| How to Make Chocolate Bowls Posted: 18 Sep 2020 05:00 PM PDT If you'd like to serve dessert in its own edible bowl, try making chocolate bowls. Melt delicious milk, white, or bittersweet chocolate and blow up a few balloons. Dip the balloons halfway into the chocolate and set them aside so the chocolate hardens. Then pop and remove the balloons to reveal beautiful chocolate bowls. For another simple way to make the bowls, spread melted chocolate into a flexible silicone mold and leave them to harden. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Using a Balloon - 2 1/2 cups (437 g) of chopped chocolate, such as milk, bittersweet, or white
Makes about 4 bowls [Edit]Using Silicone Molds - 2 cups (350 g) of chocolate, such as milk, bittersweet, or white, chopped
Makes 6 small bowls [Edit]Using a Balloon - Clean 4 balloons with a damp paper towel. Run a little water onto a paper towel and squeeze it tightly so the excess water drips out. Then wipe the damp paper towel over 4 balloons. This will remove any dust from the package so it doesn't get onto your chocolate.[1]
- If you'd like to clean the balloons more, wash them in a bowl of cold water. Then dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Blow up the balloons as large as you'd like. If you're planning on making small chocolate bowls, blow up the balloons just a little, so they're very small. To make large chocolate bowls, blow them up until they're about halfway inflated.[2]
- Although you can use water balloons, these will be harder to pop, which will make it hard to pull away from the chocolate.
- Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. To set up the double boiler, put a small pot on the stove and pour in enough water to come up the side. Heat the water over low heat until it simmers. Then place a heat-proof bowl on the pot and put 2 1/2 cups (437 g) of chopped chocolate into it. Stir the chocolate until it's melted and smooth. This should take about 10 minutes.[3]
- The bowl with the chocolate shouldn't be touching the water in the pot below it.
- Spread small spoonfuls of melted chocolate on a baking sheet. To make it easier to remove the chocolate bowls, lay a piece of parchment paper on the baking sheet. Then take of melted chocolate and spread it into a circle about in diameter. Make 1 circle for each chocolate bowl and leave about of space between the circles.[4]
- The circles will create a little base for the bowls so the balloons don't tip over or harden unevenly.
- Dip a balloon halfway with the chocolate and set it onto a circle. Take 1 of your inflated balloons and lower the completely round end into the melted chocolate. Keep lowering until the chocolate comes halfway up the sides of the balloon. Then place the chocolate balloon directly onto a circle on your baking sheet. Repeat this for each bowl you plan to make.[5]
- If you'd like the bowls to have peaks and valleys, lower the balloon into the chocolate at an angle. Then turn the balloon and lower it again.
- Refrigerate the chocolate balloons for 20 to 60 minutes. Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and leave the chocolate balloons to chill until the chocolate hardens.
- If you'd like to make these in advance, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 day, but the chocolate may begin to bloom or develop cloudy streaks.
- Pop each balloon and peel it away from the chocolate bowl. Once the chocolate has hardened, remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator. Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to pop each balloon and gently pull the deflated balloon away from the chocolate.[6]
- Take care when you touch the chocolate bowls. You'll probably leave fingerprints on them.
- Fill the chocolate bowls and serve them. Set each chocolate bowl on a serving plate and fill the bowls with your favorite items. For example, fill them with sliced fresh fruit, such as berries, apricots, mangoes, or bananas. You can also fill the bowls with ice cream, whipped cream, or mousse.[7]
- While you can refrigerate the leftover chocolate bowls, they may become cloudy or grainy the longer they're stored. Try to use the bowls within 1 day.
[Edit]Using Silicone Molds - Heat the chocolate over low heat until it melts. Make a double boiler by setting a pot on the stove and pouring in about of water. Turn the burner to low, so the water begins to simmer. Then put 2 cups (350 g) of chopped chocolate into a heat-proof bowl and set the bowl into the pot. Keep stirring the chocolate for about 10 minutes, so it melts.[8]
- Ensure that the bowl doesn't touch the simmering water in the pot underneath it.
- If you don't want to heat the chocolate on the stove, put it in the microwave and heat it in 15-second increments until it's smooth. Stir the chocolate after each 15-second increment.
- Spoon of chocolate into each cavity of a mold. Get out a silicone mold that has 6 semi-sphere cavities. Pour a spoonful of the melted chocolate into each cavity.[9]
- There's no need to line or spray the silicone mold since the chocolate won't stick to it.
- Spread the chocolate along the sides of each cavity. Use the back of a spoon or a silicone brush to spread the melted chocolate across the sides of the cavities. Each cavity should be coated with the melted chocolate.[10]
- Refrigerate the silicone mold for 8 to 15 minutes. Carefully place the chocolate-coated silicone mold in the refrigerator. Leave it in until the chocolate hardens completely in the mold.[11]
- Keep in mind that if you use a chocolate candy coating that has stabilizers, you may need to freeze it before the coating will harden.
- Turn the mold over and peel it away from the chocolate bowls. Once the chocolate is hard, take the mold out of the refrigerator and turn it upside-down on a clean work surface. Place your palm over the center of the mold and use your other hand to slowly peel away the corner of the mold that's farthest from you.[12]
- The chocolate bowls will separate from the mold.
- Fill the chocolate bowls with fruit or dessert. Set a chocolate bowl on each serving plate and fill it with your choice of ripe fruit, such as banana slices, berries, or apricots. You could also fill the bowls with ice cream, mousse, or whipped cream.[13]
- If you'd like to make the chocolate bowls in advance, wait to fill them until just before serving. Refrigerate the empty molds in an airtight container and use them within 1 day.
- Although you may have seen methods for making chocolate bowls using ice, these usually don't work because the chocolate will seize and become grainy. It's also difficult to get the melted chocolate to stick to the ice long enough to harden.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Using a Balloon - 4 balloons
- Paper towels
- Double boiler
- Spoon
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Toothpicks or a wooden skewer
[Edit]Using Silicone Molds - Double boiler
- Spoon
- Silicone semi-sphere molds
- Silicone brush
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Plan a Move Posted: 18 Sep 2020 09:00 AM PDT No matter how you slice it, moving is a big deal. It involves lots of work and, quite frankly, it can be a real pain. But, there are strategies you can use to take the hassle out of moving and make it as smooth as possible. Don't wait until the last minute and start planning your move in advance by gathering supplies, keeping yourself organized, and using smart packing strategies. [Edit]Organizing the Move - Mark an official moving date on your calendar. Set yourself a final moving date for when you need to load up the moving truck and make the trip to your new home. Use the official moving date to plan and organize your packing and supply gathering. Write the date in bold on a wall calendar or add it to your calendar app on your phone or email.[1]
- Avoid waiting until the last minute to start organizing your move. You can save yourself a lot of trouble and headaches by planning ahead!
- Call your utility companies and organize a service switch. Once you've got a moving date set, contact all of your utility companies including electricity, water, and internet. Let them know that you're moving and schedule a service switch on your moving date. That way, everything will be up and running in your new home.[2]
- Make sure they'll cut off service to your old home so you don't keep paying for it.
- Many utility companies will allow you to switch over easily without any interruption in service.
- If you're moving to an area with a different utility provider, research and choose a company, then contact them, and schedule to have your utilities set up.
- Make a list of the items you need to move from your home. Take an inventory by walking through each room in your home and make a list of everything in it. Write down specific items such as furniture and decor, and lump general items together such as clothes and dishes.[3]
- You can also generalize items to make it easier to take an inventory. For instance, you could write "books" or "kid toys."
- You may be surprised about how many things you have to move as well as how many items you don't really need or use anymore.
- Use your list to get rid of unwanted or unnecessary items. Go through your inventory list and mark off items you want to give away, donate, or get rid of. Then, go through your home and declutter as many things as you can to help make your move easier.[4]
- If there's an item you have fond memories of but you're not sure if you want to get rid of it, take a picture of it so you can remember it and pass it on to someone who can use it.
- The more items you can get rid of, the less you have to move!
- Hire a professional moving company for moving day if you can afford it. The easiest way to load up and move all of your items is to hire a moving company to do it. If you have the ability to hire a professional company, search online for one near you and contact them and schedule for them to assist you on your moving date.[5]
- Depending on how far you have to move, a professional company can cost between $400-$1,210 to hire.
- Many moving companies also provide their own trucks and will unload your items at your new home.
- Rent a vehicle and ask for help on moving day if you plan to move by yourself. If you're moving on your own, look up a moving truck rental company in your area and schedule a pickup for your moving date. Reach out to friends and family members and ask them if they can help you on the day of the move so they can plan on it.[6]
- Moving is a lot of work and a big favor to ask, so you may want to get something like pizza and drinks for your moving buddies as a thank you.
- Try to start packing 2-3 weeks before moving day. You likely have more items to pack up then you realize, so avoid waiting until the last minute to start packing. A few weeks before your move, start the process of gathering and packing your belongings.[7]
- Set aside a few hours on the weekends or in the evenings to pack up some of your belongings.
- Get moving boxes, large trash bags, and bubble wrap. If you want new moving boxes, purchase them from a local box supply store. If you want to save on boxes, reach out to local grocery stores and moving companies, and ask if they have any you can take. Pick up some large trash bags for items like clothing and blankets. Get a roll bubble wrap to protect fragile items.[8]
- You can find bubble wrap at craft supply stores and packaging stores.
- You could also make a post on social media asking friends if they have any old moving boxes they don't need.
- Set up a packing station to pack more efficiently. Gather your boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and trash bags and put them in a room or corner you don't use as often in your home. Keep your packing materials and contained to 1 area so you're able to pack up each room in your home more efficiently.[9]
- Keeping everything contained reduces the mess and clutter while you pack.
- Schedule a mail pickup to ship your books. If you have a lot of books, can be heavy to pack up and take up space. Plus, if you use a moving company, they often charge by the pound. Visit the post office website to find shipping prices, pay for postage, and schedule a pickup.[10]
- Schedule the books to be delivered on the day you arrive at your new home.
- It's much easier and often much cheaper to pay to have the books shipped by mail than by movers.
[Edit]Packing for the Move - Start by packing items you don't use on a daily basis. Pack up the least used rooms in your home first, such as guest rooms or the garage, so you don't need to pull items out once they're packed. Work your way to more commonly used rooms like your living room and kitchen last.[11]
- You can also pack up items such as art, jewelry, and keepsakes first since you don't use them as often.
- Fill boxes with similarly sized items based on where they belong. Go through a room and organize similarly sized items. Place them into boxes carefully and then seal the boxes shut with tape so when you open them, they'll go to the same areas.[12]
- For example, keep books with books, wires with wires, and other similar items together.
- Avoid putting heavier items on top of lighter items.
- Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap before you pack them. Separate fragile or breakable items away from heavy, bulk items. Use bubble wrap to create a protective layer around the item. Secure the bubble wrap with packing tape so it doesn't come off. Then, pack the item in a box with similarly sized items.[13]
- You can also use towels or clothes to wrap items such as dishes or glassware when you pack them into boxes.
- Place small, loose, or spillable items in plastic bags. Keep small items like wires, screws, and other electronics together by placing them inside of plastic bags so they don't get lost. Pack up your toiletries in plastic bags as well so they're easy to move and you're able to unload them quickly at your new home.[14]
- Pack the bags of wires and electronics in a box with other items from the same room.
- Store your shoes in your suitcases to save on space. Your suitcases can serve as moving boxes since you have to bring them with you anyway! Fill them up with your shoes and other non-breakable items and close them up so you can load them on the truck.[15]
- Use trash bags for soft, non-breakable items. Fill the large trash bags with items such as clothes, towels, linens, and other soft items that can't break or be damaged. Seal the bags shut by tying a knot when they're full.[16]
- Trash bags are useful for soft items because they can squeeze into awkward spaces when you pack them into the moving truck.
- You can also put items like children's toys or other sturdy, lightweight items in trash bags.
- Leave items in drawers to make them easier to move. Leave clothes in dressers so you can just load them up in the moving truck and unload them in your new home and they'll be all set up. If you have desks with items in the drawers, leave them where they are so you don't have to worry about packing them up.[17]
- If the drawers slide open easily wrap the outside of the desk or dresser in plastic wrap to keep them from opening.
- Finish packing 1 room completely before you move on to another. Focus on 1 room at a time and pack up all of the items. Leave the boxes in the room and move on to another. Work through the rooms in your home until everything is packed up and ready to go.[18]
- Label the boxes and seal them shut with packing tape. Use a marker to write what's inside of a box once you finish packing it. Use brown packing tape to seal the box shut so it won't open when you drive to your new home.[19]
- Write which room the box is for as well to make unloading easier.
- Labelling makes it much easier for you to move the boxes to the right rooms when you unload.
- Mark boxes with essential items that you'll need to open first. Pack a box with items that you know you'll need as soon as you get to your new home like toothbrushes, a change of clothes, or a phone charger. Make a special marking on it so you know to unload it first so you have everything you need.[20]
- It can take a few days to unpack all of your belongings at your new home, but it's helpful to have your essential items when you arrive.
- Put a star or a special marking on the box so you can easily identify it.
[Edit]Making the Move - Disassemble your furniture before you load it into the moving truck. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to take apart furniture like beds and tables so they're easier to load and take up less space in the truck. Start taking apart the items before you have the moving truck so they're ready to be loaded when you have it.[21]
- Place the screws and pieces from the furniture in a plastic bag so you don't lose them.
- Load the heaviest items into the moving truck first. Place the heaviest boxes and pieces of furniture first so the truck is balanced. Push them against the back wall without any space between them so they take up less room.[22]
- If you're loading the truck yourself, have a friend help you lift heavier boxes and items.
- Wrap blankets and towels around the furniture to protect them. Use blankets and towels as padding between boxes and around furniture, lamps, and artwork so they're protected. Tape the blankets and towels around the items so they don't fall off in transit.[23]
- The layer of padding will help prevent scuffs and scrapes.
- Place longer items against the sides of the moving truck. Keep longer items such as mattresses, bed frames, and sofas against the sides of the wall of the truck so they're out of the way and take up less space. Put them in the truck upright and lean them against the walls so they won't fall over.[24]
- Try to keep a lane in the center of the truck open so you're able to move more items toward the back.
- Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier ones in the truck. Balance the boxes by placing heavier ones on the bottom to create a strong base that will reduce movement while you're driving. Then, stack lighter boxes on top so they aren't crushed by heavier ones. Add all of the boxes into the truck.[25]
- Make sure the stacks are stable and won't fall over while you're driving.
- Add any remaining items into the truck after the boxes. Once everything is loaded up, you may be left with a few odd or lightweight items that you couldn't back into boxes or are too fragile for boxes. Add them to the truck so they won't be squished and you'll be able to unload them easily.[26]
- You may want to place boxes with essential items toward the front as well so you can access them.
- If the items are fragile, make sure they're wrapped well in bubble wrap.
- Tie ropes and straps to the side rails to secure the items. Once you're all loaded up, connect string, rope, or straps to the side rails on the inside of the moving truck. Tighten them over the boxes and items and connect them to the rail on the opposite side of the truck to keep the items from shifting or falling over.[27]
- Tying down the boxes will help prevent them from falling over.
- Drive carefully to the destination. Brake sooner than you normally would when you're driving your car to allow the truck to slow down more gently and prevent the items from shifting. Use your turn signals early and turn wider and more carefully to avoid accidents.[28]
- Follow the speed limit and look out for areas with lower speed limits for trucks as well.
- If you're using a moving company, follow the moving truck on the way to your new home.
- Unload the boxes and items into their designated rooms. When you arrive at your new home, start unloading the truck but don't worry about unpacking the boxes until everything is unloaded. Check the labels on the box and place them into the rooms they belong so you'll be able to unpack them more easily.[29]
- For example, put the boxes with dishes in the kitchen and the ones with movies in the living room.
- Supervise the movers if you're using a moving company so you can answer any questions they have while they're unloading the truck.
- Compare the rates of a few moving companies if you plan to hire one to find the best price.
- Focus on getting everything into your new home. You have plenty of time to unpack and set up!
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Cut Medium Length Men's Hair Posted: 18 Sep 2020 01:00 AM PDT A medium-length men's hairstyle, which is usually long, can be more challenging to maintain than short hair since it's difficult to make it look uniform. If you cut hair so it's all the same length, it won't have a lot of definition and it may look flat. By adding layers to medium-length hair, you can make the style stand out even more. While every head of hair is different and people will want varying styles, you can easily trim their hair as long as you have a bit of patience and the proper tools. [Edit]Sectioning the Hair - Wet the hair with a spray bottle until it's damp so it's easier to work with. Fill a spray bottle with water from a sink and mist the person's hair. Work through the hair with a comb as you mist it to help dampen the hair underneath and remove any snags or tangles. Only apply enough water so the hair is damp to the touch but not soaking wet.[1]
- If the person has greasy or dirty hair, wash the person's hair with shampoo first before patting it with a towel until it's damp.
- Gather the hair on the top of the head toward the person's face. Use a barber comb that has fine and wide teeth so it's easier to work through the person's hair. Take all of the hair from the crown of the head and comb it toward the person's face. Follow the natural part around the person's head, which will look like a horseshoe shape, to keep the top separate from the back and sides of the head.[2]
- Separating the hair into sections allows you to work more efficiently and easily see the areas that you've already cut.
- Be careful not to pull too hard while combing through the person's hair just in case there are still snags. Gently work through them with your comb until the strands separate.
- Secure the hair on top with a hair tie or clip. Gather as much of the hair on top of the person's head by hand and hold it above their scalp. If you're using a hair tie, slide one off of your wrist and wrap it around the gathered hair 1–2 times so it stays in place. Otherwise, secure a clip to the hair so it doesn't fall down on the sides while you're working.[3]
- You don't need to use a hair tie or clip if you don't want to, but you may lose the visible part while you're working if the person moves their head.
- Comb the hair on the sides and back of the head straight down. Start from the top where you parted the hair and bring the person's hair straight down with your comb. Work completely around the person's head to straighten their hair around the back and sides. Be careful not to pull any of the hair from the top of the person's head down, or else you may need to start over.[4]
[Edit]Trimming the Back and Sides - Comb out a vertical section of hair on the side of the person's head. Start on one side of the person's face just in front of their ear. Comb a section that's about wide forward so it's separate from the rest of the person's hair. Place the comb along the roots and pull it straight out towards the ends of the strands so they form a 90-degree angle to the person's head.[5]
- Avoid working with larger sections of hair since you won't be able to cut them as easily.
- Pinch the hair between your index and middle fingers at the desired length. Use your nondominant hand to grip the section of hair as close to the roots as you can. Keep the back of your hand closest to the person's head and your palm facing you. Slide your fingers along the strands behind your comb, making sure the hair stays straight perpendicular to their head. When your palm reaches the length you want to cut the hair to, stop moving your fingers and squeeze them together tightly.[6]
- Typically, medium-length men's hairstyles are around long, but the person may want something different for their hair.
- Cut the hair vertically with hair-cutting shears so the ends are square. Hold your shears so the blades point face down so they're easier to work with. Snip the hair from the palm side of your hand using short downward strokes so the ends of the hairs are even and line up with one another. After you make your cut, let go of the section so it falls back toward the person's head.[7]
- You can buy shears made for cutting hair online or from beauty supply stores.
- Trimming the ends of the person's hair so they're square creates a tapered, layered look that's lighter and easier to work with. It will also make the hair blend together more easily.
- Work around the back of the head in sections until you reach the other side. Comb the next section of hair away from the person's head and grip it with your fingers at the same length as the first one. Use your shears to square off the ends of the hair before moving on. Go completely around the back of the person's head so you end in front of their other ear.[8]
- If you aren't able to grab all of the hair in the vertical section, work from the top to the bottom. As you adjust your grip, hold some of the hair you already cut from that section to use as a guide so you know how long to cut the lower strands.
- If you'd rather have a uniform length for the hair on the sides and back of your head, you can also use clippers with a guard. Work from the bottom towards the part in straight strokes, lifting the clippers away as you finish each cut. This works well if you're giving the person a fade or undercut.
- Check horizontal sections of hair and trim strands that are too long. Start on either side of the person's head at the part in their hair. Drag your comb through a horizontal section that's wide and grip the strands between your fingers. If you notice any hairs that are longer than the others, use your shears to trim them straight horizontally. Work your way down and around the person's head to ensure the ends are uniform.[9]
- Be careful not to cut the hair too short in sections closer to the top of the person's head since it could make it look like they have a bald spot.
- Trim around the ears and neckline with clippers to make a clean edge. Use clippers without a guard so you can cut as close to the skin as possible. Comb the hair on the sides of the person's head back so it goes over their ears. Carefully guide the clippers around the person's ear to create a clean line. Bend the person's ear forward to trim the hair behind it. Repeat the process on the person's other ear. Then, straighten out their neckline to get rid of any stray hairs.[10]
- Be careful not to hit the person's ears with the clippers since it could be painful for them.
- You can also use your shears if you don't have any clippers. Only work with the tips of the blades so you're less likely to cut the person.
[Edit]Layering the Top - Split the hair into a middle part so you can work in sections. Undo the hair tie or clip holding the person's hair up and straighten it out toward the person's face again. Find the middle of the person's head and separate their hair to make a part running down the center. Follow which direction the hair naturally falls on their head so you can make more accurate cuts.[11]
- It's okay for the hair from the top of the person's head to overlap the hair on the sides or back.
- Comb out a vertical section that has hair from the top and side of the head. Start near the person's face and hold your comb vertically. Separate a vertical section that's wide toward the person's face so it contains some of the hair you cut from the sides. Pull the hair straight out away from the person's head so you can easily see the length.[12]
- The hair you already cut on the sides will act as a guide so you know how long to cut the ends on top to create a layered and tapered look.
- Pinch the section between your fingers at the shortest hair's length. Keep your palm facing you and grip the section of hair tightly between the index and middle finger on your nondominant hand. Make sure you can see the ends of the shortest hairs so you're able to use them as reference for how long to cut the rest. Keep the hair pulled tight, or else you may not cut them correctly.[13]
- Use your shears to cut the ends square with the shortest strands. Keep the blades of your shears vertical and cut using your dominant hand. Start at the bottom of the section so the blades are perpendicular to the shortest strands of hair. Make small cuts going straight up, using the tips of your shears so you have the most control.[14]
- If you want to leave the hair on top longer than the sides, you can the ends to any length. Just make sure the ends of the hair on top are square with one another instead of squaring them up to the sides.
- If you weren't able to cut all of the hair in the vertical section, adjust your grip toward the top of the person's head so you're still holding some of the hair you just trimmed. Be sure to keep the ends of the hair square as you work.
- Cutting the hair from the top of the person's head so it's square with the sides doesn't mean it will be the same length. Since the roots from the hair on top are higher up on the person's head, you won't have to trim as much off the ends, which leaves the top longer and helps it blend into the sides.
- Work your way around the head in sections until you reach the other side. Take the section of hair that's right next to the one you just cut and pull it straight away from the person's head. Grip the hair tightly between your fingers and continue cutting the ends so they're square with the sides. Completely finish one side of the top part before starting the other.[15]
- Check the person's hair from a few steps away to make sure you cut it evenly. Comb the person's hair toward their face before taking 2–3 steps away from them. Check the hair on top looks symmetrical on each side to ensure that you didn't leave any long strands. If you did, comb through their hair again and trim the pieces that are still too long.[16]
- Give the person a mirror and ask them if they're happy with the haircut. If they have any concerns or want something different, continue working until they like it.
- Every person has different hair and preferences for how they want it cut. Always ask the person what they want done with their hair before trimming anything.
[Edit]Warnings - Be cautious while working with shears so you don't cut yourself or the person whose hair you're cutting.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Spray bottle
- Barber comb
- Hair-cutting shears
- Clippers
[Edit]References |
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