| How to Stretch New Shoes Posted: 06 Jun 2019 05:00 PM PDT If you've ever bought a pair of shoes that were too small, you probably didn't wear them long before you started wondering if there was a way to stretch them. While you can't change your shoe much more than a quarter- to a half-size, if you only need a little extra room, you may be able to stretch out the material enough to make them fit comfortably. EditWearing the Shoes to Stretch Them - Wear the shoes around the house for an hour at a time. One of the easiest ways to stretch out a pair of shoes is just to wear them. Try wearing them for about an hour at a time, but if you can't wear them that long at first, that's okay. If you'd like, you can add a thick pair of socks to cushion your feet and help stretch your shoes even more.[1]
- This technique will work for almost any type of shoe, but it's best if the shoes are only a little too tight.
- Keep in mind that if the shoes pinch or rub your feet, you might get blisters if you aren't wearing socks!
- As your shoes stretch, gradually increase the amount of time you wear them. Once they're comfortable enough to wear for several hours at a time, they're ready to take out of the house!
- Wear thick socks and heat the shoes with a hair dryer for a fast stretch. Put on thick cotton socks, then slip your feet into your shoes. Set your hair dryer to medium heat and blast each shoe for about 30 seconds, moving the nozzle around as you do so. As the shoe is heating, wiggle your toes and bend your foot to help stretch the shoe. Then, continue wearing the shoes as they cool down.[2]
- The heat will soften the shoe, helping it form to your foot. If you need to, heat the shoes again after they've cooled completely.
- Heat can soften the glue used on some shoes, causing the uppers to separate from the sole, so don't leave the hair dryer nozzle in any one place for too long. Do not heat plastic or PVC shoes—they won't stretch and you could release toxic fumes into the air.
- Spray the shoes with rubbing alcohol for a custom fit. Put on the shoes you want to stretch, then fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and saturate the outside of the shoes. Wear the shoes as the alcohol dries, and they should stretch out to fit the shape of your foot.[3]
- You can also soak a thick pair of socks with rubbing alcohol, then put on the socks and shoes and wear them until the alcohol evaporates.
- This is a great option for canvas or athletic shoes. However, it may not work as well for dress shoes made from stiff materials.
- Because the alcohol dries quickly, it shouldn't damage the shoe. However, it's best to test the alcohol on an inconspicuous spot first if your shoe is made from a material that shouldn't get wet, like leather or suede. If you're not sure, try a different technique.
- Try a shoe-stretching spray while you're wearing leather shoes. If you want to stretch leather shoes, put them on, then spritz the leather according to the package directions. Wear the shoe while the spray dries, and the leather will stretch out around your foot.[4]
- Shoe-stretching sprays are made to loosen the fibers of leather, allowing the material of the shoe upper to spread slightly. They may also work on suede, but be sure to read the product label carefully.
EditStretching the Shoes in the Freezer - Fill a resealable bag halfway with water and place it in the shoe. Stretch your shoes overnight by filling them with water, then freezing them. The easiest way to do that is to place a resealable plastic bag that's about halfway full of water into the shoe. Make sure the bag is sealed tightly so you don't spill any water in the inside of the shoe, as this could damage the insole.[5]
- If you're concerned the bag might break, use 2 bags instead, placing one inside the other.[6]
- You can try this with any type of shoe, but it might work better for open-toe, peep-toe, or athletic styles. If the toe box on your shoes is very narrow, it might be hard to arrange the bag so it reaches all the way down into the shoe, and it might not stretch evenly.[7]
- Place the shoes onto a tray and place the tray in the freezer. Leave the shoes in the freezer for several hours or overnight. Give the shoes enough time to make sure the water is frozen completely solid.[8]
- Putting your shoes on a tray or a baking sheet will keep the bottom of your shoes from touching a surface your food might come in contact with. You can also place them into a large bag or on a sheet or parchment paper. However, you can just put them directly into the freezer, if you want.
- Leave the shoes at room temperature for 15-30 minutes, then remove the bag. Once the ice is completely frozen, take the shoes out of the freezer. Leave them in a warm, dry place for about 15-30 minutes, or until the ice starts to melt. Then, wiggle the bag back and forth until you can remove it from the shoe.[9]
- It's better not to let the ice thaw out all the way. If there are any holes in the bag, the water could leak into the shoe and damage it.
EditStuffing the Shoes - Use a shoe stretcher to gradually widen leather shoes. A shoe stretcher is a device that's made to wedge down into a shoe. Typically, they have a knob or a lever that you turn to gradually widen and lengthen the shoe stretcher. Over time, this will help relax and widen the shoe, making them up to a half-size larger.[10]
- You can buy a shoe stretcher at most high-end shoe stores.
- Try this in conjunction with a shoe-stretching spray for the best results. Dampen the shoes with the spray, then insert the shoe stretcher. Repeat this as needed until your shoes reach the size you need.
- Roll up socks and stuff them into the toes of the shoes for a gentle stretch. Take a sock and roll it up tightly from the toes all the way to the top, then stick it down into the toe box of the shoe. Continue doing this until you've filled both shoes completely with as many socks as you can fit. Then, store the shoes overnight or until you're ready to wear them again.[11]
- While this method might not work as quickly as using heat, alcohol, or ice, it will gently stretch your shoes over time, making it an ideal option for leather, vintage, or otherwise delicate shoes.
- This may not work as well for shoes with a stiff upper, like dress shoes. Also, shoes that are made from a flexible material, like mesh, might require direct heat or a method that saturates the shoe in order to stretch out the fibers.
- Place wet newspaper into the shoes for more stretching power. Dampen a few sheets of newspaper, then ball them up and stuff them into the toe box of the shoe. Continue adding balls of wet newspaper until the shoe is full. As the paper dries, it will expand and harden, stretching out the shoe.[12]
- Because this technique will form the shoe as it stretches, be sure to arrange the paper so it preserves the shape of your shoe.
- Do not saturate the paper, or it could damage the inside of your shoe. Also, avoid using this technique on leather shoes.
- Stretch the shoe with wet oats, grains, or rice for an old-fashioned approach. Fill a plastic bag with oatmeal, rice, or any other grain that will swell up when it gets wet. Add just enough water to cover the grains, then seal the bag and place it into the shoe, working it down into the toe box. Leave the bag in place overnight, then remove it and try your shoes on![13]
- As the oats expand, the pressure will help stretch the material of the shoe.
- If your shoes are expensive or delicate, it may be best to take them to a professional cobbler to have them stretched.[14]
- If a shoe isn't made to fit your foot, there's not much you can do to change its shape. Keep in mind that whenever possible, it's best to buy shoes that already fit.
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| How to Grow Celery from a Stalk Posted: 06 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT Learning to grow celery from a stalk is a fun, easy, and inexpensive way to expand your gardening horizons. Celery is a Mediterranean plant that is popular for its many health benefits, versatility, and irresistible crunch. While celery can be difficult to grow outdoors in many climates, growing celery from a stalk indoors is simple. Once you grow your own celery from a stalk, you can use your new celery stalk base to repeat the process and have fresh, homegrown celery all year long. EditPreparing the Celery Stalk in a Bowl - Cut the celery stalks from the base to make room for new stalks to grow. Using a long, sharp knife, cut the celery stalks about to from the base. This will provide room for new stalks to grow without removing the necessary nutrients.[1]
- Thoroughly clean the cut celery stalk base with water and pat dry with a paper towel or cloth.
- Make sure that you have cleaned the celery stalk base well and have cleaned the stalk of any dirt, debris, or bugs.
- Put the celery stalk base in a to deep bowl partially filled with warm water. Using warm water will stimulate the growth of the new celery stalks.[2] Place the cut and cleaned celery stalk base in a bowl with the bottom of the plant down and the recently cut portion facing up.
- Make sure that the bowl you use is clean and deep enough to hold several ounces of water without spilling over.
- Fill the bowl with enough water so that about 2/3 of the celery stalk base is submerged, approximately to depending on the size of your celery stalk base.
- Store the celery stalk base in the bowl in a sunny place for 5 to 7 days. It is crucial that your celery stalk base gets a lot of natural light. To generate the energy it needs to grow, your celery stalk will need an average of about six to seven hours of natural light per day.[3]
- If you do not have a place indoors that receives enough natural light, you can learn how to use grow lights. This will help you re-create the conditions necessary for your celery to grow.
- Change the water regularly. As your celery stalk begins to grow, it will absorb a significant amount of the water surrounding the stalk. It is important that you replenish the water so that your celery can continue to flourish.
- Check the water level in the bowl containing your celery stalk daily. Top off the water in the bowl as needed so that 2/3 of your celery stalk remains submerged.
- Change the water every 2 to 3 days. This will ensure that your celery stalk has the clean water it needs to grow tall and strong.[4]
EditTransplanting the Celery Stalk into Soil - Check your celery for signs that it is ready to be transplanted. After 5 to 7 days, your celery stalk base should have begun to grow new shoots and should be ready to transfer into a pot with soil.[5] There are a few signs that indicate that your celery stalk is ready to be transplanted.
- The outside of the celery stalk base should have begun to brown and break down. While the appearance may be concerning, this is a normal and essential part of the growth process. The old celery stalk breaks down in order to create natural nutrients for the new stalk to grow. [6]
- Tiny sprouts of new growth have begun to spring up. This is a sure sign that the celery stalk is producing new growth and is ready to be transplanted.
- Fill about 2/3 of the planting pot with high quality general use potting soil. You will want to use your own judgement here, as the exact amount of potting soil needed will vary depending on the size of your celery stalk.
- The size of the planting pot will also vary depending on how wide your celery stalk base is. On average, a celery stalk base is about wide. To allow room for the celery to grow, you will likely want to choose a planting pot that is at least wide and tall.[7]
- The goal is to fill the pot with enough soil so that you can add more around and on top of the celery stalk base so that only the new sprouts are sticking out.
- Plant the celery stalk in the potting soil. Gently lift your celery stalk out of the bowl and place it in the center of your planting pot on top of the potting soil. Adding just a little at a time, slowly cover the original celery stalk base with new soil, leaving only the new celery shoots sticking out at the top.
- Water your new celery plant generously. While you want to be careful not to overwater your plant, it is crucial that your celery plant continues to get plenty of water so that it can continue to flourish. While there is no steadfast rule about how often you should water your celery plant, there are a few ways to ensure that your plant is getting the water it needs.
- Check if the soil is dry. If there is little moisture to the touch, your plant probably needs to be watered.
- Examine the growing celery for deterioration, yellowing, or brown spots. If any of these are present, your celery is not getting the water it needs. Celery requires a lot of water to grow strong, so if your new growth shoots appear discolored, dry, or small, water more often or use a spray bottle daily.[8]
- Watch as your celery stalk grows into a new celery plant. With the proper amount of sunlight and water, your celery stalk will grow into a new celery plant that can be harvested, eaten, and enjoyed!
- Usually, it takes about 5 months from the time that you first cut the original celery stalk for the new plant to grow completely.[9]
- After you have harvested your new celery plant, you can repeat this process and grow more celery at no additional cost.
EditThings You'll Need - Celery stalk
- Bowl
- Water
- General use potting soil
- Planting pot
EditReferences
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| How to Drink Cold Brew Coffee Posted: 06 Jun 2019 01:00 AM PDT Not to be confused with iced coffee (coffee served with ice), cold brew coffee is coffee that is brewed cold. Cold brew coffee has grown in popularity due to its full-bodied and bold flavor. It's also less acidic and easier to consume than traditional coffee brewed with hot water.[1] Making your own cold brew coffee does take some time but is a delicious and easy way to make coffee that can be consumed cold or hot and customized to your liking! EditMaking Your Own Basic Cold Brew Coffee - Measure and mix the coarsely ground coffee with cold or room temperature water. The ratio of ground coffee to water will vary depending on personal taste. A good place to start is to use the basic formula of one pound of ground coffee for every one gallon of water, and increase or decrease the amount of ground coffee to find your desired flavor strength.[2]
- Once you have determined the amount of water and coffee to use, pour the desired amount of cold or room temperature water into your large container. Stir in the ground coffee and mix well.
- Cover the ground coffee and water mixture and let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. You can let the mixture sit out covered overnight, but make sure you let it rest for at least 12 hours so that the coffee has time to brew completely. For stronger coffee, increase the amount of time you let the mixture rest, up to 24 hours.[3]
- Separate the coffee grounds from the mixture using a large coffee filter or mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Now that the mixture has had ample time to rest, your coffee has been cold brewed and you are ready to remove the remaining coffee grounds from the mixture. There are a few ways that you can separate the coffee grounds to avoid any unwanted grainy texture. Here are a few suggestions.
- Pour the mixture through a large coffee filter. If there is sediment still left in the mixture, pour it through the filter a second time to ensure the remaining liquid is clear and smooth.
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth to filter out the grounds.
- Chill the filtered or strained cold brew coffee and serve with ice. Once all of the coffee grounds have been separated from the liquid, you will have a fresh batch of cold brew coffee ready to be chilled. Once the cold brew coffee is chilled to your desired temperature, serve with ice and enjoy!
EditMaking Cold Brew Coffee Variations - Add milk or a dairy-free milk alternative to your cold brew coffee to cut the bitterness. If black coffee is not your thing, adding milk and or a milk alternative is a great way to make cold brew coffee that is creamy and smooth. Whether you are enjoying your coffee hot or cold, you can add milk or a milk alternative to your cold brew coffee.
- Add 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of whole milk, half and half, creamer, or a dairy-free creamer to make your drink particularly creamy.
- Mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of almond, cashew, or macadamia nut milk for a nuttier, slightly sweet beverage.
- Try 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut milk for a unique tropical flavor that goes great with cold brew coffee.
- Heat up your cold brew for a more traditional-style hot cup of coffee. Hot cold brew coffee has a similar taste to your more traditional coffee brewed hot but with significantly less acidity and bitterness. Heated cold brew coffee might pack less of a punch from your usual hot coffee, but it will make for a smooth, flavorful, and delicious warm drink![4]
- Select a cold brew coffee with a strong concentration to avoid making coffee that is too watery. Heating cold brew coffee without that undesirable "burnt" flavor requires that you dilute the original concentrate. Whether you are making your own cold brew coffee or purchasing a pre-made batch from a store, you will need to select a batch with a strong concentration to avoid over-diluting, resulting in a cup of coffee that is too watery.[5]
- Boil six ounces of water for every eight-ounce cup of hot cold brew coffee you wish to make.
- Once the water is boiling, pour it into a large mug and mix in two ounces of strong concentrate cold brew coffee for every six ounces of water.
- Add in additional ingredients for a fancy café-style drink. By adding any milk or creamer, sugar, syrup, or spices to your cold brew coffee, you can re-create your favorite fancy café drink at home, usually for much cheaper! If you are feeling extra fancy, you can learn how to your own simple syrup or sweet cream to add to your cold brew coffee for a delicious homemade version.
- Use a blender and add a handful of ice for a blended coffee drink. Use your blender and add a handful of ice to your cold brew coffee and any desired ingredients to make a blended iced coffee drink that is typically cheaper and healthier than at a café.
- Blend one cup of milk or milk alternative, one tablespoon of sugar or syrup of choice, a handful of ice, and one cup of cold brew coffee for a refreshing cold brew blended cappuccino.[6]
- Mix up a cold brew coffee cocktail or mocktail by adding alcohol or mixers. If you are looking for new and interesting ways to drink cold brew coffee, making a cold brew coffee cocktail or mocktail might fit the bill.
- Adding 8 ounces of tonic water to 2 ounces of iced cold brew coffee will leave you with a refreshing cocktail that can be enjoyed any time of day.
- For a delicious cold brew cocktail, mixologists recommend adding mezcal for a bold and smoky beverage, or sherry and cream for a sweet and velvety option.[7]
- Try mixing in 2 ounces of Kahlua or Bailey's with one cup of milk or milk alternative, 2 ounces of cold brew coffee, and a pinch of your favorite spice for an extra creamy cold brew cocktail.
- Make a cold brew coffee dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Just like traditional coffee brewed hot, cold brew can be used to make some delicious desserts. With only one cup of cold brew coffee, 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk, a set of popsicle molds and sticks, you can freeze and serve some delightful cold brew coffee popsicles in a matter of hours.[8]
- For a slightly more labor intensive but incredibly satisfying dessert, try making a batch of cold brew Ice cream. Stir 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, 12 ounces of sweetened condensed milk and one tablespoon of Kahlua until peaks form. Gently mix in a ½ cup of cold brew coffee, freeze for 2-3 hours, serve and enjoy![9]
EditThings You'll Need - Coarsely ground coffee
- A large container
- Cold or room temperature water
- One large coffee filter or a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth
EditReferences
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