| How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice Posted: 29 Sep 2018 05:00 PM PDT Pass by those jars of pumpkin pie spice at the grocery store. You can easily make this mix of spices using seasonings that you likely have in your pantry. By making your own blend, you can adjust the quantities according to your own personal taste and also save some money. Store the mix for up to 1 year and use it in pumpkin pie, baked goods, coffee, and roasted vegetables. EditIngredients - 1 tablespoon (8 g) ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons (2 g) ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon(1 g) ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground mace or cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground nutmeg
Makes 2 1/3 tablespoons (13.5 g) of spice EditMixing and Storing the Spice - Measure all of the spices into a bowl. Put 1 tablespoon (8 g) of ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons (2 g) of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of allspice, 1/2 teaspoon(1 g) of ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of ground mace or cardamom, and 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of ground nutmeg into a bowl or dish.[1]
- It's fine to use purchased, ground spices although freshly ground spices will have a more pungent flavor.
- You can easily scale the recipe up. Just double or triple the ingredients and put them in a larger bowl.
- Whisk the spices until they're combined. Break up any lumps and keep whisking until the spices are a uniform brown color.[2]
- If you don't have a whisk, use a spoon or fork instead.
- Store the pumpkin pie spice in an airtight container at room temperature. Use a small jar or old spice container with a sturdy lid. Keep the pumpkin pie spice out of direct sunlight so the spices stay flavorful for longer.[3]
- Consider using a funnel to transfer the spice into the storage container or jar.
- Try to use the pumpkin pie spice within 1 year.
EditUsing Pumpkin Pie Spice - Use 1 3/4 teaspoons (8.5 g) of spice in pumpkin pie. Instead of measuring cinnamon, ginger, and cloves as called for in a recipe for pumpkin pie, use the spice mix. Stir the spice into the filling mixture until it's incorporated and then bake the pie according to your recipe instructions.[4]
- Beat 1 teaspoon (1.8 g) of spice into whipped cream or frosting. Make your favorite buttercream or whipped cream even more flavorful. Add the spice to heavy cream or your buttercream ingredients and then beat the mixture until the cream is whipped or the frosting is fluffy.[5]
- To make pumpkin pie spice cream cheese, soften a package of cream cheese until it's at room temperature. Then beat in pumpkin pie spice and sugar according to your taste. Spread the cream cheese on bagels.
- Brew pumpkin pie spice coffee or stir it into hot cocoa. Prepare your coffee as you normally do, but add 1 tablespoon (6 g) of pumpkin pie spice in with the coffee grounds. The spice will flavor the coffee as it brews. If you prefer, stir 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 g) of spice into your favorite hot cocoa.[6]
- You can also stir pumpkin pie spice into white hot chocolate.
- Blend 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 g) of spice into batter for baked goods. For every 1 cup of batter, add 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 g) of spice when you mix in the dry ingredients. Pumpkin pie spice is great in pancakes, waffles, muffins, and quick breads.[7]
- Try adding pumpkin pie spice to granola. Drizzle the oats with a little maple syrup to add sweetness.
- Mix 2 teaspoons (4 g) of spice into roasted vegetables. Cut your choice of vegetables into 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5 cm) pieces and place them on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle the vegetables with oil and toss them with the pumpkin pie spice. Roast the vegetables at for 20 to 40 minutes.[8]
- Consider using a mix of carrots, sweet potatoes, and onions.
- You can also blend pumpkin pie spice into blended vegetable soups such as sweet potato, potato, or cauliflower.
- Toss 1 1/2 tablespoons (8 g) of spice into 8 cups (64 g) of popcorn. Make or buy 8 cups (64 g) of popcorn and place it in a large bowl. Drizzle a little butter over the popcorn and sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice over it. Use your hands or a spoon to toss the seasoning into the popcorn.[9]
- For a sweet popcorn, make a quick caramel sauce and pour it over the popcorn. Then toss in the pumpkin pie spice and white chocolate chips.
EditThings You'll Need - Measuring spoons
- Bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Storage container or spice jar
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| How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks at Home Posted: 29 Sep 2018 09:00 AM PDT Almost everyone has some part of their body that they aren't completely happy with, but there are ways to be more confident in your own skin. Stretch marks (also called striae) are discolored lines on your skin that can appear almost anywhere on your body. It's almost impossible to entirely get rid of your 'tiger stripes,' but there are a few ways to minimize their appearance. Taking excellent care of your skin via moisturizers and hydration is a good start. Getting a prescription for a retinoid medication can help as well.[1] EditMinimizing the Appearance of Marks - Ask your doctor about a prescription for a Retinoid medication. This topical treatment helps to boost elastin and collagen production, leading to healthier skin. It comes in a lotion form that you can apply at home. In most cases, you'll need to rub the lotion on to the areas of your skin with stretch marks once daily for 16 weeks.[2]
- During each application session, keep going until the skin feels saturated with lotion and almost slick to the touch. Read the bottle carefully to see if a specific amount or application method is suggested.
- Don't take any retinoid medications if you are (or might be) pregnant or nursing. Read the side effects of the medication before starting it.
- Retinoid medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and prone to burns. Limit your sun exposure during the application period.
- Apply cocoa butter cream daily. Look for a lotion that lists cocoa butter or cocoa powder as one of the primary ingredients. Some products specifically state that they are designed to reduce or prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Read the directions on the bottle carefully and rub the lotion into your skin every day until it feels soft and supple.[3]
- There is no guarantee that these lotions will minimize your marks. However, the cocoa butter is supposed to have a hydrating effect.
- Rub on a skin product that contains centella asiatica daily. Another ingredient in some lotions and creams is centella asiatica, which is supposed to increase your skin's collagen production. Look for a lotion that contains this herbal oil as a primary ingredient. Follow the products directions for application.[4]
- Since centella asiatica is also used to reduce scarification and treat wounds, you might find it in the wound care section of your local pharmacy.
- Massage your marks for 15 minutes daily with almond oil. Get almond oil at your local health food or grocery store. Apply the oil liberally to your hands and rub it all over your marks. Continue gently massaging for 15 minutes and repeat this action daily for best results.[5]
- There is no set amount of oil that you should use for each massage. However, don't let your marks dry out in the middle of the massage.
- Dab potato juice on to your stretch marks. Slice up a potato (any variety will do) and place the slices into a juicer. Collect the juice in a container and dip a cotton ball into it. Then, hold the cotton ball on top of your marks for 1-2 minutes. Repeat until you've coated all of your marks in potato juice.[6]
- This is a method that you can repeat daily for maximum effectiveness. However, there is not guarantee that it will reduce the appearance of your marks.
- The vitamin C and potassium from potatoes will help to lighten the appearance of your marks over time. However, it usually won't make them completely disappear.
- If you don't have a juicer, place a piece of sliced potato directly on to your skin marks.
- Cover your marks with a primer before applying other make-up. Look for a primer that has a greenish tint that will help to counteract and minimize the redness of your marks. Follow the directions on the primer bottle and use your fingertips to dab the primer on to your marks until they blend in with the surrounding skin.[7]
- After you've applied the primer, use a brush or your fingertips to put a thin layer of foundation on your skin. For even more concealment, brush some finishing powder on top.
- Experiment with various tones of primer, foundation, and powder until you find the combination that works the best for you.
- Although make-up is usually used on your face, it can actually be applied anywhere on your body to minimize the appearance of marks.
EditCreating Healthier Skin - Apply a skin repair lotion daily. Look for an over-the-counter lotion that is advertised as a healing and moisturizing product. Check to see that the label lists petroleum or petrolatum as one of the first ingredients. The lotion will provide a barrier that will help your top layer of skin to heal and stay protected.[8]
- If you have sensitive skin, look for a lotion that is approved by the National Eczema Association. This means that it's less likely to cause skin irritation or redness.
- Drink plenty of water each day. A good general rule is to aim to drink around 8 glasses of water each day, although some people need more and some require less. Reduce the amount of other beverages, such as alcohol or soda, if you are in the habit of consuming these. Staying hydrated with water can improve the overall health of your skin and help to heal stretch marks.[9]
- For women, the suggested daily fluid intake is . For men, it is . This amount includes fluids from all beverages and foods.
- Eat 2-3 squares of dark chocolate each day. The flavonols in dark chocolate are an antioxidant that can help to reduce redness and puffiness of your skin and around your stretch marks. The cocoa in chocolate also helps to hydrate your skin, making your marks look less sunken in. For best results, look for a dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa.[10]
EditPreventing Additional Marks - Maintain a healthy weight via diet and exercise. Eat a diet rich in fresh produce and unprocessed foods. Work out at least 3 days a week, including both cardio and resistance exercises. Losing and regaining weight can stretch your skin and lead to stretch marks.[11]
- Talk with your doctor about your ideal weight and work toward that goal.
- It's normal to gain some weight during pregnancy. However, work with your doctors to keep your weight at a healthy level to reduce skin stretching.
- Give yourself daily skin massages. Gently, but firmly, rub the skin surrounding your stretch marks for 15-30 minutes each day. A sophisticated massage technique is not required. Simply move your fingers in small circles over the area. This action helps to increase blood flow to the area which can stimulate healing and reduce redness.[12]
- You can also, of course, pay for professional massages on a regular basis if you'd like even better results.
- Regular massages can lower the possibility that additional stretch marks will form in that same area, too.
- Treat any underlying medication conditions. Some diseases, such as Cushing's syndrome, can cause skin discoloration on the body and face. These color changes may appear as stretch marks and might be larger or wider than usual. Talk with your doctor about how to balance your medications so that your skin changes only minimally.[13]
- For example, if you have Cushing's syndrome, you'll likely need to take a medication that can control your cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol hormones have been linked to stretch mark development.
- If you do decide to seek medical treatment for your stretch marks, there are a number of options available. Laser or microneedling treatments often create the best results. Talk with your primary doctor or dermatologist for details.
- Stretch marks can make some people feel very uncomfortable with their body. If you ever feel depressed about your body, reach out to your doctor for advice and help.[14]
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| How to Prevent Hand Pain from Excessive Writing Posted: 29 Sep 2018 01:00 AM PDT Have you ever written an essay and gotten a dead hand after a while? Although this might seem like a minor nuisance, the wrong posture and grip can actually cause some nasty problems in the long-term. To make writing as comfortable as possible and avoid hand pain, you should take some time to learn the best writing techniques and tips to soothe pains. EditPracticing Good Writing Technique - Choose a pen or pencil that is comfortable. In general, look for a wider barrel (larger diameter) with a padded grip.
- Make sure the pen writes smoothly, without skipping or dragging along the page.
- Avoid buying pens that rattle or leave behind blotches of ink.
- Light pens are easier to balance, making them more ideal for writing for longer periods of time. For pencils, try heavier grades of lead like 2B, which allow for lighter grips.[1]
- Grasp the pen loosely. Do not clench your fingers around the pen or grip it too tightly. You don't need to strangle it—just pull it against the page. Imagine you're writing with a quill. Remember: people wrote for hours using quills, and they definitely weren't holding them tightly.[2]
- Hold the pen from the back, leaving more space at the side of it with the writing tip.[3]
- Fountain pens are ideal for most writers, as they don't require a lot of pressure against the page.
- Avoid ballpoint pens if you're not comfortable with them, as their design requires you to apply more pressure against the page. They also tend to be made cheaply.[4]
- Write slowly when you start using new grips. If you've been using improper grip and are just beginning to get used to a new one, always start slow. It's going to take a while for your muscle memory to start developing, so work your way up to faster speeds only when you have your positioning right and your writing is neat.[5]
- Don't get discouraged and switch to improper writing techniques, even if you're faster at them.
- Press the pen gently against the page. Get a good pen so you don't have to press hard, then pull the pen lightly and evenly against the paper. If you prefer to use a pencil, try the next softest lead.
- Try a gel or rollerball pen. If you write often for long periods of time, these are great investments. Some gel and liquid inks may also flow smoothly enough to help discourage you from clenching and pressing.
- Write with your arm, not your fingers. Writing is not drawing! Keep your hand and wrist still, and move your whole arm using the elbow and shoulder (like you are writing on a whiteboard). Avoid using your finger muscles—this might seem counterintuitive, but your fingers should only be used to support your pen or pencil.[6]
- The most common grip is between your first and middle fingers, using your thumb to hold the pen or pencil in place. Another grip is placing your middle and index finger on top, using your thumb to hold the pen or pencil in place.[7]
- A less common grip is holding your pen or pencil between your first and middle fingers, using your thumb to hold it in place.
- Calligraphers (who are very practiced writers) hold their writing instruments with their thumb and forefinger, resting the pen gently on top of their forefingers' knuckle.
- Look at your hand position and evaluate it. You may not have paid much attention to how to hold a pen since you were in early elementary school, but pay attention now.
- Is your hand position neutral? Try to hold your wrist straight and don't turn or bend it as you write.
- Are you reaching or straining in any way to reach the page or the desk? Move the desk, chair, and paper until you are comfortable.
- Is the rest of your work space comfortable? Are the chair and desk at the right heights for you? Can you see and reach the page without straining or crouching? Are other items you need (such as the stapler or telephone) within easy reach?
- Is your wrist, arm, and elbow supported, at least when you are not actively writing?
- Practice good posture. Sit up straight with your shoulders back, your chest out, and avoid leaning over the desk. If you lean over your work, your neck, shoulders, and arms will tire out much faster.
- For longer writing sessions, vary your posture. Lean one way and the other in your chair, and try to lean back every now and then.
- Always make sure you can breathe properly—slouching can lead to reduced oxygen levels because the position causes you to breath from the top of your lungs instead of the bottom, which isn't as effective due to less gravity.[8]
EditTaking Regular Breaks - Take breaks to put less strain on your body. Leave yourself extra time for writing. Unless this is the big, final test and you have no choice, stand up every hour (or less) and walk around for a minute or two. Relax your hands, arms, and wrists during this time.
- Take walks outside if you have the time.
- Set down the pen any time you're not writing. For instance, if you pause for a few moments to compose your next thought, set the pen down, relax your hand, recline in your chair, and even stand up and walk around a bit.
- Take the time to do some quick hand and finger exercises.
- Limit total daily writing time. If you've been writing for several hours, come back later or even the next day. Try and spread out the total writing time across as many days as possible. This is tough when it comes to school and work, but you should do it whenever you get the chance.
- If you have a lot to write, try writing in several smaller sessions rather than one long one.
- Engage in a different activity the next day. If a test, writing assignment, or some important thought kept you writing extensively yesterday, use today to get some exercise. Take a stroll outside and get enough outside time to relieve stress.
- Decreasing stress by getting outside and doing other activities is especially important for creative writing and preventing writer's block.
EditStretching Your Hands - Lift your wrist as high as it will go with fingers dangling. Image that you're hanging a cloth ribbon on a clothesline above your head. Lift your fingers, drop your wrist, and slowly lower your wrist. Be sure to lower your wrist as far as it will go. Imagine that you are smoothing out the ribbon. Afterwards, slowly raise your hand again, as if you have a balloon attached to your wrist.
- Repeat the process from the beginning with your opposite arm about 5 to 100 times.
- Perform hand/finger tendon glides regularly. This exercise begins with extending your fingers straight. Then, make a fist, and extend your fingers straight again.
- Do this repeatedly, but each time you make a fist, alternate between the 3 choices: a straight fist, full fist, and hook fist.[9]
- Conduct simple hand exercises with your writing hand. For example, grab the pen or pencil and twist it between your fingers. You can also open and close your hand, and gently stretch your fingers by moving them away from each other and then back together again.
- Regularly exercising your writing hand is important to prevent cramps.
- Reach out a hand with your fingers facing up and palm forward. A simple way to remember this first movement is pretending you're signaling a stop sign. Afterwards, use your left hand to gently pull your fingers toward you, bending your right hand back. Hold this position for around 15 seconds.[10]
- Repeat this exercise with both hands.
- Extend one of your hands in front of you and point your fingers down. Your palm should be facing your chest, and your fingers straight downwards. Take your opposing hand and gently press your fingers toward you. Hold this position for around 15 seconds.
- You can also do this exercise with your palm facing away from you and your fingers pointed up. In this case, you still press your fingers toward you.
- Squeeze a stress ball to exercise your wrists and fingers. A stress ball is an easy way to stretch your fingers and wrists, while also strengthening them. This can help with stamina and reduce the likelihood of experiencing pain from writing.
- Most big-box stores and popular online suppliers sell stress balls
- Interlace each of your fingers and stretch outward. Make sure your palms are facing away from you when you stretch your arms out in the opposite direction. Then, while holding your arms outward, reach them toward the ceiling, keeping your shoulders lengthened in line with your back.[11]
- Hold this position for around 10 to 15 seconds.
- This exercise stretches your fingers, hands, and forearms, and also improves circulation.
EditExploring Medical Options - Talk to your doctor if you experience frequent pain. If you're experiencing pain that doesn't respond to measures you can take yourself, talk to a doctor. If most of your writing is for school or work, ask whether accommodations or arrangements can be made. Your doctor can make recommendations and help you implement them to make your work more manageable.
- Some solutions include a workspace more suited to your size or work habits (e.g. a chair and table of a more suitable height, a slanted or elevated work surface), a different selection of writing implements, and a different means of writing (such as dictation or typing in lieu of writing longhand).
- Doctor's can also refer you to an expert for an ergonomic evaluation and suggestions about your workspace and work habits.
- Splint your finger if arthritis flares up. Keeping on a splint for 2 to 3 weeks can help reduce inflammation during arthritis flare-ups. Measure the size of your finger to determine the size of splint to purchase and tape it to your finger using medical tape. Make sure the injured finger is properly supported and kept in a straight position.[12]
- You can also create a homemade splint using 2 straight, narrow objects (like two pieces of cardboard) by taping one to the top of your finger and one to the bottom.
- If your fingers are tingling or numb, seek medical attention. These are signs that you're not getting enough oxygen and blood flow to the injured area.
- Apply a splint to your wrist to reduce inflammation. If you start to experience wrist pain, purchase a wrist splint to hold it in a neutral position and ease inflammation. You can also create a makeshift splint at home by gently wrapping your wrist with padding, such as clothing, and then securing a rigid object to the top or bottom.[13]
- Local pharmacies and online suppliers sell many kinds of splints.
- Wear your splint for 2 to 3 weeks at nighttime. Symptoms are typically the worst at night because your hand bends more when you're sleeping.
- Splints don't always work, but don't have side effects like medication-based treatments.
- Purchase nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs curb hand pain by blocking the enzymes that drive inflammation. Use topical NSAIDs like Voltaren if you can—some experts believe that they pose less health risks than oral NSAIDs like Advil and Motrin.
- NSAIDs are not effective for carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Using NSAIDs for long-term treatment of pain has been linked to stomach bleeding, ulcers, and increased risk of heart attacks.
- Anti-cholinergic drugs like Artane and Cogentin are more suitable for writer's cramp (or hand dystonia).[14]
- Ask your doctor about corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. These injections go right into the affected joints to ease inflammation. They can provide relief lasting for up to a year, although some people report diminishing returns as injection number goes up.[15]
- Steroid injections are typically used to treat tendonitis, arthritis trigger fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff tendonitis.
- Side effects of corticosteroid injections include a "flare," which is pain felt 1 or 2 days following the injection, as well as increased blood sugar, skin thinning, skin lightening, tendon weakening, and in rare cases, allergic reactions.
- If your hand continues to ache, relax for about 5 minutes. It may be enough just to give your hand a rest.
- Try a hand massage to relax tight muscles.
- Make sure your arm is supported while you write. If you have to support the weight alone the whole time, you will tire more quickly.
- Purchase a document stand, slanted drafting or writing table, or lap desk to arrange your work comfortably.
- Try different types of comfort pens. Do a web search on "Ezgrip," "Pen Again," or Pilot's "Dr. Grip" line.
- Step back from your writing now and then. If you tend to get absorbed in your work, set a timer. If what you are writing is making you tense (because it is an important subject to you or because you will be graded on it, for instance), consciously relax your mind and body from time to time as you write.
- Try using a different method instead of writing, such as typing.
- If you use a computer to type, always keep your wrist position neutral. Do not bend your wrists in, out, up, or down while you type. Make sure your arm position and body positions are neutral, and do not hammer the keys. Computers, unlike typewriters, work best if you use a light touch, and you'll be far gentler on your hands.
- Try not to press hard on the paper you're writing on. It only makes your hand hurt worse, it doesn't look good on paper, and it's also harder to erase.
- This article focuses on hand pain from writing, but other close work that uses fine motor skills can cause hand pain, as well. If you do needlework or other fine work, you may be adding to the effects.
- Continuous pain can lead to hand problems if you continue to write. If your pain is severe or does not stop, ask a doctor to help you decide on the proper preventative measures.
- Extended writing and other close activities can also cause strain to the back, neck, arms, and eyes, especially if your workspace is arranged poorly. If you experience pain elsewhere when writing, don't ignore it.
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