| How to Avoid Traffic Jams Posted: 26 Jul 2017 05:00 PM PDT Nothing ruins an otherwise perfect day like getting stuck in a traffic jam. By planning your journey ahead, however, you can avoid most congestion. There are also a number of technological tools that can help you skirt traffic issues, even in real time. You can also consider changing the times you travel at and transportation methods, especially if you live in an area that is constantly prone to traffic jams. With a little planning, you'll reach your destination without raising your blood pressure. EditPlanning Alternate Routes - Listen to traffic reports before you begin your journey. Local television news programs often give morning and afternoon traffic reports to help commuters. Some locations also have dedicated traffic radio. Tune into these before you get in the car. If it sounds like traffic is backed up on your normal route, take one of your alternatives.[1]
- Put your GPS to work. Many GPS systems have built-in traffic flow monitoring. These can alert you when a route is affected by a traffic jam. Some can even automatically change your route to a clearer one. Check the instructions for your model to see what capabilities it has, and how to set up the traffic monitoring features.[2]
- Use traffic apps. The navigation tools built into most smartphones have the ability to detect traffic problems, much like dedicated GPS devices. There are also apps like Waze that you can install and use to help avoid traffic jams.[3]
- Traffic apps may have special features like real time camera feeds to view traffic conditions, or social features to help you connect with other drivers and learn about various routes.
- If you just your phone to help avoid traffic jams, be sure not to check it while you are actually driving.
- Don't fear the HOV lane. Cities that have freeways often devote one of the lanes to High Occupancy Vehicles (HOVs), or ones that have at least two people riding in them (including the driver). These almost always have fewer cars, which means less congestion. Give the HOV lane a chance and see if it helps you avoid jams.[4]
- Learn several ways to reach your destination. Most destinations in busy locations can be reached by several ways. Before you go, look up several routes, including the fastest, the shortest, and alternatives that may take you down side-streets. You can take one of the alternatives if you expect a traffic jam, saving you time and stress.[5]
- Use maps or apps to research possible routes.
- You can also ask other people which routes they take to avoid traffic congestion.
EditChanging Your Travel Plans - Avoid rush hour. The early morning and late afternoon hours are the worst traffic times in most locations, because that is when most people are on the road commuting to and from work/school. If at all possible, avoid driving during these times. Leaving just a little bit earlier or later can help you steer clear of tailgating traffic.[6].
- Ask to change shifts at work if possible. If you work during the day and have to drive, you still might be able to avoid rush hour. Ask your supervisor if you can change shifts so that you come in and leave earlier and later to beat the rush-hour traffic.
- A more involved change is to work from home, but some employers are open to this idea. Even if you can work from home only one day a week, that means a little less time spent waiting in traffic jams.
- Make the most of public transportation. There are real benefits to public transportation, including decreased traffic overall. For you as an individual, it can be a solution for avoiding traffic jams. Modes like rail and subways bypass roads altogether. Even bus routes are usually planned to get people where they need to go efficiently. Sit back, relax, and let someone else do the driving! You can even have a nap on the journey if you wish, and unlike an ordinary car driver, buses are permitted to use bus lanes which are far less congested than other lanes reserved for other traffic. [7]
- Enjoy the freedom of two feet or wheels. If you only have to travel a fairly short distance, try not to drive at all. If it's a walkable distance, there's no need to get stuck behind the wheel. You can also try cycling, especially if there are dedicated cycle lanes in your area. This can be more direct, enjoyable and is healthier than driving.[8]
- Walking and cycling are great choices for your health: you can lose weight, get exercise, and do your bit to help save the environment.
- In some locations, motorcycles and scooters are allowed to drive between lanes of traffic. If this is allowed in your area, this can be another option for escaping a traffic jam.
- Most traffic jams are not caused by accidents, but by drivers following too closely behind another car, requiring them to brake. This causes a chain reaction so that every car behind them has to brake, too, slowing down the flow of traffic. Keep a reasonable distance behind the car in front of you to avoid this problem. Also, agricultural workers driving slow-moving farm vehicles can cause major tailbacks and often delay other commuters' journeys. So if you work in the primary sector, avoid driving one of these during peak times.[9]
- Another common cause of traffic jams happens when drivers refuse to let other drivers merge in when lanes reduce in number. Follow the "zipper" method to prevent this. Let one car ahead of you merge in, then move forward. Hopefully, other drivers will do the same!
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| How to Make a Balloon Arch Posted: 26 Jul 2017 09:00 AM PDT Balloon arches are a great addition to just about any party or event. They look impressive and complex, but they are actually quite simple to make. You can make a basic balloon arch with regular balloons or a floating one with helium balloons. You can even mount an arch onto your wall using chicken wire. Whichever arch you choose, you are bound to impress your guests! EditMaking a Basic Balloon Arch - Find or create a wire base. Use wire cutters to cut a long piece of sturdy wire to the length and height you want the arch to be. You can also purchase a balloon arch kit from the store, and use the wire frame from there.
- Because wire gets flimsier the longer you cut it, this method is best used for smaller arches.
- Anchor the arch. Stick the ends of the arch into a bucket filled with gravel, pebbles, or sand. If you bought a pre-made arch from the store, it may already have a flat, base or platform. In this case, place something heavy, such as a brick or cinderblock on the base to weigh it down.
- Add a thin layer of colored sand or pebbles to your bucket. This will hide the plain sand or pebbles.
- Wrap bricks or cinderblocks in paper that matches your balloons. You can also paint them to match the base of your balloon arch.
- Blow up four balloons with a balloon pump. They can all be the same color, or they can be different ones. Tie the tail end of each balloon into a knot as soon as you finish blowing it up. Try to make each balloon the same size.[1]
- Use a regular pump for this method, not a helium tank.
- You don't have to use a balloon pump for this, but your lungs may get tired after a while.
- Tie two balloons together by the tails in a double-knot. If you are having trouble with this, you can tie the balloons together using string instead. Repeat this step for the remaining two balloons. You should now have two balloon pairs.[2]
- Twist the balloon pairs together to make a clover shape. Place your first set of balloons over the second one in a cross shape. Pull the bottom two balloons upward. Pull the left one to the right, and the right one to the left. You will have something that looks like a four-leaf clover.[3]
- Alternatively, you can tie the balloons together in a cross shape with some string.
- Tie or twist the balloons to your wire. Pull the balloon clover against the wire. Make sure that the wire is resting against the knot in the middle of the clover. Twist the two adjacent balloons together so that they close in front of the wire.[4]
- You can also secure the balloons to the wire with string or colorful ribbon.
- Repeat the process to make more rows. Blow four balloons at a time. Twist them into sets, then twist the sets together to make a clover. Slide the clover onto the wire, just above the bottom row of balloons, and secure it. Keep doing this until the wire is filled.[5]
- You can use all the same color or you can alternate colors.
- Stagger the balloons. Let the balloons in row two rest in the cracks between the balloons in row one.[6]
EditMaking a Floating Arch - Tie a long piece of fishing line to a balloon weight. Choose a balloon weight that matches your color scheme. Wrap the end of the fishing line a few times around the handle, then tie it into a secure knot.[7] Don't tie down the other end yet.
- If you can't find any fishing line, use white string instead. You can also use balloon ribbon that matches your color scheme.
- If you are making a large balloon arch, tie the string to a bucket handle instead. Fill the bucket with sand, gravel or pebbles.
- You can also tie string to a cinderblock if you are making a large balloon arch.
- Inflate a balloon using a helium tank. Unlike other arches, this arch relies on floating balloons for structure. Blow up your first balloon using the tank, then tie off the tail end.[8]
- You can buy a helium tank from a party supply store or an arts and crafts store. Some places will also allow you to rent them instead.
- Tie the fishing line to the balloon. Measure up abut 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) from your weight. Wrap the string around the tail end of the balloon, just above the knot, then tie it in a secure, double-knot.[9]
- Continue inflating and tying the balloons to the string. Place the balloons close enough so that they bump against each other on the sides.[10] Work from one end of the string to the other. Leave about 12 to 14 inches (30.48 to 35.56 centimeters) of space at the end of the string empty.
- If you used a cinderblock as your anchor, you will need to leave enough string to feed it through the holes on the block and tie it off.
- Anchor the other end of the string. Measure 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) from the last balloon. Wrap the string a few times around the handle of your balloon anchor, then tie it into a secure knot.
- Add ribbon to the bottom of each balloon, if desired. This is a cute touch that will make it look like the balloons are floating in an orderly fashion. Cut a length of balloon curling ribbon in a contrasting color, then tie it to the bottom of each balloon. For extra flair, use a pair of scissors to curl the ribbon.[11]
- Decorate heavier balloon anchors, if desired. Small balloon anchors often look like little gift boxes and are pretty enough on their own. If you used a bucket or cinderblock to anchor a large arch, however, you may want to decorate it. Here are some ideas:
- Cover cinderblocks with wrapping paper.
- Paint the bucket with spray paint or acrylic paint.
- Fill the top layer of your bucket with colored sand or gravel.
- Tuck flowers into the bucket or cinderblock.
EditMaking a Mounted Arch - Use wire cutters to cut chicken wire for your arch. How long you cut the chicken wire depends on how wide and how tall you want your arch to be. If the chicken wire is very wide, you may want to cut it narrower. This will make it easier to bend and curve it into an arch shape.
- Bend the chicken wire into the shape you want it to be. It can be a perfect arch or a warped one. If you need to, loosely crumple or fold the wire in half lengthwise to make it thinner.[12]
- Secure the arch to your wall. You can do this with nails, thumb tacks, or pushpins. Start at one end of the chicken wire and work your way upwards to the peak, then work your way back down to the other end.[13]
- The arch does not have to be perfectly symmetrical. Try a warped arch for a more organic design.
- Blow up your balloons using a balloon pump. For a more interesting design, blow up balloons in different sizes and colors. Try some water balloons, regular balloons, and jumbo balloons. You can also blow up regular balloons with varying amounts of air.[14]
- Do not use a helium tank for this.
- You can blow the balloons up with your mouth, but your lungs may get tired.
- Secure the first balloon to the base of the arch. Place a glue dot to the tail end of the balloon, just below the knot. Wrap the tail behind the wire, then press it against the knot. Hold the tail and knot together for about 10 seconds before letting go. This ensures a secure bond.[15]
- You can find glue dots in the scrapbooking section or an arts and crafts store. They are dots of glue that come on a strip. Peel them off one at a time as you use them.
- Attach the next balloon in a similar fashion. Make sure that you place it close enough to the first balloon so that they are touching. Find the spot where the two balloons touch, then place another glue dot between them.[16]
- Work your way around the arch. Create clusters of balloons. Start with the larger ones first, then work your way towards the smaller ones. You can even place smaller balloons over larger ones using glue dots.[17]
- Consider adding fillers. Dried or fresh flowers work especially well for this, but you can use fake ones too. You can also tuck some colorful ribbon in between the balloons instead. This is also a great way to hide any gaps and give your balloon arch a more organic feel.
- Secure the flowers to the chicken wire with glue dots or string.[18]
- Make sure that the flowers don't have any thorns. If they do, cut them off with a crafting blade.
- Fill clear balloons with confetti for a sparkly effect.
- Match the colors of your arch to the colors of your event.
- Use a color scheme. Try ombre or rainbow!
- You can arrange differently-colored balloons randomly or in a pattern.
- You can make the arch taller or shorter by moving the ends closer or further apart.
- You can buy helium tanks in party-supply stores and in arts and crafts shops.
- If you want to use just one color, consider using different shades of it, such as light pink and dark pink.
- Fill a balloon arch with confetti, then pop the balloons to make the confetti rain down.
- Helium balloons will begin to lose their buoyancy after 8 to 15 hours, so plan to erect your helium rope arch no more than a few hours before your event begins.[19]
- Helium balloons may deflate if it gets too cold.[20]
EditThings You'll Need EditMaking a Basic Balloon Arch - Balloons
- Balloon pump
- Sturdy wire
- Wire cutters
- Bucket and gravel or cinderblock
EditMaking a Floating Arch - Balloons
- Helium tank
- Fishing line
- Scissors
- Balloon anchors
EditMaking a Mounted Arch - Balloons (different sizes and colors)
- Balloon pump
- Chicken wire
- Wire cutters
- Nails, thumbtacks, or pushpins
- Glue dots
- Ribbon or flowers (optional)
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| How to Establish an Effective Skincare Routine Posted: 26 Jul 2017 01:00 AM PDT With so many skincare products on the market, choosing the right combination might seem overwhelming, but creating a skincare routine can be fun! To make sure that your routine works for you, you should first consider what type of skin you have. You can then put together a personalized regimen of cleansers, toners, moisturizers, exfoliants, and masks. Within a few months, you will be delighted by your beautiful skin! EditSetting up a Basic Routine - Remove makeup. If you wear makeup, you should remove it before you go to bed. Some cleansers claim to remove makeup for you, but these may not get rid of all makeup. You may want to have an extra makeup remover on hand. Use it before you cleanse your face.[1]
- Makeup wipes or removers are easy and convenient. Simply wipe off the makeup with a soaked pad until it is gone.
- Since eye and lip makeup can be harder to remove, you may want to use a special makeup remover designed for these parts.
- Cleanse twice a day. You should wash your face twice a day, once in the morning before you put on makeup, and once at night before you go to bed. You should also cleanse after sweating heavily.[2]
- Wet your skin with warm water but not hot water. Warm water helps remove dirt, but hot water will dry out your skin.
- Apply the cleanser and massage it into your skin in upwards, circular motions. Remove completely, either by using a sponge or by splashing with warm water. Dab your face dry with a clean towel.
- Apply toner after your cleanser. Toner should be applied once you have dried your face after cleansing. Pump a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad, and simply wipe over your face. Avoid the eye area. Let the toner dry on your skin. You do not need to rinse off.
- Moisturize your skin. Your moisturizer goes on after your toner absorbs. You can massage your moisturizer into your skin using upward circular motions to your face and neck. Alternatively, you can apply it to your clean palms and gently pat it in.[3]
- If you have dark or puffy eyes or if you are concerned about wrinkles around your eyes, you can use a separate eye cream. Gently pat the cream around your eye with your ring finger.
- Exfoliate once or twice a week. You should only exfoliate once or twice a week, or else you may cause damage to your skin. Be gentle as you exfoliate. Soft movements are all that are needed. Vigorously rubbing or scrubbing can be harmful.[4]
- There are many different types of exfoliation. You can use a wash-off scrub, a special mitt or sponge, or even a chemical exfoliant such as AHA or BHA.
- You may want to avoid exfoliating if you have active acne breakouts or hyperpigmentation.[5]
- Wear sunscreen everyday. Daily sun exposure can cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and other problems. Even if you don't plan on going outside for long, put on sunscreen before you leave home. Apply it fifteen minutes before going outside. [6]
- Sunscreen should be applied as the last step of your routine after you have put on moisturizer but before you have put on any makeup.
EditControlling Oily Skin - Choose a foaming cleanser. Foaming cleansers work the best for oily skin as they remove oil gently. You only need a small amount for your whole face. Foaming cleansers come in gel, pump, and cream form.[7]
- Be careful only to wash your face twice a day. Washing too often can actually cause your skin to produce more oil and pimples.
- Look for ingredients that will fight acne. If you have acne-prone skin, then you should be using tougher ingredients that will reduce oil, shine, and pimples. Some common and effective ingredients include:[8]
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Sulfur
- Alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid
- Retinoid
- Witch hazel
- Apply a water-based moisturizer. Using a heavy moisturizer might make your skin even oiler. To combat this, use a water or gel-based moisturizer instead. These are moisturizers where water is listed as the first or second ingredient.[9]
- Relax with a clay mask to reduce oil. Clay masks are great for people with oily skin. Smear them on your face after cleansing, and leave them on for fifteen to twenty minutes before rinsing off. Apply moisturizer afterwards.[10]
- Avoid touching your face. Touching your face can transfer bacteria and dirt from your hands to your face. These can cause pimples. If you must touch your face, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm first.[11]
- Never pick, squeeze, or pop your pimples. It hurts more, looks worse, and eventually may leave behind an ugly scar.
EditSoothing Dry and Sensitive Skin - Rinse your face in the morning. Since cleansers can strip your skin of good oils, you do not need to use them in the morning. Instead, rinse your face with warm water and pat dry. Wash your face with cleanser at night.[12]
- Oil cleanse to remove makeup. Makeup removers often contain alcohol and other harsh ingredients that can dry out and irritate your skin. Oil cleansers are gentler than makeup removing wipes. Simply apply the oil to your dry skin, and wash off with warm water.[13]
- Use a serum before you apply moisturizer. A serum is a watery moisturizer that gives your skin an extra boost of hydration. Gently dab the serum onto your face with a cotton ball or clean hands. Let it absorb into your skin before you apply moisturizer.
- Apply a cream with oils. If you have dry or mature skin, oil-based products will not only add hydration but seal moisture into your skin. Check the label to see if oil is one of the first listed ingredients.[14]
- Mineral oil or petrolatum may be helpful if you have cracked skin or flaky patches.
- Rosehip oil and jojoba oil can help prevent moisture from leaving your skin.
- Pick soothing ingredients if you have irritation. Irritation and flaky skin can be common for both dry and sensitive skin types. To soothe your skin, pick products that contain moisturizing ingredients, such as aloe, chamomile, green tea extract, or Vitamin C.[15]
- Avoid alcohol and other astringents. Alcohol can dry out skin and irritate sensitive skin. Read the ingredients of all of your products so that you can avoid alcohol. In addition to alcohol, you should avoid irritating ingredients like:[16]
- Witch hazel
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus oil
- Fragrance
- Acids
EditHandling Common Skincare Problems - Look for antioxidants to reduce signs of aging. Antioxidants can help prevent signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Common ones one include Vitamin C, retinol, tea extracts, grape seed extracts, and niacinamide.[17]
- While they are not antioxidants, alpha-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, can help reduce the appearance of fine lines.
- Treat uneven skintones with lightening ingredients. If you want to reduce hyperpigmentation or dark spots on your face, choose ingredients that will lighten these areas. Some effective products include:[18]
- Kojic acid
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Arbutin
- Niacinamide
- Licorice Root Extract
- Use brightening products if you have dull skin. Dull skin is a common side effect of dry or mature skin. If you are looking for more of a glow, try to find products that contain Vitamin C, arbutin, niacinamide, and mulberry extract. These products are more effective when used together, so feel free to mix and match.[19]
- Choose mild products if you have rosacea. To avoid flares, choose a mild cleanser and moisturizer.[20] You should avoid products that contain alcohol, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus oil, or witch hazel.[21] For the best treatment, talk to a doctor about getting a prescription to treat your condition.
- Visit a dermatologist. If you are struggling to find products that work for your skin, visit a dermatologist. They can help you identify your skin type while pinpointing the underlying issues that may be causing your concerns. They may even give you prescriptions that can help.
- Consider using natural or homemade products, especially if you have sensitive skin that does not react well to commercial products.
- New products rarely work right away. If you are starting a new routine, give yourself between six weeks and three months to let the products work. Keep doing your routine in the morning and at night for consistency.[22]
- Drink plenty of water, if you're well hydrated, your skin will be too.
- Never go to bed with your makeup on.
- If you have extra dry skin then get an exfoliating scrub that isn't too harsh and aim to exfoliate 1-2 times a week.
- Smoking, drinking and drug taking have substantial effects on the skin from premature aging to discoloration and dryness.
- During dry seasons, sleep with a humidifier in your room.
- Do not apply products that contain an ingredient that you are allergic to.
- If a product causes redness, irritation, flaking, or swelling, stop using immediately. Rinse off with water if the product is still on your face.
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| How to Use Night Shift on iPhone or iPad Posted: 25 Jul 2017 01:00 AM PDT Night Shift is a feature that Apple introduced in iOS 9.3[1]. Night Shift shifts your display to the warmer end of the color spectrum. The purpose of this is to stop blue light, which affects your sleep patterns.[2] Because blue light is reduced, you can use a device right until you sleep and still have a good night's sleep! - Make sure you are using a compatible Apple Device. Devices compatible with Night Shift are:[3]]
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
- iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
- iPhones 5s
- iPad Pro
- iPad Air 2
- iPad Air
- iPad Mini 4
- iPad Mini 3
- iPad Mini 2
- iPod Touch 6th Generation
- Update your device to iOS 9.3 or newer. Apple introduced the feature in iOS 9.3. This means that you'll need to be running that version or a newer one to activate Night Shift.
- Go to the Settings app. Look for and tap the gray gear icon with the word "Settings" right below. It's located on your home screen, usually in the first page. Press the Home button at the bottom of your device and then swipe left and/or right to switch home screens.
- Tap on the section. On iPads, this will be pushed to the left side of the screen.
- Select .
- Set up Night Shift. Here's what you can do:
- Set the warmth of your screen. The warmer you set your screen, the less blue light will be emitted from the display and the better your sleep will be.
- To quickly enable/disable Night Shift on demand, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center. Then, tap .[4]
- Blue light can cause sleep insomnia.[5] Enabling Night Shift helps stop blue light.
EditThings You'll Need - Compatible Apple Device (listed above)
- iOS 9.3 or newer
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