| How to Choose and Wear Cologne Posted: 10 Nov 2017 04:00 PM PST There are many different scents of cologne and it can feel overwhelming which one to choose and how to apply it correctly. Whether you are trying to impress a date, be more put together, have a signature scent, or you just want to experiment with something new, cologne is easy and fun to use and can improve your confidence and overall impression on others. EditChoosing a Type of Cologne - Wear cologne with oriental or wood notes in the fall and winter. You can choose to wear cologne with the seasons by avoiding light and floral scents in the cold months and instead wearing earthy colognes like sandalwood, cedar, and vetiver to complement the weather.[1]
- Choose a cologne with floral and fresh notes in the spring and summer. As the weather gets warmer, wear cologne that enhances the season. Floral, fruity, green, water, and citrus scented colognes are great for the warmer months. [2]
- Select a cologne with musky and spicy scents for nighttime. Whether you are going to a dinner date, out to a party, or are getting dressed up for a work event, cologne is a great way to enhance your evening appearance. Choose colognes with musky, woody, oriental, spicy, and mossy notes for night.[3]
- Wear cologne with citrus and floral scents for daytime. You don't want to wear an overpowering strong scent during the day. For everyday use at work or school you can choose to wear fragrances that are lighter and softer, such as citrus, floral, fresh, and sweet scents.[4]
- Test different colognes until you find your signature scent. Instead of changing your cologne with the seasons or for the time of day, consider having one fragrance that is your signature scent. Try a variety of different colognes until you find one that you feel represents you and that you want to wear on a daily basis. Consider asking others what they think of your signature scent when deciding.[5]
- Choose a cologne that is long lasting if you don't want to re-apply throughout the day. Choose a cologne with a high oil content if you want the cologne to last for many hours. Select a cologne with a low oil content if you are worried about it being too strong and overpowering.[6]
EditTesting the Cologne - Go to department and makeup stores to search for cologne. You can find cologne for sale at many stores such as Sephora, Ulta, Macy's, Nordstrom, and CVS. Going to a store in person is important so you can test the different options and find what works best for you. Buying cologne online is good if you already know what cologne you want, but otherwise it does not work because you can't test it.[7]
- Smell coffee or tea in between testing each cologne to refresh your palate. If you do not do this the smell of the previous cologne will get in the way of and cloud your judgement of the new scent.[8]
- Spray the cologne on your wrist to test it. You can also spray it on each inner elbow if you want a stronger scent. Avoid testing the cologne on the paper cards at the store because you cannot get the full scent this way and you will not know how it smells on you.[9]
- Wait before purchasing anything to get a full sense of the smell. You should wait at least an hour before purchasing the cologne you like. The scent can change over time as it mixes with your skin. You can even ask for sample vials of your favorite scent if you want to test a few throughout the week before committing to a scent you really like. [10]
- Ask other people's opinions. The opinions of other people (friends, family, significant others) can help you decide if you want to purchase a cologne. If multiple people tell you a certain scent is not a good choice, consider purchasing a different scent.
- If someone recommends a cologne, don't purchase it without testing it.[11]
- If you want someone's opinion on the spot, take someone you trust shopping with you.[12]
- Follow your own gut when deciding what to buy. Although the thoughts of other people can help you make a decision, it is also important to choose something that you like and to trust your own views. Don't let someone else choose the cologne for you.[13]
- Buy a small bottle if you are new to using cologne. You might realize after you buy it that you don't want to wear it very often or that your taste is different than you thought. Most cologne comes in bottles ranging from 1 oz (29 ml) to 3.4 oz (100 ml). If you know you love a cologne and will use it often, you can purchase a large bottle.[14]
- Search around for the best price of the cologne you want. Although you can purchase the cologne at the store you found it in, once you found the cologne you like you can search at other stores to see if you can find it for a lower price. You can also see if you can find the cologne available online. Discount websites often sell cologne that was an unused tester at a store and Ebay often has unopened colognes that someone received as a gift or changed their minds about.[15]
EditApplying the Cologne - Apply the cologne to your wrists, chest, and elbows. Choose 2-3 of the warmest places on your body (chest, neck, lower jaw, wrist, forearm, inner elbow, and shoulder) to apply the cologne. If it is your first time wearing cologne, just apply one spray at first to one area then branch out after you get more comfortable and used to wearing cologne.[16]
- Apply the cologne after a shower. In order to maximize the effects of the fragrance, apply it after a long, warm shower. Your pores will open in the shower, making the scent stronger. Mixing cologne with body odor will make an unpleasant scent, so make sure you are clean before applying.
- Choose fragrance-free or light scented soap and deodorant. Mixing cologne with strong scented body soaps and deodorant covers up or alters the smell of the cologne.[17]
- Spray the perfume 3-6 inches away from you on dry skin. After spraying the cologne onto your skin, do not rub it in. It might seem like this will help put the scent into your pores, but it will actually break the molecular bond of the cologne. This can weaken the scent and strength of the fragrance.
- Make sure to apply non-spray cologne carefully without splashing. Take a finger and press it on the opening of the bottle, tip it over gently, and apply it to your skin.[18]
- Only apply the fragrance to your skin and not to your clothes or in the air. Spraying cologne onto your clothes does not allow it to mix with your natural oils, causing you to lose notes of scent. It might also stain the fabric of your clothes. If you spray the cologne in the air and walk through it, most of the cologne will end up falling to the floor and not onto you.[19]
- Be careful not to apply too much cologne. Using too much cologne is overwhelming and can make you repulsive.[20] The type of skin you have can make you more or less susceptible to fragrances clinging to your skin. People with oily skin should be extra careful when applying cologne, but men with dry skin can apply a little extra without it being too strong.[21]
- Store the cologne in a cool and dark room. Cologne should be stored properly in order to make sure you get the most out of your purchase. In order to make sure your bottle does not go bad, keep it away from heat, light, and oxygen. Optionally, you can even store your bottle of cologne in a refrigerator.[22]
- Go into the store to test the cologne on you – different people react differently to colognes.
- Consider having a "signature scent" or change the cologne you use based on the seasons or time of day.
- Get a sample bottle to take home so you can have several times to test the cologne to see if it is the one you want.
- You can often find the same colognes online as in the store for a cheaper price.
- Make sure not wear too much cologne. It can make you unappealing, give other people headaches, and give people a bad impression of you.
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| How to Grow Sugar Snap Peas Posted: 10 Nov 2017 08:00 AM PST Sugar snap peas are a pea lover's dream. Unlike other varieties, which have to be shelled in order to extract the tender peas, sugar snaps can be devoured pod and all. They're also a cinch to grow, making them a favorite among horticulturalists, cooks, and casual gardeners alike. Simply plant the pea seeds somewhere mild and shady and make sure they receive regular water. In 2-3 months, you'll have a crop of crunchy, delectable peas that can be snacked on raw or added to your favorite wholesome recipes. EditChoosing a Planting Location - Sew your snap peas at the end of the cold season. Sugar snap peas flourish in cooler temperatures. You can put your seeds in the ground as early as the final frost of winter, just before the onset of spring. Even young plants will be hearty enough to survive one or two minor frosts in the interim.[1]
- The ideal ground temperature for sugar snap peas is around , but you're free to begin planting as soon as the soil has thawed enough to dig.
- Due to their preference for temperate conditions, pea plants won't do as well in warm, humid climates.
- Find a plot of healthy soil. Set aside an open space in one corner of your garden where the growing snap peas can get plenty of indirect sunlight. The soil you use for planting should be nice and dark, with a high nutrient content. It also needs to be loose enough to encourage proper drainage and runoff after a heavy rain or weekly watering.
- Use a hand aerator or similar tool to punch a series of holes in the topsoil around the pea plant. These openings will ventilate the soil.
- Add an inoculant to the soil to promote healthy growth. Extremely cold, nutrient-poor soil may not have the nitrogen that sugar snaps need to grow to a healthy size. You can remedy this by sprinkling a natural inoculant into the soil prior to planting. One of these compounds may also help if you notice your plants are developing at an unusually slow rate.[2]
- Alternatively, the seeds themselves can be dusted with an inoculant before they go into the ground.[3]
- Inoculants are purely organic additives that can enhance a struggling plant's ability to absorb nitrogen from the soil. They can ordinarily be found wherever gardening supplies are sold.
- Make sure the peas get enough sunlight. Ideally, your plants should be situated somewhere where they can get about 6 hours of sun exposure per day. However, they'll also do just fine in partial shade. [4]
- Too much sunlight can warm the soil around the plant, resulting in unfavorable growing conditions.
- If you've planted your snap peas in a separate container, you'll have the advantage of being able to move them around to areas with more or less light as needed.[5]
EditPlanting the Peas - Get your hands on some sugar snap pea seeds. There are several different varieties of sugar snap peas, including bushing types (such as Sugar Bons, Sugar Anne, and Sugar Lace), which grow in low, leafy clusters, and larger vining types (like Sugar Daddies and the original Sugar Snap), which send up vertical stalks. Any of these species can easily be cultivated at home using the same basic cultivation methods.[6]
- Look for sugar snap pea cultivars at your local gardening center, greenhouse, or plant nursery.
- If garden space is at a premium, you might fare better with a vining type. Since these grow more upright, they'll take up less overall space.
- Plant the seeds in of soil. Dig a shallow hole and drop in a small handful of seeds, keeping each seed about apart. Press the seeds gently into the soil with the tip of your finger. Replace the soil and tamp it down lightly to compact it.[7]
- Use plant markers to keep track of multiple pea plants.
- Space each row of plants roughly a foot apart. Bushing sugar snaps will require a little breathing room, as they tend to spread out once they've sprouted from the soil. With vining species, you'll be able to get away with grouping them more closely (within half a foot, or roughly 15cm)—their vertical structure means the roots won't choke one another as they grow.[8]
- You also have the option of planting your peas in a standalone pot. Just make sure the container is at least wide by deep to accommodate the expanding root system.
- Use trellises to support vining varieties. Without a support structure, larger plants can get top heavy and fall over, stunting their growth and creating gardening complications. A simple trellis can give the probing vines something solid to cling to and allow them to reach their full potential.[9]
- Premade trellises can be purchased at most gardening centers and home improvement stores. They'll usually be large enough to support several plants at once.
- Even something as simple as a tall stake or lattice will improve your vining snap peas' chances during the critical early stages of growth.
- Water your pea plants regularly, but not too much. For the most part, sugar snap peas are a remarkably low maintenance crop, and can get by just fine on the moisture they receive from occasional rainfall. If you live in a hot, dry area, a weekly watering should be enough to quench the thirsty roots. When irrigating your plants, use just enough water to thoroughly wet the uppermost layer of soil without allowing it to get too soggy.[10]
- Snap peas don't need as much water as other types of edible crops. Your main goal should simply be to keep the soil from drying out.
- Avoid overwatering your snap peas. Doing so can stall growth or cause more serious issues like root-rot, which could kill the plants.[11]
EditProtecting and Harvesting the Peas - Remove pests by hand. A few different critters like to feed on the leaves and pods of flowering pea plants, including pea moth caterpillars, slugs, and cucumber beetles. Should you happen to spot any of these invaders on your snap peas, simply pick them off by hand. Natural insecticides like pyrethrin can also be used to control infestations without harming your plants.[12]
- If you'd rather not treat your plants with insecticides, try mixing fresh water with a little vegetable oil and a few drops of mild liquid detergent in a spray bottle and blast bugs whenever they pop up.[13]
- Use compost to prevent diseases. While sugar snap peas are robust plants, some species are susceptible to infections like Fusarium wilt, along with rot, blights, and mildew. Covering the soil with a thick layer of organic matter and aerating it regularly should be enough to keep these conditions from occurring.[14]
- Consider producing your own compost using a mixture of organic waste materials like leftover fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, eggshells, leaves, and shredded newspaper.
- To ward off moisture-related rot and mildew, water your peas in the first part of the day so they have a chance to dry thoroughly before the temperature drops.[15]
- Prune your pea plants as needed. Be sure to remove drooping, shriveled, or overly-ripe snap peas as soon as you notice them. This will both keep the plant healthy and free up room for new pods, resulting in a more productive harvest.[16]
- Get in the habit of inspecting your plants every few days to check for dead and dying offshoots.
- Plan on harvesting your snap peas after 60-100 days. Most of the time, it takes somewhere in the neighborhood of 2-3 months for both bushing and vining varieties of snap peas to being producing edible pods. However, it's alright to begin picking them at any point, provided that the pods are fully formed. Younger plants will be delicate and tender, while more mature ones will fatten up and offer the satisfying crunch for which they're known and loved.[17]
- Exact cultivation times may differ, depending on your climate and planting conditions. It's not uncommon for sugar snap peas to grow up to a foot per week.[18]
- When it comes to determining when your snap peas are at their peak, it's better to rely on your own judgment rather than a prescribed number.
- Pick your snap peas when they reach their full size. Once the pods have grown fat and firm, pluck them from the vine by hand. A fully-grown snap pea will be somewhere between long, with plump, round peas that are visible from outside the shell.[19]
- Vining plants tend to yield more pods on average than smaller bushing ones.
- Store the snap peas in the refrigerator. Place the pods you've gathered in a paper or plastic bag and stash them away in the crisper drawer or on one of the bottom shelves. When kept cool, they can last for up to two weeks. However, they'll be best when cooked or eaten right away.[20]
- Avoid storing your snap peas at room temperature. Warm surroundings will cause their natural sugars to break down quickly, leaving them limp and flavorless.
- Try freezing the peas in airtight Ziploc bag instead to enjoy them in the coming weeks.[21]
- Get in the habit of harvesting the mature pods every other day. The more you pick, the faster the vines will be replenished.
- If you prefer, you can pick your peas a little early, while the pods are still flat. At this stage, they'll have a texture similar to snow peas.
- Snap peas can be shelled like other varieties of peas or simply eaten whole, either lightly cooked or straight off the vine.
- Don't forget to string your snap peas before crunching into them!
- If you wait too long to pick your peas, they'll have a duller flavor and less of their signature crunch.
- Snap peas have delicate root systems that don't reach very deep beneath the surface of the soil, so be careful when tilling or aerating around your plants.
EditThings You'll Need - Sugar snap pea seeds
- Nitrogen-fixing inoculant
- Organic compost
- Pyrethrin or other natural insecticide
- Trellis or tall gardening stakes
- Hand trowel
- Hand aerator
- Refrigerator (for storage)
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Help Veterans Posted: 10 Nov 2017 12:00 AM PST It's important to support men and women who have sacrificed part of their lives to serve their country. When returning to normal life, veterans may face a number of emotional, physical, and financial difficulties. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can help our veterans. From providing them with the recognition they deserve to donating both your abilities and resources, you can help make their life better.
EditRecognizing Their Sacrifice and Service - Thank a veteran. When you meet with a veteran you know, or you meet a veteran for the first time, offer a heartfelt word of thanks. You'd be surprised how far a simple "thank you" can go. A number of veterans never hear it. A simple word of support shows them that they are noticed and appreciated.[1]
- Remember holidays that honor veterans. Show your appreciation for veterans on these days. Holidays like Veterans Day and Memorial Day are popular for honoring those who have served in the military, but there are other lesser-known dates--some that correspond to particular service positions--that you may not be aware of. Here are just a few:
- Vietnam Veterans Day honors those who served during the Vietnam War.
- Silver Star Service Banner Day honors wounded service personnel.
- Armed Forces Day honors those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
- POW/MIA Recognition Day honors those who were captured or imprisoned during their service.
- Gold Star Wives Day honors those who lost loved ones in the line of duty.[2]
- Pick up a veteran's tab. The next time you see a veteran waiting in line to pay for their drink or meal, offer to buy it for them, or do it anonymously. Anyone would appreciate the gift of having their coffee, dinner, gas, prescription, or even groceries paid for.
- Listen to and share their stories. Many veterans' stories will go unheard or untold. Lending an ear to a veteran in your neighborhood can be a good showing of community support.[3] Organizations like The Veterans History Project collect stories and archive them in the Library of Congress.[4] Offer to interview a veteran so that their story can reach a wider audience.
- Write a letter to a veteran. Writing a heartfelt letter to a veteran is a good way to show your appreciation and is one of the most cherished contributions.[5] This is an especially good option if you don't know any veterans in your immediate area.
- Organizations like Operation Gratitude will help put you in touch with those who could use your support. They will also allow you to put together and send care packages.[6]
EditLending a Helping Hand - Give a veteran a ride. Many veterans with disabilities incurred during their time in service can't drive and are in need of help getting from place to place. Ask them if they need a ride to the supermarket or to an appointment, for example.
- If you can offer a ride, but don't know a veteran, contact The Department of Veterans Affairs (DAV) Transportation Network and they will pair you with someone.[7]
- Foster or train a companion or service animal. Many veterans are in need of companion or service animals to cope with physical and mental disabilities. You can help foster or train service animals that will help reduce veterans' physical and mental stress.[8]
- Reach out to organizations like Pets for Vets to find out how you can help pair veterans with therapy animals.[9]
- Contact a group like Patriot PAWS to volunteer raising service dogs for disabled veterans.[10]
- You can also support military working dogs by purchasing pet food and treats from companies that donate money to assist the dogs after they retire.[11]
- Deliver meals or groceries to a veteran. Some veterans have trouble performing everyday activities like shopping for groceries or making meals. They may be unable to drive or navigate a store.[12] Help them out by volunteering to deliver food.
- If you can't schedule time to deliver food to veterans, you can point them to grocery or meal delivery services such as Meals on Wheels or the various transportation services provided by the Disabled Veterans National Foundation.[13]
EditVolunteering Your Time and Skills - Join or start a community support organization for veterans. Government financial support can only go so far, so many veterans rely on help from community-based centers.[14] Check if there's one in your area; if not, consider starting one.
- Try raising funds through already established community organizations you are a part of, like your church, school, or civic/business group.
- Try expanding your reach by advertising your cause to local media outlets.
- Ask local businesses if they will donate to your cause or match contributions.[15]
- Volunteer at a hospital. Spend a few hours visiting wounded and recovering veterans. VA hospitals often welcome volunteers to help out with recreational activities, or just to provide companionship.[16]
- Volunteer to help build homes. Organizations like Building Homes for Heroes help build or modify homes for wounded veterans. The houses are given to veterans and their families at no cost.[17]
- You don't need to know how to build a house. They'll also need help with painting, carpentry, plumbing, wiring, and other services that complete a house.
- Organize or volunteer for a Stand Down event. Stand Down events are organized by volunteers who spend 2-3 days providing homeless veterans access to healthcare, hygiene services, food, and clothing, as well as housing, employment, and counseling referrals.[18]
- You can apply for grant funds with which to organize a Stand Down event in your city through the U.S. Department of Labor.[19]
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a list of upcoming Stand Down events in areas across the U.S.[20]
EditDonating to Local and National Causes - Support emergency shelters in your area. You can donate money, but shelters are also always in need of clothing, personal hygiene products, or non-perishable food items. Look for things that you no longer have a use for or have too many of and consider donating them to veterans in need.[21]
- Donate your old electronics. Some organizations, like Cell Phones for Soldiers or Veterans Advantage Recycle and Reward program, will refurbish your old, unused electronics to raise funds for veterans or provide them with better access to updated technology.[22]
- Give to a non-profit charitable organization. Charitable organizations can't support services for veterans in need without monetary donations. There are many organizations who will gladly accept your contribution. Here are some of the most well-known ones:
- Disabled American Veterans: This organization provides guides disabled veterans toward resources such as disability assistance, pensions, and job programs.
- Wounded Warrior Project: They provide wounded veterans with rehabilitation and career counseling.[23]
- U.S. Vets: This organization provides veterans with the mental and practical tools they need to reintegrate into society following their service.[24]
- Contact the Local Veteran Assistance Assistance Programs if you don't know where to start or how to find a veteran. They will put you in touch with who needs help.
- Many organizations that accept monetary donations are also in need of volunteers. Don't feel powerless if you don't have a big budget. Contact them and find out how you can help.
- If you see a veteran in immediate need and don't know how to help, contact the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and ask how they--or you--can help.
EditSources and Citations
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