| How to Customize Clothes Posted: 16 Apr 2018 05:00 PM PDT There are tons of creative and fun ways to customize your clothes to make them look unique and represent your own personal style. If you're interested in adding a few touches of flair to an article of clothing, you can do things such as use fabric paint to create designs, sew patches onto jackets, or add lace to shorts or tank tops. For an entirely new look, try turning t-shirts into crop tops or old jeans into a pair of stylish shorts. EditAdding Embellishments - Create embroidery using a needle and thread. Sew your own creations or designs onto a jacket, shirt, or pair of pants. You can pick out a pattern from a book or online, or create one yourself.[1]
- Make sure you use a needle and thread that suits your fabric.
- For example, if you're embroidering a pair of jeans, you'll want thick thread and a larger needle.
- Use fabric paint to create personalized designs. Pick out a color of fabric paint that you'd like to use on a pair of jeans, jacket, or shirt. Use a paintbrush or foam brush to paint the fabric paint onto the clothing, either using a stencil as a pattern or going free-hand.[2]
- You could cut a small heart stencil out of paper, using the stencil to paint hearts all over a jean jacket.
- As a free-style option, use different colors of fabric paint and a thin paintbrush to create a picture or design, such as a dog, flower, or piece of fruit, on a pocket of a shirt.
- You can also use bottled fabric paints that come in a squeezable form.
- Sew bows onto your clothes for a cute look. You can sew 2 pieces of ribbon onto an open-back sweater, allowing you to tie the ribbon together to create a bow. You can also sew bows onto a pocket of a t-shirt or jacket, or onto the belt loops of shorts or pants.[3]
- Attach a zipper to the side of a shirt or bottom of a pair of pants. To add style to your outfits while also making your clothing easier to put on, cut a slit where you'd like the new zipper to go. Now all you have to do is line the zipper up with the cut edges and sew it in place.[4]
- Attach a zipper to the bottom of each leg on a pair of skinny jeans to make taking them on and off easier.
- Insert a black or bold zipper on a flowy shirt to add some flair.
- Add pockets or patches made of different fabrics to your clothes. Cut out a pocket square using a fabric that you like and sew it on to the front of a plain shirt to customize it. You can also cut out pieces of cool fabric in different shapes, such as squares, hearts, or stars, and sew them onto jackets or pants as patches.[5]
- For example, cut 2 hearts out of a red velvet fabric. Sew 1 heart onto each sleeve of a jacket to create unique elbow patches.
- Folding over the cut or frayed edges of a patch or piece of fabric before sewing a patch onto your clothes will provide a more clean-cut look.
- Personalize a shirt or pair of pants by creating a monogram. If you have a monogramming machine, you can use this to add your own personal monogram onto an article of clothing to make it your own. If you're confident sewing your initials into your clothing free-hand, you can do this as well.[6]
- There are also places you can take clothes to get monogrammed by a professional. Do a quick online search to find a local monogrammer near you.
- Design a professional look using iron-on transfers. You can buy iron-on transfers at a craft store or online that are already designed and ready to be ironed on to your clothing. Follow the instructions on the transfer to determine how long to iron the design, as well as how to wash and treat the clothing.[7]
- You can also create your own transfer by printing out a unique design onto transfer paper using your home printer.
- Add lace to tank tops, jeans, or shorts. You can match the color of a thick lace to a tank top, sewing the lace on to create sleeves. Adding a white lace trim to the bottom of a pair of shorts also creates a customized look.[8]
- If you have holes or slits in your jeans, try sewing lace onto the inside where the slits are to add some style to your outfit.
- Use a thread color that matches the lace.
- Purchase or create a customized belt. You can buy the materials to create a leather or fabric belt, choosing a design that you like and measuring your own waist to get the right fit. You can also get leather belts personally engraved, giving them a unique look.
EditTransforming Old Clothing - Shorten a dress, shirt, or pair of pants. Turn a maxi or mid-length dress into an above-the-knee dress by using scissors to trim the bottom. You can also turn a regular shirt into a cropped top, as well as turning a pair of jeans into a pair of capris or jean shorts.[9]
- If desired, you can fix the hem by creating a fold at the very bottom of the article of clothing and sewing it together for a more polished look.
- Turn a t-shirt into a cropped top. Take a t-shirt and cut off the sleeves so that it resembles a tank top. If the t-shirt has a high neckline, cut a deeper U-shape where your head would go. Lastly, trim the bottom of the shirt to create a cropped top, measuring how short you want the top before cutting.[10]
- It's best to cut a little bit off at a time — you can always cut more if needed.
- Use scissors to create a fringe t-shirt. Starting at the bottom of the shirt, use scissors to cut vertical strips into the shirt. Do this around the entire bottom of the shirt, cutting even lines and deciding how far up the shirt you'd like the fringe to go.[11]
- Most fringe shirts have the fringe line stopping right above your natural waistline.
- Braid the back of a shirt to create a racerback. Cut off the sleeves of a shirt, cutting a bit deeper than a normal tank top so that most of the sides of the shirt are removed. Separate the back of the shirt from the neckline, cutting right where the stitching is at the top. Cut 3 strips into the back of the shirt to braid them, and then sew the top of the braid back onto the neckline.[12]
- When you cut the sleeves of the shirt, you'll be creating a drop armhole tank.
- Once you're finished, the front of the shirt should resemble a normal tank top and the back of the shirt will have 1 braid going down the center of your back.
- Create a dress out of a men's shirt. Take a men's collared shirt that's a bit long and customize it by cutting off the sleeves and pairing it with a belt and leggings. You can also cut out slits at the top of each sleeve, creating a bare-shoulder look.[13]
- Cut off a collar to form an off-the-shoulder top. Using scissors, cut off the collar on a collared shirt, going all the way around the neck. Once the collar is completely off, you can trim the hole to be as large and wide as you'd like, creating an off-the-shoulder top.[14]
- Try on the shirt after you've cut off the collar before making additional cuts to see how the shirt is fitting on your shoulders.
- Get your clothing fitted. If you have a suit that's a bit baggy on you or a pair of pants that are just too long, take your clothes to get fitted so that they're your exact size. Taking in a hemline or adjusting a waistband can transform your clothes into entirely new pieces.
EditCreating Cut-Outs - Use scissors to create slits in a pair of jeans or pants. For a grungier look, cut small horizontal slits into jeans, creating tears if desired. You can make the cuts close together and tiny or spread out and wide, whichever suits your style.
- Creating slits right where your knees go in a pair of jeans is a popular choice.
- Cut designs into shirts to create lace inserts. Draw and cut out a design in the back of your shirt, using a stencil or shape to trace, if desired. Then you can either sew lace into the shirt where the cut-out is, or you can iron hem tape into the fabric to keep the lace in place.[15]
- For example, trace a symbol like a star or heart onto the back of your shirt. Cut out the star using scissors and then replace the shirt material you just removed with lace.
- Choosing a lace that's a different color than the shirt will help the lace pop.
- Choose a shirt made of fabric that will hold together when cut into, such as cotton, flannel, or linen.
- Expand your shirt by adding lace to the sides. If you have a shirt that's too tight, create a slit that runs down each side of the shirt, starting from below the arm hole to the bottom of the shirt. Sew a section of lace onto each side, adding width to the shirt and making the sides partially transparent.[16]
- For the arms, cut off the sleeves to create a sleeveless shirt and then use lace to create wider arm holes, if desired.
- If you'd rather the sides not be transparent, you can use a different type of material that goes with the shirt, such as flannel, cotton, or fleece.
- This process should work with most fabrics, but you may need to fold over and sew fabrics that fray easily.
- Slice the back of a t-shirt to create tied-off sections. Using a ruler to measure straight lines, cut 3 or 4 horizontal lines into the back of your shirt. The ends of the lines can start right where your shoulder blades stick out. You can use lace or ribbon to tie the middle of each cut section, creating wide diamonds in the back of your shirt.[17]
- Make sure you space the lines evenly beforehand. Using a pencil to sketch out the lines before cutting is a good idea.
- To make sure the lace or ribbons stay in place, you can sew a few stitches into each section.
EditBleaching and Dyeing - Use a bleach pen to draw patterns or words onto your clothes. After shaking up a bleach pen, use the pen to write wording on shirts, draw symbols on pants, or decorate any other piece of clothing that isn't a white or light color. Rinse the article of clothing in cold water after the bleach sets.[18]
- How long you let the bleach sit on the clothing will depend on the color of the shirt and how bright you want your design. Read the bleach instructions to get a more accurate idea of how long you should wait.
- Place a piece of paper or cardboard in the middle of the article of clothing to keep the bleach from bleeding through to the other side.
- It'll be harder to see a bleach design on a light color such as yellow, pink, or a pastel color, meaning you'll need to leave the bleach on longer than you would a dark color such as navy or black. Check your piece of clothing while it's bleaching to see if it's light enough.
- Splatter bleach onto clothing for an artsy look. If you're going for a more sporadic, paint-splattered look, you can dip a paintbrush in bleach and lightly splatter an article of clothing. This looks especially great on denim material.[19]
- Splatter the bleach on a surface covered with plastic to ensure you don't get bleach on any furniture or other items. You can also splatter the bleach outside.
- Tie dye white or light-colored clothing to create colorful designs. Take a white shirt, dress, or skirt and tie it up in rubber bands before applying the dye. You can also tie dye white or light jeans and shorts.[20]
- Purchase a tie dye kit for complete instructions, as well as all the materials you'll need to complete the tie dyeing.
- You can also purchase tie dye from a grocery store, picking which colors you want and reading the instructions to see how long to leave the dye on the clothing.
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| How to Order Off the Starbucks "Secret" Menu Posted: 16 Apr 2018 09:00 AM PDT While the Starbucks Secret Menu isn't a real menu that Starbucks employees are required to learn, they're almost always happy to create your unique drink if you're able to tell them the ingredients and steps involved. Know the details of your order ahead of time and be able to give some quick, concise directions to your barista. With tons of secret menu items to choose from, you're sure to find a drink that's perfect for your taste buds. EditPlacing Your Order - Know the recipe, not just the name. When it's your turn to order, you need to be able to tell the barista exactly what is in your secret menu item drink. Visit websites like https://starbuckssecretmenu.net/ or http://hackthemenu.com/starbucks/secret-menu/ to pick a drink and get the information on how to create it.[1]
- It's a good idea to pull the recipe up on your phone so that you can refer to it if needed when ordering.
- The Starbucks employees probably won't know about the drink. The Starbucks secret menu is maintained by fans, not by Starbucks, so the employees are trained to make these drinks.
- Start with the base drink. Most secret menu drinks will be an alteration of a drink that already exists, so be sure to tell your barista what the base drink is to make their job much easier.[2]
- For example, the base drink for a Twix Frappuccino is a Caramel Frappuccino.
- Request any substitutions. Once you've stated your base drink, specify whether you'd like any substitutions in the liquid. For example, maybe your secret menu item asks for milk instead of water.[3]
- Ask for the type and number of pumps of additions. Most secret menu drinks will have an additional type of syrup or specific number of pumps that should be used. When you go to order, don't just say you'd like caramel syrup, but know the number of pumps that your drink requires.[4]
- Know the specific toppings on your drink as well, such as mocha drizzle, whipped cream, or chocolate chips.
- Be prepared to pay for the extra additions.
- Order the drink as a custom order in 1 sentence. Instead of requesting the secret menu item's name, ask for the base drink, substitutions, and additions all in 1 swift sentence.[5]
- For example, if you're ordering a Red Velvet Frappuccino, you'd say "a half White Chocolate Mocha and half Regular Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino with 2 pumps of raspberry syrup topped with whipped cream, please."[6]
EditChoosing a Drink - Order a Pink Drink for a colorful refresher. The base drink for a Pink Drink is a Strawberry Acai Refresher with coconut milk, strawberries, and blackberries.[7]
- This drink is well-known, so the barista may already know how to make it.
- Pick a Nutella Frappuccino for a chocolate treat. Order a Coffee Frappuccino with 2 pumps of mocha syrup and 1 pump of hazelnut syrup, all blended with whipped cream. Ask for a whipped cream topping and a caramel drizzle on top.[8]
- Try out a Peach Ring Tea for a sweet, fruity drink. Ask for half Valencia Orange Refresher and half Passion Tea without water. Add 1-3 pumps of peach syrup.[9]
- Opt for the Three C's for a classic. The Three C's consists of a Cinnamon Dolce Latte with a pump of caramel and a pump of chocolate mocha syrup.[10]
- Choose the Captain Crunch for a drink that tastes like the cereal. Order a Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino with a pump of caramel, 2 pumps of toffee, 1 pump of hazelnut, and 2 scoops of chocolate chips.[11]
- Drink a Citrus Berry Passion Refresher to cool you down. This drink is equal parts of Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher, Cool Lime Refresher, and Lemonade. Finish it off with a splash of Passion Tango Tea.[12]
- Ask for a Cotton Candy Frappuccino for a pink concoction. Order a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with 1-2 extra pumps of raspberry syrup.[13]
- Request Raspberry Milk Tea for a soothing thirst-quencher. This drink consists of Iced Black Tea using half and half instead of water. Ask for an extra pump of classic syrup, 1-2 pumps of toffee nut syrup, and 1-2 pumps of raspberry syrup.[14]
- Enjoy a Thin Mint Frappuccino for a minty drink. Ask for a Tazo Green Tea Frappuccino with 2 pumps of chocolate syrup, 1 pump of mint syrup, java chips, and honey.[15]
- If Starbucks is super busy and there's a long line, try not to order off the secret menu unless it's a simple order.
- Don't order a drink with food items like biscotti or brownies mixed in — employees aren't allowed to put food in the blenders unless it's fruits like bananas or blueberries.
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| How to Ask for a Divorce Posted: 16 Apr 2018 01:00 AM PDT Making the choice to get a divorce is a difficult one. First, think about what's going wrong, get advice, and see if you and your spouse can work things out. If you still choose to get a divorce, prepare yourself for a very delicate conversation. State your desires honestly and directly, without playing the blame-game. After that, take the next steps to proceed legally and get the support you need to move forward. EditBroaching the Issue - Get some distance to think. Give yourself some time to process things before making a decision. Sometimes, getting some space—physically, mentally, or emotionally—from the issue can help you see things more clearly. You can also use this time to consider the ramifications of getting a divorce.[1]
- Maybe you need a weekend away at a hotel or with relatives or friends to think things through. Perhaps things aren't as bad as you are making them and getting some time to yourself can help shift your perspective.
- On the other hand, getting some distance from your spouse may also help you clarify that you are not happy in the relationship. You might use this time to better identify what's going wrong.
- You might also spend some time pondering the potential fallout of ending your marriage, such as experiencing financial instability, not living with your children or only living with them part-time, or breaking from your religious beliefs.[2]
- Make a list of your reasons. Take some time to think over why you want a divorce. Help build your argument by listing out your reasons on paper. Some of the most common problems that lead to divorce include:[3]
- Having poor conflict resolution
- Experiencing a lack of intimacy (i.e., emotional and physical)
- Seeking satisfaction outside the marriage—like with work or extramarital relationships
- Seek advice from someone you trust. If you're on the fence about getting a divorce, reach out to a trusted friend, mentor, therapist, or spiritual adviser. Share your reasons and see if this person can help you figure out what it is you really want.[4]
- Simply talking to someone compassionate can help bring to the surface your reasoning for wanting a divorce and help you reach a decision.
- Choose someone who is unbiased, like a friend from your parent support group, rather than talking to your mom or your spouse's sibling.
- Try couples therapy or spiritual counseling. Getting counseling ensures that your marriage has its best shot. Even if it doesn't work out, you can walk away with a sense of peace afterwards—you gave it all you had. Say to your spouse, "Why don't we meet with a counselor to see if we can work through our problems?"[5]
- If you are a spiritual person, consult with an adviser or see a marriage and family therapist.
- If your spouse refuses therapy, go on your own to discuss what's going on in your marriage. A counselor can help you reach a decision about whether you want to end things.
EditHaving the Conversation - Have a preliminary talk with your spouse. Even if you are unhappy with the marriage, try not to blindside your partner, particularly if they think the relationship is in a good place. Speak with them about what's bothering you and give them the chance to resolve things before calling it quits.[6]
- For instance, you might say, "I haven't been happy for a while" or "I feel disconnected from you lately, and I'd like to see if we can work through this."
- Have a heart-to-heart discussion about what needs to happen in the marriage for it to continue. If both of you are on board, you might give it some time to see if you can improve things and avoid divorce.
- Plan a private discussion when you're both calm. Tell your spouse you need to have a serious talk. Ask them when the best time would be to sit down and talk. Choose a time when you are both sober, calm, and alert.[7]
- Get out of earshot of your kids and remove any distractions like cell phones or TV.
- If there are safety concerns, have this conversation in a public place.
- Be tactful but direct. Tell your spouse your decision is certain in concise terms. If you're sure about the decision, you don't want to come off as tentative or open to negotiation.[8]
- Say something like, "I have some really upsetting news to share...I have decided that our marriage is over. I have tried to forgive your indiscretions, but our trust has been irreparably broken."
- Use "I" statements to avoid blame. Be sure to stay away from "you" statements that point the finger. These statements may incite anger in your spouse and make the divorce process more stressful than it has to be.[9]
- For example, don't say, "You cheated!" or "All you do is work." Instead, simply say, "I feel like we have different values now. It's not working for me anymore."
- Hear your spouse out. Certainly, your spouse will have some remarks, so listen actively to what they have to say. Don't interrupt or try to defend yourself. Simply let them talk. [10]
- Try to make your spouse feel understood by summing up what they said after they're finished talking.
- You might also restate your choice after they've finished talking to let them know that your mind is made up.
- Steer clear of fault-finding or arguing. If your spouse begins to place blame or start playing the "you did this, you did that" game, end the conversation. You've made up your mind and getting into the technicalities will only make the process harder.[11]
- Say, "I've told you my decision and I've heard you out. I don't want to argue with you or point fingers, so I'm going to leave now."
- Delay talking about logistics. Although you might be desperate to find out what the next few weeks will look like, put off an immediate discussion about the future or any logistical details. This conversation is tense and emotional—it's unlikely you'll come to an agreement on anything right now.[12]
- Putting off such a conversation also protects either of you from agreeing to something that you later regret.
- Take some time to process your emotions before coming back together to discuss what will happen next.
EditHandling Consequences - Have a discussion with your children. After talking with your spouse, you'll need to break the news to your kids. If you and your spouse are in agreement that your marriage is over, talk to the kids together. If not, you can do it alone—just be courteous and give your spouse a head's up first.[13]
- Stick to the basics during this initial conversation, but give your children enough info to help them understand what's next.
- For instance, you might say, "Kids, your mom and I have chosen to live separately. We're still working out the details, but we plan to keep your lives as normal as possible. You will continue to live here and go to the same schools."
- Try to give your kids a few weeks notice before initiating any changes, so that they can adjust to the idea before their lives are upturned.
- Move out if necessary. If you will be leaving the marital home, make plans to find a new place of your own. Managing a household and finances can be a struggle for some people after divorce, so be sure to make wise choices. This may involve living with family or friends for a time, or selecting a home that's significantly lower than your usual standards.[14]
- Turn to your social network as well as a financial advisor for guidance and help with this matter.
- Be sure to consider your children when choosing a new place. For instance, you may choose to live nearer to them if you don't have full custody. You may also prepare spaces for them when they come to visit.
- Seek out social support. Going through a divorce— even one you initiated— can be incredibly upsetting. Surround yourself with helpful, supportive people who have your best interests at heart.[15]
- Spend time with people who make you feel hopeful and positive. If a person is overly critical or judgmental, steer clear for a while.
- Take care of your health and well-being. After a major life decision like asking for divorce, you may be overcome by powerful emotions that prompt you to make unhealthy decisions. Instead of using alcohol, drugs, or any other negative coping strategies, practice self-care.[16]
- Get at least 8 hours of rest each night, eat healthy foods, and schedule physical activity into every day.
- Focus on the future by establishing new routines and goals. Reinvent yourself during and after your divorce by easing into new roles, setting powerful goals, and pursuing new hobbies. Feeling purposeful during this time of transition can benefit your well-being and help you adjust more smoothly.[17]
- For example, you might get a new job, go back to school, move to a new city, or pick up an old passion such as painting or writing.
- A new routine helps you stay preoccupied and connects you with others who have the same interests.
- Don't waver back and forth. After breaking the news, you might feel regret or uncertainty. Try to remain steadfast with your decision. If you thoroughly considered everything in advance, there's no need to backtrack. Plus, changing your mind after having the talk is just confusing for everyone.[18]
EditProceeding Legally - Try a trial separation. If you're on the cusp of making the decision, but want to see if your marriage can be saved, a trial separation may be an option. Such an arrangement mimics an actual divorce—you and your spouse will work out a custody plan and even meet with lawyers, but the ultimate goal is to get back together.[19]
- A trial separation offers you and your spouse time and space to recognize some of the core issues affecting your marriage and work through them separately and together.
- Consult with a lawyer. Prepare for your divorce by speaking with a local divorce attorney. Bring important paperwork, such as a prenuptial agreement or records of your assets to the meeting.[20]
- You may not know exactly what to do or what you want from the divorce, and that's okay. This meeting is simply important to get the ball rolling and find out what options are available to you.
- Figure out what you want. Every divorce is different, so try not to get caught up in what others around you are suggesting you try to get out of the divorce. What's most important to you? Maybe that's getting full custody of your children, or the dog if you have one. Perhaps that's not having to split your retirement accounts.[21]
- Make a list of what you most want from the divorce and make that your priority. This can reduce tension by helping you avoid fighting with your spouse over things that aren't even important to you.
- You might also count on your lawyer's counsel to help you determine what you want out of the divorce.
- See a mediator to help you come up with an agreement. You may not require a lawyer if you and your spouse are mostly agreeable on the divorce. In such cases, you may be able to meet with a third-party mediator who can assist you in making decisions. [22]
- A mediator can help you decide how to split property, work out a custody arrangement, and decide how to handle pets or other unique issues.
- Mediation can be less tense than battling it out in the courtroom. However, mediation may only be beneficial for those who are relatively savvy about their finances and who can come to agreement with their spouse.
- File the paperwork. Once you and your spouse have reached an agreement on what each of you wants from the split, go ahead and file for divorce. Depending on the state you live in and your circumstances (such as having kids), you may have to live apart for a certain period of time before a divorce is granted.
- Remain calm and civil with your spouse throughout the proceedings. Put aside the emotions you feel to help the divorce happen more amicably and with less stress on yourselves and your kids. When you become angry, try counting to 10 silently and doing deep breathing.[23]
- Reacting with contempt and destroying your spouse's possessions or arguing during court hearings can actually hurt your case.
- If you have kids, behaving maturely and without strong emotion can help everyone transition through this time more easily. Plus, you'll have to get used to interacting with your spouse since the two of you will be co-parenting.
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