| How to Rehab a Property in the Proper Order Posted: 14 Apr 2017 07:00 PM PDT When buying property for rehabilitation, it is important to do your house clean-up and repairs in a particular order. You don't want to get ahead of yourself or waste time and money on the project. Approach the process systematically, and don't get frustrated if things don't go according to plan. Here are some pointers to help you rehabilitate a house or commercial property. EditPreparing to Rehab the Property - Inspect the property. Before you begin to rehab, thoroughly inspect the property. Note which items are in good condition and which areas need work. It's helpful to have a professional inspector walk through with you. He or she will be able to identify things that you may miss. In the U.S. you can find a qualified inspector through the American Society of Home Inspectors. [1] Ask the inspector questions as you go through the property.
- The home inspection should include the heating system, air-conditioning system, interior plumbing, electrical system, the roof, the attic, any visible insulation, walls, ceilings, flooring, windows, doors, foundation, and the basement. [2]
- If you are not a contractor, you should not conduct the inspection alone.
- Take pictures of everything during the inspection.
- The cost of an inspection depends on the size, location, and value of the property. [3]
- Develop a checklist. Once you identify areas that need work, create a rehab checklist. This will help you stay on track and not miss any repairs. Include both interior (walls, paint, etc.) and exterior items (e.g. landscaping, gutters, and outside lighting). [4]
- The checklist should be very detailed and describe everything that needs to be done to the property. [5]
- The inspection report can be used to generate the checklist.
- Create a budget. Go through your checklist and decide how much each repair will cost. An Excel spreadsheet is a great tool to use for your budget. The budget should be itemized for each individual repair. If the cost of your repairs exceeds your budget, you will need to make some changes to the checklist. [6]
- Budget for unanticipated problems. These are bound to happen. New issues may arise once you begin the rehab process.
- If you plan to sell the property once rehabbing is finished, consider how much you will be able to sell the property for. [7]
- Work with a contractor. Having a good contractor will make the rehab process much easier. Take your time when you are searching for a suitable contractor. Contractors can be found through referrals, your local building department, real estate investment associations, and general job boards. Pre-screen any candidate to determine if he or she is a good fit for your project.[8]
- Pre-screen questions should cover these considerations:
- A contractor's experience: you want at least three years
- Equipment: a contractor should have his/her own equipment
- Employees: you want to see adequate support to complete the job
- Licensing: a contractor should be licensed by state or other local jurisdiction [9]
- Insurance: liability and worker's compensation
- Subcontractor use: determine whether the contractor will be using subcontractors for the job
- Referrals: look for at least three positive referrals [10]
- Each contractor you're interested in should submit a formal bid. Choose the contractor who fits your budget and demonstrates the ability to do a good job.
- Have a walk-through with the contractor. Once you have chosen a contractor, you may need to do another walk-through of the property. Your contractor can also help you make adjustments to your budget and checklist.[11]
- Set a timeline for completion once you have everything in place with the contractor. This will keep all involved parties accountable and on the same page.
- Get any necessary permits. Permits are typically required for rehabbing a property. Having the required permits in place will help you avoid violation of local building codes. Contact your local building department to determine what you need. This will vary based on the type of work you'll be doing. [12]
- Typical renovations that require a permit include installing new electrical wiring, expanding floor space, installing a fence over six feet tall, and anything that involves a public sewer line.
- Tasks such as installing a roof, putting in new flooring, painting, and replacing windows and doors usually will not require a permit.
- Your contractor can help you procure permits.
EditWorking on the Property - Begin with demolition and trash removal. Remove any trash inside or outside the building. Remove any items that are damaged or that you will be replacing (flooring, cabinets, appliances, light fixtures, toilets, water heaters, etc.) Outside work may include trimming any dead trees or bushes and removing garage doors, fencing, sheds, decks, and siding. [13]
- Address any roofing or foundation issues. If the property needs new roofing, this should be done before you begin working on any of the interior repairs. You do not want any water leaking into the structure. Slab or block-and-beam foundation repairs must be made at this time as well. [14]
- Fixing exterior issues first will draw less attention to the property while it is being rehabbed. [15]
- Install new doors, windows, and trim. Exterior doors and windows should be addressed once the foundation is finished. This will protect your property from weather and the intrusion of animals. New windows and doors will also make the property look less like a construction site.
- Count the number of doors and windows you will need, and take measurements before you purchase the items. Measure very carefully.
- New entry doors are a nice way to change the look of a property and add value. [16]
- Work on the plumbing and the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system (HVAC). Plumbing repairs may include water heaters, tubs and showers, toilets, and water/gas lines. You may need a new HVAC system or repairs to the existing one. The electrical system can be worked on during this time as well. [17][18]
- Be careful if installing an outdoor air-conditioning unit before someone is occupying the property full time. You do not want it to get stolen.
- Hang and and finish the sheet rock (plasterboard). You can either install new sheet rock or repair the existing sheet rock. It is cheaper to repair existing sheet rock. Once you are finished with the sheet rock, you can work on the wall and ceiling texture. [19]
- Paint the ceiling and walls. Protect the floor with plastic or canvas and use painter's masking tape to protect the areas you don't want painted. [20] Windows and hinges should be covered with tape as well. [21] Caulk or apply spackling to the trim and baseboards before you start painting. Use a primer on the walls before applying the paint.
- Walls should be cleaned before you start painting. Some painters lightly sand and clean a wall again after the primer is applied.
- Paint the walls using a V- or W-shaped stroke and avoid using a straight up-and-down motion. [22]
- Install light fixtures, flooring, and appliances (stoves, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, etc.)
- Lighting is a great way to change the look of a property and is relatively inexpensive compared to other repairs.
- Flooring may include vinyl or ceramic tile, hardwood, carpet, or laminate. [23]
- The flooring is installed later in the rehab process to avoid getting paint on the floor and to avoid damage from workers going in and out of the house. Because you want your floors to look fresh when you're finished, you might consider doing the bulk of the interior work before installing flooring. At the very least, try to protect new flooring from heavy foot traffic during the inside work.
- Add the finishing touches. Once everything is done, go through and examine all of the work that has been done. You may need to touch up paint or do some last-minute adjustments to the plumbing, HVAC, or electrical systems. You should also thoroughly clean the property. [24]
- A final inspection is a good idea as well.
- Landscape the property. Begin working at the front, because this is what people will see first. Fences, patios, decks, sidewalks, porches, and driveways should be taken care of first. Once those items are finished, add soil for planting flowers, bushes, etc. The back yard should be addressed last. [25]
- Determine how much sun your property gets before you buy plants. If there are many trees present, get plants that do not require a lot of sunlight.
- Speak to someone at a garden center about your ideas, and ask for suggestions about the type of plants that will work best for your property.
- Consider how much time your landscaping will require. If you do not have a lot of time to devote to the yard, look for low-maintenance options.
- If your windows are low, plant low-growing shrubs, trees and ground cover instead of taller plants. You do not want to obscure the view.
- Stores like Menard's, Home Depot, or Lowe's are convenient and well stocked with items for your property rehabbing.
- Be patient. Property rehabbing often goes over-budget or does not stay within the original timeline.
- Make repairs properly. Trying to hide issues with cheap work will inevitably lead to disappointing results in the long run.
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| How to Choose the Right Bottled Water Posted: 14 Apr 2017 01:00 PM PDT When shopping for bottled water, it can be difficult to figure out which one to buy. This is especially true if you're unsure of the meaning of the marketing terminology on the packages or bottles. Many bottled water companies have been promoting their products as more natural, healthier, or superior compared to tap water.[1] However, a little research can help when you're browsing a large variety of bottled waters. Some basic information can help you purchase a brand or type of water that's best suited for you. EditPurchasing Bottled Water - Purchase natural bottled water sources. Companies offer a wide range of water types. However, you may want to purchase water that was bottled from a natural source — like a spring or artesian well water. Try:
- Artesian well water. This is water that is bottled from a well that contains either sand or rock that acts as an aquifer.[2] Aquifers are important as they are a natural filter for the ground water.[3]
- Mineral water. This type of water contains no more than 250 parts per million of dissolved solids — it contains both minerals and trace elements. No minerals or other elements that are not already present can be added to the product at any time.[4] Common minerals found include: calcium, magnesium, and potassium.[5]
- Spring water. This must be collected from an underground source that flows naturally to the ground's surface. This type of water must be collected only from the spring or a tapping system that's directly accessing the spring.[6]
- Sparkling water. This type of water contains carbon dioxide naturally. After treatment, companies may add carbon dioxide back into the carbon dioxide content.[7]
- Avoid bottled water from municipal sources. Some companies sell bottled water that is considered "tap water" or comes from a municipal source. If you're looking for an all natural or artesian water, bottled tap water should not be purchased.
- Purified water must meet the standards laid out by the US Pharmacopoeia. It must go through either distillation, reverse osmosis, or deionization prior to being bottled.[8] However, this is often collected from municipal sources and is generally the same as the water that comes from your tap.
- You may see these labeled as "Distilled Water," or, "Purified Drinking Water."
- Bottled purified water is generally not thought to be inferior to other forms of bottled water, however it should be known that it does not come from a natural spring source and is not considered artesian water.
- Read the packaging labels. If you look at the bottom of the bottle or on the back of the bottle, you will see a label that refers to the type of plastic used in the particular bottle. Many bottled waters use a plastic known as PET. This particular type of plastic is used in a variety of plastic packaging and is considered safe by the FDA.[9]
- The chemical Bisphenol A (also known as BPA) has come under a lot of scrutiny lately. As with PET, you will see this labeled on products that contain any BPA.[10] However, the FDA has reviewed multiple studies and has stated that BPA is safe for consumers.[11]
- Calculate your estimated budget for bottled water. Some bottles can be quite expensive — especially those that have unique packaging or claim to be artesian waters.
- When thinking about purchasing bottled water, you need to consider how many bottles of water you drink daily or plan on drinking. This daily count will help determine how much you should purchase each week.
- It might be more cost-effective to purchase bottled water in bulk. Many stores give discounts when you purchase larger quantities.
- You may also want to consider a home bottled water delivery system. Some companies will send large jugs of water and a dispenser that you can use in your home to fill reusable bottles.
- Store bottled water appropriately. Bottled water, like many foods and beverages, should be stored in the appropriate manner to maintain the quality and safety of the product.[12]
- Keep bottled water out of the light and heat. It's ideal to store it in a cool, dark location.
- There is no expiration date for bottled water as long as it's stored still sealed in a dark, cool location.[13]
- Keep in mind how the bottles of water were handled or stored. You may want to consider washing off the top or lid, especially if it doesn't have an outer protecting film. The top and lid could have bacteria or other contaminants on it from it's handling process.[14]
EditConsidering Other Sources of Water - Purchase a home water purification system. Home water purification systems may be more cost-effective long-term and cut down on the disposal of large quantities of plastic water bottles. There are two types of purification systems: whole house systems (these treat all water entering a household and are typically more expensive) and point-of-use systems (which treat water at the point of use — like a shower head or kitchen sink faucet).[15] Many people choose the point-of-use systems as they are less costly. These include:
- Personal water bottles that have a built in filter. Great for on the go people who might not always have access to purified water.
- Pitchers that have a built in filter and purify water as it drains through the filter.
- Faucet purifiers that attach directly to the kitchen sink. However, many times specialty faucets are not compatible with these.[16]
- Refrigerator/freezer purifiers. These are usually built into your appliance and allow you to have purified water and ice cubes that are frozen from purified water as well.
- Purchase BPA-free reusable water bottles. If you decide to use or consume tap water or you have access to a purified water dispenser, you may want to consider purchasing a reusable water bottle to be more environmentally friendly.
- Using a reusable water bottle can help cut down on the amount of trash and plastic bottles discarded.
- Drink tap water. Although tap water or city water may not have the appeal that some bottled waters have, it's a healthy and low-cost alternative to bottled waters. Most tap water is completely okay to drink. If you're worried about it, just purchase a filtered pitcher that sits in your refrigerator so that you have an extra level of filtration.
- Tap water is tested more frequently and for more bacteria and chemicals than bottled water.[17] In addition, it's required to go through a disinfection process prior to consumption.[18]
- Up to 1/4th of bottled waters are actually just bottled tap water (this is why it's important to read and understand the labels and marketing terminology).[19]
- If bottled water does not fit into your budget or if you cannot find a brand that fits your desired quality, you may want to consider a water filter.
- Some bottled water companies may make false claims on their bottles or in their advertising about the source of their water. Be sure to get your information from unbiased sources.
- Bottled water can become quite expensive, even if you are purchasing less expensive brands. Remember to calculate your monthly budget for drinking water and stick to it.
- Be wary of selling phrases such as "natural, glacial water" or "pure, spring water." These phrases might mean nothing more than purified tap water.
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| How to Celebrate Easter Posted: 14 Apr 2017 07:00 AM PDT Easter is a religious holiday celebrated by Christians, but non-religious people often mark the day, too. Religiously, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Non-religious celebrations include things like brunches, family get-togethers, and activities like painting eggs. Regardless of your reasons for celebrating Easter, there are many things you can do to commemorate the day. EditMaking Easter Fun for Kids - Paint eggs. You can buy an egg painting kit at nearly any supermarket around the Easter months. Hard boil some eggs and let your children have fun decorating them for the Easter holidays.[1]
- Usually, you place dye of different colors in various cups. Eggs are then dunked in the dye to add color.
- Make sure your kids wear old clothing when decorating eggs. It can get very messy.
- Have an Easter egg hunt. An iconic part of Easter is the Easter egg hunt. You can have kids hide real boiled eggs they decorated. However, you can also fill plastic eggs with treats and hide them throughout your home.[2]
- If opting for plastic eggs, you can provide things like Cheerios and pretzels if you want healthier snacks. Religious families sometimes put Bible verses on pieces of paper in plastic eggs.
- Keep track of where you hid all the eggs in case they are not all found by the hunters. This is especially important if you're hiding real eggs, as these will eventually start to rot.
- Some large easter egg hunts are put on by local communities or organizations and are open for you and your family to attend. See if you can find an Easter egg hunt in your area.
- Provide Easter baskets. Easter baskets are an important Easter tradition. Young children love waking up to a basket filled with Easter goods. You can buy baskets at department stores around the holidays. Fill them with small treats like candy and tiny toys.
- If you're religious, try adding plastic eggs with Bible verses tucked inside.
- Snacks do not have to be unhealthy. If you want your kids to have a healthy snack, put things like fresh fruit in their Easter basket.
- You can also provide small toys instead of food-based items, like tiny plastic animals or small plush toys.
- Make rabbit-themed baked goods. The Easter bunny is an exciting part of Easter for children. Make baked goods shaped like bunnies. This can be a fun way for kids to get excited about the holiday.[3]
- You can make cut-out sugar cookies using a rabbit-shaped cookie cutter.
- Bake three cinnamon rolls. Stick two together, forming a snowman-like body, and cut the other in half. Place the two halves near one end of the cinnamon roll, making bunny ears, and then use cream cheese frosting to color your bunny white. You can use chocolate chips or blueberries for eyes.
- Decorate with your kids. Children often enjoy decorating for the holidays. Invest in small decorations at a local department store or even a dollar store. You can also look for craft tutorials online. Your kids may, for example, enjoy using construction paper or felt to make things like chicks and bunnies.[4]
- Window stickers are great for young children, as they're fun and easy to use.
- If you're having an Easter Brunch or dinner, try having your kids make special placemats for everyone attending using cardboard paper.
EditCelebrating with a Secular Approach - Take a hike with family or friends. Easter often takes place as the weather starts to get warmer. If you live in an area where Easter marks the start of spring, take advantage of the warm weather to celebrate the day. Spend Easter Sunday taking a long walk or hike along a local nature trail.[5]
- If you don't live near a wooded area, you can simply take a walk through your neighborhood with family and friends. For example, instead of driving to your favorite ice cream place, walk or bike there.
- Have an Easter brunch. Many people love early afternoon brunches on Easter. You can go out to a restaurant that has an Easter brunch special. You can also have family or friends over for an Easter-themed meal.[6]
- Due to the connection with eggs, deviled eggs or scrambled eggs can be a good thematic fit to your Easter meals.
- Many people enjoy serving ham as the main dish for their Easter meal. Think about adding some side dishes such as mashed potatoes or glazed carrots.
- Try to use a spring-like color scheme. For example, use pastel plates, napkins, tablecloths, and silverware.
- Plant something to celebrate new life. As Easter falls during the spring in many parts of world, it is seen as a celebration of life. Stop by a local greenhouse and pick up some seeds. Plant them in your yard or in a pot in your home. Growing some new flowers or other plants can help you commemorate Easter by welcoming spring.[7]
- Spend time with family and friends. Holidays are great opportunities for us to spend time with our loved ones, enjoying the time together. Most people have the day off Easter, so take advantage of that time. Make some plans with your loved ones to make your Easter together a great one.
- For example, you and a group of friends could get together for dinner on Easter Sunday.
- Take photos each year to preserve memories. Photos can be a fun way to remember the holiday. While having brunch, dinner, or engaging in other activities, bring a camera. Take some great photos to help you remember your Easter memories for years to come.[8]
EditCelebrating with Religion - Pay attention to the significance of different days of Easter weekend. Easter is not one holiday. There is a Holy Week which leads up to the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Starting the Sunday before Easter, known as Palm Sunday, pause to reflect on the Biblical significance of such events. If your church holds special services on these days, attend if possible.[9]
- From Palm Sunday to Holy Tuesday, there are Biblical stories surrounding Christ entering Jerusalem and entering the temples there. On Holy Wednesday, Judas decided to betray Jesus and the story of his persecution begins.
- Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, which took place between Jesus and his disciples. Good Friday is the day of Jesus's death on the cross.
- Holy Saturday and Sunday, or Easter, are the last two days of the holy week. During these days, Christ's resurrection is remembered and celebrated.
- Attend Easter services at your church. Almost every Christian church will offer an Easter service on Easter Sunday. Exactly what the service will consist of will vary depending on your church. However, attending any Easter church service can be a good way to focus on the Christian messages that accompany the holiday. Make sure to attend church on Easter morning.[10]
- If you have young children, see if there are special Sunday School classes offered on Easter Sunday. It can sometimes be difficult for children to understand the story of Christ's death due to the scary subject material. A qualified Sunday School teacher can help your child understand the meaning of Easter.
- Read the Easter story in your bible. Take some time over Easter weekend to read over the Easter story. This can be a good way to focus on the meaning behind the holiday. Reminding yourself why the holiday is celebrated can help you to engage more fully with your faith and its traditions. Much of the Easter story is found in the New Testament, covered in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.[11]
- If you have young children, see if you can find a children's Bible that details the story of Easter. This may explain Jesus's death and resurrection in terms they can easily understand.
- Discuss Jesus's sacrifice with your family. Easter is primarily a celebration of God sacrificing His only son for your sins. This is something to talk over with your family. On Easter morning, or Holy Saturday, have a talk about what God's sacrifice means to you. Why are you grateful for Jesus's sacrifices, death, and resurrection?[12]
- One activity to help with this can be writing down times you've sinned on a piece of paper. Have everyone in the family do this on Holy Saturday and then gather the papers together.
- On Easter Day, do something to destroy the papers. You can, for example, burn them in a fire place or feed them through a paper shredder. This represents Jesus saving you by erasing your sins. You can then express gratitude at Christ's sacrifice.
- Focus on the personal meaning this holiday has for you. Attending a church service or reading over the Easter story can both be great ways to focus on the meaning of the holiday. However, taking some time on your Easter Sunday to reflect on the personal meaning of the holiday can help you discover what it means to you.[13]
- Think about your religion. How has it benefited your life? What have you learned from Christianity? How have Jesus's lessons affected your actions?
- You may want to have your family answer these types of questions. For example, you could have everyone go around the table and share a time they acted in a certain way because of Christ's teachings.
- Practice some non-religious celebrations. If you are religious, not everything you do on Easter has to be specifically related to your religion. Try doing things like having an Easter brunch or doing something fun with your family, like going on a hike. This can be particularly helpful if you have non-religious relatives who want to celebrate with you.
- Find all the eggs after an Easter egg hunt or else they will begin to rot.
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| How to Earn Your Rabbit's Trust Posted: 14 Apr 2017 01:00 AM PDT It's no easy task to earn your rabbit's trust. Though they are inquisitive creatures, their instinct is to run from anything large and noisy, especially if that something is attempting to pick it up. In terms of personality, expect your rabbit to be shy until the two of you have been able to spend some quality time together. Ultimately, you will likely have to adjust your own behavior to ensure that your rabbit comes to recognize you as a trustworthy friend.[1] EditGetting to Know Your Rabbit - Spend time together alone. Rabbits can easily be startled or overwhelmed by the noise and movement of multiple people. Similarly, other pets are likely to terrify a pet rabbit until they're used to their presence. In order to start earning your rabbit's trust, join your rabbit in the room where it lives without any other humans or animals present.[2]
- Open the rabbit's hutch at floor level. A door out of the hutch at floor level is especially important. You want to avoid reaching in and out of the rabbit's hutch, as this is the space where they need to feel safe. Accordingly, give your rabbit the freedom to choose when they come out of their hutch by choosing a hutch with a door that will allow them to leave and re-enter comfortably.[3]
- Let your rabbit come to you. After opening the hutch, take a few steps away. Lie or crouch on the floor away from the hutch. Wait for your rabbit to approach. Stay calm, as your rabbit may sense your frustration or impatience and become frightened. Rest assured that your rabbit's curiosity will cause them to come say hello.[4]
- Offer a treat. To motivate the rabbit to come out and spend time with you, offer a treat. Place the treat in the palm of your outstretched hand. Go with small pieces of carrots, apples, or bananas. A pinch of oats may also be enticing to your rabbit.[5]
- Veggies and fruits should not amount to more than 10% of the rabbit's total diet. Rabbits should eat mostly hay.[6]
- Never feed your rabbit anything with chocolate, caffeine, or high amounts of sugar or fat.
- Be patient. At first, this process will be rather slow. Don't expect to open the hutch, lie down, and immediately have a rabbit eating out of your hand. The rabbit must feel safe enough to leave its hutch. Accordingly, they must determine that you are not a threat before they will approach. Send the message that you are a friend by staying calm, with a relaxed posture and slow, infrequent movement.[7]
- This process may take an hour or so. Your rabbit's natural curiosity will eventually compel them to come and investigate.
- Hold off on touching. As your rabbit approaches, it may be tempting to reach out and greet them with a quick pet. Don't! Simply let the rabbit smell you. They may even hop onto you to or burrow around your body to investigate. Allow them to familiarize themselves with you, as this will teach them you are not dangerous.[8]
- If the rabbit begins to eat the treat you've offered, hold your hand still.
- Repeat this process daily. After doing this several times, your rabbit will begin to emerge from their hutch more quickly. Start touching with gentle, slow scratches on your rabbit's head. If the rabbit pulls away, let them go and don't touch them again that day. Never chase them – this will cause them to fear you.[9]
EditMaking Sure Your Rabbit is Comfortable Around You - Increase cuddling at the rabbit's pace. Once your rabbit is comfortable with you scratching their head, you can begin to pet their back as well. Limit your petting to head scratches and back rubs until the rabbit lies down beside you. They may even hop right alongside you and lie down with their back against your arm. Allow them to dictate the amount of physical contact they are comfortable with.[10]
- Offer something for your rabbit to chew. Aside from edible treats, you have other options to help get your rabbit to warm up to you. Offer a stick to chew on or mineral chews designed specifically for rabbits. Rabbits enjoy chewing on things, and they must do so frequently to maintain the health of their teeth.[11]
- Opt for apple, willow, aspen, and pine branches. Untreated pine lumber can also be used to build a hay basket. Your rabbit can then safely chew on the basket that stores its food!
- Never give your rabbit apricot or peach tree branches.
- Try some nose nuzzling. Even once your rabbit is comfortable around you and will come out to greet you, they may be startled by your hand movements. If this seems to be the case, lie on your stomach with your hands at your sides or on your back. The rabbit may approach your face. Hum softly and lowly, to mimic friendly rabbit communication. Your rabbit may even rub their nose and cheeks against your own.[12]
- Keep excitable children away. Until a child is willing to sit calmly and quietly around a rabbit, it may be best to keep them away from one another. Definitely do not allow a child to hold a rabbit until the rabbit goes to the child on its own accord. Even then, make sure the child knows that rabbits are fragile, and prone to skittishness.[13]
- Understand that most rabbits do not like to be held or handled for more than a few moments.
EditKeeping Your Rabbit Sociable - Get your rabbit fixed. The most important step you can take in increasing your rabbit's lifespan is getting them fixed. This will also likely make it easier to get along with your rabbit. Neutering a male rabbit and spaying a female rabbit will greatly reduce the risk of disease, and will prevent rabbits of both sexes from becoming aggressive. [14]
- Have these procedures performed once a rabbit is four months old.
- Be sure to take your rabbits to a vet that has experience caring for rabbits.
- Hold a rabbit correctly. Though you want to minimize the amount of time you spend holding most rabbits, it is safe to do so for a short time. Make sure to fully support the weight of the rabbit's body. Always use your arm or body to provide a surface for your rabbit's hind legs as well.[15]
- Never lift a rabbit by its ears.
- Never hold a rabbit with its belly upward.
- Watch for signs of injury or illness. Even if they're shy, your rabbit should be active and alert. A healthy rabbit will frequently walk around its cage, eating, drinking, and making soft noises. If these behaviors are not occurring, look for other signs your rabbit may be sick. Make sure breathing is clear, and that the rabbit's eyes and fur look healthy. If your rabbit begins to lose weight or hair, is lethargic, or has discharge coming from any part of their body, take them to a veterinarian.[16]
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| How to Mix Henna for Hair Posted: 13 Apr 2017 05:00 PM PDT Using henna is a wonderful way to dye your hair red without using chemical dyes.[1] Natural henna thickens hair, helps protect the scalp from sun damage, and contributes to healthier hair and scalp. Rather than chemically coating your hair, it stains it with a different shade, allowing your natural color to show through.[2] EditPreparing the Henna - Buy pure, natural henna. You will need about 50-100g for short hair, 100g for medium hair, and 200g for long hair. Don't worry about being precise; it's a pretty forgiving process. When buying henna, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Some henna comes already mixed with additives. If you have purchased a henna that describes a particular color, you may not want to experiment with adding to the mix unless you are an experienced henna user. The additions described here are intended to be added to pure henna powder.
- Henna out of the box should be green to brown, and smell like dried plants or grass clippings. Do not buy any henna that is purple or black, or that has a chemical smell.
- If you have severe allergies or sensitive skin, do a patch test before using. Apply a small bit of the henna mixture to your skin, wait a couple hours, and watch to see how your skin reacts.
- Know what you're getting into. This is not a precise science. There are a huge number of variables, and you may not get exactly what you wanted the first time around. Results will vary, and your hair may dye unevenly. If you are a perfectionist about your hair, this process is probably not for you.[3]
- Pure henna can only achieve shades of red. If a product called "henna" purports to dye your hair black, it contains indigo. Some henna mixes can give you a blonde color, but it will always be a reddish blonde.
- Rather than obscuring your natural hair color, henna blends with it. This is important to remember when mixing a color. Aim for a color you want to combine with your natural one, not the color you want to achieve. Keep in mind that very light colored hair will probably need to be dyed multiple times to become dark.
- Because grey hair is translucent, it creates a cleaner canvas for henna. This means the mixing effect that happens with non-grey hair will not take place, and your color will be much closer to the color created by the dye. It also means it is easier to dye your hair unevenly, as hair with more dye on it will become noticeably darker.[4][5]
- Gather your supplies. There is a vast array of ingredients you can combine with pure henna powder to create different effects. The list is longer than can be contained in one article, but here are a few to consider.[6][7][8]
- For a bright strawberry blonde, use lemon juice, vinegar, or red wine.
- For an intensified red, use brandy.
- For a less intense, browner red, use coffee or black tea.
- If you dislike the smell of henna, you can add good smelling things like essential oils, rosewater, or cloves.
- You do not need to add anything to change the color of pure henna. Water will work fine as well, although you should add a dash of lemon, orange, or grapefruit juice to oxidize the dye. If this is your first time using henna, you may want to see how it combines with your hair on its own, so that in the future you can decide what, if anything, you want to add.
- Mix the henna. This is a pretty straightforward process. Pour the powder into a bowl. Gradually incorporate liquid, and stir.
- Use a ceramic, plastic, glass, or stainless steel bowl.
- There is no way to tell precisely what amount of liquid you will need. Add it a little bit at a time, stirring until the mixture is the gloopy consistency of yogurt.[9][10]
- This will be a messy mixture, and it will stain any surface it gets on. It may be a good idea to wear gloves, and you should immediately wipe the mixture off of anything you accidentally smear it on.
- Let the mixture sit. Cover it with plastic wrap and wait at least a couple hours, or overnight for best results. You will know it's ready when the henna darkens from green to dark brown. This means the dye has oxidized and is ready to be used.
EditGetting Ready to Apply the Henna - Don't wash your hair for a day. Your body's natural oils will help the dye. It is ok to shower—the water won't remove the oils from your scalp on its own—but skip the shampoo.[11]
- Gather your supplies. Have everything you need within easy reach, so you don't have to get up to get something mid-dyeing process. You should have a garbage bag, some petroleum jelly, the henna mixture you prepared, a towel you don't mind getting messy, and a pair of plastic gloves.[12]
- Cut a hole in the top of a garbage bag large enough for your head to fit through. This is basically a full-body bib. Put it on. Alternatively, you can wear old clothes, or use an old towel.[13]
- Apply petroleum jelly to your skin. If this grosses you out you can skip it, but you may wind up accidentally dying some of your skin. The idea is to apply it along the parts of your skin that are next to the edges of your hair: along your hairline, your ears, etc.[14]
EditApplying the Henna - Work the henna through your hair. Make sure you put your gloves on first. The most crucial thing here is to coat your hair evenly with the henna mixture.
- Pay special attention to the ends and the roots, particularly along your hairline.
- Err on the side of using too much.
- When your hair is evenly coated, pile it on top of your head, and wrap your hair securely in a towel.
- Wipe off any excess henna with a wet washcloth.[15]
- Let it sit. For best results, leave it in overnight; you may want to cover your pillow with a garbage bag, or something you don't mind getting dirty.
- If you don't want to sleep with the dye in your hair, you can simply leave it in for a few hours. The longer you leave it in, however, the more intense the effect will be.[16]
- The greater change you want to effect, the longer you will need to leave the dye in.
- It is easier to darken light hair than it is to lighten dark hair. If you have very dark hair to begin with, even leaving henna in overnight won't make you a strawberry blond.
- Rinse out the henna. You will want to wear gloves for this as well, or your hands will be stained orange. Be very careful; it is easy to dye things you don't want dyed. Depending on the length of your hair, this part of the process can take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour.
- Kneel over the bathtub rather than standing in it, or you will dye your whole body.[17][18]
- Carefully remove the wrap covering your hair.
- Rinse thoroughly, until the water runs clear.
- Get into the shower. Apply shampoo, and rinse.
- Apply a deep conditioner and let it sit for 10 or 15 minutes before rinsing.
- Let your hair air-dry. Go check out your new hair color in a mirror! Don't wash it or get it wet for another 24 - 48 hours.
- Unused mixed henna can be stored for up to 6 months in the freezer, or for a week in the refrigerator.
- The instructions that come with henna powder when you purchase it are often insufficient. It is a good idea to read multiple guides before you start, so you really understand what you're getting into.
- Be prepared for the process to be incredibly messy. It will probably exceed your expectations in this regard.
- Don't dye your hair with henna if you have chemically altered it within the last 6 months. Similarly, don't chemically dye it for 6 months after dying it with henna.[19]
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| How to Help and Support a Friend Through Any Hardship Posted: 13 Apr 2017 09:00 AM PDT So, your friend is going through a hardship. True friendship means that you find a way to support them. Sometimes people feel awkward when a friend is going through something bad because they aren't sure what to say. Don't worry about that. Just being a positive presence can be enough. There are ways you can make a friend in hardship feel better. EditDoing the Right Things - Reach out to them repeatedly even if they push you away. You can't help a friend if you retreat when problems arise. To be a good friend, you need to be there for late night talks or tears. For some people, a friend's hardship is an annoyance. That's not really friendship.
- Even if they say they want to be alone, at least make the offer. However, you should not force them to talk when they are not ready to do so. Give them the space they ask for, then reach out again. Several times. Don't run away. Sometimes people aren't sure what to say when a friend is going through a hardship, so they say nothing or distance. This could hurt your friend more.
- The number one goal should be to offer support. Just knowing someone is willing to listen or offer advice or cares can make all of the difference to a friend going through hardship. Call, text or write and just ask, "How are you? Is there anything you need or that I can to do?"
- Part of reaching out is just being available. Keep your cell phone on, and talk to them at 2 a.m. if they are in a crisis. Answer their texts. Don't always be too busy to listen. Don't feel you have to act differently. Pick the right setting, and avoid ambushing them if they aren't ready to talk. [1]
- Be the calm one as they are already upset enough. Be the rock in the storm they can cling to, and think of yourself as offering them an anchor. If you are also upset about the hardship, try not to let it show.
- Do not freak out. This will only make the friend feel like the problem is bigger or unsolvable, so it will make them more upset. Recognize that some people just need to feel badly for awhile, and that's okay.
- Although you should show empathy, showing them that you pity them excessively might make them feel worse.
- Don't take impulse actions that might make the problem worse for the friend. After all, you don't understand your friend's problem as much as they do. Ask your friend before you do anything to help them rectify the situation. See how they feel about it (unless they are in danger or being abused, then you have to tell someone immediately).
- Listen a lot, but do speak up now and then. You should be a good listener, but it can also be helpful to a friend going through hardship if you talk. Part of good listening is showing empathetic eye contact.[2]
- Tell them positive stories about others' experiences and outcomes and your own if you think it will make things better. But pause, too, and make sure you listen. Sometimes people just need to let it out and vent.
- Remember your friend is already hurting enough. Stay positive, positive, positive. It's why they turned to you in the first place: For help. Let them ramble on for a while. Maybe they just need to get it all out. Even a sympathetic nod of understanding or a comment like, "I will help you get through this. You're a strong person" can go a long way.
- Recognize different techniques for different hardship. You may need a very different response for someone grieving a death of a loved one compared to someone going through financial hardship, for example. So spend some time researching their particular situation.
- If they are hurting financially, you could help them plan a budget, offer to look at their expenses with an objective eye, and suggest a financial counselor. Be very careful about loaning money to family or friends. It can ruin relationships.[3]
- If they are grieving a death or any other loss, recognize that experts believe there are different stages of grief. The stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and, finally, acceptance. [4]
- Connect your friend to credible, outside resources where they can get more help from someone who is an expert or trained in the area of their hardship. [5]
- Offer physical touch to your friend through a comforting hug. Or gently touch their shoulder. Conveying empathy through physical touch is bound to make them feel a little better or at least cared for.
- Sometimes all they need is a hug. No need to say anything - just open your arms and they'll hug you. Hold on for as long as possible as this will show them that you are there for them. Make them laugh.
- Do a song or dance or tell a joke. Once they have started laughing it will be more easy for them to recover and think about what they should do.
EditSaying the Right Thing - Keep it about them, not you. Although it's okay to share your own experiences if you think they will convey empathy or help your friend, you should keep the focus squarely on the friend, not you. So resist the urge to regale them with stories about how you went through something worse.
- Don't try to one up them on their problems by throwing in your own problem. Maybe you are being stalked at night by a killer clown wearing sunglasses. But this is the time to be focusing on your friend's problem like their spouse or career or whatever they are going through..
- That doesn't mean you can't find common ground by reminding them of a personal experience you had that was somewhat similar and that you overcame. But resist the urge to imply you know exactly how they feel because every situation is unique, and keep your own stories to a minimum.
- Watch clichés that sound trite and don't really help. We've all heard such clichés: "I understand how you feel" (even though you really don't) or "it could be worse" when they feel absolutely awful. Instead of clichés, speak from the heart in a way that is individual to their experience.
- Friendship is all about knowing how to use honesty effectively. When a friend is going through a hard time, you have to evaluate the situation and process through your own personal view. Put yourself in your friend's place, and feel the emotions they are going through.
- Say you are sorry for them, and let them express their feelings wholly. Avoid clichéd advice for situations, as they might think you don't really care and might become sadder. Be realistic. Don't say "it's okay" if it's really not. Instead, offer inspiration.
- Stay positive at all times, and can the negativity. Reprimanding friends by saying things like "I told you you should have done this sooner" or "how many times did I tell you that?" is going to make them hurt more. By the time the conversation is over, you would be sorry you said anything.
- If a friend is repeating a negative pattern, you can quietly point this out by offering positive suggestions for how they can make a change rather than framing the point in blaming, negative language. Don't be judgmental. That's the bottom line. It won't help, and it's not the time.
- Save the deep talk about how they did x, y, or z wrong for after they are out of the crisis moment. They need to be consoled when things have gone terribly wrong, not be made to feel worse. Do not say mean things to them like "I told you so" or "this is your fault."
- Picture this. You are "Lindsay's" best friend, and her parents are getting a divorce. You should be there to let her sob on your shoulder, spill her problems, or make her happy. But... She might also want some alone time. Make her a little care package, with movies, sweets, and things to make her laugh. Be a good friend, and help her through this hardship as you would want her to do for you
- Offer solutions to them so they can improve their problems. Provide ways your friend can get through the hardship, as well as emotional encouragement. Help them see the positives that still remain in their life. Remind the friend that they don't deserve whatever happened to them.
- Try to do something, if possible, that would actually change the hardship your friend is facing. If you can't find anything to do, try putting effort in and do something else helpful for your friend. For example, maybe they're too distraught to make dinner. Bring them over a plate of food. Offer to babysit their kids – things like that.
- Although you should offer constructive solutions, ultimately they need to make their own decisions about what to do. Let them draw their own conclusions and make their own decisions. Showing your genuine support will be the key here. Talk practical, never guide them if you aren't sure. [6]
- Your overarching goal should be to listen, while occasionally providing constructive and positive solutions, advice or suggestions. You could provide all three if you are a particularly close friend.
- Accept that the friend might not listen. A good friend offers guidance and suggestions, while recognizing that the friend, even though they are close to you, may not be ready to accept your support. Ultimately people need to work through things – bad relationships, financial worry, a death, you name it – on their own time.
- Understand and accept that your actions might not yield your expected results always. As a supporter, you should not be disappointed or discouraged by this.
- Do help them try to identify the causes of their problems and pinpoint possible remedies for them. Use your experience, instincts, and other peoples' advice. Say "this is your life and you should do what you decide is best. But don't you think that ____ will lead to ___? Maybe you can ___? It's up to you though" instead of "that's an awful idea, you should ___".
EditTaking Other Action - Report abuse [7] or any issue that could affect your friend's safety. Not all hardships are the same. If the hardship your friend is experiencing is a threat to his or her safety – say a physically abusive relationship or threats of self-harm [8]– you must act.
- Encourage your friend to tell someone in a position of authority more equipped to know what to do, such as a law enforcement officer or a therapist or religious leader or parent. If the friend refuses, and there is abuse occurring, talk to a person in authority on your own.
- If the friend is underage, you need to tell their parent if they are suffering from abuse, including bullying. Bullying [9]is emotional abuse, and you shouldn't try to handle something like that on your own. Don't try confronting the abuser, as that could put you in danger too. Tell an adult.
- Let them be sad for awhile, but not forever. Don't force them to cheer up or get angry if they can't break out of their doldrums. They're hurting. Sometimes they just need to wallow in it for a bit. But if the wallowing is going on for an excessive amount of time, you should try other responses.
- There comes a time when you might need a little tough love or you become an enabler. When is that point? When a significant amount of time has passed, and their continued sadness, grief, or depression is starting to have negative ramifications in other areas of their life, like work or school.
- At first wallowing is natural. Later on, not so much, although how much time that means is individual. At some point, direct them toward considering solutions.
- Understand when this is getting out of your league. If you need space from the issue at a certain point because they aren't healing and every conversation is about wallowing in sadness month after month, you might need to suggest a tougher intervention.
- Learn the signs of clinical depression [10], and if your friend has it, suggest getting help from a professional, such as a therapist or doctor.
- Remind them that you are not trained to be their therapist. Nor can you carry their problems on your shoulder forever. At a certain point, a little tough love in the form of a constructive solution or an honest reckoning of what you observe can help them more.
- Distract them by doing something fun. Try to find ways to distract them from the issue for awhile. Maybe ask them to go to a movie with you. It will get them out of the house, and they will forget about their troubles for a few hours at least.
- Distractions help a person gain perspective. Balance the wallowing and the distraction, though. Understand, at least in the beginning, that they might want to sit in their livingroom in a pair of pajamas instead.
- Get them some comfort food like ice cream or chocolate or their favorite foods. Bring it over to their house, and keep them company. Remind them of their achievements. Share a positive quote. [11]
- To some degree carrying on with life as usual at a certain point can be healing for people. So don't vary routines too much.
- Keep their problems private so you don't make it worse if they are not in danger. When a friend confides in you about a hardship, they are conveying a sense of trust in you. If you violate that trust by sharing their business elsewhere, you aren't a good friend.
- The exception – and this really important – is for situations involving abuse, bullying, or any circumstance in which your friend is in danger, including emotionally. In those cases, you must tell someone in authority – a parent, a cop, or a therapist, for example.
- In other situations, don't be a gossip. Don't allude to their problems on social media or tell other people in your circle of friends, even if it's under the guise of trying to get them more help.
- Give personal space when they ask for it.
- Keep them away from alcohol to drown their sorrows. It will only inflame their emotions and their depression.
- Don't be too pushy for details. Maybe they don't want to tell you every detail, so don't ask if they don't volunteer.
- You must give your friend space and not be around too much that he/she is irritated.
- Don't commit to being there for them if you know you can't or won't be.
- Whatever your friend confides you, show empathy and praise them for holding on. This alone is enough to make a person feel supported, understood and better overall.
- If your friend does tell you what's wrong, keep everything confidential unless it is suicide, abuse, rape, or anything where he or she can get hurt.
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