in a developing country. The Peace Corps is a government aid organization that U.S. citizens can join. Look on the Peace Corps website at https://www.peacecorps.gov/ to find out what it takes to join and what types of jobs you can get assigned to.[5]
- Keep in mind that working for the Peace Corps is the opposite of luxury travel. You will often be assigned to a very remote area with limited infrastructure. Also, don't expect to make a lot of money, you will receive a modest income and accommodation, but it is more about giving back to the world than making money.
- Individuals who complete Peace Corps assignments also receive priority recruitment opportunities with the State Department upon their return to the USA. It is a good option if you aspire to work as a diplomat or other foreign service worker abroad.
- Become a foreign service worker to represent your country abroad. Foreign service workers travel and live abroad, representing their country on issues such as immigration, diplomacy, and international aid. Check online for the requirements to apply for a foreign service job in your country.[6]
- Every country has different foreign service job requirements. In general, you will likely have to pass a qualification test to show that you are fit to represent your country before you can select a career track within the foreign service department for your country.
- For example, if you are a U.S. citizen, then you can find jobs and requirements on the U.S. Department of State's website at https://careers.state.gov/learn/who-we-are/culture-of-leadership/.
- Work at a NGO to travel the world and provide humanitarian aid. There are many non-governmental organizations and international non-profits that you can work at to travel and help out with issues like human rights and disaster relief. Different organizations hire people with different career backgrounds, so do your research to find an organization that is a good fit for you.[7]
- Examples of NGOs include Doctors Without Borders, the Red Cross, and USAID.
- It's helpful if you have a background in health or social services to get a job with a NGO. For example, Doctors Without Borders hires medical professionals or med students to provide medical treatment to remote communities or people in disaster-stricken areas.
EditGetting Other Types of Jobs - Work as an au pair if you like caring for children. An au pair is an international nanny that lives with a family abroad and takes care of their children. There are many sites online that help pair child care workers with families abroad.[8]
- Your payment as an au pair can vary a lot depending on the country and program you are a part of. You will at least receive room and board at the home of the family you work for, as well as a small payment to cover personal expenses.
- A perk of being an au pair is that the family will often take you along on their travels to keep an eye on their children. You can also use free time on weekends to travel around and see more of the country where you are working, or even visit nearby neighboring countries.
- Teach English abroad if English is your first language. Get certified as an ESL teacher with an organization such as TEFL or TESOL to increase your job opportunities. English teachers are in high demand in many countries around the world, so there are many opportunities available depending on where you want to go.[9]
- Asian countries like Korea and Japan are known for paying especially well and even providing housing for English teachers. Consider looking into opportunities in these countries if you want a rewarding experience living abroad.
- If you have a Bachelor's Degree and teaching experience you will have a better chance of earning higher salaries teaching English.
- Become a translator if you are fluent in more than 1 language. Apply for a job with a language service provider to travel the world helping people communicate. Computer skills and business skills will also help you get a job as a translator, in addition to knowing at least 2 languages.[10]
- Countries that have the most language service providers are the United Kingdom, United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic.
- Be a travel writer if you have a passion for writing and travel. The easiest way to work as a travel writer is to freelance. Many publications will pay your for pieces about hot new vacation destinations and off the beaten path travel stories.[11]
- To work as a freelance travel writer, you can look for information on the websites and/or contact the editors of well-known publications such as The New York Times, Conde Nast, and National Geographic.
- Travel writing jobs are highly coveted but they can be inconsistent. They are often project-based and you may need to have some savings to fund your travels at the beginning.
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