| How to Wear a Black Leather Jacket Posted: 18 Mar 2019 05:00 PM PDT Black leather jackets are a timelessly cool fashion statement. Wearing one can instantly transform your outfit, making any ensemble feel more edgy. It might be intimidating to wear a leather jacket for the first time, but they are surprisingly very versatile and easy to dress up or down. A black leather jacket is a classic statement piece that belongs in every closet! EditFinding the Right Jacket - Identify your price range. A high-end leather jacket can be quite expensive, with some experts even saying that you should not buy a leather jacket that costs less than $500.[1] There are options like faux and vegan leather that provide the same look without costing as much, with some attractive alternatives under $100. [2]
- Determine the best type of leather for you. Most leather jackets are fashion pieces, though leather can also be thick and wind resistant. While leather made from cows can be stiffer and firmer, fashion leather is often made of lamb or sheep skin and thus is more delicate. [3]
- You may decide to opt for faux leather or vegan leather for either cost or ethical reasons.
- Decide on decorative features. Some leather jackets have decorative features, like studs or fur collars. While these accents can make your jacket unique, it might also limit what you are able to wear it with. [4]
- Select the right size. Many people like their leather jacket to fit more snug. If you want to pair your jacket with a sleek outfits, some experts even suggest selecting a jacket that is a size smaller than what you normally wear.
- If you want to layer bulkier items under your jacket, make sure that your jacket is a big enough to do so comfortably. [5]
- It is important for your jacket to fit well around your arms and shoulders, so it should look trim and fitted but not so tight that it restricts your movement.[6]
- If you buy real leather, you might want to buy a more snug fit since leather can stretch over time.[7]
EditWearing Your Jacket Casually - Pair it with jeans to liven up your everyday wardrobe. This is an iconic look, and is a go-to if you want to look both stylish and casual. This really is a timeless template for an outfit, because you could pair it with ripped jeans and look more punk rock and androgynous, but with jewelry and a purse it can look more feminine.
- Wear it with a t-shirt and a looser style of pants like boyfriend jeans if you want to look extra casual. [8]
- Pair your jacket with skinny jeans, a tight t-shirt, and tennis shoes for a cute everyday outfit.
- Wear your jacket with combat boots for a punk rock look. Many people wear leather jackets because they want an edgy, punk look. Combat boots and a leather jacket are a great way to convey a rebellious but stylish attitude. [9]
- Layer it with a hoodie to give your casual style a rebellious vibe. Because leather jackets are not the best cold weather choice, layering your jacket can make your jacket warmer on those cool fall days. It is also a great casual outfit to wear if you are running errands or catching lunch with a friend. [10]
- When also paired with combat boots and a band t-shirt this can be a very punk rock look.
- Drape it over your shoulders as a statement piece. A draped leather jacket is an equally casual alternative to layering. This look is great for warmer days where you still want your jacket as an accessory piece. It is a great out-and-about option. [11]
- If you're draping your jacket over your shoulders, it is best paired a tighter layer like a t-shirt or a tank top. Anything bigger would make the jacket look bulky.
- Dress up your leisure wear. Pairing a leather jacket with leggings and tennis shoes is a great way to dress up your casual wear. While you might be skeptical about wearing your exercise attire to lunch, throwing a leather jacket over the ensemble makes it much hipper. [12]
EditDressing Your Jacket Up - Put it over a dress or skirt to make your going-out style more chic. A black leather jacket can make a feminine outfit feel more edgy, or it can soften your jacket. Because a leather jacket is classically stylish, it does not make the ensemble feel too casual when paired with the right accessories. [13]
- Different types of skirts will give your outfit a different vibe. A pencil skirt is more sleek, while a leather jacket with a short pleated skirt can make you look alternative and cute.
- Wear it with brightly colored pants to look bold. Black leather jackets are such a classic closet item, so it is unexpectedly cool to make your leather jacket more subtle by wearing it alongside a loud statement piece. You can find a patterned pair, or just opt for a bright color. [14]
- Wear it to work to modernize your business attire. While a leather jacket might not fit in every work environment, it can be incorporated into a casual or business casual wardrobe. It is a great way to look professional while remaining modern and chic. [15]
- A good work option would be a leather jacket over a button-down shirt and pencil skirt.
- A close-fitting leather jacket can look like a blazer, and would be a great work option over a cute blouse. [16]
- Pair it with high heels to look glamorous and sexy. A pair of heels can totally change the dynamic of your outfit, and this is no exception with a leather jacket. [17]
- Wearing a black leather jacket with a silk blouse, skinny jeans, and stilettos is a great option for when you want to look dressed up but do not want to wear a skirt or dress.
- If you want to look hip and dressy, opt for chunky heeled sandals, a black leather jacket, and a cute mid-length dress. [18]
- When paired with a short skirt and very tall heeled boots your leather jacket will give off a sexy vibe.
EditAccessorizing Your Jacket - Leave it on under a wool coat for a sophisticated look. When you want to wear your leather jacket on a cooler day, you can opt to layer with with a coat. Under the right wool or pea coat, your jacket will look like part of a well-crafted outfit and not a functional choice. [19]
- Put on some red lipstick to look edgy and classic. Red lipstick and black leather jackets are both classic outfit staples. Pairing both of these together can give your leather jacket a softer and more feminine feel. [20]
- This style can look very alternative when you wear a black leather jacket, jeans, and tennis shoes.
- Drape a scarf over it for both style and warmth. While your black leather jacket might often feel like the statement piece of your outfit, with the right scarf you can give your jacket a pop of color. It might also serve a functional purpose in brisk fall weather. [21]
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Thicken Broth Posted: 18 Mar 2019 09:00 AM PDT Whatever your cooking project, getting your broth to the right consistency is an important step. If your broth is looking a little thin, there are several ways to thicken it, depending on the ingredients you want to use and the amount of time at your disposal. You can always reduce a homemade broth by cooking it down, but this isn't always an option if you've already salted the broth, as reducing it will make it saltier. However, you can also thicken any broth with a thickening agent like cornstarch, or by making a quick roux. You can even add food items such as bread, nuts, or dairy to give a broth more body. EditDoing a Basic Reduction - Turn the heat up. Make sure there's enough heat for the broth to simmer uncovered. Medium heat should be sufficient to bring the broth to a simmer and get some of the excess liquid to evaporate.[1]
- Use a wide pan to reduce faster. Using a wider saute pan rather than a deeper pot or saucepan will allow your broth to heat faster and reduce more quickly. You can also divide the broth into two or more batches (wide pans best) and heat separately to speed up the process.[2]
- Give it time to cook down. It's better for the broth to simmer rather than boil. If the heat is too high, the broth might reduce too much and become bitter-tasting. Keep the broth on medium heat, and give it at least ten minutes before checking on it.[3]
EditUsing a Thickening Agent - Make a cornstarch slurry to give your broth more body. Cornstarch is similar to flour as a thickening agent, but it works better and won't affect the taste of your broth. Mix a tablespoon (7.5 g) of cornstarch with of cold water for each cup of broth.[4] Once fully combined, add slurry a little at a time, stirring constantly. Bring the broth to a boil. Keep stirring the slurry in until the broth is almost the thickness you want.[5]
- Remember that the broth will thicken a little as it cools.[6]
- Use an alternative thickening agent. Ingredients such as arrowroot, potato starch, and tapioca powder can be used as thickening alternatives to cornstarch.[7] Arrowroot and tapioca are root starches derived from tropical plants, and along with potato starch are commonly used in gluten-free cooking.
- For arrowroot powder, mix 2-3 tablespoons (16-24 g) with the same amount of water. Whisk into a cup of hot broth, then slowly combine with the rest of the broth.
- For potato starch, mix 1 tablespoon of starch (10 g) with of water. Whisk into a cup of hot broth then combine with the rest.
- For tapioca powder, stir in a teaspoon of starch (2.5 g) at a time until broth reaches desired consistency.[8]
- Make a roux by combining flour and fat. A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that can serve as a useful and delicious way to thicken a broth, soup, or sauce. Depending on how much thickening the broth needs, place 1-3 tablespoons of fat in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in an amount of flour equal to the amount of fat used.[9] Cook for about ten minutes, stirring frequently, then let it cool before adding to the broth.
- Whisk the roux into the broth until combined, making sure there are no lumps.
- For a lighter roux, use butter or oil. For a darker, richer roux, use drippings.[10]
EditUsing Food as a Thickener - Add bread for a creamier broth. Soak pieces of bread in the hot liquid, then remove and puree. Recombine with the rest of the liquid. You can also use breadcrumbs to thicken the broth.[11]
- Mix in ground nuts for a richer soup. Nuts have been used to thicken broths and soups for generations. Grind a handful of nuts until they almost form a paste, then combine with a little of the broth and stir. Add to the rest of the broth.
- Cashews are particularly good for thickening a broth or soup, adding a smooth texture.[12]
- Stir in a dollop of dairy for a silky taste. Adding cream or yogurt is an easy way to thicken and enrich any broth. If adding cream or milk, start with a couple spoonfuls and add to warm but not boiling broth. Or, if you're looking for a lighter but tangier addition, try a dollop or two of yogurt.[13]
- Make sure the broth isn't boiling or else the dairy will curdle.
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Decrease Aquarium Algae Naturally Posted: 18 Mar 2019 01:00 AM PDT Aquarium algae isn't a pretty sight, but it's something that every aquarium owner is going to face eventually. Luckily, decreasing algae naturally can be accomplished by healthy tank care procedures such as water testing, the addition of plants and sea life, and regular cleaning and water swapping. Once you know how to combat algae growth and keep your tank maintained, you'll have no trouble keeping the many colors of algae at bay. EditCombating Algae Growth - Determine the different colors of algae in your tank. Different kinds of algae thrive in different aquarium conditions. Look in your tank for the 4 main types of algae—blue-green, red, brown, and green—and rank them from most prevalent to least prevalent. From here, focus most on the procedures that work on the most prevalent algae in your tank.[1]
- Blue-green algae thrive in general poor water conditions. They develop on your fish, which will eventually start to look moldy—especially when they're motionless.
- Red algae are caused by a lack of carbon dioxide and hang all over your aquarium in threads.
- Brown algae thrive in conditions with a lack of adequate light and form in large, brown layers.
- Green algae are caused by too much light and can make your aquarium look like pea soup.
- Boost carbon dioxide levels in your aquarium to starve red algae. Oxygen works to starve algae, which prevents them from growing. Invest in aeration devices such as airstones, bubble disks, and air pumps. This will boost carbon dioxide levels and even add give your fish some fun items to play with.[2]
- Purchase carbon dioxide boosters from pet stores and online suppliers.
- Decrease excess food to remove algae nutrition for blue-green and brown algae. Although fish need food to survive, too much leads to high ammonia and phosphate levels in your tank. The end result is often increased algae growth. Always stick to small portions of food that your fish can eat quickly to keep your tank clean and maintain a steady, effective feeding schedule. Ideally, you should feed your fish 1 to 2 times daily with minimal portions.[3]
- Take note of leftover foods—if you see any, decrease the size of the next batch of food.
- Use an automatic feeder to ensure timely feeding and prevent overfeeding.
- Add live plants to your aquarium to decrease brown and green algae. Live plants provide algae with resource competition and inhibit their growth. Over time, they starve algae by consuming excess nutrients in the water that are needed for algae survival. Start by adding 1 or 2 and increase the amount if necessary.[4]
- Use Java Moss, Amazon Sword, Java Fern, Hornwort, Dwarf Lilies, Water Wisteria, and Crypt Wendtii for the best results.
- Keep an eye on algae levels after adding plants to gauge their effect. If algae levels aren't changing, add more plants!
- Be aware that some plants do not do well with high powered filters. Find a balance between filtration, your fish species, and the type of plants that they can be housed with.
- Decrease your tank's light exposure to prevent green algae growth. Keep the aquarium away from unshaded windows and only turn the aquarium lights on when viewing your fish. This will decrease green algae levels tremendously. In addition, always keep your tank out of direct sunlight for the best results. If you need to put your aquarium near a window, install some curtains so you can control the light exposure of your aquarium. In general, about 8 to 12 hours of light per day is ideal for aquariums with plants.[5]
- Decrease your aquarium's light exposure to 6 to 10 hours a day if it doesn't have plants.
- Connect your lights to automatic timers to control light exposure.
- If decreasing light exposure isn't working, trying decreasing the intensity of your lights.
- Change your light bulbs at least once a year.
- Introduce algae-eating fish, shrimp, and snails into your aquarium. The catfish, bushy-nosed pleco, and Siamese algae eater are common algae-eating fish. For shrimp, stick with Amano Shrimp and Red Cherry Shrimp. Any freshwater snail will likely be effective.[6]
- Nerite snails, Mystery Snails, Ivory Snails, and Gold Inca Snails are all great choices.
- In terms of fish for saltwater tanks, angelfish, blennies or tangs are great choices.
- Don't rely solely on algae-eating species to control your problem.
- Keep phosphate levels below 0.05 ppm. Higher phosphate levels can lead to algae proliferation. Purchase a test kit for phosphate from a local aquarium. Now, fill the tube to the required level and add your testing solution. Shake the tube and match the water color to the provided chart to determine the phosphate levels.[7]
- Add poly filters or a carbon-phosphate remover to the tank to decrease phosphate levels.
- Maintain nitrate levels between 20 and 40 ppm. The presence of nitrate can help algae grow. Head to a local aquarium and purchase a nitrate testing kit. Now, fill the test tube to the indicated level, add your testing solution, and shake the tube. Match the color of the water to the testing kit's chart to determine nitrate levels.[8]
- Change water weekly to keep nitrate levels low.
EditFollowing Proper Maintenance Procedures - Swap at least 10 percent of your water daily until the algae are gone. Use a bucket to remove 10 percent of the water daily. Either remove the water manually or use it with a siphon if you want to minimize heavy lifting. After removing 10 percent of the water, fill the tank up with filtered water.[9]
- If you're adding cold water, make sure the temperature is acceptable for the species of fish in your tank.
- Use a water conditioner when swapping water.
- A 10 percent daily swap means you should be switching your water completely every 10 weeks.
- Do not swap more than 20 percent of the aquarium water daily.
- For saltwater tanks, add ½ cup (118 grams) of sea salt per of water and mix it thoroughly.
- Fill your tank with filtered water. Although well water and tap water can work for some freshwater tanks, your safest bet is filtered water. The former options typically contain high levels of nitrates and phosphates, which increase algae growth. Use a filter that is meant for more than the size you actually have. For example, a tank should have a filter.[10]
- Never replenish your tank with well or tap water.
- Purchase a water filter from a home hardware store or online supplier.
- Clean your fish tank once a week to remove waste. Fish waste contains nitrates and ammonia, which promote algae growth. Start by using an algae pad to clean the inside glass by wiping it in circular motions. Afterward, run a siphon-type vacuum along the surface of the gravel. Finally, use an aquarium-safe glass cleaner or a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water, dip a microfiber cloth in it, and wipe down the outer surface of the tank.[11]
- Wipe off any decorations with your algae pad.
- For algae that is difficult to remove, use a razor blade or plastic blade to scrape it off.
- Never let bleach, soap, or other cleaning chemicals get into your water, as they can kill your aquatic life and beneficial bacteria.
- Create your own gentle aquarium siphon and vacuum if you'd like.
- Minimize the use of tank additives. Common additives include bark extract, acid regulators, buffers, salt, and water conditioner solutions. Although tank additives can sometimes help you create a healthy ecosystem, overuse can lead to too many nutrients and cause algae growth. Only use these additives when absolutely necessary.[12]
- Don't use algaecides unless you haven't had any success with any other options. Most of them contain chemicals that can harm your fish.
- Most pet stores provide free water tests if you bring in a sample of your aquarium water.
- Never overstock! Always take the size of your tank and the types of aquatic animals it carries into consideration. Do your research on how many fish you can own in your aquarium's size and how much filtration is needed.
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment