Thursday, February 1, 2018

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Wear Boots with Jeans

Posted: 01 Feb 2018 04:00 PM PST

Jeans and boots are a classic, timeless combination that anyone can rock. When styling ankle boots, make sure to cuff your jeans above the boots or tuck them in for a seamless, monochromatic look. Style mid-height boots like biker boots and UGGs with fitted jeans to balance out your silhouette. Wear taller boots, such as riding boots and thigh-high boots, with skinny jeans for a seamless tucked effect.

EditSteps

EditStyling Ankle Boots

  1. Choose ankle boots that end above your ankle. This is the thinnest part of your leg, which you want to show off to keep your silhouette proportionate. If the boots cut you off any higher than a couple inches above your ankle, they can make you look shorter and stockier.[1]
    Wear Boots with Jeans Step 1.jpg
  2. Cuff tapered jeans above a pair of ankle boots to show them off. To cuff your jeans, fold them up about , then roll them once more. This should create a little space between your hem and the boots, letting you showcase your boots and creating a proportionate silhouette.[2]
    Wear Boots with Jeans Step 2.jpg
    • If you don't like the rolled hem look, you can roll them inwardly or opt for a cropped pair instead.
    • To balance out a pair of baggier pants, such as boyfriend jeans, use the cuffed method and throw on a pair of heeled ankle boots for a little extra height.
  3. Wear black skinny jeans and black ankle boots for a monochromatic look. This creates a seamless silhouette that makes your legs appear longer and leaner. Make sure to choose a pair of fitted black pants that hug your legs and disappear into the boots. A little heel on the boots also enhances the leg-lengthening effect.[3]
    Wear Boots with Jeans Step 3.jpg
    • For example, you could wear a chunky black and white striped sweater, a pair of black skinny jeans, and black leather ankle boots.
  4. Pair Chelsea boots with distressed straight-leg denim for a casual outfit. The smooth, fitted silhouette of the Chelsea boots contrast nicely with loose, distressed denim. Go for a pair of boots with a low heel to keep the outfit relaxed and casual, and pull up the cuffs of the jeans to show the tops of the boots.[4]
    Wear Boots with Jeans Step 4.jpg
    • Add a white T-shirt and bomber jacket for a relaxed daytime outfit.
    • You could also style a more sophisticated version of this look with a slouchy blazer and button-down shirt.

EditWearing Mid-Height Boots

  1. Put biker boots with dark wash skinny jeans for a casual, edgy look. The smooth, fitted jeans pair well with the chunky boots, and the dark wash adds a sleek, seamless effect. Tuck the hems of your skinny jeans into the slouchy tops of the biker boots and finish the look with a simple, classic top.[5]
    Wear Boots with Jeans Step 5.jpg
    • For example, you could dress the look up slightly with a loose black knit turtleneck and a faux fur vest.
    • You could also dress down the outfit by pairing it with a plain black or grey T-shirt and an open button-down shirt.
  2. Wear combat boots with cropped fitted jeans for the perfect weekend outfit. Choose a pair of jeans that ends above the top your boots to separate the pieces. Opt for a pair of heeled combat boots if you need a little extra height to balance out your silhouette.[6]
    Wear Boots with Jeans Step 6.jpg
    • Balance out the combat boots' edge with a more colorful, polished top, such as a black-and-white gingham button down shirt beneath a yellow sweater.[7]
    • You could also continue the edgy theme with a black distressed long-sleeve shirt and a leather moto jacket.
  3. Pair UGGs with medium wash skinny jeans for a warm, comfy look. The close-fitting denim will balance out the thicker, wider footwear and maintain your silhouette. Choose from an array of styles and colors, such as camel, black, cinnamon, blush pink, or gray.[8]
    Wear Boots with Jeans Step 7.jpg
    • For a preppy look, choose a pair of mid-calf, cinnamon-colored of UGGs, then add a cream sweater and a patterned blanket scarf.
    • If you're not sure about UGGs, you can always make the look more subtle and seamless by choosing a pair of black UGGs and black distressed skinny jeans. Add a white henley and a gray longline coat to make the look a little more polished, but still comfortable.
  4. Scrunch slim-fit jeans over a pair of dress boots for a hipster touch. "Stack" or scrunch your slim-fit jeans above a pair of ankle or mid-calf boots for a look that's effortless without being sloppy. To scrunch your jeans, pull the hems up and let them naturally rest around the top of the boot. You can also tuck part of the hem into the boot to keep them scrunched up.[9]
    Wear Boots with Jeans Step 8.jpg
    • Stiffer, 100-percent cotton blends will best be able to hold a scrunch.
    • You could wear a pair of black dress boots with black slim-fit jeans, a tan T-shirt, and a distressed denim jacket for a more casual look.
    • You could also dress up the look with some dark brown dress boots, medium wash slim-fit jeans, a brown knit long-sleeved shirt, and a camel longline coat.

EditCreating Outfits with Tall Boots

  1. Wear skinny jeans with tall boots to avoid bunching. Rather than straight leg or wide leg styles that bunch up around the ankle, skinny jeans will easily tuck into boots. To keep your skinny jeans in place all day, tuck the cuffs of the jeans into the tops of your socks.[10]
    Wear Boots with Jeans Step 9.jpg
    • This is especially important when your boots are fitted as well.
  2. Pair thigh high boots with super skinny jeans for a seamless effect. Thigh high heeled boots are an easy way to create a long, glamorous silhouette. Because the fitted skinny jeans and fitted boots transition seamlessly, they make your legs look longer and leaner. This look is perfect for a date or girls' night.[11]
    Wear Boots with Jeans Step 10.jpg
    • For example, you could wear a pair of medium-wash skinny jeans and some gray suede thigh-high boots with a lightweight black turtleneck.
  3. Choose a pair of riding boots to give skinny jeans a classic, preppy look. The equestrian influence of the boots will elevate a pair of jeans, creating a timeless, sophisticated outfit. Go for some boots in a classic color, such as tan, black, or brown. Wear clean, non-distressed jeans with your riding boots to keep the look polished.[12]
    Wear Boots with Jeans Step 11.jpg
    • For example, you could wear a burgundy silk top, a black blazer, a pair of dark-wash skinny jeans, and some brown leather riding boots for a classy, autumnal outfit.[13]

EditSources and Citations


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How to Turn Gift Cards Into Cash

Posted: 01 Feb 2018 08:00 AM PST

A gift card is a great gift for those who are difficult to shop for. Sometimes, however, cash is much preferred over a gift card. Luckily, there are several things you can do to turn your card into cash. You can sell your gift card, trade it in for cash, or use your gift card to gain points that will save you money.

EditSteps

EditSelling Your Gift Card

  1. Sell your gift card to a website. There are several websites out there that will purchase your gift card and give you cash in return. Some websites will provide the prepaid postage for you to mail your gift card to them. If you have a digital gift card, some websites will purchase it from you immediately. Be sure to search for reviews of the website before committing to selling your card.[1]
    Turn Gift Cards Into Cash Step 1.jpg
    • You typically won't be paid for the full value of your gift card.
    • Some websites you can sell your gift card to are Cardpool, Raise, CardCash, and Giftcard Zen.
  2. Use an app to sell your gift card. Some companies also have a mobile app where you can sell your gift card. Simply download the app, send your card in, and choose how you would like to be paid—via PayPal or check. That company will typically take 15% of the value of the gift card for commission.[2]
    Turn Gift Cards Into Cash Step 2.jpg
    • Raise also has an app you can download.
  3. List your gift card on an e-commerce website. If you don't want to sell your gift card to a website, you can also choose to list your gift card on a website—like eBay or Craigslist. You can sell your gift card for the same price it is valued as, but it will typically sell better if you sell it for slightly less than the value. Keep in mind that the website, such as eBay, will likely take a percentage of the sale.[3]
    Turn Gift Cards Into Cash Step 3.jpg
    • You should also factor in shipping costs if you are sending the gift card to someone.
    • Be careful when meeting up with someone to sell the gift card.
  4. Sell the gift card to a friend. There's a chance that you may have a friend that would like to buy the gift card from you. This is probably the easiest and safest way to sell your card. Ask around to see if any of your friends would be interested. If someone is interested, meet up with the friend or send the gift card through the mail.[4]
    Turn Gift Cards Into Cash Step 4.jpg

EditTrading Your Gift Card

  1. Use a Coinstar Exchange kiosk. Coinstar Exchange kiosks are usually located towards the front of many large chain grocery stores. Simply swipe the gift card and you will receive an offer. The offer will typically be 60% to 85% of the gift card's balance. You can choose to accept or reject the offered amount. If you accept the offer, you will receive a voucher that you can redeem for cash at a cash register.[5]
    Turn Gift Cards Into Cash Step 5.jpg
    • A Coinstar Exchange Kiosk is different than a regular Coinstar machine that only exchanges coins for bills.
  2. Go to a Gift Card Exchange kiosk to trade your card for cash. A Gift Card Exchange kiosk is usually bright yellow and located in a grocery store. Insert the card information into the kiosk and then choose to accept or reject the offer the kiosk gives you. If you accept the offer, you can choose between a voucher that can be taken to a cashier in exchange for cash or receive a Visa gift card.[6]
    Turn Gift Cards Into Cash Step 6.jpg
    • You can search online to see where the closest Gift Card Exchange kiosk is.
  3. Trade your gift card for a different store. If you don't like the store your gift card is from, you can exchange it for a gift card to a store you like. You can do this online or at certain kiosks. For example, you can use a website like CardCash to exchange your gift card. Or, you can go to a store like Target and exchange your card for a Target gift card at a kiosk in the store.[7]
    Turn Gift Cards Into Cash Step 7.jpg
    • This isn't exactly like getting cash, but if you need to buy things from the updated store, the card essentially works just like cash.

EditBenefiting from Your Gift Card in Other Ways

  1. Buy groceries with your gift card. Even if you don't receive physical cash, you can use rewards towards purchases. For example, you can use a Visa gift card or gift card to a grocery store, like Kroger, to buy groceries or other supplies. If the grocery store has a rewards program, you will gain point that can be put towards future purchases.
    Turn Gift Cards Into Cash Step 8.jpg
  2. Use your gift card to get points for gas. Some gas stations and grocery stores with gas stations have rewards cards. Use your gift card when buying gas. You can then use your rewards points to buy gas in the future.[8]
    Turn Gift Cards Into Cash Step 9.jpg
  3. Use your gift card at a drugstore to get redeemable points. First, you will need to complete the free sign up for the rewards program at your local drugstore/pharmacy. Then, use your gift card from that store or Visa gift card to make purchases. For each purchase you make, you will receive points. The points can be redeemed for discounts or coupons.[9]
    Turn Gift Cards Into Cash Step 10.jpg
  4. Give your card as a gift. If you have an unused gift card that you don't want, give it to a friend who would appreciate it. For example, if you have card to a coffee shop but don't like coffee, gift it to a friend who is a coffee lover. Make sure that the card hasn't been used if you are giving it as a gift.[10]
    Turn Gift Cards Into Cash Step 11.jpg
    • If some of the balance has been used, you can tell the friend in advance and ask them if they'd like to use the rest of it.
  5. Donate your gift card. If you will not be using your gift card, a very generous thing to do is donate it to charity. Even if you used some of the balance, you can donate the remaining amount. A couple websites you can choose to donate your card to are GiftCard4Change and Charity Choice. Typically, you will receive a receipt for your donation that you can use as a tax write off.[11]
    Turn Gift Cards Into Cash Step 12.jpg

EditTips

  • You can also donate your gift card to organizations and individuals in need.[12]
  • It's an option to re-gift the card to a friend who you think would like it.[13]

EditWarnings

  • Be careful when meeting up with strangers to sell your gift card. Only meet in public spaces.
  • Make sure the website is legitimate before selling your gift card.[14]

EditSources and Citations


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How to Turn Up a Hot Water Heater

Posted: 01 Feb 2018 12:00 AM PST

Cold water can be an inconvenience while bathing, washing dishes, or doing chores around your house. If you consistently notice cooler water temperatures, you may need to turn up your water heater's temperature. While adjusting a gas or electric water heater requires careful hands and an understanding of the parts, it can be a simple fix. As long as you take precautions while handling your water heater, you should be able to adjust the temperature quickly.

EditSteps

EditAdjusting a Gas Water Heater

  1. Put out any other open flames before adjusting the gas water heater. Natural gas is flammable and, while you should not come in direct contact with the gas, safe is better than sorry. Avoid using candles, cigarettes, or other open flames in the home while you're adjusting the water heater.[1]
    Turn Up a Hot Water Heater Step 1.jpg
    • You do not need to turn off the gas while adjusting the water temperature.
  2. Locate the dial on the front of the water heater. This is the gas control valve. It is usually a black or red knob with 2 sides: warm and hot. In some cases, it might also have notches on the side to clearly mark these temperature options.[2]
    Turn Up a Hot Water Heater Step 2.jpg
  3. Twist the dial from the warm to the hot side. Do not turn the dial completely to hot. First, move it slightly towards hot from where it was before. If the temperature is moved completely to hot, the water may scald your hand. You can always move it further towards hot later on, if needed.[3]
    Turn Up a Hot Water Heater Step 3.jpg
  4. Wait 3 hours, then check the water temperature. Wait at least 3 hours before you check the water temperature again so it has time to heat. If the water temperature is still too low, or it feels too cool, adjust the gas control valve again.[4]
    Turn Up a Hot Water Heater Step 4.jpg
    • Avoid raising the temperature above to prevent serious burns.

EditTurning Up an Electric Water Heater

  1. Turn off the water heater circuit breakers. Locate your home's circuit board at the electrical box. Because most water heaters use about 240 Volts of electricity, you should need to switch off 2 breakers. Consult the location sheet on the inside of the panel for details—if they are unlisted, turn off all of the panels to be safe.[5]
    Turn Up a Hot Water Heater Step 5.jpg
    • Never adjust the electric water heater without turning off the circuit breakers. To prevent electrocution, contact an electrician if you're not sure how to turn off the breakers.
  2. Remove the heater's access panels. The access panel(s) should look like rectangular boxes on the front of the water heater. Water panels have either single or double access panels, so pry open 1 or both to reach the panel's inner controls.[6]
    Turn Up a Hot Water Heater Step 6.jpg
    • Most panels do not need a screwdriver to be opened. Your hands should be enough.
  3. Remove the insulation to find the thermostat. You should notice a thin padding of insulation between the thermostat and the access panels. Take out all of the insulation to get a clearer look at the thermostat and raise the temperature as needed.[7]
    Turn Up a Hot Water Heater Step 7.jpg
    • Store the insulation somewhere safe—it will need to go back in the water heater to keep the thermostat temperature accurate.
  4. Adjust the thermostat to a higher temperature. Most thermostats are turned via a screw in the middle. Place a flat tip screwdriver into the screw and turn it several notches higher. Raise the thermostat temperature no higher than to prevent burns.[8]
    Turn Up a Hot Water Heater Step 8.jpg
    • The thermostat should show temperatures from about to , though is the recommended maximum.
    • Even if there are 2 panels, there should only be 1 thermostat. The number of panels more has to do with the water heater's design, as both panels should open up to the same thermostat.
  5. Close up the panels and wait to test the water. Put the insulation back into the heater and close 1 or both panels. When you're ready to check the water temperature, turn the power back on. Wait at least 3 hours before checking the water and evaluate: if it still reads or feels too low, adjust the temperature again.[9]
    Turn Up a Hot Water Heater Step 9.jpg

EditChecking Your Water Temperature

  1. Run the hot water for 3-5 minutes. Choose the sink nearest to your hot water heater and let it run for at least 3 minutes. For the first few minutes, any water running out of the sink will have already been in the pipes. It needs to clear out before you test the water heater so you can get an accurate reading.[10]
    Turn Up a Hot Water Heater Step 10.jpg
  2. Use a candy or cooking thermometer to test the water temperature. Put the water in a bowl or cup and take its temperature immediately. Leave the thermometer in the water for at least 20-30 seconds to get a trustworthy reading.[11]
    Turn Up a Hot Water Heater Step 11.jpg
  3. Record the temperature number. While cold water is a problem, you also don't want your water temperature to be too hot. If it reaches anywhere above , you run the risk of sustaining burns. Consult the following numbers to see the relationship between temperature and how long it will take to produce serious burns:[12]
    Turn Up a Hot Water Heater Step 12.jpg
    • 5+ minutes
      60-120 seconds
      5-30 seconds
      1-5 seconds
      1-1 1/2 seconds
    • or above: Immediately
  4. Check again in about 3 hours, if needed. If the reading is too low or too high, re-adjust the water heater as needed and check the temperature again in 3 hours. The water heater will need time to change its internal temperature and warm or cool the water to the correct temperature.[13]
    Turn Up a Hot Water Heater Step 13.jpg

EditTips

  • Call a plumber if you often get cold water and have adjusted your water heater many times. It may be damaged or broken.

EditWarnings

  • If your water heater is wet or in a pool of water, do not touch it. Call a plumber, who can then assess the damage and danger.
  • Be careful while adjusting your water heater. Never touch or move any open wires. If you do not feel confident in handling your water heater, call a plumber.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Flat tip Screwdriver
  • Candy or cooking thermometer

EditSources and Citations

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