| How to Find Fulfilling Work Posted: 28 Jan 2022 12:00 AM PST In today's super competitive job market, finding any kind of work can be tricky. Getting work that you truly love and find fulfilling can be even tougher. But, by exploring your passions and taking time to build your skills and credentials, you can get started on the career path that's right for you! Even if you're currently in a job that you don't love, you can still find ways to get the most out of your work while you look for something better. [Edit]Exploring Your Interests - Make a list of activities you enjoy doing to help define your interests. Before you can find a fulfilling job, you'll need to take some time to reflect and figure out what it is you're looking for. Sit down and write down all the things you like to do, no matter how ordinary or trivial they might seem. Almost any interest can be related to a career in some way![1]
- For example, if you're passionate about gardening, this might translate well into a job in horticulture, landscaping, or plant conservation.
- Examine the subjects you've enjoyed most in school, too. For instance, maybe you love biology or have a passion for history. If so, you might look for a career in one of these fields.
- Identify past projects that excited you. Think about things you've worked on at work or in school. Are there any projects that really stand out to you as being special in some way? If so, this could be a sign that you'd flourish in a career that involves similar work.[2]
- For instance, if you had a great time interviewing your classmates for a social studies project in high school, you might make a good journalist.
- Think about what aspect of the project excited you. For example, maybe you loved designing the poster for a project you did in chemistry class, even though you aren't crazy about chemistry. This could mean you have a knack for graphic design.
- Evaluate your special skills and strengths. In addition to your interests, your skills can play a big part in determining your ideal career. Tally up some of the things you're really good at, whether they're specific skills or more general strengths.[3]
- For instance, under general strengths, you might list things like being a good leader in group settings or being great at organizing your space.
- More specific skills might include things like speaking a second language or being able to use video editing software.
- Try taking a career interests test. There are a variety of assessments you can take to help you identify your special interests, strengths, and possible career paths. If you're in school, ask your guidance counselor or academic advisor if you might be able take one of these tests on campus. Otherwise, you can take some of these tests for free online.[4]
- For instance, the Holland Occupational Themes test is available for free on the web.[5] Do a search for "Holland Code test" or "RIASEC test." The test will ask you to rate how much you would enjoy doing a variety of tasks and help you identify different types of careers that match with your interests.
- Examine your values to figure out what's important to you. Discovering your core values can help you figure out what you want to get out of life and your work. Think about the things that are most meaningful to you.[6] What kind of work could you do to support those key values in your life?
- For example, if you value helping others, a career in healthcare or education might be a good fit for you. If you're competitive or passionate about pushing your physical limits, you may do well as an athlete or fitness trainer.
- If you're not sure what your main values are, try taking a values assessment. Do a search for "life values inventory" to find one of these assessments online.[7]
- Talk to a career counselor about jobs that suit your interests. If you're in school, there may be a guidance counselor or career coach on staff who can help you narrow down possible career paths that would suit your skills, passions, and personality. If you're not in school, do a search using terms like "career counselor near me" to find a professional career counselor in your area.[8]
- Unfortunately, professional career counseling can get pricey. Many career coaches charge well over $100/hour for their services. However, you may be able to find free or affordable career counseling through a local government agency or nonprofit organization in your area.
- Look to mentors for advice and insight about your career path. If you have a teacher, friend, relative, coworker, or boss who's had a special impact on your life, they may be able to offer you some valuable advice.[9] Ask them if you can set a time to have a heart-to-heart talk about your future.
- You might say something like, "I'm looking to make a career change, and I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do from here. I'd love to start my own business, like you did. Could we grab lunch next week and talk about how you got started?"
[Edit]Developing Your Skills and Qualifications - Pursue a graduate degree if it's required for the jobs you're interested in. Some jobs call for more advanced degrees, like a Master's, PhD, or even more specialized graduate degree. A graduate degree can also help you get higher-paying jobs in your chosen field.[10] If you're interested in getting a graduate degree, read up on the requirements for your preferred program(s) so you can start preparing in advance.
- For example, some graduate degrees in the humanities require you to pass reading exams in a second language (such as French or German). You can prepare ahead by studying these languages on your own or at the undergraduate level.
- Go for a special certification to give yourself an edge. Some jobs require professional certifications or licenses, while others may give preference to candidates with certifications even if they don't require them. Look into supplementing your degree with a certification or some continuing education classes to give your resume a boost.[11]
- For some careers, a certification program may be all you need to qualify. For instance, in the U.S., you can become a medical assistant, paralegal, or web developer with just a 6-month certification program.[12]
- Get experience with an internship if possible. Internships are designed to give you work experience when you're just starting out in a new career. If you're in school or university, talk to your guidance counselor of academic advisor about how to apply for internships. An internship will both look good on your resume and help you build practical skills that will help you in your career.[13]
- In some cases, an internship can transition into a permanent job with the same company.
- Unfortunately, many internships are unpaid, so not everyone can afford to take advantage of them. If you're a student, but internships aren't a good option for you, find out if your school or university offers a work-study program so you can get some paid job experience.[14]
- Some common types of internships include research internships (in which you do research for a company), job shadowing (where you observe professionals on the job), and paid or unpaid work internships, in which you do the kind of work typical of professionals in your field.
[Edit]Finding Good Jobs - Check job boards specific to your field to find good opportunities. If you're actively looking for work, you might find opportunities that you'd otherwise miss if you use more specialized job boards. Find out if there are websites specific to your field where you can check for job postings.[15]
- For example, if you're interested in being a web developer, you can find specialized job listings on websites like Stack Overflow Jobs, Dice, or GitHub.
- You can also find career-specific listings through professional association websites, like the American Medical Writers Association or the American Alliance of Museums. In some cases, you may need a membership to access job postings.
- Participate in career fairs to find opportunities and make connections. You might not walk away from a career fair with a new job, but it's a good way to meet people and find out about work opportunities in your area.[16] Search for "career fairs near me" to find out about upcoming events and learn how to attend them.
- Colleges and universities sometimes host career fairs and expos for students and recent graduates. You might also be able to find large-scale job fairs in your area that are open to the general public.
- Ask people in your network for recommendations. One of the best ways to find job opportunities is through people in your professional network. Ask around among people you know to find out if anyone is hiring. They might also be willing to be a professional reference or put in a good word for you![17]
- Coworkers, bosses, teachers, and friends who work in fields you're interested in are all good potential references.
- Take advantage of professional networking sites like LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a great resource for connecting with other professionals in your chosen field. You can also find job postings, educational articles, and a variety of other resources to help you get ahead in your career. Sign up for an account and use it to keep in touch with your colleagues, trade endorsements, or advertise your skills to recruiters. Make sure to keep your profile up-to-date so that it reflects your current skills and interests.[18]
- While LinkedIn is the best-known professional networking platform, it's not the only one out there. Sign up for similar sites like Xing, Opportunity, or Shapr to increase your scope and explore as many opportunities as possible.
- Volunteer with organizations in your field to get your foot in the door. If you have the time and energy, volunteering can be a great way to build skills and connections that might lead to work opportunities. If there's a company or other organization in your area that does work related to your chosen field, visit their website or call them to find out if they have volunteer opportunities available.[19]
- For example, if you're interested in breaking into the public health industry, you might volunteer at your local hospital or sign up with an organization like SOPHE (the Society for Public Health Education).
- Even if you only end up volunteering for 2-3 hours on the weekends, you can still grow your network and add the experience to your resume!
- Check out websites like NationalService.gov or VolunteerMatch.org to find volunteer opportunities in your community.
- Get professional help with your resume or applications if you're not getting work. Many job markets can be incredibly competitive, so half the battle is just getting someone to look at your application. If you've sent in tons of applications and aren't getting any responses, ask a mentor or a professional career counselor for advice. They might be able to give you tips on how to make yourself stand out. You could even hire a professional resume writer.[20]
- For example, just reformatting your resume to make it look less cluttered or adding some skills you hadn't thought of could make a difference.
[Edit]Finding Value in Your Current Work - Look at your current job as an opportunity for learning and growth. Most people don't end up in their dream job right away. For many, finding a fulfilling job can be a lifelong journey. If you have a job currently and you aren't happy with it, look for ways to make the most of it.[21] For example, you might:[22]
- Think about skills you've learned from your current job that you can apply to your future work.
- Make a list of people at your job who could serve as references for future job opportunities.
- Look for learning opportunities in the negative aspects of your job. For instance, what are some red flags you'll know to look out for next time you interview for a position? Have you learned anything about how to deal with difficult coworkers?
- Focus on the aspects of your job that you enjoy. Make a list of things about your job that you like, whether it's spending time with your coworkers or getting into a relaxing flow while you do the filing. You might also look for ways that your work has made a positive impact on individuals or your entire community.[23]
- For example, maybe you find the details of your work boring, but you get a sense of satisfaction from knowing that you're helping people.
- You can also look at ways that your job is helping you meet personal goals, like saving up enough money to buy something you want or help support your family.
- Set work-related goals to make your work more meaningful. Setting goals can give you focus and help you feel more challenged and fulfilled. Think about what you want to get out of your work, whether it's a better performance review or experience that you can bring into another job. As you work towards your goals, make sure to celebrate and acknowledge your progress.[24]
- Goals that are too big and vague can set you up for frustration. Set goals that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). For instance, instead of saying, "I'm going to get a better job soon," you might set a goal like sending out a certain number of applications by the end of the month.
- Not all your goals have to be big or long-term. You can also set small, short-term goals for yourself, like reorganizing your files or completing a certain number of tasks for the day. Even meeting a small goal can give you a sense of satisfaction!
- Find fulfilling things to do outside of work to create balance. Even if you do manage to score your dream job, you'll likely need to balance your work with other aspects of your life in order to feel truly fulfilled.[25] Whenever you can, set aside time for other things that you find meaningful, such as:[26]
- Working on hobbies
- Relaxing with friend and family
- Volunteering for causes you care about
- Taking care of yourself physically (e.g., getting exercise, eating well, and getting plenty of sleep)
- Working on chores and other obligations in your life
- Try to build meaningful relationships with your coworkers. Whatever kind of work you do, having good relationships with your other team members can make a huge difference in how fulfilling you find the work. Take time to get to know your colleagues, supervisors, or the people who work under you.[27]
- This might mean hanging out outside of work or just taking time to converse while you're on the job.
- Building strong professional relationships is also a great way to grow your network. One of your work buddies might help you get a better job down the line!
- It can take a lot of time, effort, and self-exploration to find the kind of work that's right for you. Don't get too discouraged if it takes a long time for you to find work you really love—everyone's journey is different!
[Edit]References |
| How to Use "I" Language Posted: 27 Jan 2022 04:00 PM PST Using "I" language, also known as "I" statements, is a way to express your thoughts and feelings in an assertive, non-aggressive way. "I" statements tend to make people feel less defensive and more willing to listen. This can be helpful for defusing conflicts and asserting yourself in a polite way. You can easily learn how to develop "I" language statements, phrase them for the best results, and use other effective communication strategies to get your message across. [Edit]Developing an "I" Language Statement - Take a few minutes to reflect on your feelings. If you don't know what you're feeling, you will not be able to articulate that to another person in a conversation. Take a minute to reflect on what it is that you are feeling, why you feel that way, and what you need from the other person. Once you understand these things, it will be easier for you to develop "I" language to explain yourself.
- Try writing freely about how you feel and why. Write in a journal, using a notepad app on your phone, or just on a scrap of paper.
- If you prefer to talk it out, call up a friend or family member who is supportive and trustworthy.
- Identify the situation and express how it makes you feel. Figure out what has happened and how you feel as a result. Identify if the person you need to talk with has done something or failed to do something that has affected you in some way. Pinpoint what the person has done or failed to do, and how that makes you feel.[1]
- For example, if your significant other was supposed to call you at a certain time and they failed to do so, then you might be feeling hurt, sad, or angry as a result.
- If the person is a coworker who is behind on a project you are working on together, then you might feel frustrated that their lack of progress is preventing you from doing your job.
- Describe the other person's behavior and how it affects you. Next, take a moment to describe the person's action and its effects in a short phrase or sentence. This is important so that you are totally clear on the issue. Try to keep this description as simple as possible.
- For example, you might write something like, "John did not call me when he said he would and I was worried something might have happened to him."
- Or, in the situation with a coworker, you might write, "Sarah is behind on the project we are working on together and I can't finish my part without her information."
- Say how you feel and why you feel this way. Next, focus on the emotions associated with the person's actions. "I" statements are meant to allow you to convey your emotions to another person without putting them on the defensive. To do this, you need to get crystal clear on what it is you are feeling.
- For example, as a result of John not calling you, you might write, "I felt worried when he didn't call, but now that I know he's okay, I feel hurt that he forgot to call me."
- In the case of your coworker, you might simply write, "I feel stressed because my work is being held up."
- Identify what you expect from the other person going forward. The final thing you need to consider when developing your "I" statement is what you need the other person to do moving forward. The goal of this is to find a solution to the problem and hopefully prevent a similar issue in the future.
- In the case of John not calling, you might write, "In the future, I would like it if John would make sure to call me when he says he will."
- In the case of your coworker, you might write, "I need Sarah to get her information to me as soon as possible."
- Turn your notes into an "I" language statement. Once you have thoroughly examined the situation, your feelings, and your expectations for the future, turn these notes into a simple "I" statement. Start by saying how you feel, why you feel that way, and what you expect or need.[2]
- For example, you might tell John, "I'm feeling upset because I didn't hear from you last night. I was worried that something happened to you. Please make sure to call me next time we schedule a phone call so I won't be worried."
- Or, in an email to Sarah, you might write, "Hey, Sarah. I want to touch base about that information we talked about last week. I'm a little concerned because I need to take care of this task that I've been assigned, but I can't make any progress until I get the information from that report you're working on. Can you please send it over to me as soon as possible?"
[Edit]Phrasing an "I" Language Statement - Use the "When _____, I ______" format to express your feelings in a simple way. Once you figured out what you want to say to the other person, you can plug it into a template, such as the "When _____, I ______" template. This is a simple way to put your feelings into an "I" language statement.[3]
- "When I come home from a long day at work and see dirty dishes in the sink, I feel overwhelmed and unappreciated."
- "When you tell jokes about immigrants, I feel really uncomfortable and insulted. I feel like I'm not welcome in my own country, regardless of my individual heritage, because of my race."
- Add a statement about your expectations for the future. Once you have expressed your feelings on a subject, you can add on another "I" statement to express what you hope the person will do moving forward. This will help to reduce the chances of a future conflict, and possibly also bring about a resolution to the current conflict.
- For example, you might say something like, "In the future, could you please load the dishwasher before I get home from work so I can make dinner right away?"
- Or, you might say, "I would appreciate it if you could avoid telling those kinds of jokes in my presence."
- Avoid common pitfalls of phrasing "I" statements. There are some common mistakes that people make when they are forming "I" statements, but you can easily avoid these by being aware of what they are. Some things to steer clear of in your "I" statements include:
- Using absolutes, such as "always" or "never."
- Telling the person what they "should" or "ought" to have done.
- Labeling the person or their actions with words like "weird," "crazy," or "stupid."
- Starting with "you" or saying "I feel like you…"[4]
[Edit]Communicating Effectively with "I" Language - Take a deep breath and try to relax before you deliver an "I" statement. If you notice that you are feeling angry, anxious, or otherwise upset, take a minute to calm yourself before you address the person. They will be more receptive to your words if you seem calm, and it will also be easier for you to get your point across if you are calm. Try taking a few deep breaths before you speak.
- You might also want to plan the conversation for a time when you will both be relaxed and have time to talk. Choose a pleasant setting such as while you're relaxing after dinner or during a walk.
- Rehearse what you're going to say in your mind or out loud. If you're feeling nervous, practicing the "I" statement you have developed may help you to feel more confident. Try saying it out loud a few times in front of a mirror, while driving or walking by yourself, or to a friend or family member. This can also help you to make the statement sound more natural.[5]
- Listen to the other person's response after you deliver the "I" statement. Just as you have the right and ability to open up about your feelings, it's important that they have the opportunity to express theirs. Listen closely to the other person's point of view and try to understand their perspective.[6]
- Keep in mind that the other person might not use "I" language. If they start to make "you" statements, don't follow suit. Continue to speak to them using "I" statements to defuse the situation and model good communication for them.
- Keep in mind that using "I" language can be difficult at first. It's easy to tell another person "You did this" or "You did that." It's harder to explain to the other person why the action is upsetting to you. But with time, you will find it easier to communicate in this way.
[Edit]References |
| How to Make Sugar Scrub Cubes Posted: 27 Jan 2022 08:00 AM PST Sugar scrubs can eliminate dry skin, soften dry hands, and make your hands smell amazing. Unfortunately, store-bought ones are often expensive and filled with unnecessary chemicals. The good news is that you can make them yourself quickly and easily—and for a fraction of the cost! - ½ cup (115 grams) melt-and-pour soap base
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) coconut oil (or other oil of choice)
- 1 cup (225 grams) sugar (white or brown)
- 20 drops essential oil (optional)
- 1 to 3 drops soap dye (optional)
[Edit]Making Basic Sugar Scrub Cubes - Cut or grate the melt-and-pour soap base and place it into a microwave-safe bowl. You can use any type of melt-and-pour soap base, including goat's milk, shea butter, and glycerin. Avoid using regular soap for this, as it's already been processed and won't melt very well.
- Melt-and-pour soap base is designed to melt easily, but it still needs to be cut or grated into smaller pieces.
- You can buy melt-and-pour soap bases at arts and crafts stores. You can also buy them online.
- The soap is important for this scrub. It's what allows the scrub to retain its cube shape.
- Add ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of your choice of oil. Coconut oil is extra nourishing and has a nice fragrance, but you can use any other type of food-grade oil, such as almond, avocado, grapeseed, hempseed, jojoba, or even olive oil.[2]
- To make your sugar scrub even more nourishing, replace 1 tablespoon of your oil with vitamin E oil.[3]
- Microwave the mixture until it has melted, stirring it every 10 seconds. If you don't own a microwave, you can assemble a double boiler, and heat the soap and oil in that.[4]
- Stir in some essential oil and/or soap dye, if desired. You can use any color or fragrance you like, but fragrances that work best in scrubs include grapefruit, lavender, lemon, mint, or vanilla. You can find essential oils in health food shops or online, and soap dye in arts and crafts stores and online soap-making supply shops.
- Avoid adding dyes if you used brown sugar. Soap-making dye is translucent, so the original brown color will still show through.
- Stir in the sugar and have your molds ready. Keep stirring until everything is evenly mixed together. Your scrub will look a little like wet sand.
- If you have sensitive skin, you might want to use brown sugar instead. It is softer than regular sugar and thus very gentle.[5]
- Scoop the mixture into the molds and pack it in well, using your fingers to smooth it out. You can use any type of small mold, such as a mini cupcake pan, ice cube tray, or silicon mold (for baking or for ice). You want the mold to be small.[6] Each cube will only last one use, so if you make them too big, you will waste a lot of scrub.
- Let the scrubs set. As the melt-and-pour soap base hardens, the cubes will turn solid and retain their shape. You can leave the molds on the counter or in the fridge, or in the freezer if you are in a hurry. Here's how much time each place will take to set:[7][8]
- Counter: 4 hours
- Fridge: 1 hour
- Freezer: 30 minutes
- Pop the hardened cubes out of the mold and put them into an air-tight container. If you'd like, you can place a sheet of wax paper between each layer of cubes. The air-tight container is a must—it will keep the cubes from drying out.
- Use the scrub in the shower. Dampen your skin and take a cube out. Break it up in your hand and massage the scrub over your arms and legs. You can also use them on your hands and feet![9]
- If the cubes are too big, don't worry. Just cut them in half or into fourths![10]
[Edit]Trying Variations - Give your cubes some sparkle by adding some mica powder to the sugar. Mica powder is a very fine, shimmery powder, sort of like loose eye shadow. Add a pinch of the powder into the sugar and stir it until it is evenly mixed together. Add the sugar to the soap and oil base.[11]
- You can find mica powder online and in some makeup supply stores.
- Make a maple-brown sugar scrub. Follow the recipe above, but use brown sugar instead of white. Omit the essential oils and dyes, and add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.[12] You will get a golden-brown scrub that is perfect for fall!
- Wake up with a vanilla-coffee scrub. Make the basic scrub above using white sugar and your choice of oil. Omit the essential oils and dyes, and add ¼ cup (25 grams) ground coffee and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.[13]
- Some people find that coffee-based scrubs help temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite.[14]
- Make a pumpkin spice sugar scrub for fall. Make a basic scrub using white or brown sugar and your choice of oil. Omit the essential oils and add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.[15] The honey in this scrub will make it extra moisturizing because honey is a natural humectant—that is, it helps the body retain moisture.[16]
- For a fun touch, use mini pumpkin- or leaf-shaped molds.[17]
- You do not have to add soap dye to this scrub, but if you'd like to, use fall colors, such as red, orange, and yellow.
- Make a brown sugar cookie scrub if you like sweet things. Make a basic scrub using brown sugar and your choice of oil. Skip the essential oils and dyes, and add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. If you'd like extra fragrance, add 1 teaspoon of almond extract.[18]
- Freshen up with a lemon scrub. Make a basic scrub using white sugar. Use lemon essential oil for this. If you'd like to give it some color, use 1 to 3 drops of yellow soap dye.[19]
- Almond oil will work great in this scrub, but you can use other kinds as well.
- A goat's milk melt-and-pour soap base will make this soap extra luxurious.
- Make your cubes more luxurious by adding a pinch of dried, fragrant herbs to the sugar. Before you add the sugar to the soap and oil base, mix in a pinch of dried, ground herbs. These will give your scrub a little exfoliating power as well as a nice fragrance. Herbs that work great in this include lavender, rosemary, and thyme![20]
- Avoid using herbs whose scent you don't like.
- Have the molds ready before you add the sugar because it will harden quickly.
- Match the color to the scent. For example, make your mint-scented scrubs green and your lavender-scented scrubs purple!
- You can make these scrubs using salt instead. Fine Dead Sea salts and Epsom salts are great for this.[21]
- If you are using metal or plastic molds, consider lining them with a sheet of plastic wrap first. This will make the scrubs easier to de-mold.[22]
- You can use skin-safe fragrance oils or soap-making fragrance oils instead of essential oils. Use twice the amount (about 40 drops).[23]
- Put the scrubs into mini jars and decorate them with labels and ribbon. Give them away as gifts!
[Edit]Warnings - Be careful when using citrus-based essential oils; they make your skin extra-sensitive to the sun. If you added citrus-based essential oils (orange, lemon, grapefruit, etc.) to your scrub, use it in the evening or wear long sleeves and long pants.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Microwave safe bowl
- Cheese grater or knife
- Microwave
- Spoon
- Silicon or plastic molds
- Air-tight container for storage
[Edit]References |
| How to Build a Planter Box from Pallets Posted: 27 Jan 2022 12:00 AM PST Pallets are fairly easy to come by, and they make for a cheap or free source of wood for things like planters. When choosing a pallet, make sure to read the label first; avoid ones that are marked with "MB," as that means they've been chemically treated. "HT" just means it's been heat treated, which is fine for a planter. You can try a simple project where you just staple garden fabric onto the bottom of a pallet to enclose it. You can also cut a pallet into sections and then reassemble it into a planter. Alternatively, you can take the pallet apart altogether to assemble it into a planter. [Edit]Creating a Basic Planter with Garden Fabric - Scrub down the pallet if it's dirty and sand any rough edges. Use a bit of dish soap dissolved in water to scrub it down with a sturdy brush. Rinse it off with a hose. Once it dries enough that it doesn't feel rough to the touch, use heavy sandpaper to smooth down any edges that are too splintery.[1]
- Sanding the edges isn't absolutely necessary, but it will keep you from picking up as many splinters in your hands.
- You can find free pallets at may retail locations, such as pet stores, farm and tractor stores, liquor stores, and even schools. You might also find them at construction sites. Always ask before taking a pallet. Also, never take a pallet that's marked with "Property of..." or a company name. You can also purchase pallets at home improvement stores.
- Cut garden fabric to fit the back and sides of the pallet. Turn the pallet over and lay the garden fabric out over the back. Cut it large enough to completely cover the back, leaving enough room to go up the sides of the pallet, too, to help keep the soil in.[2]
- The "back" of the pallet will be the side that has the most slats. You want the openings on the front/top of the pallet.
- "Garden fabric" is also called "weed barrier" fabric, as it's meant to suppress weeds when you layer it over an area. You can find it at most home improvement stores and garden centers.
- Staple the fabric to the back of the pallet, starting on the outer edges. On the back of the pallet, place a staple in the middle of one side of the pallet. Stretch it out and put a staple in the middle on the opposite side. Do the same for the other 2 sides and then fill in the rest of the edges with staples, stretching it a little as you do.[3]
- You don't need to stretch it very taut, but you should try to tighten it a little so it doesn't have too much slack.
- Attach the fabric to the sides with a staple gun. Flip the pallet over. Pull the fabric up each side. Staple it in place near the top of each side. At the corners, fold the fabric flat into a triangle shape and lay it flat against the pallet to staple it in place.[4]
- If you need to, trim off the fabric around the top edge.
- Fill the planter with soil and put your plants in the soil. Dump the soil in, working around the planks as you go. Add plants to each section of the planter by digging small holes and inserting the plants. Cover the bottom of the plants and then water the soil thoroughly.[5]
- Make sure you have the planter where you want it before adding the soil or watering it.
[Edit]Making a Planter from Pallet Sections - Cut a pallet into thirds. Start with a pallet that has 6, 9, or 12 planks across the front, as that will make it easier to cut into thirds. For instance, if it has 9 planks, cut between the third and fourth plank and then the 6th and 7th plank. Use a hand saw or jigsaw to cut down the center between the planks. You'll need to cut through each cross board on the front.[6]
- Once you're done, flip it over and cut it in the same places on the back.
- Pull the pallet apart into thirds. You should have 2 side pieces and 1 middle piece.
- Pull off the small slats on the back of the side pieces. When you flip the side pieces over, you should see small slats sticking out from the long piece of wood. Use a hammer to pry the slats off gently as you want to keep them intact. Wedge the claw under the edge of the wood that's still attached and use the hammer to leverage the piece off.[7]
- As you go along, hammer in any nails that are sticking up so they're flat against the boards.
- Remove the planks and wooden blocks from the center piece. On the back of the center piece, you should see square wooden blocks with small planks on top. Use your hammer to wedge these pieces off, keeping the wooden blocks intact as you go.[8]
- You may need to use a chisel to wedge the wooden blocks off the center piece.
- Continue to flatten any nails you see sticking up by hammering them into place.
- Cut off the edges of the planks that stick out on the center piece. When looking at the center piece, you should see 3 long boards (if you started with a pallet that had 9 planks) and smaller boards running perpendicularly across the long boards. The small boards likely extend over the edges of the long boards so trim them off with a handsaw or jigsaw so they're flush with the edges of the long boards.[9]
- Remove the "feet" from the boards you laid to the side with a splitting wedge. You set aside planks with wooden blocks on them earlier. Place a splitting wedge between the board and the wooden blocks. Drive a sledge hammer against the end of the edge to cut the nails between the blocks and boards.[10]
- If you want to skip this step, you could just screw the boards onto the bottom of the planter with the blocks still attached.
- A splitting wedge is a tool that's cut into a wedge shape. You place the sharp end between 2 things you want to separate, then hit the broad end with a sledge hammer.
- Screw or nail the middle piece into the side pieces. Turn the middle piece over. Set the side pieces across from each other up so that the wooden blocks are on the inside and at the top of the boards, while you prop the middle piece on top, which will become the bottom piece. This part will be a little difficult to balance as you need to prop it up and screw it in at the same time. Line the middle piece up with the wooden blocks from the sides and screw or nail them into place.[11]
- Place 2-3 screws or nails through the bottom piece into each of the the wooden blocks.
- Turn the planter right-side up!
- Place the leftover planks on the ends to make the other sides. You should have a u-shaped planter with the ends still open. Place the leftover planks on the ends, lining them up with the side boards. Screw them into place on top of the side and bottom boards. You may need to cobble together a couple of pieces to form 2 of the planks on the side.[12]
- Screw the feet in at an angle. Turn the planter over again. Place the wooden blocks at the corners of the planters. Angle 2 3-inch (8 cm) screws on each foot so they go through the side of the feet and into the bottom of the planter. Drill the screws into each wooden block to hold the feet in place.[13]
- Turn the planter back over.
- To finish the planter, add a layer of chicken wire or garden fabric to the inside of the planter, which will keep the soil inside. You may want to staple the fabric in place so that it doesn't move around too much.
[Edit]Creating a Planter from Pallet Boards - Decide how big you want your planter to be. If you want a square box, you could use pieces, along with skinnier pieces for a frame. If you want a rectangle, you'll need some longer pieces and some shorter pieces. However, you should decide ahead of time so you can judge how you want to cut the pallet as you pull it apart.[14]
- If you wanted a rectangle, you could use pieces for 2 sides and for the other sides.
- Take the pallet apart until you have planks and wooden blocks. Use the claw end of the hammer to wedge apart all the boards until you have completely taken the pallet apart. With some boards, you may need to use a splitting wedge and a mallet. Push the splitting wedge in between the boards and hit the end with the mallet.[15]
- If you're not going to use the full length of the boards, you can simply saw off the ends of the pallet to make the boards easier to remove. That way, you'll only need to wedge the boards off in the middle.[16]
- Build the base with 2 longer planks and several shorter planks. Lay out 2 long planks parallel to each other. Aim for lengths of that are about the same size as your longest side, such as , plus the width of the wood. Across the planks, lay out smaller planks that are equal in length to your shortest side, such as . Place the smaller planks up against each other so they form a solid base for your planter. Leave a space on each edge of the long planks that's about the width of the wood, as you'll build up the sides off that area.[17]
- Nail the smaller boards onto the longer boards.
- Begin building the walls up. When putting your side walls in place, try to offset them at the corners. That is, when setting down 1 plank on its side, it should go all the way to the corner edge on one end but leave just enough space on the other end for the next side to come all the way into that corner. Nail the pieces into the base, as you should have left enough space that the boards sink down a little and you can nail it in from the side at an angle.[18]
- Put in corner posts to stabilize your work. Place a small piece of wood in each corner of the box and nail them into the bottom with your nails at an angle. You may need to cut a board in half to get a smaller piece of wood.[19]
- These posts will provide something for you to nail into as you build your walls up.
- Continue building the walls up. As you build up, continue to offset the boards but alternate which board goes to the corner on each layer. For instance, if a shorter side goes all the way to the corner on one layer, the longer side should go all the way to that corner on the next layer. As you make your walls, nail them into the corner posts and into each other at the sides, creating a stable structure.[20]
- You can make your walls as high as you want, but you probably shouldn't go more than 3-4 planks high as it will get unwieldy.
- Sand and paint your planter as desired. Use heavy sandpaper to sand the rough edges of your planter down. You can use a power sander if you'd like. After that, you can leave the planter as is or you can add a thin coat of paint to it for decoration.[21]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Creating a Basic Planter with Garden Fabric - Pallet
- Staple gun
- Garden fabric
- Scissors
- Garden soil
- Gloves
[Edit]Making a Planter from Pallet Sections - Handsaw or jigsaw
- Hammer
- Gloves
- Mallet
- Splitting wedge
- Drill
- 1-5/8 inch (4 cm) screws
- 3 inch (8 cm) screws
- Chicken wire
- Garden fabric
[Edit]Creating a Planter from Pallet Boards - Gloves
- Hammer
- Nail gun, optional
- Wood nails
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Find Uses for Fabric Scraps Posted: 26 Jan 2022 04:00 PM PST Do you have a box or bag of fabric scraps that's been lingering around your home for a while now? Do you need a justification to keep them hanging around? There are all kinds of fun and useful things you can make out of those favorite scraps that you don't want to let go of! You're sure to find at least a few different scrappy projects to try on this list of ideas. [Edit]Canning jar covers - Secure fabric scraps over the tops of jars with a string. Center a fabric scrap over a canning jar and push the edges down over the sides of the lid. Tie a colorful bow around it and voila! These would make great gifts for friends and family, too.[1]
[Edit]Scented sachets - Sew scraps into square pouches and fill them with dried lavender. Grab a rectangular scrap of fabric or 2 square pieces of fabric. Sew the 2 sides into a pouch, leaving a hole large enough to fit the spout of a small funnel into. Pour dried lavender into the pouch through a funnel, then finish sewing it up. Stick the sachets in drawers and cupboards to freshen them up![2]
[Edit]Wall hangings - Frame fabric in embroidery hoops. Get some embroidery hoops of different sizes and choose a few fabric scraps with fun and colorful patterns. Secure the fabric in the hoops and hang them up around your home to brighten up your walls![3]
- Turn scraps into bows for decorative uses. Use a bobby pin to secure the bows in your hair. Or, attach them to a bag to give it a bit of flair. You can even stick a bow on your pet's collar! Alternatively, tie a bow around a hair tie to use to keep your hair together in a ponytail or a bun.[4]
[Edit]Paperclip bookmarks - Tie fabric scraps around paper clips. Simply tie the middle of any skinny scrap of fabric around 1 end of a paperclip, so the ends of the scrap are sticking up and out to opposite sides, kind of like the letter "Y." Slide the paperclip over a page in a book you're reading to mark your place.[5]
[Edit]Coasters - Sew pieces of fabric into double-sided squares. Use a different color or pattern on each side, so you get 2 different coasters in each one! Use the coasters on wooden tabletops and other surfaces where you want to prevent rings and other stains.[6]
[Edit]Pillows - Quilt a bunch of scraps into a one-of-a-kind pillow cover. Or, sew scraps onto an existing pillow to create accents like flowers or ruffles. You can even sew an extra-long pillow to use up a bunch of scraps at once.[7]
[Edit]Ornaments - Make little triangle-shaped ornaments to decorate a Christmas tree. Or, cover a styrofoam ball with fabric scraps to make a ball ornament for decorating at the holidays. Alternatively, you can use ball ornaments to fill bowls for centerpieces or hallway tables.[8]
[Edit]Light switch covers - Glue fabric around light switch covers to brighten them up. Remove a light switch cover plate from your wall. Cut a fabric scrap to a little bit larger than the plate, so it can wrap around all the edges. Use mod podge or white glue to glue the edges of the fabric to the backside of the plate. Cut out a slot in the middle of the fabric where the hole for the switch is.[9]
[Edit]Fabric garlands - Tie strips of fabric along a string. Mix and match different colors and patterns to achieve the look you want. Hang the string up above your mantel or anywhere else you want to add a bit of boho-chic decor. You could make custom garlands for holidays or special events, such as baby showers.[10]
[Edit]Lamp shades - Tie strips over a wire lampshade frame. Pick lighter colors and patterns with white in them, so the light can shine through. Or, leave gaps between the strips of fabric for a really scrappy vintage look. You can make your lampshade as neat or as messy as you want![11]
[Edit]Fabric pots - Decoupage fabric over flower pots for unique home decor. Lay a scrap backside-up on a flat surface and set the pot you want to cover in the middle of it. Brush mod podge or white glue all over the sides of the pot. Carefully smooth the fabric over the sides of the pot to cover it up.[12]
[Edit]Key rings - Sew fabric scraps into shapes around metal key rings. For example, sew them into circles with little tabs that stick out and loop around the key rings. Or, sew the scraps into long rectangles with the key rings attached at 1 end.[13]
[Edit]Protective cases - Make protective pouches out of a few different scraps. Sew the cases to fit around different items like your phone or your glasses. You can even sew clips into the cases so you can attach them to a bag or a belt loop.[14]
[Edit]Magnets - Sew scraps around magnets to use on your fridge. Buy some plain magnets and wrap different small fabric scraps around them. Sew the fabric scraps tightly in the back to secure the magnets inside them. Use them to stick notes, takeout menus, photographs, and other things to your fridge![15]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Cook Chicken Alfredo Posted: 26 Jan 2022 08:00 AM PST Chicken Alfredo might seem like an indulgence that you can only order in a restaurant, but it's easy to make at home. Start by cooking fettuccine and seasoning chicken breasts. Then sauté the chicken breasts until they're golden brown and slice them into strips. To make the sauce, cook garlic with cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese until it thickens. Toss the pasta with the sauce and serve the chicken strips on top. Garnish the chicken Alfredo with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy! [Edit]Ingredients - of dried fettuccine
- of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon (6 g) of kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of freshly ground black pepper, divided
- of canola oil
- 8 tablespoons (113 g) of unsalted butter, divided
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- of heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) of finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of freshly grated nutmeg
- Coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves, for serving
Makes 2 to 4 servings [Edit]Cooking the Pasta and Seasoning the Chicken - Boil of dried fettuccine for 8 to 10 minutes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the dried pasta and set a timer according to the cooking time recommended on the package.[1]
- Stir the noodles occasionally as they cook to prevent them from clumping together.
- Reserve of the pasta water and drain the rest. Turn off the burner and scoop out of the water from the pasta pot. Set it aside and place a colander in the sink. Carefully pour the pasta into the colander so the rest of the water drains.[2]
- You'll use the reserved pasta water when you make the sauce.
- Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Get out of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pat them completely dry using paper towels. Set the chicken on a plate or cutting board and sprinkle 3/4 teaspoon (4.5 g) of the kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of the pepper evenly over the chicken.[3]
- Turn the chicken over so you can season the other sides as well.
[Edit]Cooking and Slicing the Chicken - Heat the canola oil over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour of canola oil into a large skillet or pot. Turn the burner to medium-high and let the oil heat until it shimmers.[4]
- Avoid using a nonstick pan because it will prevent the chicken from developing a nice crust.
- Lay the chicken in the skillet and cook it for 5 to 7 minutes. Slowly lower the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot oil and leave them to cook without moving them around.[5]
- Leaving the chicken undisturbed will help it develop a crisp brown crust.
- Flip and cook the chicken until it reaches . Use tongs or a spatula to flip the breasts over and put 1 tablespoon (14 g) of the butter in between them. Leave the chicken to cook undisturbed for another 5 to 7 minutes.[6]
- To ensure the chicken is finished cooking, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of a breast. It should reach .
- Remove and rest the covered chicken for 3 minutes. Turn off the burner and transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Lay a piece of aluminum foil over the chicken and leave it to rest before you cut it.[7]
- The juices will redistribute within the meat as it rests.
- Slice the chicken into 1/2 in (1.3 cm) strips. Use a sharp knife to cut each chicken breast into evenly sized strips. Leave these on the cutting board and lay the aluminum foil back over them while you make the sauce.[8]
[Edit]Making the Alfredo Sauce - Sauté the garlic in the butter for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Put the remaining 7 tablespoons (100 g) of unsalted butter into the pan you used to cook the chicken. Turn the burner to medium heat so the butter melts. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook it until it becomes fragrant.[9]
- Watch the garlic closely as you sauté it because it can burn easily.
- This recipe is a more traditional alfredo sauce that uses heavy cream, but beginner cooks may have difficulty getting the sauce to thicken to their liking. If you'd prefer an easier option, you can make alfredo sauce with cream cheese instead of heavy cream.
- Whisk in the cream, cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in of heavy cream as you whisk. Continue to whisk as you add 1 cup (100 g) of finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of freshly grated nutmeg, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) of kosher salt, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of pepper.[10]
- You can also use cream labeled as "heavy whipping cream."
- Simmer and stir the Alfredo sauce for 3 to 4 minutes. Keep the burner at medium heat and stir the sauce occasionally as it bubbles gently. If the sauce gets thicker than you'd like, stir in a few spoonfuls of the pasta water that you set aside earlier.[11]
- It's important to stir the Alfredo sauce every once in a while so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Stir the drained pasta into the sauce. Turn off the burner and put the cooked fettuccine into the pot with the sauce. Use tongs or a spoon to toss the noodles so they're completely coated with the sauce.[12]
- Top with the chicken and parsley before you serve the dish. Divide the pasta among your serving dishes and divide the chicken strips between them. Sprinkle a little freshly chopped parsley and serve the chicken Alfredo immediately.[13]
- If you like, add extra Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
- While you can refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, the pasta sauce may separate.
- To make spicy Alfredo, consider stirring 1 tablespoon (15 g) of pureed chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the Alfredo.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli florets to the pasta for an extra serving of vegetables.
- For a stronger herb flavor, stir in more chopped fresh oregano, thyme, or parsley.
- If you're serving picky eaters, consider leaving the noodles, sauce, and chicken separate. Then let your guests serve themselves.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Large pot with a lid
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Large skillet or pot
- Tongs or a spatula
- Spoon
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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