| How to Create a Miniature Resin Pond Posted: 28 Apr 2017 05:00 PM PDT Creating miniature versions of things with simple materials is a blast. If you have a garden that's missing a pond and can't get the real thing, creating a small resin pond is a fun and creative way to add some flavor to your landscaping. Epoxy resin is a versatile craft material that you can use to simulate real water. If you follow the correct steps and take the time to design your creation, you can create a mini resin pond that you can be proud of. EditDesigning the Resin Pond - Determine the style or theme for your resin pond. There are different styles of miniature resin ponds that you can create. Think of what kind of pond you'd like to create and consider the aesthetic of your lawn or garden. Examples of ponds that you can build include a miniature koi pond, a frozen winter themed pond, or even a science-fiction toxic sludge pond. Once you settle on an idea, you can create a pond that reflects what you want to create.[1]
- Consider different pond themes depending on the season or holiday.
- For example, during the autumn you can create a Halloween inspired miniature pond with mini pumpkins, ghouls, and ghosts.
- During the winter you can create a festive holiday pond with snow.
- Sketch out the design of the pond. Once you have a theme in mind, it's time that you start designing the look of your pond. Use a pencil and paper to sketch out a rough design of your pond. Remember to add the features for the ground around the actual pond, as well as the pond itself. Once you settle on a design that you like, you can begin to build your project.
- Draw the overall shape of the pond before you start moving into finer details like rocks, plants, and other features that will surround the pond.
- Your pond can have ragged or smooth edges.
- If you want to keep it simple, draw an oval pond with no fine details.
- Draw your pond design on a 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick piece of styrofoam. The size of styrofoam you should get depends on how large you want your miniature pond to be. After you've designed the pond on a separate piece of paper, it's time that you transfer the image to your styrofoam. Use a marker to copy the design that you've created directly onto the face of the styrofoam. Draw the outer edges of your project before moving towards the center and drawing finer details.
- A great miniature pond size is a 1x1 feet (30.48x30.48 cm).
- Special details that you may want to add include bridges, foliage, fish, trees, pipes, waterfalls, and branches.[2]
EditCreating the Base - Cut around the outline you drew. Use an X-Acto knife to follow the lines you drew and cut around the edges of your pond base. Keep in mind that the base isn't only the pond itself, but the land that will be around the pond. Once you finish with the outer edges, this will serve as the base for your miniature pond.
- Gorge out a hole in your styrofoam for the pond. Use your X-Acto knife to dig around the outlines that you created for your pond. The depth of your pond will depend on how deep you cut when creating it. Make sure to leave at least a half of an inch of styrofoam when gorging your hole. Do not cut through the styrofoam when making your pond or else the resin won't have anywhere to harden.
- To add texture to the bottom of the pond, leave jagged edges and cuts when digging out your styrofoam.
- Cut out the smaller details. Continue to cut out other details in your pond, such as rocky cliffs or places where the land will dip in. Make sure to vary up the depth of your land so that your pond doesn't look flat. Adding texture to the landscape around your pond will give it a more realistic look.
- Cover your styrofoam in plaster. A base coat of plaster will prevent the resin from eating through the styrofoam when you pour it. Purchase Plaster of Paris from the hardware store and apply a coat of it to the entirety of your styrofoam base. If there are cracks or places that you missed, let the first coat of plaster dry and go over your base again with another coat.[3]
- Once you lay down your plaster, allow the base to dry for a couple of hours or overnight.
- You can use a rough sandpaper to sand down rough areas before applying another coat of plaster.
EditDecorating your Pond - Paint the plaster base. Once the plaster has dried on your pond's base, you can start to paint it with acrylic craft paint that you can find at most arts and crafts stores. Use a brush to lay down basecoats for large details like the bottom of the pond and the area around the pond. You can also draw smaller details like fish or animals directly onto the plaster base. Remember to try to stay within your theme and choose colors that fit the aesthetic of your pond.
- The color of the bottom of your pond area will dictate the color of pond after you pour the resin in.
- Bright greens and browns work well with a koi pond.
- Browns, grays, and light greens work well with a toxic sludge pond.
- Add the impression of depth by painting the middle of your pond a darker shade than the outer edges of your pond.[4]
- Create other details around your pond. Adding details to your pond and the area around your pond will add complexity to your model. Consider adding things like miniature fish, lily pads, ducks, rabbits, or other wildlife created out of clay. To create these small additions, use a polymer clay to form them before heating them in an oven to harden them.
- Other details you can add include large rock formations, waterfalls, people, lamp posts, or anything else that you can imagine.[5]
- Paint and attach your details to the model's base. Once these tiny clay details have hardened, you can paint them to add depth to them. Once your paint has dried, glue them to your miniature pond with gorilla glue or superglue. Gluing things into the hole that you gorged for the pond will make them appear as if they are swimming in the pond once your pour your resin.[6]
- If you want your details to appear like they are floating on water, you'll have to glue them to the surface of your resin once it has dried.
- Use things you find in nature to decorate your pond. Instead of creating clay models for all the details in your miniature pond, you can use things that you find in your garden. Gather up pebbles, small stones, leaves, or tufts of grass from your yard and glue them around the exterior of your pond.
- You can also use small seashells if you are creating a coastal miniature pond.
EditPouring the Resin - Mix your epoxy resin. Craft resin will usually come in two containers containing the resin and a hardener. You'll have to mix these together to create a usable resin for your pond. Make sure to read the directions on the resin's packaging carefully before mixing the solutions together. Combine the solutions in the recommended amount according to the instructions and stir it for five minutes, or until both chemicals are mixed thoroughly.[7]
- Only mix a small amount of resin at a time.
- Pour the resin into your pond basin. Once the resin has been mixed, you can slowly and carefully pour it into the spot that you made for your pond. If you don't have enough resin to fill your pond's basin, mix more in another glass and continue to fill it until your satisfied.[8]
- Applying heat to the resin with a blow-dryer after your pour it can remove the bubbles from your resin pond.
- Allow the resin to dry. Allow your project to dry out for 24 hours before trying to move it or adding any additional details. Once it has dried, you can spot paint and fill in your final details until the pond looks the way that you want and you are satisfied.
EditThings You'll Need - 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick piece of styrofoam (can be any size)
- X-Acto knife
- Plaster of Paris
- Acrylic paint
- Brushes
- Clay (optional)
- Epoxy resin
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Cope if You Have Rejection Sensitivity Posted: 28 Apr 2017 09:00 AM PDT Human beings have a natural urge to belong. So, when someone rejects you, it's common to feel hurt, embarrassed or angry. Some people, however, are especially sensitive to rejection from others. Rejection sensitive people may perceive rejection in innocent situations, and even react with hostility. If you're extremely sensitive to rejection, you can learn to cope by finding appropriate ways to react to rejection, handling your emotions, and maintaining regular social interaction. EditResponding to Rejection in the Moment - Acknowledge your sensitivity, but remember that feelings aren't facts. A big part of being able to cope with rejection sensitivity is recognizing when it's happening. If you suspect that you have rejection sensitivity, you will need to acknowledge your tendency to overreact to certain social situations. Then, it's necessary to remember that just because you feel a certain way doesn't make it real.[1]
- Think of it like you are adding an extra step to your usual response. As soon as you start to feel the emotions associated with rejection, turn up your self-awareness. Start analyzing the situation to determine whether it's really a rejection or not.
- Pause to prevent hostility or aggression. Your sensors are trying to get a handle on the situation, and that's good. It's not healthy to act first and think later. People who are sensitive to rejection may respond in a more antagonistic way than others. Take some time to yourself in order to prevent your emotions from ruining your relationship or reputation.[2]
- Take a deep breath. Count to 10. Leave the environment for a few minutes if needed. Do whatever you need to calm down and get a handle on your emotions before responding. Becoming hostile or ugly in response to perceived rejection will only make you feel more excluded in the long run.
- Focus on something neutral in your environment. Research shows that when rejection-sensitive people focus on their emotions, they feel worse. Try not to dwell on what you're feeling. Instead, turn your attention to some non-emotional feature of the situation or your environment.[3]
- Call to mind what the other person is wearing. Examine the décor and design elements of the room. Recount what you ate for breakfast earlier that day. Do whatever you need to detach from the situation and calm down.
- Step into the other person's shoes. The central thing to know about rejection sensitivity is you often sense contextual details that place you at the center. But, remember it may not be about you. Attempt to find alternative explanations for why the person may be behaving this way.[4]
- For example, if you don't have children and you're trying to make plans with a busy mom, she may not have a babysitter to meet up with such flexibility like you can. Any rebuff may just be about her not having the freedom to make plans.
- Find a sounding board. It is common to ruminate on a perceived rejection. Talk with someone you trust about what is going on to get an objective view on the situation. People with rejection sensitivity are so tuned into their own emotions that it may be hard to consider another perspective. A trusted friend or family member can help you see other possible points-of-view.[5]
- Ask someone, "Hey, can I get your take on this situation? I asked Jan to meet up for coffee, but she keeps making excuses. How should I feel about that?"
- Ask them to explain their behavior. If, after calming yourself, you would like to gain more insight about the situation, pull the person aside to talk. Do so politely. This is not a confrontation, but a discussion to get a better understanding.
- You might say, "Hey, Jan. I've really been working hard to make plans with you, but it feels like you don't actually want to get together. What's going on here? Can you help me understand?"[6]
- Keep in mind that some people use rejection as a form of constructive criticism. The person might be using "tough love" to help you learn and grow. Try asking the person for clarification and you might find that their motives were positive.
EditDealing with Your Feelings - Practice mindfulness meditation. Becoming more aware of your feelings and the control they have over you can help you cope with rejection sensitivity. Mindfulness is a great starting place. Mindfulness is the practice of bringing your attention to the present moment. It decreases stress and can help with anxiety that may accompany rejection sensitivity.[7]
- Start with just 10 minutes of quiet, distraction-free time per day. You can set a timer to sound when your 10 minutes are up. You can also practice mindful meditation while driving, eating, or brushing your teeth.
- Find a comfortable place to sit. Take several deep, cleansing breaths. Try to clear out your mind of any thoughts or judgments about what you're doing. Focus completely on your breathing—in through your nose and out through your mouth. Let your attention follow the air as it travels from the environment into your lungs and back out again.
- If your attention wanders, simply return to your breath. When the timer goes off, take a moment to notice how peaceful and relaxed you feel.[8]
- Be good to yourself. Rejections—whether real or imagined—hurt. Cope with rejection sensitivity by spending some time taking care of yourself. Nurse your emotional wounds by practicing self-care. Do things that help you feel nourished.
- Eat healthy, balanced meals. Engage in physical exercise. Call a friend. Go out to the cinema and see a new movie. Plant a garden with a family member. Check out a good book from the library.
- Develop your self-esteem with compassionate self-talk. Experiencing rejection can put a damper on your self-esteem. You may start to engage in self-talk that diminishes your social abilities, saying things like "You're a loser" or "No one wants to hang out with you." Counteract the effects of rejection on your self-esteem by practicing compassionate self-talk.[9]
- Choose qualities about yourself that you consider to be positive. Make a list. Then, think about ways in which others would benefit from these attributes you have. For example, if you are funny, you might uplift someone who is feeling down.
- Now, create some compassionate statements regarding these traits. You might say, "I am an honest, caring person deserving of good friends." Or, "I make people laugh. They are happy to spend time with me."
- Repeat these statements aloud whenever you feel low on confidence.
- Avoid self-destructive coping behaviors. Coping with rejection sensitivity can be difficult, particularly when you feel all alone in your suffering. You might be tempted to turn to activities that allow you to escape or numb your emotions. Know that using drugs and alcohol, engaging in risky sex, gambling, or compulsive shopping habits won't make you feel better.
- If you feel the urge to turn to self-destructive activities, increase your self-care practice. Treat yourself as gently and kindly as you would a friend in pain. Get a massage. Take a walk in nature. Run yourself a scented bubble bath.
- Look at the big picture. Try to put the criticism into context to determine if it is really worth worrying about. For example, you are just one out of seven billion people. Will anyone even remember you in a 100 years from now? How important is this criticism if you put it into the big picture of your life?
- It might also help you to use a picture or video to remind yourself of how big the world is and to decrease the importance of the perceived criticism. Try looking at a picture or video of the earth from space.[10]
EditEngaging Socially in the Future - Find a positive support system. With rejection sensitivity, you can easily get caught up dwelling on people who reject you and forget about those who embrace you. Make a point to spend time with people who value who you are as a person.[11]
- Whether it's friends, coworkers, peers at school, or family members make an effort to connect with people who love and care for you. They can help balance the scales against any rejection you feel from others.
- If you have trouble identifying a strong support system, attempt to meet new people. Volunteer and help out in your local community. Join an organization or club. Strike up a conversation with the wallflower at a party. Become an advocate for those who are oppressed or bullied.
- Expect acceptance, and you'll get it. Studies suggest that a major characteristic of people with rejection sensitivity is that they go into social situations anticipating a rebuff. In many ways, it seems this may be a self-fulfilling prophecy. You can possibly influence a positive outcome by expecting to be accepted instead.[12]
- When you're entering a new social setting, tell yourself, "They'll like me" or "I'm going to make so many friends." You just might be surprised at the outcome.
- Reassess your strategy. If you tend to receive many rejections in a particular area of life, such as in your career or dating life, you may need to examine your actions to see how you can improve. Think about it: you will never catch a fish if you're using the wrong bait.
- For instance, if you are applying for jobs that demand gregariousness and you're shy, you may not impress the interviewer. Switch tactics and search for a similar job in which it doesn't matter so much how outgoing you are. You may just get the position.[13]
- Keep in mind that rejection only feels like rejection if you believe it. Someone who does not view a criticism as a rejection will find it easier to dismiss or laugh it off.
- It might also be useful for you to consider why this rejection affected you so strongly and what beliefs may be holding you back. This can help you to prevent them from holding you back in the future.
- Consult with a mental health provider. People with rejection sensitivity often have childhoods defined by abuse or neglect. In addition, there are certain mental health conditions like depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that are associated with higher levels of rejection sensitivity.[14]
- See an experienced psychologist or psychotherapist who can carefully evaluate your history and any other symptoms you might be experiencing.
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| How to Avoid Hidden Allergens in Food Posted: 28 Apr 2017 01:00 AM PDT Hidden food allergens are responsible for countless allergic reactions every year. Unfortunately, due to the complicated and varied processes that go into the creation of most foods, it is extremely hard to identify all potential allergens. However, by being careful when you eat outside your home, showing care when buying food at the grocery store, and learning about manufacturing and label processes, you'll better be able to avoid hidden allergens in food. EditBeing Aware of the Manufacturing Process - Know some of the most common allergens. There are a wide variety of allergens, many potentially hidden in the manufacturing process, that may trigger severe allergic reactions. By learning about the most common hidden allergens, you'll be better equipped to avoid them. The eight most common allergens are:[1]
- Soy
- Shellfish
- Fish
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Wheat
- Eggs
- Learn about ingredients, products, and byproducts derived from common allergens. Without knowing the names of different allergens and allergen-derived products, you won't be able to avoid the things you are allergic to. Be sure to read food labels and ingredient lists on all products before consuming them. Depending on your allergy, you'll want to keep an eye out for certain ingredients or products.
 - Ingredients commonly derived from eggs include: albumin (or albumen), lysozyme, ovalbumin, and surimi. (Find more here: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/media/Egg-Allergy-Avoidance-List-Hidden-Names.pdf)
- Products that include peanuts are: artificial nuts, beer nuts, ground nuts, nut meat, nougat, and marzipan. (Find more here: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/media/Peanut-Allergy-Avoidance-List-Hidden-Names.pdf)
- Ingredients derived from milk include: casein, diacetyl, ghee, lactalbumin, lactoferrin, and tagatose. (Find more here: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/media/Milk-Allergy-Avoidance-List-Hidden-Names.pdf)
- Some products that are made from soy include: miso, natto, shoyu, soya, tamari, tempeh, and textured vegetable protein. (Find more here: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/media/Soy-Allergy-Avoidance-List-Hidden-Names.pdf)
- Wheat, too, is present in a variety of products. Watch for the following ingredients or products: bread, flour, bulgur, spelt, cereal extract, tabbouleh, triticale, triticum, and many more. (Find more here: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/media/Wheat-Allergy-Avoidance-List-Hidden-Names.pdf)
- Fish is also hidden in many products, including: worcestershire sauce, imitation fish, barbecue sauce, and Caesar salad dressing. (Find more here: https://www.foodallergy.org/file/tips-avoid-allergen.pdf)[2]
- Avoid foods that may be contaminated during the manufacturing process. This is especially important since many companies use the same equipment to produce a wide variety of products. As a result, show caution when consuming products that might be manufactured on equipment contaminated with allergens you are allergic to. Shared equipment is often used to produce the following products:[3]
- Ice cream, milk, peanuts, and tree nuts
- Pasta and eggs
- Tree nuts, peanuts, and baked goods
- Tree nuts and cereal
- Be aware of brands that have previously mislabeled food. Sometimes companies will either accidentally add allergens to products or switch components without changing labeling or alerting consumers. By learning about these potentialities, you'll be able to safeguard yourself and your family.[4]
- Show caution when purchasing brands that have previously mislabeled food.
- Understand that "may contain" labels indicate that hidden allergens may be present in food.
- Some recent cases of mislabeling include M&Ms in 2014[5] and Winco salad dressing in 2016.[6]
EditAvoiding Allergens While Eating Out - Choose your restaurants carefully. Make sure to pick a restaurant with a solid reputation of being conscientious about food allergens. By picking the right restaurant, you'll drastically reduce the chances of your server getting your order wrong or your meal being contaminated with hidden allergens. You can even look for restaurants that advertise themselves as gluten-free (if you have a wheat allergy) or vegan (if you have a fish or milk allergy), which can help you avoid your allergens with confidence.[7]
- Ask friends and others you know. Your friends, family, and even your allergist may be able to make recommendations about safe places to eat.
- Avoid restaurants with a one-size-fits-all approach. The more time the server spends taking your order and the cook spends preparing it, the less likely it will contain hidden allergens. For example, avoid buffets or establishments where the food is prepared before you order.
- Stay away from establishments that are likely to cross-contaminate food. For example, avoid bakeries or even Asian restaurants that might favor ingredients like peanuts.
- Favor national chains where ingredients are the same or places you've eaten successfully before.
- Call the restaurant. Before you arrive for your meal, call the restaurant and talk to them about your allergies. By contacting them before hand, you'll get a lot of information about whether or not they can accommodate you.[8]
- Try to call at slow time, like before the lunch rush (10am to 11am) or in the middle of the afternoon (like 2pm to 4pm).
- Ask them explicitly whether they can accommodate you. For instance, say "Hello, I'm interested in eating at your establishment. Has your staff been trained or educated about food allergies?"
- Let them know what you are allergic to.
- Pick a day and time when the restaurant will not be busy. The busier the restaurant, the higher the chance that a server or someone preparing your food will overlook your needs.[9]
- If you are not familiar with the restaurant, call and ask when they are most busy — avoid these times and days.
- Many restaurants are typically slower Monday through Thursday.
- If you're going for breakfast, try to arrive after the rush, around 9am. If you are going for lunch, arrive early (around 11am) or late (after 1pm). If you are eating out for dinner, arrive early (5pm) or late (after 8pm).
- Bring a chef card. Chef cards are small pieces of paper, sometimes laminated, that list your allergies and provide specific instructions about how your food should be prepared. They are increasingly popular among people who have serious allergies.[10]
- List all relevant information about your allergy on the chef card. For example, if you are allergic to shellfish or peanuts, list that.
- Include relevant medical information as well. For example, if you have an allergy to certain medicines like sulfa drugs, list them. If you may need an epipen injection after consuming peanuts, include that information.
- Explain your allergy. By explaining your allergy to restaurant staff or whoever is preparing your food, you'll make sure that they have all the information they need to make sure that your food does not contain anything to which you are allergic.[11]
- Tell them that even minor contamination may be a trigger for your allergy.
- List all ingredients you are allergic to. For instance, if you are allergic to peanuts and shellfish, tell them.
- Make sure they understand the severity of your allergy. Let them know if peanuts cause you to go into anaphylactic shock.
- If you have a severe allergy, explain that even the simplest contamination (such as baking your dish in an oven next to another dish that contains the allergen) could set off a serious allergic reaction.
- Ask the server or manager about ingredients. While explaining your allergy is a necessity, you also need to be proactive when it comes to discerning the ingredients in whatever you order. Ultimately, asking about ingredients is the only way you'll be able to verify the absence of food allergens in your food.[12]
- See if the server or manager can tell you what is in a specific dish. For instance, if you are allergic to dairy, ask "Does this dish contain any dairy products?"
- If you want, ask the server for a list of ingredients. This way, you can feel more confident about what you are eating.
- Ask whether the entire dish is made in-house. If part of the dish is made by a third party, the restaurant or person may not have enough information to answer your question.
- If possible, see if you can talk to the chef about ingredients.
- Inquire about preparation. Although it is critical to determine the ingredients of any dish, you should also inquire about the preparation of your food. Ultimately, the preparation process makes contamination and the introduction of food allergens possible.[13]
- While you may spend most of your time communicating with your server, see if it is possible to briefly speak with the chef and/or manager.
- Ask if they use separate equipment for certain ingredients. For instance, do they prepare and bake oatmeal cookies on separate equipment than peanut butter cookies?
- Find out if they take steps to separate potential allergens from other foods. For instance, do they store peanuts and tree nuts in a separate pantry or part of the kitchen from other foods?
- Avoid eating out. In some cases, you may not be able to eat at certain establishments. Ultimately, if the person preparing the food can't explain what is in their food or their preparation methods, then you are best off not eating the food. Don't eat out if:[14]
- Waiters, cooks, or others who prepare the food can't confidently answer your questions.
- A certain food establishment is unwilling to provide you with information about their ingredients or how they prepare the food.
- The restaurant or person in question uses preparation methods that are likely to introduce allergens into your food. For instance, if they don't clean their equipment properly or store potential allergens nearby other foods.
- You have had an allergic reaction at the location already.
EditBuying Food at the Grocery Store - Rely on trusted brand names. There are specific brands that have a reputation as companies that are sensitive to individual dietary needs. Try to identify these brands and the foods they make if you have specific allergies.[15]
- Brands that manufacture food in facilities free from the eight most common allergens include: Gerbs, Amanda's Own Confections, and No Whey Foods.
- Brands that manufacture food in facilities from free peanuts, tree nuts, and eggs include: Herr's, UTZ Quality Foods, and Wise.
- Look for labeling that indicates a food was manufactured in an allergen-free environment.
- Consult the list at www.snacksafely.com for more foods that are manufactured in allergen free environments.
- Educate yourself about labelling terms. By knowing common labelling terms, you'll be able to discern products that are safe from products that may contain hidden allergens.[16]
- Gluten-free. This term is used to identify foods free from wheat, barley, rye, and triticale.
- Vegan. Items labeled vegan are free from all animal products. Thus, people who are allergic to dairy or allergic to fish or shellfish can rely on vegan products.
- Kosher. This label can give you a lot of information about potential allergens like dairy and fish. For instance, foods marked "OU" lack dairy and meat, foods marked "OU-D" include dairy products, foods marked OU-M have meat but no dairy, and foods marked "OU-F" include fish as an ingredient.
- "May contain." This term indicates that the manufacturer cannot guarantee the product is free from hidden allergens.
- Use your smartphone. Your smartphone is one of the best tools to verify if a product might be free of hidden allergens. Use your smartphone whenever you have a question about a brand or a specific product.
- Consult lists of allergen-free foods like the one at snacksafely.com.
- Use your phone to look up the meaning of ingredients you might not understand. For instance, you may need to look up the meaning of "lecithin" — a generic name for fatty tissue. This ingredient is derived from eggs.
- Do an internet search of a specific product with the key term "allergens." You might find relevant information.
- Use apps like the FoodAllergyDetective app to help you avoid hidden allergens.[17]
- Avoid products that don't conform to strict regulatory guidelines. While all food sold in the United States or European Union must conform to regulatory standards of those entities, you may come across food that does not. Avoid this food completely.[18]
- Stay away from food that does not have ingredient and nutritional information.
- If food does not bear language stating it complies with regulatory standards of your region, don't buy it.
- Avoid food with labeling that is in a language you can't read.
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