| How to Make an Infinity Mirror Posted: 22 Aug 2020 05:00 PM PDT An infinity mirror is an optical illusion that you can put up in your home as a fun and interesting décor item. It's made in a shadowbox frame with a mirror in the back, some LED lights around the middle, and a partially reflective mirror in the front. The light between the two mirrors gives the illusion that the lights trail off to infinity, even though the mirror may not be actually deeper than a couple of inches. Making an infinity mirror is simple, as long as you follow the right steps in order. When you're finished, you'll have a cool piece that your guests will admire and envy! [Edit]Setting up the Frame and Glass - Purchase a wooden shadowbox frame at least in depth. A shadowbox is an enclosed glass front picture frame that is wide enough to hold and display items. You can purchase one at most craft stores, and you can choose any size that you prefer for your space. Make sure the frame you choose should is at least in depth in order to accommodate the LED lights you will use later.[1]
- Make sure your shadowbox has a removable interior frame. You will use it to insert the LED lights between the glass panel and the mirror.
- Disassemble the shadowbox and remove the glass. Once you have the shadowbox frame you're going to use, turn it around so it's face down. You will see some small metal tabs around the perimeter. Move each one up and out of the way so you can remove the wooden backing of the frame. Then, remove the glass and set it aside.[2]
- Remove the glass very carefully to avoid breaking it.
- Obtain a sheet of silver 80% reflective film and cut it to fit the glass. For this project, you'll need a sheet of silver reflective film to make the glass slightly reflective and to get the full effect of the illusion. Place the glass on top of the film, trace the outline with a marker, then cut on the line with a pair of scissors.[3]
- The purpose of the film over the glass is to create a two-way mirror that is transparent on one side and reflective on the other. Glass is not reflective, so you need to put a reflective film over it so that it is just slightly transparent. When the LED lights bounce back and forth between the two-way mirror and the regular mirror, you get the fascinating infinity effect.
- You can find the reflective film at any craft store or online. You can also use car window tint film from an auto parts store.
- Clean the glass and wipe it with a microfiber cloth. Before applying the film, make sure your glass is clean. Spray it with glass cleaner and wipe it with a microfiber cloth. Turn it over and clean the other side as well. When you're finished, check that there is no dust or streaks on the glass. Complete your cleaning on a large flat surface, and rub gently to avoid breaking the glass.[4]
- Peel the film and spray it with soapy water. Grab one corner of the film and start to slowly remove the backing. If you do it too quickly, the film might tear. As you peel, wet the film with soapy water from a spray bottle. This will help to prevent the film from sticking to itself as you unpeel it.[5]
- Spray the glass with soapy water and apply the film to it. Before placing the film, spray your glass sheet with the soapy water. This will help to ensure a smooth application. Place the film over the glass, making sure it is centered. Then, use a credit card to smooth the film on the glass and squeeze out any creases and air pockets.[6]
- Let the film dry for 2 hours, then place the glass back in the frame. After fitting the film to the glass, you'll need to let it dry completely before putting it in the frame. When it's finished, put your shadow box frame face down and put the glass back inside. Make sure the tinted side of the glass is facing upwards so it faces the mirror at the back of the frame when you put it in.[7]
[Edit]Placing the Mirror and the Lights - Obtain a mirror and polish it with glass cleaner. Purchase a plain mirror tile without a frame at a home furnishing or craft store. Make sure it has the same dimensions as the glass sheet in your shadowbox. Spray the mirror with glass cleaner and wipe it with a paper towel or microfiber cloth so it is streak-free.[8]
- If you can't find a mirror that fits your size frame, you can go to a home improvement store and get one cut for you.[9]
- Measure the interior frame of the shadow box and cut the LED rope to fit inside. Using a ruler or measuring tape, determine the length of the inner 4 sides of the interior frame. Jot down the dimensions and cut the LED lights to fit. Then, unpeel the backing of the lights and stick it inside the edges of the inner frame where you just measured.[10]
- There are a variety of LED lights you can choose from. They can be one color, white, or multi-color.
- The LED strip will have black lines that indicate where you can cut it. Make sure you only cut the lights where it is indicated on the strip. If you don't, the lights may not work when you turn them on. If you have a few extra LEDs that don't fit inside the frame, you can wrap them around the edge of the mirror and stick them to the back.[11]
- Replace the interior frame pieces in the shadowbox. Put the frame pieces back in the shadowbox so they will sit between the glass and the mirror. Be gentle when putting them back in the frame so you don't mess up the lights you just placed.[12]
- This positioning between the two mirrors will give the illusion that there are multiple rows of lights instead of just one.
- Create a gap in the frame for the LED external wire with a saw. Your LED lights are attached to a wire so they can be plugged in and light up your infinity mirror. Find a spot in the bottom corner of the frame and use a saw to make a gap wide enough to fit the wire. This will allow the wire to fit nicely and the frame will sit evenly on the wall. To use the saw, hold it with your dominant hand and use your other hand to hold the frame steady. Then, slowly move it back and forth until you create a gap at least wide.[13]
- Be careful when using the saw. Move it slowly so you do not cut through the frame.
- Place the mirror in the shadowbox frame. You're almost finished! Grab your mirror and place it in the shadowbox frame. Make sure the solid side is facing upwards and the reflective side is facing downwards toward the LED lights and glass.[14]
- Fold the metal tabs to close the shadowbox. Once your glass and mirror are in place, make sure to close the back of the shadowbox. Most frames have small metal tabs that can be pushed in to secure the back of the interior pieces. Replace those tabs that you moved previously to disassemble the shadow box by folding them down over the back of the mirror. When you hang your shadowbox up, the contents will stay in place. Then turn on the LED lights and enjoy your infinity mirror![15]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - 1 shadowbox frame
- Glass cleaner
- Paper towels or microfiber cloth
- 80% reflective film
- Marker
- Scissors
- Spray bottle filled with soapy water
- Saw
- 1 Mirror (same size as the shadow box)
- 1 reel of 12 volts LED rope
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Eat for Gut Health Posted: 22 Aug 2020 09:00 AM PDT Your gut health is very important for your overall health and wellbeing. Poor gut health could cause pain, discomfort, gas, and even diseases like irritable bowel syndrome. The good news is that your diet plays a huge role in your gut health, so by following the right diet, you could improve your condition significantly. There are a few important guidelines to follow so you eat the right foods and avoid harmful ones. With some discipline, you can design a diet that's best for your gut health. [Edit]Following the Right Diet - Eat at least 30 grams of fiber every day. Fiber helps food and waste move through your digestive system, making it a very important nutrient for your digestive health. Most people don't get enough fiber, so if you're having any digestive issues, then increasing your fiber intake is a good first step. Get at least 30 grams of fiber every day to keep your digestion moving smoothly.[1]
- Some of the best fiber foods are beans, legumes, leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, whole wheat or whole grain breads, and fortified cereals and oatmeal.
- Some signs that you don't have enough fiber in your diet are constipation, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.
- Consume at least 7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. A mostly plant-based diet is best for your digestive health. You don't have to become a vegetarian, but eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as you can. Try to include 1 or 2 fruit and vegetable servings with each meal, as well as snacking on some throughout the day.[2]
- Fresh varieties of fruits and vegetables are better than frozen or canned, but these preserved types will also work.
- Dried fruits like raisins are a great snack and easy way to add more fruit to your diet.
- Make sure you check the added sugar content in canned or cupped fruit. Sometimes it's stored in syrup, which adds a ton of sugar to your diet. Look for fruit stored in plain fruit juice or water instead.
- Replace white bread and flour with whole grain varieties. Whole grain products not only have more fiber than white products, but they also have more nutrients overall. Take note of all the white breads, rice, pasta, and cereals in your diet. Then go shopping and replace as many as you can with brown or whole wheat types instead.[3]
- For example, if you normally eat white bread, white rice, and regular pasta, switch to whole grain bread, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta.
- White flour products also have a high glycemic index, meaning they make your blood sugar spike. This can set you up for diabetes later in life.
- Get your animal protein from lean sources. Lean protein sources like poultry and fish have less saturated fats and chemicals than red or processed meats. This is better for your digestive system, and also for your overall health. Try to limit your meat servings to 3 per day for the best digestive health.[4]
- If you want to eliminate meat altogether, you can get plenty of protein from other sources. Beans, eggs, nuts, quinoa, lentils, and soy are all packed with protein.
- Include probiotic foods to increase the good bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that are good for your gut health. They live in your digestive system naturally, but you can boost their numbers with foods high in probiotics. Try adding more of these foods to your diet to support the healthy bacteria in your system.[5]
- Fermented foods often contain probiotics. Try eating sauerkraut, kefir, tempeh, miso, kimchi, kombucha, or Greek yogurt.
- Remember that you can overdo it with probiotics too. If you experience increased gas or bloating that lasts for more than a few days, then reduce your intake of probiotic foods.
- Mix in some prebiotic foods to feed healthy guy bacteria. While probiotic foods add good bacteria to your gut, prebiotics are food for the good bacteria that are already there. This supports the growth of more good bacteria in your gut so it outnumbers any harmful bacteria in there.[6]
- Some good prebiotic foods include oats, asparagus, dandelion greens, leeks, garlic, flaxseed, bananas, and apples.
- Stay hydrated to keep your digestion moving smoothly. Water helps food move through your digestive system, and dehydration can cause constipation and abdominal pains. Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day to stay well-hydrated.[7]
- It's also a good idea to drink a glass of water after eating. This aids in the digestive process.[8]
- This 8-10 glasses recommendation is just a guideline, and you might need more if you live in a hot climate or are physically active. Drink enough so your urine is light yellow and you don't feel thirsty.
[Edit]Cutting Out Problem Foods - Avoid processed foods to maintain a good bacterial balance. Highly processed foods can change the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, leading to poor gut health.[9] As much as possible, stick to foods that are made from fresh ingredients. Avoid things like:
- Processed meats, such as hot dogs or packaged lunch meats
- Prepackaged snacks and desserts, like potato chips or packaged cookies and pastries
- Canned soups or pastas
- Microwaveable frozen dinners
- Eliminate as much added sugar as you can. Sugar can not only upset your stomach, but it's also food for harmful bacteria in your GI tract. Sugar also contributes to weight gain, which affects your digestive health. It's best to cut out as much added sugar as you can. Avoid desserts, sodas, and sugary cereals, and control the amount of sugar you add to coffee or tea.[10]
- Added sugars are different from naturally occurring sugars, like the ones in fruit. Added sugars are the ones you have to limit.
- Get into the habit of checking nutrition labels on everything you buy. A lot of foods have added sugars that you might not expect, like yogurt with fruit on the bottom.
- Reduce your intake of fatty or greasy foods. These ingredients, especially saturated fats, are harder to digest. They increase your stomach acids and can cause heartburn. Try to avoid fried, cured, or processed foods as much as possible, especially meat. Replace them with lean meats or plant sources instead.[11]
- If you eat poultry or fish, try removing the skin to consume less fat.[12]
- White meat on poultry has less saturated fat than brown meat.
- Try using cooking spray instead of oil or butter to reduce your fat intake.
- Eat only 2 servings of red meat per week. Red meat contains a lot of saturated fats and chemicals that can upset your stomach. High consumption of red meat is associated with a higher incidence of colon cancer and other GI problems. If you regularly eat red meats, reduce your consumption to 2 servings per week at most.[13]
- Although pork and lamb are often considered white meats, nutritionally, they're red meats and the USDA classifies them as such.[14]
- Replace your red meat servings with white meat poultry or fish instead.
- Limit your caffeine intake if it bothers your stomach. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. They may experience heartburn, bloating, or diarrhea if they drink too much of it. If you notice GI issues after having caffeine, then reduce your consumption to 1 or 2 drinks per day to see if that helps.[15]
- Remember that coffee isn't the only drink that contains caffeine. Tea, energy drinks, and soda have it also.
- Drink alcohol in moderation to avoid heartburn. Alcohol commonly causes an upset stomach and other digestive trouble. If you regularly drink, limit your consumption to an average of 1-2 drinks per day to avoid problems.[16]
- Avoid binge drinking as well. Even if you don't drink regularly, overdoing it one night will probably upset your stomach for a while.
- Some people are more sensitive to alcohol than others. If you regularly get heartburn while drinking, then it's best to cut alcohol out altogether.
[Edit]Adding Supplements - Use fiber supplements if you aren't getting enough from your diet. If you have problems with constipation and aren't getting enough fiber from your regular diet, then a daily fiber supplement can help. These usually come in powder form. Mix the powder into a glass of water and drink the whole thing once per day.[17]
- Confirm the dosing instructions on the supplement that you use, since different brands might have different directions.
- Starting on fiber supplements usually causes excess gas for a few days, so start small at first. Take half the recommended dosage until you get used to it.
- Doctors usually recommend that you get as much fiber as possible from your diet before starting on supplements. Try to make dietary changes first and see if that helps.
- Take probiotics to increase your good gut bacteria. If you aren't getting enough probiotics from your regular diet, then you can boost the good bacteria in your gut with probiotic supplements in pill form. Get a product with at least 1 billion live cultures and take it as often as the package directs you to.[18]
- Probiotics are usually safe, but check with your doctor before taking any supplements.
- Some gas and bloating are common when you start taking probiotics. This should clear up in a few days when your body gets used to the supplements.
- There are many probiotic brands available. It's best to search online and see which specific brands have been studied in clinical trials to confirm which ones are effective.
- Try supporting your gut bacteria with prebiotic supplements. These supplements provide food for the good bacteria in your GI tract. There are many brands available, so, just like with probiotics, check which types have been studied. When you pick a brand, take it exactly as directed.[19]
- It's also common to experience some gas and bloating when you start taking prebiotics. Wait a few days to see if this passes.
- If you've improved your diet and lifestyle but still experience digestive issues, then see your doctor to rule out any underlying issues.
- Regular exercise is also important for your digestive health. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
[Edit]Warnings - If you experience severe abdominal pain or swelling, bloody stool, or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, contact your doctor right away. These are potentially serious problems that you should try to treat at home.[20]
- Always check with your doctor before taking any supplements to make sure they're right for you.
- Smoking tobacco can harm the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about the best way to quit. Quitting will help restore that balance and improve your overall health.[21]
- Never take antibiotics without a prescription from your doctor, since using antibiotics inappropriately can harm the beneficial bacteria in your gut.[22] Eventually, this can damage the lining of your intestine, which can cause a "leaky gut."
[Edit]References |
| How to Tie Two Scarves Together Posted: 22 Aug 2020 01:00 AM PDT No matter your end goal, tying two scarves together is fairly simple once you decide which scarves you want to pair! You can create an extra-long scarf that's fun to twist and tie into a variety of styles; or, you could fold two scarves around each other so you have different styles and patterns laying side by side for a fun visual effect. When people ask where you got your scarf from, you can enjoy telling them that you created the combination yourself. - Choose two scarves with complementary colors or patterns. Part of the fun of combining two scarves is getting to create a new look with familiar pieces. Take into consideration what the rest of your outfit will look like, and try to choose scarves that share similar colors or hues. You could add in fun, eye-catching detail by choosing one scarf that has a different texture, like sequins, metallic pieces, or unique fabric.[1]
- For example, a mustard yellow scarf paired with a black, glittery scarf would look nice with a grey top and jeans or leggings.
- Consider pairing a striped scarf with a solid one to add some variety to your outfit.
- If you're not sure of how two scarves will look together, lay them out on your bed side-by-side. You could even put the top you want to wear underneath of them to see how everything comes together.
- Tie the ends of two flat-edged scarves together to create one long scarf. Hold one end of each scarf in one hand each. Cross the ends over each other to form an "X," then wrap the end of one of the scarves under and around the other. Hold the two ends so they're facing up, cross them to form another "X," and pass one end underneath and through the opening to create a knot. Tug the ends to tighten the knot so it doesn't come undone easily. Leave the opposite ends undone.[2]
- This works best with thinner scarves, like ones made of silk or satin, but you can do it with thicker ones, too.
- Don't worry about the knot being visible. You can cover it up by layering the scarf around your neck or hiding the knot under your hair. You could also simply let it show—it looks a little like a bow and won't detract from your outfit.
- Connect two tassel-edged scarves by knotting the tassels together. Lay your scarves out on a flat surface and line up the edges so the tassels are facing each other. Tie the tassels together in bows by crossing them to make an "X" and bringing one tassel down and around the other. Make a circle with one of the tassels, holding it in place between your thumb and forefinger. Wrap the second tassel around the circle and your thumb to create a loop, then pull that tassel through the loop you just made to create a bow.[3]
- Tying the tassels in bows will make them much easier to undo. To release the knot, all you have to do it tug on one end of the tassel.
- Tie all of the tassels for a super-secure connection, or just tie some on the ends and in the middle to make it faster to undo later on.
- Turn two scarves into an infinity scarf by tying all four ends together. Take an end from each scarf in your hands and cross them to make an "X." Loop one end down around the other, and then bring both ends up and cross them into a second "X." Bring one end through the hole you created to form a knot. Repeat this with the remaining two ends to create an infinity scarf.[4]
- Loop an infinity scarf around your neck once and let it hang down low for a more bohemian look.
- Loop the scarf around your neck two or three times to let the different patterns and colors play off each other side-by-side.
[Edit]Showcasing Two Scarves Side-by-Side - Pick two long scarves with colors or patterns that look nice together. While the scarves don't have to match or even be the same color, they do need to accentuate each other. Try laying two scarves side-by-side on the bed to see how they look; you could also put out the rest of your outfit to see if the entire outfit will look cohesive.[5]
- For example, a forest green scarf paired with a tan scarf would look nice with a dark brown dress and boots.
- Or, try pairing a bright red scarf with a pink and white striped scarf for a brighter, yet complementary, addition to your outfit.
- This style won't work with infinity scarves.
- Fold both scarves in half so they're half the length they normally are. Place one scarf in each hand and let them drape down toward the ground; adjust them so that their ends are even. Or, you could lay them out on the bed and fold them in half.[6]
- The most important thing is to make sure the ends are even so that one side isn't longer than the other.
- For this particular look, it'll help if the scarves are relatively the same length. Otherwise, the connected scarf might look lopsided once you're wearing it.
- Place one scarf overtop of the other so that they form an "X." Hold one scarf in each hand. Layer one scarf on top of the other so that you see the letter "X" when you look down at them. You could also lay them on the bed and create a big "X" if that's easier.[7]
- Remember to try and keep the ends of the scarves even as you layer them.
- Drop the top scarf so it folds around the bottom one. Grab both the ends of one scarf in one hand and both ends of the other scarf in your opposite hand. This essentially folds the scarves around each other so that one scarf will hang down on your left side and the other will hang down on the right.[8]
- The great thing about connecting the scarves this way is that you don't have to knot the fabric. It works well with scarves made of thicker material or with fabrics that you don't want to wrinkle.
- Style the scarf by wrapping it around your neck or looping it another way. You could simply let the scarf hang around your neck for an easy addition to your outfit, or loop it around your neck once or twice to let the colors and patterns play off each other more closely. You could also tie the scarves in a bow, do a figure-8 knot, or braid the ends together.[9]
- At the end of the day, all you have to do to put your scarves away is pull them apart from each other.
- Tying scarves together is a really easy and fun way to change up your accessories!
- Try different color and pattern combinations to update the look of your regular outfits.
[Edit]References |
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