| How to Store Cupcakes Posted: 21 Sep 2018 05:00 PM PDT Cupcakes are a lovely addition to any celebration. Obviously fresh-baked cupcakes will taste the best, but making them does require a bit of prep work and it can be hard to fit this into your schedule. Storing them short-term on your counter or longer-term in your freezer can buy you some time before serving them. Both frosted and unfrosted cupcakes can easily be kept in an airtight container at room temperature or in a freezer with a small amount of preparation. EditKeeping Cupcakes on the Counter - Give the cupcakes time to cool completely. If you just removed your cupcakes from the oven, let them cool, uncovered, for at least one hour.[1] If you put them in a container when they're hot, condensation will build up and make them soggy.
- Cooling the cupcakes on a wire cooling rack causes them to cool faster and stops the bottoms of the cupcakes from turning soggy or steamy. This is because the air is able to circulate all around them, which doesn't happen if the cupcakes are sitting on a plate or cutting board.[2]
- Frost your cupcakes if you won't have time later. It's better to frost your cupcakes as close to the time that they'll be eaten as possible, but sometimes schedules won't allow for this! Just be mindful that any frostings with dairy products should be refrigerated, not left out.[3]
- If you opt to leave your cupcakes unfrosted, be sure to frost them within 2 days of baking them.[4]
- Choose a large airtight plastic container. A good-sized container will hold about a dozen cupcakes. Choose one that's tall enough to fit frosted cupcakes without damaging their icing tops — around is usually safe.[5]
- Make sure you purchase a storage container that's BPA-free.[6]
- Lay a sheet of wax paper on the bottom of the container. Cut it if you need to make it the right size to fit in your container. Wax paper is great because it has a thin layer of wax over it that stops food from sticking to it.[7]
- If you don't have wax paper, parchment paper is a good substitute.
- Arrange your cupcakes in the container. Give each cupcake enough space in the container so any iced cupcakes are not touching one another.[8] If you need more space, buy more plastic containers.
- Place another sheet of wax paper gently over the tops of your cupcakes. Lay it loosely over the top of your cupcakes to minimize damage to any frosting.[9] This step isn't vital — your cupcakes will be fine without it — but it can be a nice added layer of protection.[10]
- Keep your cupcakes at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you have to store cupcakes any longer than that, consider freezing them. They don't necessarily spoil after 3-4 days, but they start to taste less fresh and more dense.[11]
- Keep a watchful eye over buttercream, cream cheese, or ganache frostings. These might start to go bad even before 3-4 days have passed.[12]
EditFreezing Cupcakes - Ensure that the cupcakes have completely cooled. Freezing cupcakes can keep them surprisingly moist, even after longer periods of storage. Before preparing them for the freezer, however, cool them on a wire rack for at least an hour. They should be cool to the touch before you move on.[13]
- Freeze the cupcakes for 1 hour if you've already frosted them. Leave your cupcakes uncovered and on a plate. This is a pre-freeze that will harden the frosting. They're ready to be taken out of the freezer when the frosting does not warp when you gently touch the surface.[14]
- If you don't have enough space in your freezer for all of your cupcakes to sit on a plate to pre-freeze, you may need to do multiple rounds of pre-freezing.
- Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap. Make sure that the plastic wrap is tight around the cupcake. This wards off any freezer-taste that could seep into the cupcake.[15]
- Be gentle when wrapping frosted cupcakes, but don't worry too much. The pre-freeze should have hardened the icing enough for the plastic wrap to be snug around its surface without damaging it.
- Place wrapped cupcakes in an airtight bag or container. A gallon-sized airtight plastic bag works just fine for unfrosted cupcakes. For frosted cupcakes, it's better to use an airtight glass or plastic container to minimize damage to the frosting.[16]
- Write the date on the bag or container to remind your future self of when you baked these.[17]
- Defrost and eat frozen cupcakes within 3 months. If you're ready to defrost your cupcakes, take them out of the freezer and unwrap them from the plastic wrap. Let them come up to room temperature.[18] This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours.[19]
- Uncovering them stops them from accumulating moisture and getting sticky in their packaging.[20]
- If the frosting starts to fall off of the cupcakes as they warm up, you can use a butter knife to push the frosting back onto the top of the cupcake. Check on them occasionally as they defrost in case this happens.[21]
- There are tall cupcake caddies available for purchase, but be mindful that they can be difficult to store and it's hard to stack things on top of them.[22]
- If you've been storing cupcakes on the counter and need to transport them in hot weather, throw them in the fridge for 20 minutes before you leave. This will firm up the frosting and prevent melting.[23]
- Except in cases of extreme heat, avoid keeping your cupcakes in the fridge. It will dry all the moisture out of them.[24]
- Don't tightly cover cupcakes with plastic wrap, as this can lead to sticky cupcake tops that make the frosting process harder.[25]
- Storing cupcakes that have filling in them can lead to sogginess, and perishable fillings can go bad quickly! It's best to store your cupcakes unfilled, and then insert filling right before you're ready to eat.[26]
- Discard any cupcakes that have an odd smell or appearance, or any that have mold on them.[27]
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| How to Date Your Best Friend Posted: 21 Sep 2018 09:00 AM PDT A strong friendship is an excellent base for a good romantic relationship. Be careful and considerate about how you approach dating your best friend since they play an important role in your life. Ease into the transition from being friends to lovers by communicating openly and taking things slow. As your relationship progresses, boost the romance to take things to the next level! EditCommunicating Clearly - State your interest simply if you are still just friends. If your friend doesn't know that you have a romantic interest in them, tell them in a straightforward but non-threatening way. Explain that you are attracted to them and want to pursue a romantic relationship with them. Make it clear that you will understand if they don't feel the same way but that you wanted to be honest about your feelings either way.[1]
- For instance, say, "I have strong feelings for you and I want to be more than just a friend, but I will totally understand if you aren't interested in taking things to the next level."
- An unrequited crush can put tension on a friendship over time, so it is good to be honest regardless of the outcome.
- Share your concerns with your best friend to maintain honesty. Moving from friendship to romance is a risk that may be challenging to take. Share any worries you have about losing your close relationship to see if they feel the same way. Ask if there are any other concerns about the situation that they have to get a clear understanding of what obstacles may be facing you both.[2]
- For example, say something like, "You're my best friend and I'm not sure if my romantic feelings for you are worth losing you entirely."
- Establish the boundaries of your new relationship to avoid misunderstandings. Communicate your romantic wants and needs clearly to your partner from the start. Avoid the assumption that they will intuitively know how what will be okay with you and make you happy. Be sure to outline any behaviour that you consider unacceptable from a romantic partner so they know how you want to be treated.[3]
- For instance, say something like, "I believe in monogamy and I can't tolerate cheating in a romantic relationship."
- Avoid making assumptions about what your partner wants. After transitioning from friendship to a relationship, you may think that you already know what your partner wants romantically. Always check with your partner to see what goals and desires they have as these may change over time, and in different situations. If you catch yourself guessing what they might like, stop and ask them about it to double check. They will appreciate your effort and concern about their feelings.[4]
- For instance, if your partner noted in the past that they didn't want a co-dependent relationship, do not assume that they want you to keep your distance.
EditMoving Slowly - Make sure that your motivations are pure and not temporary. Think about your current state of mind and life circumstances and ask yourself if your romantic feelings might be caused by these factors. Sometimes life events can cause people to seek comfort, stability, excitement, or validation from other people in our lives who they don't genuinely want to be with. Avoid pursuing a relationship with your best friend if you might be using them to feel better.[5]
- For instance, you may seek comfort and distraction in a romance with your best friend after a death in the family.
- Avoid getting physically intimate until you are sure of your chemistry. Take things slowly in your new relationship so that you can both figure out your feelings without distractions. Romantic touching and sexual contact can blur the lines of a relationship and confuse boundaries. Try to let your physical relationship evolve naturally out of genuine chemistry and affection.[6]
- Acting on physical urges too soon may make the situation awkward or increase the intensity of your relationship very quickly.
- Be consistent about your romantic advances to avoid confusion. Moving slowly is a good way of avoiding confusing hot-and-cold behaviour. Making a grand romantic move one week, then acting like a casual buddy the next will leave your friend unsure of your feelings. Take things slow and gradually build up to bigger gestures or commitments so you won't be overwhelmed by the situation.[7]
- For instance, don't show up to your friend's workplace with flowers one day and introduce them to colleagues as your "buddy" a few days later.
- Give each other space sometimes to avoid getting tired of each other. Taking things to the next level with your best friend can reinforce an already strong bond, making it tempting to spend all of your time with them. Take some time apart to pursue your own interests and to make sure that you get the chance to miss each other. This will make you appreciate each other even more while reducing the risk of becoming annoying to each other.[8]
- For example, take time to visit with other friends or spend some quiet time alone at home.
EditMaking Things More Romantic - Start calling them nicknames that are flirty or affectionate. Casual nicknames that you call a friend may give them the impression that you are not interested in them. Instead, try to call them pet names that convey that you think they are special or attractive. This will help transition your relationship from friendship to love.[9]
- For instance, call them something like "sweetheart," "cutie," or "gorgeous."
- Avoid casual names like "buddy," "pal," or "dude."
- Put effort into impressing them despite your comfort with them. Friendship means a certain level of familiarity and comfort that may not scream "romance." Aim to impress them the same way you would try to win over a blind date or a cute stranger. Add intrigue to the relationship to keep and increase their interest.[10]
- For instance, dress up for outings the same way you would for a romantic date with someone you are just getting to know.
- Pursue more romantic activities while you are together. A good way to shift your relationship from friendship to romance is to change your routine together. Create excitement by spending time in situations or places you have never been to. Avoid having "dates" that involve activities you did together as friends, such as playing video games or sports.[11]
- For example, go out for a romantic candlelit dinner or share a bottle of wine instead of ordering a pizza.
- Plan a romantic trip together to celebrate your love. While you may have done many activities together as friends, a shared getaway is a distinctly romantic thing to do. Plan a small vacation for you and your partner to spend some one-on-one time together. Whether it is a short road trip or a more elaborate getaway, the experience will bond you on a new level.[12]
- To avoid potential conflicts, start by going away for a few days at a time with your partner then build up to longer trips.
- It might be easier to transition from friends to lovers if you keep this change from mutual friends and family until you are settled into the new relationship.
- Avoid over-romanticizing the situation because of books or movies that feature friends falling in love.
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| How to Sing With Confidence Posted: 21 Sep 2018 01:00 AM PDT Gaining confidence while singing is a process that requires practice. The most important part is learning to have fun no matter who is listening. Getting comfortable with your voice and mastering healthy singing techniques can help you do this. Sing as often as possible in front of different audience and you may soon be able to overcome self-doubt. EditFeeling Confident While Performing - Spend time at the venue before you need to perform. Singing in a new place can be a little frightening. To get around this, go to the stage when no one else is around. Take some time to walk around and look out towards where the audience will sit. If you can, ask to test out the sound system or a microphone.
- You may not be able to practice at the venue, such as if you want to perform at a karaoke bar. You can, however, go to the bar and listen to other people perform.
- Stretch out your entire body before you need to perform. Flex not only your vocal cords, but your body as well. In addition to vocal warm-ups, such as humming notes in your vocal range, do some basic yoga poses. Raise your arms, touch your toes, dance around, and loosen up. Staying active can help you forget your worries while also preparing your body for singing.
- Any good stretch can help, but don't go overboard and hurt yourself.
- To get out excess energy and adrenaline, do some jumping jacks or air punches.[1]
- Always loosen your vocal cords before singing. Try choosing a word like "Re" and singing it up and down your vocal range.
- Stand upright with your shoulders relaxed. An important part of building confidence is mastering your posture while singing. Plant your feet firmly on the ground, standing straight. Lower your shoulders, keeping your head level with your audience. This keeps your airways free, allowing you to project your voice.[2]
- Even the act of standing in a position like this can cause you to feel a little more confident. In addition, your singing voice improves, leading to even more confidence.
- Breathe deeply before beginning to sing. Slowly breathe in and breathe out. Let the air go all the way down to the bottom of your lungs. You will need all that air when projecting your voice. You can also do this while singing. Focus on taking a deep breath, then using the air to radiate your voice out from the center of your chest.[3]
- Deep breathing is calming. By breathing away any nervousness, you can relax, focus on your voice, and gain confidence.
- To further calm your nerves and help you focus on your performance, spend a few minutes doing a mindful meditation. You can find guided meditations here: http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations
- Singing from your diaphragm also makes your voice stronger and helps you reach higher notes, so deep breathing is an essential technique for newer vocalists to learn.
- Avoid stopping if you make a mistake. All professional singers make mistakes. They don't let this stop them, however. They take risks when choosing songs and keep going when they slip up during a performance. Most of the time the audience won't recognize a mistake and won't remember it after you're done singing.
- Starting out can be scary, but mistakes are normal and help you grow. Remember that mistakes can't harm you. What matters is how you react to them.
- Don't be afraid to take risks with your performances! Choose challenging songs, go for that tough note, or sing in front of an unfamiliar audience.
- Focus on your song instead of the audience. Get lost in the song, not your audience's thoughts. You're not a fortune-teller and their thoughts don't matter when you're performing. Nail your song's lyrics and your singing technique no matter what you think of the audience. If you have to, imagine that the audience is cheering for you.[4]
- Focus on the lyrics and meaning of the song. Remember why the song is important to you and why you want to share it with the audience.[5]
- Even if music isn't in a language you understand, it can still move you. Express the music's sound and energy, since this is what will captivate your audience.
- You don't even have to look much at the audience. Instead of looking directly at someone's face, look at their forehead or look past them towards the back of the room so you don't get distracted.
- Take steps to lessen stage fright. Many professional singers struggle with stage fright. While you may not be able to eliminate it completely, you can lessen it by using tools like cognitive appraisal. Rather than focusing on what could or did go wrong, think about what could or did go well![6]
- You can even channel the boost of adrenaline from fear into your performance.
EditGaining Confidence through Practice - Warm up with vocal exercises before singing. You wouldn't try running a marathon without stretching, so don't sing without flexing your vocal cords. Start by sighing to gently stretch your vocal cords while also releasing physical and emotional tension. Sing different notes up and down your vocal range. Stop if you feel your vocal cords straining. Warming up your voice does protect your vocal cords, but it also gives you a chance to relax and gain confidence before singing.[7]
- Try warming up with lip trills. Put your lips together and vibrate your lips like you're humming. Practice this with different notes.
- Also try arpeggios, such as by singing the "Do Re Mi" tonal scale. You can also choose a sound like "Re" and sing it up and down your vocal range. This exercise is called a siren.
- Don't forget to use your entire body! This means maintaining your posture and relaxing your jaw.
- Practice for at least 15 minutes every day. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel singing! Make some time so you can listen to yourself sing. As you hear your own voice, you will likely start caring less if others hear it too. In addition, you get plenty of time to improve your vocal skills, which also leads to more confidence.[8]
- Unfortunately, practice doesn't mean perfection. Remember to practice healthy singing, such as good posture and stopping when your vocal cords feel strained.
- You can sing when you're doing daily tasks like work or cleaning. This can help make singing feel second nature to you.
- Accept the sound of your voice even if it seems imperfect. Love your voice because it is uniquely yours. If you don't want to hear it, then don't expect the audience to want to hear it either. Any doubt you feel towards your voice shows on your face and in your body language. You are unlikely to ever feel confident if you are busy doubting your voice.[9]
- Many famous singers don't make it on their voices alone. Artists like Bob Dylan, Ozzy Osbourne, Britney Spears, and Madonna aren't technically gifted vocalists.
- No one is a "natural." Success while singing comes from practice as well as confidence from personality, songwriting, and stage presence.
- Work with a professional to train your voice. The easiest way to get started singing is to learn more skills. A teacher can guide you and give you feedback along the way. Seek out a vocal teacher in your area. Let them cheer you on as you learn to control and master your voice.[10]
- Select a voice teacher that is trained in the genre you wish to perform.[11]
- Express any concerns you have with your teacher. Let them know that your confidence is an area you want to work on. Teachers can show you how to relax and also find songs that challenge your limits.
- Practice singing in front of family and other small groups. Singing for a vocal teacher can help you gain confidence, but ask other people to listen to you sing too. This can be difficult, so find a setting that works for you. For instance, invite a few trusted friends or family members to listen to you at home.[12]
- Not everyone feels comfortable singing in front of people they know. A karaoke bar or open mic night might be better for you.
- You could also record yourself singing and share it with your friends and family or post it on social media.
- Have fun while singing. You can ask for feedback, but focus on getting comfortable on stage so you gain confidence.
EditChoosing the Right Song - Pick a song that has personal meaning to you. Most likely you can think of a few songs that have a meaningful place in your life. The song can be a childhood favorite, from a special moment in your life, or simply one that makes you feel like singing. When a song is personally meaningful, your desire to share that meaning can drive your performance.
- You'll have more confidence if you focus on why the lyrics to the song are important and meaningful to you.
- Since you know and love the song, you can focus on the song's meaning or energy rather than any nervousness you feel.
- During a performance, you may not be able to pick out the song you sing. Research the song if it helps you give the song more meaning. Then, learn the lyrics.
- Memorize the lyrics for any song you choose. Choose a few songs that you know so well you can sing them with both eyes closed, if possible. If you know all the words, you don't have to stress yourself out about forgetting them. Instead, focus on expressing yourself and having fun.[13]
- Lyrics are important, but avoid neglecting the other parts of the song, such as the tempo, the notes, and your exits and entrances.
- Experiment with different genres that compliment your voice. Most people start off emulating a song or musician they admire. This is a good way to gain some confidence, but also try out other genres. If you've been singing classical or country music this entire time but have a voice more suited to jazz, that can be the cause of some self-doubt you may have.[14]
- When you find a genre that is right for you, it will feel like finding a home. You may begin to relax, letting your voice project more while feeling happier with your musical selections.
- For instance, if you are a raspy baritone, you know you won't sing screeching rock vocals. You can adjust the song to your style or look into jazz, blues, or R&B.
- Remember that you can usually adjust songs for your voice. For example, sing the song in a lower octave or a different key to make it your own. Try using an app, such as AnyTune, to make the song higher, lower, faster, or slower so that it's right for your voice.
- Always remember to breathe. It helps slow your heart rate down. Slow your song down if you have to.
- If you are really shy, you can even start by singing in front of pets or siblings. Work your way up to groups of people at your own pace.
- Behaviors can trigger thoughts. Smile! You may be able to trick minds, including your own, into thinking you are more confident than you feel.
- If you don't feel confident, fake it. Pretend you're confident and you will soon get used the feeling.
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