| How to Celebrate Independence Day Posted: 04 Jul 2017 05:00 PM PDT Summer is always just around the corner, which means you need to get ready for your Independence Day celebrations. In the United States, Independence Day or the Fourth of July is a national holiday that marks the anniversary the country's independence from Great Britain. Traditionally, many people celebrate this day with picnics, parades, and fireworks, and you can join in the celebrations anyway you'd like. EditAttending National Celebrations - Visit the nation's capital for the National Independence Day Parade. Every year on July 4th, Washington DC has a big parade that anyone can attend. If you go, you'll see military demonstrations, floats, bands, and more. Usually, the parade is held at 11:45 am.[1]
- In the evening, you can also attend a free concert at the Capitol fields with fireworks afterwards, this concert, "A Capitol Fourth", is aired nationally on PBS.
- While you're in DC, you can visit some of the major landmarks, such as the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. You could also visit the Smithsonian or the National Gallery.
- Check out Boston's celebrations. As one of the nation's oldest cities with a rich history, Boston usually has a large Independence Day Celebration. Along with fireworks, the Boston Pops Orchestra plays patriotic songs for the crowd.[2]
- While in Boston, check out historical landmarks such as the Old South Meeting House (where Revolutionists gathered before the Boston Tea Party) and the Paul Revere House.[3]
- Visit Philadelphia for historic re-enactments. In Philadelphia, you can visit Independence Hall, where you'll see historical scenes acted out. You can also listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence.[4]
- Go view the Liberty Bell while in Philadelphia.[5]
- Take a ride to New York City for an epic fireworks display. The largest fireworks display in the nation is the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in New York. Plan ahead to visit New York, and view this spectacular display in the evening, preceded by performances by guest stars.[6]
EditJoining in Local Celebrations - Watch local fireworks or a parade. Most cities have free or cheap fireworks displays, as well as parades. Check your local paper or online for the location of local displays. There will usually be designated areas to watch both, though you'll likely be able to see the fireworks from many parts of the city.[7]
- Most military bases have fireworks displays, as well.
- Go to a concert. Early 4th of July celebrations included concerts, and today is no different. Many local orchestras and bands will put on concerts, and well-known rockstars and bands often play on the 4th of July, as well.[8]
- Check with your local concert venues to see what concerts are planned. You can also contact organizations that might be having concerts, such as military bases or your local orchestra. The parks and rec department might also host some concerts in parks.
- Attend a baseball game. As America's national pastime, attending a baseball game on the 4th of July is a common way to celebrate. You can take in a game at an MLB ballpark. You can also root for a local team, whether a minor league team or your kid's little league team. Plus, many games have fireworks afterwards on the 4th of July.[9]
- You could also play your own game of baseball at a local park.[10]
- Eat at a community picnic. Many organizations host community picnics and cookouts on the 4th of July, including churches, companies, and military bases. Find one in your area to join the fun. You'll be able to enjoy typical 4th of July food, such as burgers, hot dogs, BBQ, corn on the cob, baked beans, watermelon, salads, and patriotic desserts.[11]
- Many events will have activities such as dancing, water gun fights, watermelon-seed spitting contests, and food-eating contests. Jump in there, and enjoy the fun!
EditCelebrating at Your Home - Celebrate by lighting a bonfire. While a bonfire or campfire may not seem like a traditional celebration of Independence Day, it was actually one of the ways the day was celebrated on the first anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. They also rang bells and shot off fireworks.[12]
- Before lighting a bonfire or campfire, clear the area of anything that could catch on fire. Dig an depression in a circle to help contain the fire, and place stones around the outside. Also, have a fire extinguisher or water on hand to put out any sparks.
- Of course, make sure to check the fire codes in your area. A campfire is definitely more practical in a backyard.
- Shoot off your own fireworks. Many Americans also buy their own fireworks to shoot off, though most cities have regulations against big displays and some ban fireworks altogether. Nonetheless, if you're outside the city limits, creating your own fireworks display and lighting sparklers is a well-known 4th of July pastime.[13]
- Be safe. Before shooting fireworks, clear out a fire-safe area by removing any flammable materials, such as dead leaves or grass. You can also water down the area to help prevent it from catching fire.
- Make sure to have a fire extinguisher on hand, and use longer lighting devices (such as a grill lighter or fireplace matches). Read the directions, and only light one thing at a time (always on the ground). Never lean over anything you're lighting.
- Check your local regulations for popping your own fireworks. Most states have laws against fireworks for personal use depending on the type or size. Some states also have laws about when you're allowed to pop fireworks; for example, most states require you to stop fireworks by midnight or 1 am.
- Many of the national firework displays are shown on television, so if you don't want to shoot off your own fireworks, turn the television on.
- Show symbols of American pride. Because the day celebrates America's independence from Britain, displaying and wearing American symbols is a great way to celebrate. Fly American flags, dress in red, white, and blue, and plaster the walls with stars and stripes.[14]
- Enjoy some crafts at home. If you have children (or even if you don't!), celebrate the day by making some patriotic crafts. Any American-themed craft is fair game on Independence Day, so reach for the red, white, and blue.
- Hold your own cookout. A great way to celebrate at home is to invite friends and family over for a cookout. Make it a potluck to take some of the stress off yourself, and include some fun games to stay cool, such as water-gun or water-balloon fights.[15]
- Some traditional 4th of July foods include burgers, hot dogs, and BBQ. Finger-foods, such as corn on the cob and watermelon slices, are always a good choice. You could also make red, white, and blue foods, such as a strawberry, blueberry, and marshmallow salad. Desserts are a great place to show your patriotism. You could make a cake with whipped cream frosting, decorated with blueberries and strawberries, or you could make cookies with stripes of red, white, and blue frosting.
- For some extra patriotism, have someone read the Declaration of Independence at your celebration.
- You could also create your own block party by getting your neighbors on board for a big party.[16]
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| How to Paint with Squirt Guns Posted: 04 Jul 2017 09:00 AM PDT Squirt gun painting is a fun and easy art project. Be sure to select a handful of reliable squirt guns. You'll also need to purchase or make your own washable paint. Finally, plan the specific project you're envisioning ahead of time, carefully load the squirt guns, and fire away. EditSelecting a Squirt Gun - Get reliable squirt guns. There's nothing that will interrupt the fun quite as quickly as a dud squirt gun. Accordingly, avoid the cheapest squirt guns, as they tend to break (not to mention leak). You don't need to get the fanciest guns on the market, but look for options that feel solid to the touch and have triggers that are easy to pull.[1]
- If you do go the dollar store route, be sure to get extra in case a few don't work out.
- Generic options from large retailers are often just as good a name-brand options.
- Consider a pump squirt gun. Depending on the age of your children and the specific activity you have planned, squirt guns that fire by way of a pump instead of trigger may be preferable. For instance, young children may struggle with a trigger, but be able to pump a small squirt gun.[2]
- Whether trigger or pump-powered, simple pistol-style guns will be sufficient for most projects.
- Choose based on the gun's reservoir. The reservoir that will hold the liquid paint is important for two reasons. Second, the reservoir closure is a good indication of the quality of the gun.
- Smaller reservoirs, of course, will be better for stationary art projects, in part because the guns will be lighter and easier for children to aim.
- Be sure to check the seal on the reservoir's closure. Cheap plastic plug closures are unreliable, and indicate that the toy is low quality in general. That said, these may work fine for a one-time project or party, especially if you get extra.
EditChoosing and Making Paint - Default to washable paint. Whatever the specific type of paint you use and how much you water it down, you probably want to choose a washable option. This is true even if you're hoping your kids will focus on painting a canvas instead of one another.
- Try tempera paint. Washable tempera paint works especially well. It often comes in liquid form already, but you can also get it in powdered form to be mixed with water. If you get the liquid type, mix it with at least equal parts water. Follow the directions on the packaging of powdered tempera paint, and use roughly twice as much water as they call for.[3]
- Make your own liquid watercolors. You can purchase washable liquid watercolors, but they're also very easy to make. You'll save money by making your own too. Simply purchase a small plastic tray of different watercolor paints. Pop out the colors you want to make into liquid paint and add them to individual containers of water that is just below boiling.[4]
- Use as much water as you want. The more you use, the less bright the color of the paint will be. For an art project, start with about a half a pint of water for each color.
- Store paint in recycled condiment containers. Plastic condiment containers with a flip-top lid and small opening are ideal for storing your liquid paints. Not only do they facilitate easy dispensing, they are also the hardest to spill.[5]
- If you don't use all of the paints, store them out of the direct sunlight. Shake them before their next use.
EditFilling and Shooting Paint - Provide funnels for filling. Unless you have storage bottles with nozzles that can fit into the squirt guns' reservoirs, funnels will be necessary to help fill the guns. Direct children to take their time while filling their squirt guns, and not to overflow the funnel.[6]
- Submerge squirt guns that are hard to fill. If the hole to the squirt gun's reservoir is especially small, there may be trouble filling it. In these cases, put the paint and liquid mixture into a plastic container that is slightly larger than the gun. This will allow users to submerge the gun, and allow water to replace the air in the reservoir.[7]
- Food storage containers such as Tupperware work especially well.
- Note that this filling method is more likely to lead to paint all over everyone's hands, etc.
- Use watercolor paper or canvas panels for paintings. For art projects, prop a canvas panel on an easel or suspend a piece of watercolor paper from a similar apparatus. Be sure to do so ahead of time, so there's something to shoot at as soon as the kids get their hands on the arsenal.[8]
- Experiment with the way you shoot. For instance, the squirt guns will have a different effect upon the canvas when the shooter is standing closer or further from their work. In general, shots taken near the canvas will be easier to aim, and paint will disperse less before it hits the canvas. Meanwhile, shots from further away will provide a sprayed effect.[9]
- Use painter's tape to make shapes on the canvases. Before painting, block off a section of the canvas in whatever shape or pattern you want. When the tape is removed, the shapes will be preserved within the splashes of color.[10]
- Dye t-shirts with older kids. Consider using clothing dye in squirt guns to make custom t-shirts or other items with older kids. Since the dye will be permanent, make sure everyone understands that they shouldn't spray one another, or anything other than the intended target.[11]
- Clothing dye is available in powder and liquid forms at many grocery stores and other large retail stores.
- Follow the directions on the dye's packaging.
- Allow the paintings to dry. Once everyone is finished painting, carefully take down the canvases and store them horizontally to allow them to dry. Allowing the works to dry vertically is also an option, but be aware that the paint will likely continue to run downwards and may saturate the bottom of the canvas.[12]
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| How to Lengthen Eyelashes Without Mascara Posted: 04 Jul 2017 01:00 AM PDT Long, fluttery lashes always seem to provide a more sultry look, and mascara works really well to help lengthen and define your lashes. If you're not a fan of mascara, though, that doesn't mean you're doomed to short, stubby lashes. You can give yourself longer lashes at home with the right products, such as false lashes, an eyelash curler, and eyeliner. If you prefer longer lashes that last for more than a day, though, you'll need to visit a salon where a professional can give you lash extensions, perm your lashes, or tint the lashes to help them appear longer. For naturally longer lashes, you can also use products such as lash growth serums, natural oils, and biotin -- but you'll need to have a little patience for those methods because it can take a while to see results. EditGiving Yourself Longer Lashes Temporarily - Consider false lashes. The most common way to lengthen your lashes without mascara is to apply false eyelashes. You can find false lashes in full strips that fit your entire lashline or individual clusters that you can place exactly where you want extra length.[1]
- Full strip false lashes offer the most dramatic look, so they work best if you want major length for your lashes.
- Individual lashes work best if you want a more natural, subtle look.
- You may need to cut or trim strip lashes to fit your eye shape. Always test a pair before trying to put them on.
- Apply the false lashes properly. To secure the lashes to your lid, apply lash glue to the false lash band or cluster. Let the glue sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute so it dries and becomes slightly tacky. Set the lashes just above your natural lash line starting at the outer corner and pressing inward to secure them.[2]
- When you're applying your lashes, it helps to set your mirror below you and tilt your chin downward so you can place the lashes at the right angle.
- After you've applied the lashes to your eye, let them sit for another 30 seconds to 1 minute to ensure that the glue has bonded with your skin.
- To remove the lashes at the end of the day, simply peel up one of the edges and gently pull the lashes off. You may need to use eye makeup remover to take off any glue residue that may be on your lashes or skin.
- Curl your lashes. When your lashes are perfectly straight, they tend to look shorter and more sparse. Curling them helps lift the lashes so they have a longer appearance. Use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes along their entire length for the longest look.[3]
- You can purchase an eyelash curler at drugstores, beauty supply stores, or any store that sells cosmetics.
- Start with the eyelash curler at the base of your lashes, and hold it closed for approximately 3 seconds. Next, move the curler to the center of your lashes and hold it closed for another 3 seconds. Finally, place the curler at the end of your lashes and hold it closed for a final 3 seconds.
- If you don't have an eyelash curler, you can use a clean toothbrush to help curl your lashes. Run the brush under hot water and then dry it lightly with a clean towel. Next, run the brush through your lashes, starting at the base and holding it at the tips for several seconds to create the curl.[4]
- Add eyeliner to the base and underside of your top lashline. If you want to skip mascara, using eyeliner strategically can help make your lashes appear longer. Instead of applying the liner to your lid, trace it right along the base of your lashes. Next, gently pull up on your eyelid to expose the underside of your lashline, also known as the tightline, and apply liner there as well to make your lashes appear thicker and longer.[5]
- Use a dark eyeliner so it blends in with your lashes. Black is usually the best option, but if your lashes are light, you may prefer a brown liner.
- For the liner at the base of your lashes, you can use pencil, powder, liquid, or cream eyeliner. For the tightline, use a pencil or cream liner.
EditVisiting the Salon for Longer Lashes - Get eyelash extensions. If you want to lengthen your lashes without mascara for more than just a day, lash extensions are an ideal option. At a salon or other venue that offers beauty services, you can have individual lashes bonded to the tips of your natural lashes with medical-grade adhesive. Lash extensions usually last 4 to 6 weeks.[6]
- When you're wearing lash extensions, it's important to be careful when touching your eyes, such as rubbing them when they're itchy or washing your face at the end of the night. If you're too rough, you may loosen the adhesive.
- Lash extensions can be fairly costly, so they're not the best option if you're on a budget.
- Some people experience an allergic reaction to the adhesive used to attach the extensions. Ask the esthetician to a patch test with the adhesive on your skin before applying the extensions.
- Getting lash extensions too frequently can lead to breakage for your natural lashes, so it's best to just get them when you have special events coming up.
- Have your lashes permed. If you're tired of curling your lashes with an eyelash curler to make them appear longer, you may want to consider an eyelash perm. Just as with traditional hair perms, chemicals are applied to your lashes which are then wrapped around foam rollers to curl them. Your lashes will remain curled for 1 to 3 months.[7]
- Lash perming must be done by a trained professional.
- Because lash perming utilizes chemicals, there is the possibility that your eyes and the skin around them may become irritated afterward. Leaving the perm solution on too long can also cause your lashes to break or fall out. Make sure to visit a reputable salon where the esthetician has experience performing lash perms.
- Tint your lashes. If you have light colored lashes, they probably look shorter than they actually are. Instead of using mascara, though, you can darken your lashes to help lengthen their appearance by having them tinted with a vegetable-based dye. Visit a trained esthetician to have your lashes tinted, and the results will typically last 4 to 6 weeks.[8]
- As with any type of lash treatment, there is the possibility of an allergic reaction when you have your lashes tinted. Ask the esthetician to do a patch test on your skin before using the dye to ensure that you aren't allergic to the dye's ingredients.
- Just as with lash extensions or perms, it's important to visit a reputable salon with trained professionals to have your lashes tinted.
EditUsing Long Term Products for Longer Lashes - Use a lash growth serum. If you don't want to bother with mascara ever again, you may want to invest in an eyelash growth serum. These products use peptides and other ingredients to help extend the growth phase of the lashes. However, prescription treatments are typically the only ones that work. Over-the-counter formulas usually just contain conditioning ingredients that may not necessarily help with growth. See a dermatologist to talk about your options.[9]
- You won't see overnight results from a lash growth serum. It may take 2 to 6 months to see any results.
- In order to see results, you must apply the serum nightly. It's also important to apply the serum right at the lashline. The hairs that make up the lashes are already dead, so applying it to them won't make any difference.
- Be aware that there are possible side effects associated with prescription lash growth serum. It has been known to discolor both the the lid and iris of the eye.
- Condition your lashes with oil. Lashes may break and fall off if they're not properly moisturized and conditioned. Natural oils, such as olive, coconut, castor, and jojoba, are believed to help moisturize and strengthen your lashes so they can grow longer. Apply some to your lashes every night as part of your skin care routine.[10]
- When using a oil to condition your lashes for added length, consistency and patience are key. You won't see results overnight. Condition your lashes every night, and give your lashes at least 2 to 3 months to respond.
- To apply the oil to your lashes, you can dab a small amount on your fingertips and run them over your lashes. However, to ensure that all of your lashes are coated, it's better to dip a clean spoolie into the oil and then run it through your lashes like you would with mascara.
- Petroleum jelly can also work well as a lash conditioner to help your lashes grow longer. You can apply it to your lashes in the same way that you would an oil.
- Take biotin supplements. Biotin is a vitamin that is thought to help strengthen weak, brittle hair, so it is often suggested for hair health. Taking a biotin supplement daily may help your lashes grow longer and thicker, but it can take several months to see any results.[11]
- Biotin is water-soluble, so it passes out of your system fairly quickly. That means it's unlikely that you could take too much of it. However, you should always speak to your doctor before starting any supplements to ensure that they're safe for you to take with your other medications and to determine the proper dosage.
- If you don't want to take biotin supplements, you can incorporate certain foods in your diet that are high in the vitamin. Almonds, pecans, bananas, egg yolks, and whole grains all contain biotin.
- If you wear eye makeup other than mascara, use a makeup remover to take it off at the end of the day. Removers help dissolve the makeup so you don't have to scrub at your eyes, which make cause your lashes to break or fall out.
- If you don't like to use mascara because of how dark it is, you may want to consider a clear mascara. It can separate and define your lashes so they appear longer without adding any color.
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