| How to Grow Vegetables Vertically Posted: 29 Mar 2022 09:00 AM PDT Vertical gardening is an approach used to grow vegetables up and down, rather than side to side like in a traditional horizontal garden. In a vertical garden, vegetables grow up tall structures instead of across the ground. Vertical gardening is an alternative for gardeners with limited space. Through vertical gardening, you also can obstruct undesirable views or create an area of architectural interest. Use these tips to grow vegetables vertically. [Edit]Preparing a Vertical Garden - Determine where to situate the vertical garden. Most vegetables require at least 6 hours of sun, so choose a sunny location for the vertical garden. If you live in an apartment building, a sunny balcony may be an option. If you have a yard, consider a sunny location against a south-facing wall of your house.[1]
- Select vertical structures. In order for plants to grow vertically, they need a vertical support system. Common support structures include trellises, tripods, pyramids, walls, fences, wire cages and walls. Arches or arbors can serve as focal areas while also supporting vegetables. Almost any structure that points toward the sky can be used for vertical gardening. Consider creative options like bamboo poles, tree branches, ladders, sunflowers or corn stalks.[2]
- Choose a support structure strong enough for the vegetables you want to grow. Mature plants loaded down with vegetables can be heavy. For example, tomato plants require very sturdy vertical structures, while peas may climb almost any structure without bearing much weight on it.
- Place the support system in your garden or on your patio before planting vegetables. This prevents you from damaging plants.
- Locate vertical supports on the north or east side of the garden where they won't block the sun from the growing vegetables.
- Anchor the support system securely. Vertical supports like trellises or wire cages can be staked directly in the ground. Trellises and other flat vertical supports also can be attached to the exterior wall of a home. If you attach a vertical support to a wall, leave space between the wall and the trellis for air circulation as the plant climbs.
- Prepare the soil. Whether you plant vegetables in the ground or in containers, soil quality is important for your vertical garden. Use weed-free, compost-rich soil. To encourage proper drainage in containers, mix the soil with peat moss or perlite.[3]
- Choose containers as applicable. If you are growing vegetables in containers, you can use almost any type of container. Make sure that the container is deep enough to accommodate the type of vegetable you are growing. Larger and heavier vegetables will require larger and sturdier containers. Consider hanging baskets, urns, window boxes, washtubs, coffee cans, clay pots or wooden crates. If the container does not have drainage holes, drill small holes on the bottom of the container before filling it with soil.
[Edit]Growing Vegetables Vertically - Understand the basics of growing vegetables vertically. Almost any type of vegetable can be grown vertically as long as the container is deep enough to accommodate the plant and the vertical staking is strong enough to hold the plant.[4]
- Evaluate your garden conditions. Choose vegetables that will thrive in your garden based on its lights, wind, heat and moisture. If you are growing vertical vegetables in containers, be prepared to water the containers daily.
- Plant the "vine" varieties of plants when applicable. If you are growing beans, cucumbers, squash or beans, be sure to plant the vine variety, which will climb vertically, instead of the bush variety.
- Select vegetables to grow. While most vegetables can be grown vertically, several types of vegetables are known for their success in vertical gardens. If you are just starting out in vertically gardening, consider these vegetables.[5]
 - Grow pole beans vertically. Pole beans will climb almost any structure, including other plants. The Native Americans often planted beans and corn together because the corn would provide a vertical support for the beans.
- Grow peas in a vertical garden. Like pole beans, peas will climb almost any structure and need little encouragement to twine around vertical supports. Consider growing peas on trellises, bamboo sticks or even over an arbor.
- Grow winter squash and gourds vertically. Winter squash and gourds have long vines that can extend up to for the squash and for the gourds. Because the vines grow so long and become heavy, you must provide a sturdy, secure vertical support. To provide extra support to heavy winter squash, such as butternut, wrap cloth twine or strips of pantyhose around each fruit and tie to the vertical supporting structure. Do not use string to support the squash because it may cut into the stems. Some garden centers sell materials made specifically for supporting large vegetables, like winter squash and gourds.
- Grow melons and pumpkins in a vertical garden. Like winter squash, melons and pumpkins have long vines and the fruit needs additional support when growing vertically. Grow melons and pumpkins up strong, secure vertical structures. Wrap slings made of old sheets, rags, towels or fabric scraps around the melons and pumpkins and secure them to the fence or trellis to provide needed support.
- Grow cucumbers vertically. Cucumbers (the vine variety, not the bush variety) are ideal for a vertical garden because they naturally climb. They can be grown up almost any structure, such as an A-frame, cage or trellis, but it must be strong enough to support the weight of the vines. Initially, cucumbers may need a little encouragement to attach themselves to the vertical structure, but as soon as the tendrils wind around the support, they will climb vertically without assistance. The cucumbers will hang vertically from the plant, making them easy to harvest.
- Grow tomatoes in a vertical garden. Because tomatoes are heavy plants, they require a sturdy vertical structure. As the tomato plants grow, tie the branches to the structure with a soft twine or cotton cloth at regular intervals.
- If you use bamboo stakes or iron rods as vertical structures, buy "cane toppers" for the ends. These toppers, which can be a plastic ball or a ceramic decorative structure, keep the stakes or rods from poking you in the eyes while working around them.
- Another option is to create a tower garden using a large container and wire mesh.
[Edit]Warnings - Do not pull fruits or vegetables like cucumbers, melons or squash off of the vertically growing vines. Pulling the fruits or vegetables too hard may separate the vine from its vertical structure or uproot it. Rather, use a small knife or pruning shears to remove fruits and vegetables from the vine.
- The climbing vines of many vegetables can have sharp, prickly edges. To protect your hands, wear garden gloves when harvesting vegetables.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Vertical support structures
- Vegetable seeds or seedlings
- Compost-rich soil
- Peat moss or perlite
- Containers
- Water
- Cloth twine or strips of fabric
- Old sheets, rags, towels or fabric
- Garden gloves
- Small knife or pruning shears
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make Low Acid Coffee Posted: 29 Mar 2022 01:00 AM PDT While coffee is a favorite daily habit for many people, it has its drawbacks. Coffee can stain your teeth, make you jittery and unfocused, and coffee's high acidity can irritate sensitive stomachs. Fortunately, there are ways to prepare coffee that remove much of its acidity. You can start by choosing a type of coffee that's lower in acidity and then adjust the method you use to brew it. Cold brewing is one of the most popular ways to lower acidity in coffee, but you can also boil coffee with crushed eggshells to help remove some of the acidity. You may want to try both methods to see which one agrees most with your stomach. [Edit]Choosing the Right Coffee - Select coffee that's advertised as low-acid. Some coffee beans undergo processing with steam or solvents to remove some of their acidity. Other coffee beans are naturally low in acid because of the area of the world that they grow in. Start with a coffee that's designed to be low-acid if you're concerned about acidity.
- Coffees that are processed to remove the acidity are often marketed as "mild" or "stomach-friendly."
- Many coffees grown in Hawaii, Sumatra, Brazil, India, and the Caribbean are naturally lower in acid.
- Opt for a dark roast coffee. Dark roast coffees, such as Italian and French roast, are usually lower in acid than light or medium roast varieties. That's because coffee undergoes chemical changes as it roasts, so the longer that it does, the more acid that is removed. Choose a dark roast coffee and make it using any method that you prefer.
- Dark roast coffee also causes less acid to be secreted by the stomach than light or medium roasts.
- If you're not used to drinking dark roast, use a smaller amount than you would of your usual light or medium roast until you're accustomed to the taste.
- Use coarsely ground coffee. If coffee beans are ground too finely, too much of the acid may be extracted during the brewing process. To reduce the acid in your coffee, opt for a coarser grind, which isn't likely to be over-extracted when you're brewing your coffee.[1]
- You may want to try a medium ground coffee to see how it affects your stomach. However, avoid fine and extra fine ground coffees.
[Edit]Cold-Brewing Coffee - Fill a fine mesh bag with ground coffee. Take a fine mesh food grade bag, usually used for making nut milk, and place 4 ½ ounces (128 g) of ground coffee in the bag. Cinch or fasten the bag closed so the coffee won't come out.[2]
- These types of mesh bags are reusable, so you'll be able to wash it and use it the next time that you brew coffee.
- If you don't have a mesh bag, you can mix the ground coffee directly into the water in the next step. However, you'll have to strain the coffee concentrate to remove the grounds after you've refrigerated it. Pour it through a fine mesh sieve before mixing the concentrate with water.
- Put the bag in a pitcher and fill it with water. When the coffee is secure in the mesh bag, place it in the bottom of a 2-quart (1.9 l) pitcher. Add enough cold water to the pitcher to fill it to the brim.[3]
- For the best tasting coffee, use filtered water.
- Refrigerate the pitcher overnight. Once the coffee is in the pitcher and it's filled with water, place it in the refrigerator. The coffee will need to brew for at least 12 hours, so it's a good idea to place it in the fridge the night before you plan to drink the coffee.[4]
- You may want to experiment with different brew times to see which results in the best tasting coffee. Start with 12 hours, and play around until you're happy with the flavor.
- Remove the bag from the pitcher. After the coffee has brewed for approximately 12 hours, take the pitcher out of the refrigerator. Pull the mesh bag with the coffee out of the water, and squeeze it over the pitcher to extract all of the coffee flavor before discarding the grounds.[5]
- Make sure to wash the mesh bag thoroughly, so it's ready for the next time you plan to brew coffee.
- Mix the coffee concentrate with hot water. The liquid in the pitcher will be an extremely concentrated form of coffee, so you need to dilute it with water. Mix 1 part of the coffee concentrate with 1 part of hot water for a cup of hot coffee.[6]
- Coffee that is prepared through cold brewing is 67% less acidic than coffee prepared through hot brewing.
- You can also mix the coffee concentrate with cold water and add ice if you prefer iced coffee.
- Keep the leftover concentrate in the refrigerator. If you don't use up all of the coffee concentrate, store it in the fridge. Unlike traditional hot brewed coffee, it won't go stale so it can keep for up to two weeks.[7]
[Edit]Boiling Coffee with Eggshells - Combine the coffee, water, and eggshells in a pan, and bring to a boil. Add 10 tablespoons (54 g) of medium-ground coffee, 10 cups (2.4 l) of cold water, and 5 empty egg shells that have been crushed to a large sauce pan. Turn the burner to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil.[8]
- Make sure to use a nonreactive pan for boiling the coffee.
- The pan should be partially covered while you're waiting for it to come to a boil.
- Simmer the mixture for several minutes. Once the coffee mixture has come to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan completely, and allow it to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.[9]
- If the mixture isn't simmering, you may need to raise the heat to medium.
- Allow the mixture to stand for a couple of minutes. When the coffee mixture has simmered for several minutes, remove the pan from the burner. Let the mixture stand until the coffee grounds settle, which should take approximately 2 minutes.[10]
- Strain the coffee into a pot. After the coffee grounds have settled, use a fine mesh sieve to strain the coffee ground and egg shells from the mixture. Transfer the coffee to a pot, and serve.[11]
- If you find the cold brewing recipe makes a hot cup of coffee that's too weak for your taste, increase the proportion of ground coffee used to prepare the cold brewed concentrate.
[Edit]Warnings - Be aware that cold brewing extracts the coffee's caffeine much more efficiently than hot brewing, with the result that coffee brewed using this method can contain nearly twice as much caffeine as your usual cup. Cutting your coffee grounds with decaf grounds can mitigate this effect.
[Edit]Things You'll Need Cold Brewing Coffee - A fine mesh bag
- 4 ½ ounces (128 g) ground coffee
- Cold water
- Hot water, to mix with the concentrate
Boiling Coffee with Egg Shells - 10 tablespoons (54 g) medium-ground coffee
- 10 cups cold water
- 5 empty egg shells, crushed
- A large sauce pan
- A fine mesh sieve
- A coffee pot
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Fix Brassy Hair Color Posted: 28 Mar 2022 05:00 PM PDT Dyed blonde hair looks great, but it can be a difficult color to maintain. One of the biggest frustrations is brassiness, which tends to set in a few weeks after the initial dye takes place. Brassy tones are typically yellow or copper in appearance, turning cool blonde shades into warmer hues that you never intended to have. Luckily, there is a lot you can do to prevent brassy tones from setting in. With a little maintenance, you can keep your blonde locks looking brass-free. [Edit]Managing Your Color - Determine your brassy tone.[1] When hair color turns brassy, the tones range from yellowish orange to copper. In general, those with darker blonde shades will end up with brassiness that is copper toned, while lighter blonde shades usually lean toward more yellow tones. Once you've figured out which camp you fall into, you can more effectively combat your brassy strands.[2]
- It is possible to have both yellow and copper toned brassiness present in your hair color.
- Use a blue or purple shampoo a few times per week.[3] Violet hued shampoos will neutralize yellow brassiness. Blue (silver) toned shampoos will cancel out copper brassiness.[4] This works because blue and purple are opposite orange and yellow on the color wheel, effectively counteracting the brassy tones. There is a wide variety of options, ranging from affordable drug store versions to pricey salon products.[5]
- If you can't determine your brassy tones, or if they seem to be both yellow and copper, use a shampoo that has both purple and blue tones in it.
- Look for products that claim to be "color correcting" or "tone correcting." You can also ask a clerk at the beauty supply store for recommendations.
- You can find a drug store brand called Shimmer Lights purple shampoo. If you'd prefer a salon brand, two popular options include Joico Color Balance Purple shampoo and Matrix Total Results So Silver shampoo.
- Alternate with shampoos and conditioners made for color-treated hair. You shouldn't use blue/purple shampoos every day – stick to using them only a few times each week. In between blue/purple shampoos, use hair products made specifically for color care. There are shampoos, conditioners, masques and more that will help you preserve your color and fight brassiness without the use of blue/violet pigment.
- If you use purple shampoo every day, your hair will take on a lilac or light blue tint.
- Avoid hair care products that are alcohol-based. These will accelerate color fading and dry out your locks.[6]
- Install a shower head filter.[7] Chlorine and iron deposits in the water supply can cause brassiness and fade your hair color. Investing in a shower head filter might seem a little excessive (they're about $150) but when you consider how much money can go into coloring your hair, it's actually quite an investment.
- Not only is the filtered water a bonus for your hair health, but your skin will love it, too.
[Edit]Applying Semi-Permanent Products - Boost color and minimize brassiness with a foam gloss. These lightweight foams are easy to use and meant to be applied in the shower, immediately after shampooing your hair. The foam boosts color and shine while breaking down brassy tones.[8] The whole process only takes about 5 minutes and it's extremely effective. These products are gentle enough to use as often as you like, although you will probably only need to use them about once per week.[9]
- To use, apply to your hair from roots to tip immediately after shampooing. Rinse the foam out immediately or leave it on for 3 minutes to enhance your color, then rinse. Follow it up with a good conditioner.
- For those with an ash or silver hair tone, you may want to use the mousse every day, post-shampoo.
- Foam glosses are mostly found at beauty supply stores, but there are a few drugstore versions on the market.
- Refresh color and tone down brassiness with a temporary rinse. Temporary rinses are applied after you shampoo and towel dry your hair.[10] Saturate your hair with the product and then run a comb through to ensure even distribution. After 20 minutes, rinse out the product, but don't shampoo your hair. Then blow dry and style your hair as usual.
- It's called a temporary "rinse" because the color boost only lasts until your next shampoo, which rinses the product out of your hair.[11]
- You'll need to wear rubber gloves when applying the product.
- Temporary rinses are usually sold exclusively at beauty supply stores.
- Treat brassiness with a semi-permanent toner.[12] These come in liquid or cream form and the results last about a week (or a few shampoos) before fading.[13] Semi-permanent toners contain no harsh chemicals and therefore they don't damage your hair – a major plus. You can use them weekly and there are reasonably priced drugstore versions that you can try at home.
- Apply the toner to clean, dry hair. Leave it on until you've achieved your desired color. Results should last 3-6 shampoos.
- Avoid shampooing immediately after using a semi-permanent toner. You can condition safely immediately after, however, if you like.
[Edit]Trying Longer Lasting Solutions - Enhance your color with lowlights.[14] Lowlighting means to dye darker streaks into your hair and it can add a lot of dimension to your hair color. Lowlights can also neutralize brassy orange tones by introducing darker blonde shades into the mix, creating an overall cooling effect. It's a procedure best performed by an experienced hair stylist, so lowlighting isn't the cheapest solution.
- However, the results can be very striking and it's certainly something to consider if you've tried a lot of other things with no success.[15]
- As with all "permanent" dyes, lowlights may start to fade after about 6-8 weeks.
- Try a demi-permanent or permanent toner.[16] Both of these solutions provide "long lasting" results, which range from 6-8 weeks. Demi-permanent toners are less damaging to the hair shaft than the permanent variety, with results typically lasting about 6 weeks. Permanent toners will give you about 8 weeks of results. To use, separate your hair into 4 large sections. Work with one section at a time, leaving the other 3 clipped up out of the way.
- Apply the toner in small sections, starting at the top and working your way down to the ends until you have full coverage.
- Keep a close eye on the dye as it develops and rinse thoroughly.
- Minimize fading. Preserving your color can go a long way toward preventing brassiness. Even "permanent" dyes start to fade after about 8 weeks, and frequent dyeing can severely damage you hair. Along with all of the other toning strategies, actively try to prevent your color from fading in the first place. Only wash your hair when it's necessary – try to avoid daily washing. When you do wash it, use blue/purple toning products. Limit your sun exposure and the use of heating tools, like blow dryers and straight irons.[17]
- Smoothing serums and other similar products can help you maintain color by sealing your hair cuticle when you apply them.
- Always condition your hair very well. This also seals the hair cuticle and protects your color.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make Tinted Lip Balm Posted: 28 Mar 2022 09:00 AM PDT This article will teach you how to make tinted lip balm, which not only gives your lips a hint of tint, but smells great and adds moisture to your lips. It's extremely easy and completely free. [Edit]Food coloring tinted lip balm - Take a scoop of petroleum jelly with your spoon and put it in the microwavable bowl.[1]
- If you want to add some SPF in it, put some sun cream in the bowl.
- Put the bowl in the microwave for 1 minute. Keep microwaving the mixture until it turns into a complete liquid.[2]
- Add the food coloring. You are using food coloring because it's safe if ingested. The more coloring you add, the redder the lip balm will be
- You can also put a few drops of yellow food coloring for an orange tinted lip balm, and of course, you can also use any loose eyeshadow and pigments instead or with the food coloring.
- Mix the contents of the bowl well, using a spoon. Stir continuously.
- Keep stirring until the color combines with the petroleum jelly.
- Transfer to the microwave if you want the lip balm to look flat and new.
- Chill it. Put it in the refrigerator to let it cool and harden.
[Edit]Lipstick tinted lip balm - Pour a little water in the clean bowl.
- Put the quantity of the lip balm you want of Vaseline in the bowl. Let the Vaseline soak the water a little.
- Pour a little honey in the bowl. This is added to help make your lips smooth.
- Cut off the tip of the lipstick with the knife. Carefully slide it into the bowl without staining anything around you. Start using the fork and stir it until it is a smooth paste.
- Put a small dollop of water in the bowl. Stir it until it is thick and quite smooth. Put it in the microwave for 30 seconds to 2 minutes and pour it into a little container. Let it set in a fridge for 6 minutes, to let it cool down.
- Get the container out of the fridge. Put a cover on it and make sure it is tight so that nothing can get into your lip balm.
- Done. You can now start using your tinted lip balm!
[Edit]Non-toxic crayon tinted lip balm - Cut the non-toxic crayon into small slices and put it in the bowl.[3]
- Add the needed quantity of Vaseline and honey into the bowl.[4]
- Put the mixture in the microwave and microwave it for about 5 minutes.
- Take the bowl out of the microwave. Then start to stir the mixture with the fork until it is a smooth, thick and evenly tinted mixture.[5]
- Scoop everything out of the bowl. Transfer it to the storage container. Put the container in the fridge for 10 minutes and let it cool down.[6]
- Get a lid and cover the container. Make sure it is covered properly.
- Done. Start using your tinted lip balm!
- Try matching the food flavoring with the color of the lip balm. If your lip balm is bright red, consider using strawberry food coloring. If your lip balm is a very pale color, use peppermint. If it's a golden-orange-bronze color, use vanilla or orange flavor.
- You can also label the lip balm if you want, and give it a name, such as "Super Strawberry" or "Light Lemon" or "Pink Peppermint."
- You can add very fine edible glitter to the lip balm before you put it into the container.
- If you have an old lipstick that you really don't want, consider putting the entire thing in. Your lip balm will have fantastic pigmentation.
- You can put stickers on the lid of the jar if you want, to decorate it.
- For a quick and easy method, use a non-colored ChapStick and lipstick with lip liner. Roll up the chapstick. Use the lipliner/ lipstick and dab it on the top, and corners of the lip balm. You can even cut your lip balm then mush them together, cut a bit of lip liner and there's a tinted lip balm!
- Nontoxic crayons can still be a bit dangerous, just because they say they are nontoxic, you should still not eat them.
- If you don't have a small container or stick, use a normal-sized container and layer it with different colors.
[Edit]Warnings - Don't add eyeshadow or blush for color. Not all mica pigments are lip safe.
- Make sure you do not add anything that you are allergic to or can make your lips chapped or dry.
- Don't use essential oil for flavoring. It is not lip safe.
- Be careful when you take the bowl out of the microwave - it'll be really hot!
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Method 1
- A small jar with a lid to store the finished product
- A bowl
- A spoon
- A microwave
- Petroleum jelly
- Red food flavoring
- If you want your lip balm to have SPF in it, you can also add some of your sun cream in (optional)
- Method 2
- Vaseline
- Honey
- Lipstick (color of choice)
- A knife
- A container
- A microwave
- A bowl
- Water
- Fork
- Method 3
- Non-toxic crayon
- Honey
- Vaseline
- A knife
- Water
- Bowl
- Container
- A microwave
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Increase Mental Stamina Posted: 28 Mar 2022 01:00 AM PDT Though endurance is often associated with athletic activities, mentally-grueling projects also require a lot of mental concentration and stamina. Perseverance is of the utmost importance in solving a complex problem. Here are some additional tips to increase your focus and to get tough things done. [Edit]Improving Your Focus - Prioritize your tasks efficiently. The better you can organize tasks according to some plan or logic, the more you'll be able to focus and complete those tasks in a timely manner.[1] If you want to improve your mental stamina, improve your prioritizing skills.
- Make a list of what you need to do. Rank the tasks in order of difficulty, or in order of urgency, depending on the tasks.
- Spend five or ten minutes figuring out how much time each task should take, then draw up a quick schedule for yourself and try to stick to it as much as possible.
- Do one thing at a time. For some people, multi-tasking can work. But if you want to really improve your focus and mental stamina, it's important to narrow in on one thing only, see it through to completion, and then take on something else.[2][3]
- Start with the most important or the most difficult task you need to accomplish while you're fresh. Get it out of the way, so that the rest of the work you've got to do will be smoother sailing, and will require less of you.
- Do something until it's finished. It takes you a long time to go in and out of tasks, re-acclimating yourself to the job at hand. Instead of getting up and doing something else for a while, finish. Then take a break. Then start something new.
- Eliminate distractions. If you're focusing on doing math problems, or reading a complicated text, you shouldn't be also trying to eat a sandwich, watch television, or carry on a conversation. Eliminate the noise, put your phone away, and just do the thing you're doing.[4]
- Find a quiet space when you want to focus. If you have trouble finding one where you are, get some noise-canceling headphones and just leave them on silent.
- Lots of people think that the radio on in the background is a good way to study, or that they can watch TV while grading papers. This is partially true.[5] Only listen to music if you've heard it before, and you like it. Don't try to focus on watching a show you've never seen before.
- Think positively. Self-confidence is one of the most important characteristics to focus and success in a given task.[6] If you go into something that requires great focus, assume that you're going to do well. Assume that you have the skills and the know-how to finish it properly. Assume that you'll succeed.
- Positive thinking is good, but you also have to put the work in. Don't just assume that good vibes will carry you through a tough test. You've still got to study and think hard during the test itself.
- Take deep breaths if you get nervous performing difficult tasks. Focusing on your breathing and calming your nerves will help you perform.
- Try visualizing. One technique commonly used by athletes involves actually closing your eyes (yes, do this) and picturing what you want to happen in your mind. If you're struggling hard with a test, then picture yourself going through confidently and answering all the questions correctly.[7] Picture your teacher giving you back your tests with the grade you want.
- Do this just before the task itself, and try to stay in that confident head-space. That's where you want to be.
- Do mental exercises. Playing games that involve your focus and attention can have a positive impact on your ability to focus in the long-term. The ability to assemble lots of different information and come to a conclusion is what focus is all about. Difficult games and mental exercises require you to do just that. Try playing the following types of focus-building games:
- Chess
- Sudoku
- Crossword puzzles
- Turn-based strategy games
- Try to learn new words. Vocabulary building may not seem tied to focus necessarily, but the ability to absorb new information regularly is an important part of overall focus and mental stamina. Make a habit of trying to learn a few new words every month, and keep them rotating in your usage. Be a student of words.
- Learn a new language, if you're feeling really ambitious. Taking on an entirely different vocabulary can open up your mind in exciting ways.
[Edit]Improving Your Attention Span - Read more. A recent study revealed that people who read novels regularly are able to empathize more easily, and have an easier time paying attention for longer.[8] Head to your local library and pick up some books you're interested in.
- Read everything. You don't have to read heavy classic novels to get the most out of this. Read Westerns or Romance novels. Read the newspaper. Read magazines you like. Read it all.
- Schedule regular breaks. A recent study revealed that taking regular quick breaks, less than five minutes every hour, is better than taking a single long break in the middle of a difficult task. So, let yourself stop doing what you're doing at least once an hour. Get up, walk around, and turn your mind off for a minute.
- It's usually easier to remember to take one big break, usually for eating, but set a timer to go off every 50 minutes or so, to remind yourself to give yourself a break and do nothing. You need that time.
- Limit your Internet usage. A Pew Study recently linked the increased availability of high-speed Internet services with a diminished attention capacity in American teenagers.[9] If you're feeling tempted to slap a TLDR on every Facebook post longer than a couple of lines, maybe it's time to give it a break for a while.
- You can also use Internet blockers to help you out if you find the lure of messing around too strong when you're trying to work on your computer.
- Delete unnecessary apps from your phone. You'll spend less time clicking around on Facebook and other social media if you can't do it in transit.
- Invest in detailed games and stories. Entertainment isn't all equal. Some stuff is difficult to sit through, but learning to appreciate the fun in a long game of chess, or the story told in Anna Karenina can help your attention span improve in other parts of your life. Decide to enjoy something that's slow and quiet, instead of looking for flash-bang fun.
- Watch fewer YouTube clips and short little .gif sites. If you want to sit down and invest in something, watch an engaging movie, documentary, or long-form show that you're interested in.
- You can have fun to, and you don't have to actually like reading Anna Karenina. Mental stamina isn't just an excuse to be pretentious. Form an opinion, but focus and pay attention enough to form that opinion.
- Don't beat yourself up for slips. Everybody has trouble concentrating sometimes...Even Einstein did! Try not to get too discouraged about your mental stamina, or you risk making it worse. If you're stressed and anxious, your ability to concentrate for a longer period of time with be diminished significantly. Try to relax as much as possible and think positively.
[Edit]Changing Your Habits - Get more sleep. Sleep gives your brain and body time to recover and rejuvenate. If you want to get the most out of your mind, give it plenty of time to turn off at the end of the day with good-quality rest.
- While most doctors and sleep scientists agree that humans require around 8 hours of sleep per night, individuals differ widely. You know your body best-if waking up in the morning feels like the end of the world, then you're likely not getting enough.
- Don't eat, or drink any caffeine, alcohol, or sugary beverages shortly before bed. When your body's working to digest, your sleep suffers in quality.
- Change your diet. What you put into your body affects the way your mind works. If you've got a day of heavy lifting in the brain department, make sure you eat a diet rich in protein, slow-digesting carbohydrates, and fresh fruits and vegetables to get your brain firing on all cylinders.
- Oatmeal, fruit, cereal, toast, and yogurt are all great breakfast choices if you've got to do some heavy thinking over the course of a day. Of course, if you're a coffee drinker, it's fine to have a cup-but stop after one.
- Avoid heavy saturated fats, sugary foods, and high caffeine levels. Over-doing the caffeine will almost certainly cause you to crash, and the first thing to suffer will be your mental stamina. Cut back on caffeine if you're a regular user.
- Drink plenty of water. 70% of your body is water and your body requires lots of it to function. Try to drink as much as two liters of water a day, to make sure that your body and its organs are being replenished and rejuvenated.
- Do physical exercise as well as mental. Get your body moving to help get your mind clear. There are direct connections between exercise and mood, and exercise releases positive mood hormones in your brain that helps you stay positive and upbeat, an essential part of focus.
- Use exercise as a break, or as a way to meditate. Just going on a short brisk walk after meals can be a great way of getting a little exercise.[10]
- De-stress regularly. Your mind needs both exercise and an occasional break. If you tend toward the obsessive, or have trouble shutting your brain off, it can make it very challenging to focus. You don't have to be on all the time. Give yourself permission to relax your mind and calm your stress.
- Try progressive muscle relaxation regularly, especially if you're in the middle of something tough. It only takes fifteen minutes, and involves nothing more than slowly tensing and releasing your muscles.
- Consider meditation. Yoga, deep breathing, and other types of simple relaxation techniques can also be quite effective.
- Talk to your doctor if you struggle to pay attention. If you think that your peers are consistently outperforming you in mental stamina, focus, and concentration and that it is a problem in your life, consider talking to your doctor about testing for learning disabilities or ADHD. You might be eligible for a prescription to a stimulant medication to help you concentrate.
- Psychostimulants don't work for everyone, and side effects can vary depending on the person. It may take a while to get used to the drug.
- Read a book every day, it helps.
- Make up problems in your head and solve them.
- Do simple math as you put each grocery item into the shopping cart.
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| How to Recycle Jeans Posted: 27 Mar 2022 05:00 PM PDT Throwing out a pair of jeans that have grown worn or dirty isn't always a good idea. With a little practical know-how, it's easy to recycle jeans instead of sending them to the landfill. Whether you're looking to turn a tired old pair of 501s into a brand-new piece of clothing or convert it to something with a little more practical use, you have many options. [Edit]Making New Clothing - Make cutoffs. This is the "classic" solution for extending the life of a pair of jeans. Any jeans can be converted to cutoff shorts or capris. All that's needed is to do is cut the legs where you'd like them to end. Use a ruler or tape measure to trace a straight line across each leg, then use a fabric knife or set of scissors to cut. See our cutoff article for step-by-step instructions.
- If you're not sure how high you want your cutoffs, be conservative. You can always cut off more denim. However, you can't add more back once you've cut off too much.
- You don't need to throw away the legs once you cut them off. You can use the material for rags, ties, or patches (see below).
- Distress your jeans for a "shredded" look. Have a pair of jeans that's starting to look worn-out? Make a fashion statement by wearing them out more. Cut them, shred them, crush them, or otherwise beat them up to make your own "distressed" denim. See our guide to distressing jeans for lots of specific ideas.
- One beginner-friendly option is to use a cheese grater or a square of sandpaper to wear out your jeans' knees. Shred until white, worn areas begin to develop or you have a set of ragged holes — whichever you prefer.
- This is also a good opportunity to get rid of stains. Shred the stained area until the stain is gone.
- Make a skirt. If you have some basic sewing knowledge, it's not hard to turn a set of jeans into a skirt or dress. See our main article on this subject for step-by-step instructions. To do this:[1]
- Open the inside seam of both legs.
- Stitch the front part of both legs together to form a new front seam for your skirt.
- Stitch a large piece of fabric between the back part of each leg to complete the skirt.
- Trim the skirt to your desired length.
- Use the denim for patching material. If you have another piece of clothing that's looking worn out, consider cannibalizing your jeans to patch up the other item. Cut square or oval sections of fabric from the jeans, then stitch them over the worn-out sections of the other clothes. You can even make your patch look like a deliberate fashion choice by patching the same spot on both sides of a piece of clothing. For instance, you might patch both elbows on a jacket or both knees on a pair of pants.
- To get two patches that are the same size and shape, use a fabric knife or a set of scissors to cut through both layers of denim (front and back) at the same time.
- Make an apron. A denim apron uses the jean's waistband and fastener to stay around your waist, so you'll want a pair that fits. Turn your old jeans into a durable apron by following the directions below:
- Cut the jeans to the length you want your apron. For a short apron, cut an inch or so below the pockets. For a longer apron, cut in the middle of the leg.
- Starting at the top of the zipper, cut horizontally until you reach the side seam. Repeat for the other side.
- Sew the legs together to make the front of the apron.
- Put the jeans on backwards so that the pockets are in front. Fasten the waistband behind you to get it to stay on.
- Try acid-washing your jeans. Acid-washed denim is perfect for an 80s throwback look. These jeans have large patches that are so bleached that they are nearly white. Use the following method with a dark set of jeans for the most noticeable results. An alternate method is available at our main acid-washing article.
- Mix 2.5 parts water and 1 part bleach in a large bucket.
- If you want a blotchy, tie-dye like pattern, gather small sections of jean fabric and bind them into tight "buds" with rubber bands.
- Dip the jeans into the bleach mixture. Let them sit for 30-60 minutes (longer will give a lighter color).
- Remove the jeans and rinse with clean water. Dry as normal.
- Dye the jeans. For most people, denim is synonymous with the color blue. However, there's no reason this has to be the case. With dyes, you can turn old blue jeans into colorful new additions to your wardrobe. Try this easy dip-dying method below (or see our main jean-dying article):
- Soak the jeans in bleach until they are as white as possible. Rinse with water to neutralize the bleach.
- Let the jeans dry. While you wait, mix fabric dye according to the instructions.
- Dip the dry bleached jeans in the fabric dye while wearing leather gloves. Stir the mixture so that they are evenly coated.
- Dip several more times, wringing out the moisture between dips.
- Rinse in water with a little detergent to set the dye. Let the jeans dry.
- Re-decorate your jeans. Another way to get new life out of old jeans is to treat them as a canvas for your artistic abilities. Don't be afraid to get creative. You can make your worn-out jeans look amazing with a little imagination. Below are just a few things you may want to try:
- Drawings and doodles. Use a permanent marker or a fabric marker to get designs that stay in your jeans for more than one wash cycle. You may want to trace in pencil first to avoid mistakes.
- Rhinestones and studs. Use a sturdy fabric-safe glue for durability.
- Fancy buttons. Replace the button on your jeans with something more unique or decorative, like a sturdy flower-shaped button or a fabric-covered button in a fun pattern.
- Negative space designs. Trace shapes or designs on your jeans, then carefully cut them out with a fabric knife or set of scissors. Your skin will show through the hole, creating eye-catching contrast.
[Edit]Making Tools and Accessories - Make a tote bag. Jeans don't just need to be recycled into other types of clothing. Denim is fairly strong, so it's perfect for making sturdy tools and accessories as well. One easy project is to make a tote bag. This is perfect for carrying groceries and using as a purse replacement. To make a tote bag:
- Cut the legs off just below the crotch (as if you were making a very short pair of cutoffs).
- Cut the crotch seam and trim both sides to get something similar to a very short skirt.
- Stitch the bottom flaps of the "skirt" together to make the bottom of the bag.
- Cut two long, skinny strips of fabric from the leftover leg material. Stitch these to the top of the bag to make two handles.
- Make rags or placemats. Denim isn't terribly absorbent, so it's not great for towels. However, it is quite durable, so rags cut from it are great for the garage or kitchen. Making denim rags and mats is easy: just cut square sections of fabric from the jeans as needed.
- One simple way to get good-looking rags is to trace two straight, parallel lines across the front of one leg. Cut across both these lines to get a looped section of denim. Slice down one or both seams to get either one or two rags.
- To make pot holders, fold the rags to double- or triple-up the material, then stitch them shut.
- Make a heating pad. This easy project is a must for treating back pain or sore muscles. Cut two identical squares of fabric from the jeans (see the trick above for cutting sets of rags). Stitch up three sides tight, leaving the fourth open. Scoop uncooked rice into the opening. Stitch the final side shut. Microwave the pad in 20-second increments until it is warm, then hold it against your sore spots.[2]
- Use a large tube-shaped pad instead of a square to make a neck pillow that's great for painful kinks.
- Turn your jeans into insulation material. This is a good choice for leftover sections of denim or jeans that are too ragged or worn-down for other tasks. Cut your jeans into many long strips, then soak these strips in a borax-and-water bath for about five minutes. Squeeze the moisture out of the strips and press them into small gaps in your walls or framing. The denim will dry into a hard, water- and insect- proof insulator.[3]
- Borax is a safe, cheap laundry additive. You can usually find it in the laundry section of department stores or via online retailers.
- Use the denim to "scratch-proof" furniture and tools. Denim is durable enough for heavy-duty use, but it's still soft enough that it will never scratch other surfaces. Use scraps of denim to "scratch-proof" objects around the house. Just use glue or adhesive to fix pieces of denim to scratch-prone spots.
- For example, if you want to keep your ladder from scratching your gutters, cut two wide strips of fabric from your jeans. Glue them to both sides of your ladder at the top. When you rest the ladder against the gutters, the soft denim will make contact, rather than the hard metal.
- Another easy idea is to cut small circles of denim and fix them to the bottom of furniture legs to keep them from scratching the floor.
- Use the inseams for ties. The thick, doubled-up line of stitched fabric inside each pant leg makes a strong, durable string-like material. You can use it to tie up a wide variety of things. For example, use jean inseams to tie loose tools together for easy transport. You can also use it like a keyring to organize things like measuring cups, wrenches, and other similar sets of objects.
[Edit]Finding New Owners - Give the jeans to a family member or a friend. Don't want to turn your jeans into anything new? Give them away as hand-me-downs. Get in touch with friends and family members and ask if they'd like your jeans for free. Even if they no longer fit you, they may fit someone you know.
- You can also try giving the jeans to people you know who are interested in crafts and DIY projects (like the ones above) for use as raw materials.
- Unload the jeans online. This is a great option if you're looking to make a little extra cash. Sites like Ebay and Craigslist offer convenient options for selling your jeans. You're not likely to get very much money for used jeans (unless they're designer), but something is better than nothing.
- Check other ads for jeans in your area before you price yours. You want to pick a competitive price to stand a good chance of selling your jeans.
- Be sure to clearly list the size, maker, and style of the jeans in your ad. Note any areas of wear. Being honest is important for your reputation as a seller.[4]
- Donate to the less-fortunate.[5] Organizations like Goodwill and The Salvation Army will usually accept jeans in a reasonable state of quality. You can also donate your jeans to thrift stores and door-to-door clothing drives. There are a variety of choices available depending on your location, so check a local directory of charities (or an online resource like Guidestar.org).[6]
- Don't forget to keep the receipt — you can deduct the donation from your taxes.[7]
- Support local craft organizations. You don't only have to donate jeans to agencies that will use them as clothing. Denim can be used as a raw material by many other organizations as well. Two possible choices are below. The options available near you may vary.[8]
- Local art programs can use denim for rags, craft materials, and paint applicators.
- House-building charities (Habitat for Humanity, etc.) sometimes use jeans as insulation.
- Jeans can also be turned into camis. As with the skirt method above, cut the jeans to length, with the waistband just below your underarms. Cut straps out of the removed bottoms and affix to the waistband. Hem if you want the bottom edge neat.
- Squares of denim are also great for using in quilts.
- You can try dying your jeans to mask discoloration and wear.
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| How to Relieve Infant Hiccups Posted: 27 Mar 2022 09:00 AM PDT Hiccups are repetitive contractions of the diaphragm. They are a normal occurrence in infants and newborns, and are not usually a medical concern.[1] Most episodes of hiccups in infants are caused by overfeeding or occur when a baby swallows too much air. Infants are generally not bothered by hiccups, but if you are concerned that an infant is uncomfortable, you can relieve his or her hiccups by adjusting feeding patterns and being attentive to possible causes. [Edit]Pausing a Feeding - Stop feeding if an infant is experiencing persistent hiccups that interfere with nursing or bottle-feeding. Resume feeding when the infant has ceased to hiccup, or, if he or she is still hiccuping after 10 minutes, try feeding again.
- Calm a flustered baby by rubbing or patting the baby's back. Babies who are hungry and upset are more likely to gulp air, which causes hiccups.
- Check the baby's position before you continue. Keep the baby in a semi-upright position during feedings and for up to 30 minutes after.[2] Staying upright can relieve pressure on the baby's diaphragm.
- Burp the baby while you wait. Burping the baby can release some of the hiccup-causing gas in his or her stomach. Place the baby upright across your chest so the baby's head is on or a little above your shoulder.
- Rub or gently pat the baby's back. This helps the bubbles of gas to move.
- Resume feeding after the baby burps, or wait a few minutes if the baby does not burp.
[Edit]Reducing Air Swallowing - Listen to the infant during feedings. If you hear gulping noises, the baby may be eating too quickly and swallowing air. Swallowing excess air can cause an infant's stomach to distend, leading to hiccups. Take frequent breaks to slow the feeding session.[3]
- Check that the baby is latched on correctly if you are breastfeeding. The infant's lips should cover the areola, not just the nipple. An insecure latch can cause the baby to swallow air.
- Tilt the bottle to 45 degrees when bottle-feeding. This allows air in the bottle to rise to the bottom and away from the nipple. You may also want to consider using collapsible bag inserts for the bottle that are designed to reduce air swallowing.
- Check the hole in the bottle's nipple when bottle-feeding. If the hole is too big, the formula will flow too quickly, and if it is too small your baby will grow frustrated and gulp air. If the hole is the proper size, a few drops should come out when you tip the bottle.[4]
[Edit]Adjusting Feeding Schedule - Adjust the infant's feeding schedule. Doctors often advise feeding the infant more frequently, but for shorter lengths or for smaller amounts at time. When a baby is fed too much in one sitting, the stomach distends too quickly, which can cause the diaphragm muscle to spasm. [5]
- Pause and burp often during feedings. Burp before you switch breasts if you are breastfeeding. Burp after the baby eats 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 ml) if you are bottle-feeding. Pause to burp or stop feeding if the infant stops nursing or turns his or her head away.
- Burp more frequently if you are feeding a newborn, as newborn infants will eat less in one sitting. Newborns usually feed eight to 12 times a day.[6]
- Learn the baby's hunger signals. Feed your infant as soon as they seem hungry. A calm baby will eat more slowly than a hungry, worked up baby. A baby may also swallow excess air during a crying fit.
- Signs of hunger might include crying, mouth movements such as sucking motions, or restlessness.[7]
- Note when the infant suffers from hiccups. Write down the time and duration of each hiccup episode. Keeping track of when the baby experiences hiccups can help you determine if there is a common pattern and help you focus your efforts to relieve the hiccups. Note whether the hiccups occurred during or shortly after feeding. Scan your notes and look for triggers.[8]
[Edit]Seeking Medical Advice - Give it time. Most hiccups will go away on their own. Hiccups are often less disturbing to infants than they are to adults. If your baby seems bothered by the hiccups, is not feeding normally, or is not growing normally, see a doctor.[9]
- Talk to a pediatrician if the baby's hiccups are abnormal. If an infant is regularly hiccuping for over twenty minutes, this can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)[10]
- Other symptoms of GERD include spitting up and fussiness.
- A pediatrician may be able to prescribe medicine or provide recommendations on how you can help your baby cope with GERD.
- Talk to a pediatrician if the hiccups seem to be interfering with the baby's breathing. If you hear wheezing or the baby's breathing seems to be otherwise obstructed, take the infant to a doctor right away.
- Hiccups are very common among newborns and infants. Most babies will grow out of frequent baby hiccups as their digestive systems develop.
- When burping a baby, ensure that there is no pressure on the stomach. This is best achieved by positioning the baby's chin on your shoulder, supporting the baby between the legs and patting the baby's back with your other hand.
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