How to Dress for Your Body Type

Women come in all shapes and sizes, so how do you find clothes that are flattering your specific body type? The key is to know your proportions, and use fashion to accentuate your best features--and hide everything else!

EditSteps

EditIdentifying Your Body Type

1. Determine what type shape your body is. Pay attention to your curves. Look at how they connect your bust, waist, and hips.^[1]
   
   • The body types as describes below describe women's bodies, not a girl who has not gone through puberty.
   • Measure the sizes of your bust, waist, and hip. Depending on the size of each part (in inches), you can determine which shape your body is to find clothes that properly fit^[2]
   • There is no "best" or "worst" body type. Knowing your body type is about dressing to look your best. Clothes--even on people of identical weight and height--can look different depending on the composition of different bodies.
2. Having an apple body type. Generally described as top-heavy, this is generally about 14 percent of women where the bust is three or more inches bigger than the hips. Just by looking at yourself in the mirror, you can see if you are an apple body type.^[3][4]
   
   • Slim limbs, specifically the arms, but wide shoulders are usually a strong characteristic of this body type.
   • Weight is concentrated around your mid-section and chest, giving the appearance of a bigger bust and protruding stomach, at times.
   • If you naturally have a smaller busy, then weight can gather around your midriff.
   • Just below the mid-section, your waistline can have little definition, thus giving rise to the “top-heavy” description of this body type.
   • Though your top may be on the heavier side, your legs should be slimmer, perhaps even a bit toned.
3. Being the opposite of an apple body type means you are a pear body type. This one is bottom-heavy (or triangle) with about 20 percent of women having hips significantly larger than bust.^[5][6]
   
   • You’ll notice if this is your body quite quickly, as your lower body: hips, thighs, and sometimes your behind are more noticeable.
   • Shoulders are narrower, sloping, and not as broad.
   • Usually described as the most “curvaceous” body. It’s a simple one to notice just by looking at your legs as they are sometimes noticeably more wider, muscular, and fuller compared to the rest of your body.
4. Being a straight/rectangular body type. About 46 percent of women are this shape where the waist is about the same as hips and waist. Your silhouette isn’t as curvy as the pear or apple bodies. Instead, you’ll look fairly straight up with flat shoulders.^[7]
   
   • Unlike the prior two body types; the best way to determine for a rectangular type is to measure. Upon measuring, you’ll notice that your waist is one to eight inches smaller than your bust.
   • Standing straight up, you should not notice any significant curves around the waist area.
   • Your rib cage will define most of your shape, as there will be no waist definition to add curves.
   • Despite being rectangular, you may still have a curvy bottom (similar to a pear bottom), or a wide chest with a little bit of extra weight around the midriff.
5. Having the hourglass body. This is the least common with only 8 percent of women. The hip and bust measurements are usually equal, with a narrow waist.^[8][9]
   
   • Unlike other body shapes, the hourglass figure a significantly defined waist.
   • Your curves are flattering in the right places. Fat is usually evenly stored throughout.
   • Looking in the mirror your hip line and bust line are the same width.
   • You can still have an hourglass body even when: slightly fleshy upper arms, wider looking shoulders, and a slightly fuller bottom.

1. Your current body shape can be modified somewhat by diet and exercise. Your genetics do determine how body fat is carried on the body; this predisposition cannot be altered. However, if you are not carrying around excessive weight, your body type will not be quite as exaggerated or obvious. Slender women look more similar to each other than obese women.
   • You cannot "Spot Reduce". Toning a certain body part is possible--you can do core exercises to help flatten abdominal muscles . But if you exercise and lose weight, it happens throughout your body. You will also likely lose fat around your chest, hips, and posterior--even if you do not want to.
   • You cannot "Spot Increase". Likewise, short of surgery, you cannot increase parts of your body. Doing chest exercises or using skin creams will not make your bust larger.
   • Certain body types have a predisposition to gain or lose weight in certain areas. For example, a woman with an hourglass figure will tend to gain or lose weight in the bust and hips, and not the waist. But a woman with an apple shape will tend to gain in the hips, and not the bust--even if it is the same amount of body weight.
   • Cardio and resistance training are most commonly used to alter body types. By knowing if you retain fat more or lose it quicker, you can create an exercise plan to cater to your bodily needs.^[10] With
   • Remember that the idea body type is not just one thing. Actresses, models, and the like are savvy to dress to look wonderful no matter what the underlying body type is. You do not have to have the body of a model. In fact, models do not necessarily look good in everything. ^[11]
   • What is the ideal body type changes through history. In America during the Victorian period, the "Hourglass" was perfection, and required women to don corsets to get that look. In the 1920's, the ideal woman's body was the boyish "Rectangular" type.
   • Different cultures and subcultures see different body types as ideal. An African-American woman in America may be praised for a shapely, round posterior. However, the same quality in a woman in Japan may not be.
2. Look at your genetics. Family genes play a large role in your body type. Look at other women in your family to see a common trend.
   

EditDressing Each Body Type

1. Dress for the Apple body type. To dress successfully for the apple body, you need to direct attention away from your mid riff, and wear clothes to accentuate other parts.
   
   • Follow your bodyline and keep details on the top and lower third of your body.
   • Draw attention away from your waist and shoulders/arms (wear long sleeves), and draw attention to your bust and neck (e.g. v-necks).
   • Choose flared pants over straight-leg or skinny pants, and to help balance out wide shoulders and/or a heavy upper body. Wear bottoms just below your hipbone to draw attention away from your mid riff.
   • Avoid dresses and belts that pinch at your waist. This will most likely accentuate curves that you may not wish to show off.
   • Wear tops that drape over any curves if you wish.
   • Enhancing a feature that is further away or you can cover it with dark colors.
2. Dress for a pear body type. The trick to dressing this body type is to wear anything that adds to your shoulder and bust area. Keep attention to your upper body, by minimizing the lower half.
   
   • If you’re a pear body-type, there are things you can do to make your hips and butt look slimmer, if you want to make their butts bigger!
   • Balance your top with your bottom. Try to wear tops that accentuate your shoulders a bit more.
   • Avoid pants or tights that narrow your legs.
   • Wearing a bra that adds to or enhance your bust should be considered.
   • Wear straight-leg or slightly flared pants with heels. Skinny pants that hug your ankles can make your lower body take on the appearance of an upside-down triangle. Flared pants can make your legs look very thick, perhaps bowl-legged, in comparison to your upper body.
3. Dress for a Straight or Rectangular body type. With this body type, you may have a long, thin body that tends to lack curves. It is sometimes referred to as a "boyish" profile. Your aim is to wear clothes that flatter your thin profile, break up, your silhouette, and create curves that move up and down from the waist area.
   
   • If you have this body type, you can "pinch" in your waist to exaggerate curves. For example, add a belt to your dress.
   • Go for ruffles and frills to add texture, volume, and femininity to your figure. For instance, a dress with a lot of embellishment at the bustline will look feminine.
   • Steer clear of menswear clothing. For example, dressing in baggy jeans and track clothes will make you look like "one of the boys", but not a potential date. Instead, opt for the skinny jeans that are made for your body type, and wear track clothing made for women at your workout session.
   • Stock up on miniskirts and bright tights to make the most of your great legs. They will also add more shape to a straight body.
4. Dress an hourglass body. Avoid anything that makes you look "boxy"! You have admirable curves, so you will want to embrace them.
   
   • Use your waist as the focal point when dressing. This means to wear snug clothes and accessories around the thinnest part of your waist. Directing attention here will make your curves stand out even more.
   • Dress to flatter your beautiful curves by following your body’s outline. Tailored clothing is usually more flattering. Shapeless clothing tends to make hourglass shapes look fat or boxy.
   • Balance your top and bottom while accentuating your waist. Draw attention to your waist with belts and dresses that pinch at the mid-section.
   • Women with curves can end up revealing too much curve, if fit is not payed attention to. If a neckline is too deep, or if a hemline is too short, leave those clothes on the rack.
   • Shape your bust. If you have an hourglass shape, you probably have plenty of bust; your main concern should be to wear a supportive bra so that your chest looks perky, not droopy.
   • Embrace V-neck dresses and tops. While many necklines work well for well-endowed women, V-necks are typically flattering. Just be sure you do not show more cleavage than appropriate to the situation.

EditVideo

EditTips

• Choose colors and patterns wisely. If there are any curves, handles, or lumps that you'd prefer to hide, wear solid dark colors (black, navy, dark purple) over them.
• Consider all your options. Don’t be so quick to turn something down because you aren’t used to wearing it. Step outside your comfort zone every now and then!
• No matter your body type, making your legs look longer is generally flattering.
• If you're a petite woman (short and skinny) avoid full-length coats and maxi dresses - they'll just swamp you. Choose cropped jackets, shorts, and mini dresses to keep your petite frame in perfect proportion. Dressing in one color or wearing vertical stripes will make you look taller. Try high heels too! # Elongate your legs.
• Book yourself a professional bra fitting; it's life-changing and will make your chest look fantastic!
• Dresses or tops that wrap around your waist and cross over your chest are only a good idea if you have an ample bust; otherwise, it can make your bust look disproportionately tiny (if you're pear-shaped) or your chest and shoulders look flat and square (if you're straight-shaped).
• Wear bright colors or patterns on your hot spots to draw attention away from your trouble spots!
• If you have a flat stomach and aren't shy about showing it, cropped tops will make your chest look a little bigger in relation to your waist.

EditRelated wikiHows

• How to Determine Your Body Shape
• How to Dress in Your 20S
• How to Flatter a Man
• How to Show Your Kind of Fashion
• How to Dress to Add Curves to Your Body
• How to Dress for Your Body Type (Men)
• wearing the right bra size

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/Imkmyj

How to Stretch the Upper Back

The upper back muscles tend to get tight and tense, especially if your work involves sitting for a large portion of the day. Doing a series of light stretches can loosen the tension, prepare you for a workout or even help to improve your posture. If you have pain in your upper back, see a physician before stretching.

EditSteps

EditShoulder Blade Squeeze

1. Sit or stand with your back upright. This stretch is amazing because it can be performed anywhere, any time, whether you're sitting at a desk or standing in line at the post office.
   
   
2. Perform a shoulder squeeze. Rest your shoulder blades and then slowly pull them back towards each other. Your chest will thrust forward as your back muscles are stretched. Go back to starting position, then repeat the squeeze. Continue until your upper back feels less tense
   
   
3. Do not pull your shoulder blades up as you squeeze. This is a common mistake and exacerbates the tightness in your upper back by pulling your shoulders up while you squeeze.
   
   

EditSitting Extensions and Rotations

1. Sit in a hard-backed chair. Start with your back completely straight, and your head erect. Keep your feet flat on the ground and your hands at your sides. This is the starting position for each extension and rotation stretch.^[1]
   
   
2. Arch toward the sky. Place your hands behind your head and arch your back, tilting your chin up to look at the ceiling. Hold the position for 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat five times.
   
   
3. Rotate from side to side. Cross your hands over your chest. Keeping your feet planted on the floor, rotate your torso to the left. Hold the position for 10 seconds, then rotate to the right. Repeat five times on each side.
   
   
4. Do a side bend. Place your hands behind your head. Keeping your feet planted on the floor, Bend your body to the left, so that your elbow points to the floor on your left side. Hold the position for 10 seconds, then bend toward the right, so that your right elbow points to the floor on your right side. Hold the position for 10 seconds. Repeat five times on each side.
   
   

EditUsing a Medicine Ball

1. Sit down on the medicine ball. Start with your back completely straight, keeping your feet flat and your hands to your side.
   
   
2. Stretch your upper trapezius by performing lateral neck flexions.
   
   
3. Stretch your levator scapulae by slowly rotating your head down. Look diagonally down to the bottom of your shirt. Hold your gaze for 2 seconds and then pull your head back into a straight position. 
   
   
4. Stretch your entire back by slowly lowering into a back bend over the medicine ball. Hold the pose for 8-10 seconds and then slowly pull your body back up into a sitting position.
   
   

EditVideo

EditTips

• Always stretch your back but do not overdo it.

EditWarnings

• Extreme shoulder flexibility is not necessary in life and in sports. However, stretching the chest is very important.

EditRelated wikiHows

• How to Crack Your Back
• How to Exercise Your Back
• How to Treat a Back Spasm

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/A6tl4o

How to Save Money at a Young Age

There are many advantages to saving money at a young age. It can help to establish a lifelong habit, and the earlier money is saved, the greater opportunity it has to earn interest. You can use your savings to pay for educational expenses, to buy something special, or continue to save it into adulthood for a down payment on a car or a first home. Saving money is simple, but it usually isn't easy. You must take charge of your finances, resist the temptation to spend money, learn helpful saving techniques, and hold yourself accountable for your actions.

EditSteps

EditCreating a Saving System

1. Get four jars. To build up your savings, it is good to have a system. You can use the four jar system to help you decide how to use any money that comes your way.^[1] Ask a parent if there are four empty jars that you can use to create your savings system.
   • If there are no jars available, then you can also use four empty soda bottles. You will just need to find ones with a big enough opening to put coins through or make a slit in the side of the bottle with a pair of scissors. Make sure to ask mom or dad first.
2. Label your jars. To use the four jar system, you will need to label each jar with a different goal: “Save,” “Spend,” “Give,” and “Grow.” You can decide how much money to allocate to each jar when you find some money. The jar labels each mean something different:^[2]
   • Save. Fill this jar with money that you do not intend to spend now or in the immediate future. You might use this jar to save up for a big item, such as a bike or video game system.
   • Spend. Fill this jar money that you plan to use for everyday expenses or for something that you want to buy in the next week.
   • Give. Fill this jar with money that you plan to donate to charity or to give to someone who needs it more than you.
   • Grow. Fill this jar with money that you plan to invest in a savings account that will accumulate interest over the years.
3. Decorate your jars. To make saving money more fun, try decorating your jars with pictures that inspire you. Cut out pictures from old magazines and tape or glue them onto the jars.^[3] Make sure that you ask your parents before cutting picture out of magazines to make sure it is okay.
   
   • For example, you might put a picture of a bike on your “Save” jar or a picture of someone helping someone else on your “Give” jar.
4. Use these jars to decide how to use your money. Each time you get some money, you can decide how to divide your money among the four jars.^[4] For example, if you get $4, then you could put $1 into each jar or you could put $2 in to the “Save” jar, $0.50 into the “Spend” jar, $0.50 into the “Give” jar, and $1 into the “Grow” jar. It is up to you!
   • Keep your savings goals in mind as you divide your money between these goals. Remember that the more you save, the closer you will be to reaching your goal.

EditSetting Goals and Habits

1. Think about what you want to do with the money. One reason why many people don't reach their financial goals or aren't able to save money is because they don't know what they want to do with the money. Do you want to save for college? Buy your own laptop? Buy a car? Deciding what you want to do with your money is the first step on the path to saving it.^[5]
   
   • If you're having trouble figuring out what you want to do, consult the people who know you best: your parents and close friends. Brainstorming with other people who know you very well can help shake loose your own thoughts and re-awaken your dreams and goals.^[6]
2. Choose a savings goal. Once you know what you want to do with your savings, you can figure out how much you should be saving each week or month, depending on when your allowance, paycheck or other source of income is made available to you.
   
   • A good rule of thumb is to save $1 out of every $3 you get. Saving one-third of your income might seem like a lot, but it's the only way to really build up your savings into something. Saving one-third or thirty percent of whatever money you receive is one of the best saving strategies out there. Once you start, it will become a habit.^[7]
   • Also consider how much you want to have and when. This will help determine how much you need to save each week or month. If you want to have $100 in one year and you get $5 allowance a week, setting aside about $2 each week will get you to that goal.
3. Ask your parents to help you open a savings account. Getting a savings account is a great way to keep your money save and even earn a little interest on what you save. In addition, having a bank account can encourage good savings habits.^[8]
   
   • If you're under 18 years old, your parents will probably need to be on the account. A joint account is one way that many banks offer accounts to kids. Your parent(s)'s name(s) and your name will be on the account for liability and legal purposes. This may seem like a downside, but it may also make it harder for you to spend your money at will since your parents will know if you make a withdrawal.^[9]
   • Look for banks with minimal fees and balance requirements. Many banks have a "Young Saver" option with low or no fees.^[10]
   • Keep in mind that some banks may only offer custodial accounts, based on the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA). These accounts are investment vehicles that have restrictions on when a child can gain access to the account and its funds (typically 18 or 21, depending on the state). If this is the only option at your bank, try looking into another bank for a standard savings account or waiting until you are a bit older.^[11]
   • If you don't want to open up a bank account for whatever reason, you can create your own "bank" by putting your money in a locked container and giving your parents or another trusted person the key. Better yet, so long as you trust your parents to control your money, they can open a new account in their names and deposit the money for you.
4. Keep track of how much is coming in. Developing and sticking to a budget is only possible if you know how much you have to work with. Figure out and keep track of how much money you have coming in from different sources (e.g., allowances, gifts, earnings, babysitting money, etc.).
   
   • If you have a bank account, keeping track of how much money you have is easy. You can find your bank statements online or you can go into your bank branch and ask. Print and keep your bank statements in a binder to help keep track of your savings progress. This will also be useful down the line when you have to do your taxes or keep track of your mortgage.
   • There are also smartphone apps that make it easy for you to deposit money into your account. Many banks now allow clients to take photos of checks with their smartphones and deposit them into their bank accounts.^[12]
5. Keep a spending log. Save receipts or keep a chart of all purchases made, even food. List the date, item, and amount spent. That way, you know exactly where your money has gone.
   
   • There are also personal finance apps that you can download to your smartphone and use to log your spending. Some even let you take photos of receipts that are then calculated in the app. This is a great way to learn about your spending habits.^[13]

EditSpending Less

1. Carry as little money around with you as possible. Don't carry much cash in your wallet and, should you have any debit or credit cards, try to avoid bringing them everywhere. This way you will not be tempted to spend money on unnecessary items or make impulsive decisions when at a store.^[14]
   
   • Instead of carrying everything you might need (all your available cash, debit card, several credit cards, etc.), carry only what you know you'll need. Stick a few bucks and (if you insist) one credit card in your pocket when you go to the mini-mart, for instance.
2. Save before spending. Whenever you receive money, whether it be a gift or your allowance, take your savings out right away and set them aside. This will ensure that you don't spend the money you intend to save. The best part is that once you have set aside your savings, you can spend the rest! It is important to enjoy life and live a little bit after all.^[15]
   
   • Think like Uncle Sam. The government takes out income taxes before people get their paychecks. If you take your savings cut out of your income right away and put it somewhere that is not easy to access, it will be easier to forget that it was available to spend in the first place ("out of sight, out of mind").
3. Spend money on the things that matter. For instance, spending money on your future is almost always wise. You should feel good about spending money when it's an investment in your future and future earning power.
   
   • For example, save for school if you plan to go to college. If you plan to be a singer, spend money on voice lessons. Spend money on appropriate clothing if you get an office job. It's perfectly acceptable to spend money in order to promote yourself and, in turn, eventually earn more money.^[16]
   • That said, if you are sticking to your newfound saving habits well, a little spending here and there isn't such a bad thing. Think of it as investing in your current happiness.
4. Place a value on money. Yes, a dollar is a dollar, but what does that really mean? Remember that, for the most part (excepting gifts) money is what you earn for doing something. When you work, you are exchanging money for your time. You need to decide if what you want is worth the time it will take for you to earn the money to be able to buy it.
   
   • For example, if you get an allowance of $5 per week and you want to buy a video game for $50, then you will need 10 weeks of allowance money to buy the game. That will take a long time to save, so think about whether or not it is worth it to you.
   • Further, can you buy that game and balance your other needs for the money, such as putting money into your “Spend,” “Give,” and “Grow” jars? Each time you spend money, it represents a trade-off. You need to think carefully about what you value and make decisions accordingly.^[17]

EditEarning and Saving More

1. Take on odd jobs for neighbors and friends in the community. Obviously, one of key things about saving money is that you have to have money to save. Earning more gives you more chances to save more. Even though you may not be old enough to get a traditional job, there are ways that you can earn some extra money.^[18]
   
   • Start a lawn mowing business in the summer and a snow shoveling business in the winter. You can even rake leaves for neighbors in the fall. Charge different fees depending on the amount of work to be done and on how large the lawns are. You can advertise your services by making up flyers and sticking them on posts and asking your neighbors to put them up on their doors.^[19]
   • Provide pet care services for friends or neighbors. Pets need a lot of care and many pet owners would rather entrust their pet to a responsible child or teenager than send them to a kennel.^[20]
   • House sit for neighbors when they go away on vacation. Look after their pets, water their plants, and pick up their mail. This is a great way to be both neighborly and to gain a little extra something on the side.^[21]
2. Sell stuff. Host a neighborhood bake sale or lemonade stand in the summer. Take your used video games to a local games store, or your old but still-in-good-condition clothes to a consignment shop. If you're familiar with buying-and-selling online, consider selling old baseball cards, electronics or collectibles over various well-known sites. Hold a garage sale once or a couple of times a year.^[22]
   
   • There are lots of great ways to make a little extra money by offering a product for sale or by trading in your old stuff for cash. Be creative so you can meet your savings goal!
3. Save "unearned" money. If you get some cash on holidays or your birthday, always save at least half of that. Some families even give children savings bonds for college or money earmarked for long-term savings. Put those in the bank though, not in your piggy bank.
   
   • Remember about the "out of sight, out of mind" principle. Take out your savings share and put it away immediately. Convince yourself that you only got $60, not $120 for your birthday by making half of it "disappear" right away.
4. Save your change! Put all of your spare change from leftover lunch money or what have you into a glass jar or piggy bank and cash it in every once in a while. You will be surprised at how much you can save without even really trying very hard!^[23]
   
   • Many banks (especially if you have an account there) have change-counting machines that don't charge fees. So don't worry about those little paper sleeves for pennies, etc.
5. Negotiate with your parents. See if your parents will “match” your savings in order to encourage you to develop good saving habits. Let's say you save $40 a month and put it into a savings account. You could ask if your parents would be willing to match your savings and add $40 of their own.
   
   • Akin to the "matching donation" idea that charities employ, this method will provide you with extra incentive to save. Your parents may or may not support the idea, but they might be more willing to do so if you're saving for something that is important to them, like your education.^[24]

EditRelated wikiHows

• How to Get Good Credit at a Young Age
• How to Make Money (for Teenagers)
• How to Choose the Right Bank Account As a Teenager
• How to Get a Job when You're Only 16
• How to Get a Home Typing Job
• How to Make Money (for Kids)
• How to Build Your Savings in College
• How to Save Money As a Kid with a Bank Account
• How to Use an App to Budget While Grocery Shopping
• How to Create an Excel Spreadsheet Annual Budget

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1Trg3B2

How to Make Homemade Candles

Candle making is an art form that has survived the centuries, born out of necessity around 200 AD, to become a wildly popular hobby today. Dive into this archaic art by making candles at home. They are easy to create, mesmerizing to look at...and they make great gifts. Follow these steps to make beautiful homemade candles.

EditSteps

EditPreparing the Wax for Melting

1. Decide what kind of wax you want to use to make your candle. There are several different kinds of wax to choose from. One pound of paraffin wax by weight will equal approximately 20 oz of liquid melted wax. One pound of soy wax will equal approximately 18 oz of liquid when melted. One pound of beeswax by weight will equal approximately 16 oz of liquid when melted.
   
   
   • Paraffin wax is the traditional wax for candle making and is still by far the most popular wax. It is good for beginners because it melts quickly, is cheap and is easily colored or scented. However, it should be noted that the chemicals that are emitted when this wax is melted could be irritating to some people.
   • Soy wax is becoming increasingly popular as it is easy to use, made from soybeans and cleans up pretty easily. It is eco-friendly and renewable. Soy wax is also known to burn more slowly than most other waxes.^[1]
   • Beeswax is all natural and has air purifying qualities to it; however, it doesn’t retain scent or coloring that well. Essential oils will generally work with beeswax but keep in mind that beeswax has its own lovely scent.^[2]
   • You can also use old candles that have been burned down or are half-used and warped. Using old candles is a great way to recycle wax. Simply melt them just as you would melt other wax (see Part Two).^[3]
2. Protect your work area before you begin. Unless you have a dedicated area that you can get wax on without worrying about it, you should put newspaper, wax paper, or towels and rags down on the surface you will be working on. Have some warm soapy water at the ready as well in case of spills.
   
   
3. Cut or shred your wax into chunks or shavings. Smaller chunks of wax melt better than larger chunks. By using smaller pieces, you will also ensure that the wax melts at an even rate.^[4]
   
   
4. Fill a medium or large pot halfway through with water. Make sure there's enough room in the pot for a smaller container; you'll be using the smaller vessel to melt the wax in a makeshift double boiler.
   
   

EditMelting the Wax

1. Place the wax chunks or shavings in a smaller, heat-resistant container. Place this smaller container inside the larger pot, creating a makeshift double boiler. Note: You cannot put candle wax directly on heat or it will catch fire or evaporate. Turn the heat to high so that the water boils. The boiling water will slowly melt the wax.
   
   
   • Keep in mind that wax can be difficult to clean--you may want to purchase a cheap, heat-safe pot that you designate specifically for making candles.
2. Use a thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature of the wax. You can purchase candy or candle thermometers at a cooking or craft store. If you do not have a candy thermometer, you can also use a meat thermometer. Just remember that wax can be hard to remove.
   
   
   • Paraffin wax should be melted until it reaches between 122 and 140°F (50 and 60°C).^[5]
   • Soy wax should be melted until it reaches between 170 and 180 degrees (76.6 and 82.2°C).^[6]
   • Beeswax should be melted until it reaches roughly 145 degrees (62.7°C). You can go a little bit higher but try not to exceed 175 degrees (79.4°C).^[7]
   • Old candles should be melted at around 185 degrees (85°C). Remove the old wicks with tongs.^[8]
3. Add scent to your melted wax. The scent you choose is up to you. Scents such as essential oils can be purchased at your local craft store. It is best to read the bottle’s directions rather than base the amount you put in on how strongly it smells after the scent has already been added. Stir well.
   
   
4. Add coloring. Normal food coloring will not work in candles because they are water-based. Purchase oil-based dyes at your local craft store. You can generally find specific candle dyes. Read the bottle for the proper amount of dye to put in to achieve a certain color. Add drops of coloring until you have reached your desired color. Stir well.
   
   

EditMolding the Wax

1. Place a wick in the center of the candle mold. You can use tins, mason jars, old teacups, really any sort of container that you know can withstand heat. Metal tins are generally the safest way to go but as long as you know your container can stand up to heat, you can really use whatever you like. Place them on a flat surface in your protected workspace (such as on a cookie sheet or a cutting board.) The wick should be in the center of the candle mold with about two inches sticking out of the candle. Loop the end that will be out of the wax around the center of a pen or pencil. Rest the pen across the top of the mold you will be pouring your wax into. Make sure the wick hangs down straight into the center of the mold.^[9]
   
   
2. Pour the melted wax into the mold. Pour slowly so that it does not spill over. Make sure not to knock the wick out of the mold accidentally. You are the judge of how full you want your molds to be. Beeswax will shrink a little once it has cooled so keep that in mind when pouring it into your molds.
   
   
3. Cool the wax. It is best to cool them for a full 24 hours if possible. The longer you let them cool, the better they will be.
   
   
   • Paraffin candles generally take 24 hours to cool.
   • Soy candles generally take 4 to 5 hours to cool.^[10]
   • Beeswax candles generally take 6 hours to cool, but if you can wait, cooling them overnight is best.^[11]
   • If you made your candle with old candles, you should only need to let it stand for a couple of hours.^[12]
4. Remove the wax from the mold and trim the wick to within a quarter inch of the top of the candle. This will help contain the flame, as a longer wick will cause the flame to be too large.
   
   
5. Light the wick, burn your candle and enjoy your masterpiece.
   
   
6. Finished.
   
   

EditVideo

EditTips

• You can use citronella essential oil in your candle to create a candle that repels pests such as mosquitoes. This can be found in most natural food stores.

EditWarnings

• Melting wax can be a fire hazard. Never leave the melting wax unattended. Use extra caution when handling melted wax.

EditThings You'll Need

• Melting wax for candle making
• Wick
• Pen, pencil, or large clip
• Molds such as jars or tins
• A double boiler (1 large pot and 1 small pot)
• Water
• Scents (optional)
• Coloring agents (optional)
• Candy or candle thermometer
• Newspaper, cardboard or old cloth to protect your work space
• Warm, soapy water in case of spill

EditRelated wikiHows

• How to Straighten Crooked Tapered Candles
• How to Make an Old Candle New
• How to Make Glow in the Dark Candles
• How to Make a Beeswax Candle
• How to Make Glitter Candles
• How to Make a Candle Holder Out of a CD

EditSources and Citations

• http://ift.tt/1CgwJkY
• http://ift.tt/1CgwJkZ

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1bPZM49

How to Drink Responsibly

If you drink alcohol, it's important to know how to drink responsibly and to stay within your alcohol tolerance level. If you don't, then you could hurt your friends and family and put yourself in grave danger. If you want to know how to drink responsibly, whether you're at a bar, a party, or any other place where people are drinking, then you have to make a game plan, know your limits, and know how to spot and avoid dangerous situations. If you want to know how to enjoy alcohol instead of letting alcohol take control of you, just follow the suggestions starting with Step 1, below.

EditSteps

EditMake a Game Plan

1. Drink with a group of friends. If you want to drink responsibly, then the first thing you should do is avoid drinking alone, or drinking with people you don't really know or trust all that well. If you're out on your own and have no one looking out for you, you can get in all kinds of trouble without anyone even knowing something's wrong. Whether you're heading to a party or out to the bars, always make sure to drink with a group of people you like and trust.
   
   • Don't drink with people who encourage binge drinking or look down on you for not drinking, or for not "keeping up" and drinking a lot. You should be comfortable to drink at your own pace.
   • Don't go out with people who have a reputation for running off to hook up with someone they meet at a bar or just disappearing in the middle of the night. Make sure you go with people you can rely on.
2. Create a "buddy system" with at least one of your friends. When you go out with friends, at least one of them should be a person who knows her own limit, or even who doesn't drink very much, and will be willing to watch out for you and to tell you when it looks like you've had enough. Sometimes, you could be drinking way over your limit while being too stubborn to admit it, and this friend can let you know when it's time to switch to water.
   
   • This friend can tell you when you've had enough, keep you from driving, and be prepared to take you home if you're having a rough night.
   • Don't abuse the "buddy system" -- if you're always that girl, no one will want to go out with you. You should be able to look out for your friend while she looks out for you.
3. Know your limits. Before all else, know yourself and your own limits. It doesn't take long to learn how little or how much alcohol you can tolerate and every body is unique in its ability to tolerate alcohol. Listen to your body and respond in a way that nurtures it rather than abuses it. The first time you drink, you should drink with close friends in the comfort of your own home or their homes, so that you don't get socially overwhelmed. This will help you get a sense of what you can and can not handle.
   
   • You can set your limits very concretely. Your limits could be "four glasses of wine in six hours," "four beers a night," or "two mixed drinks a night" (depending on what's in them). Tell yourself what your limits are before you leave so that you're more likely to stick to them throughout the night.
   • If it's your first time out drinking, it's important to adopt a steady and slow pace, so that you can come to learn your alcohol tolerance.
4. Know how you're getting home. If you're going out with friends, you should know exactly how you're getting home the night before. There are a few options: the easiest is to have a designated driver before you go out, so you have a person who will forgo alcohol that night and get you home safely. You can also get home by taking a bus or other forms of public transportation or just call a cab or walk if you're close enough to the bar. Any of these plans are fine.
   
   • What you should not do is drive to the bar and hope that one of your friends can drive you home, or let someone who you know will drink a lot drive you there, hoping that someone else can take over the car later.
   • If you don't drive or have access to a car, regardless of the circumstance, never get into a car driven by someone else who has had too much to drink.
   • Never get into a car with a stranger if you're intoxicated. Alcohol affects your senses and judgment. Get his or her number and wait until you are sober before you decide to pursue him or her further.
     
   • Even if you're desperate to get home, it's better to pay for a cab or call a trusted friend to pick you up than to get in the car with someone who is drunk or a stranger just because it's more convenient.
   • Never drive drunk. Don't drive if you're even tipsy. Just one drink per hour can put you over the legal limit for driving. Even if you think you "feel fine," your BAC may indicate otherwise.
     
5. Drink when you're of legal age. If you're in the United States, that means 21, and if you're in other parts of the world, that age can typically range from 16-18. Don't go out with a fake ID or drink on a college campus if you're under 21, unless you're prepared to deal with the legal repercussions. If you're breaking the law, you're not being responsible.
   
6. Don't drink if you're not in a positive frame of mind. Alcohol is a depressant, so if you're already feeling angry, upset, or just unstable, it is very likely to make you feel worse. Though you may think that drinking will make you have the time of your life and forget all of your problems, it'll actually make you feel much worse. You may feel an initial buzz and relief after your first drink or two, but you'll drink yourself into a much worse mood than you started with.
   
   • You should make a rule of only drinking when you're happy, not when you want to cope with your sadness.
   • Don't ever use drinking as a way to deal with your problems. You'll have to be sober to do that.
   • Don't go out and drink with someone you're mad at. The alcohol will make your anger come out, and you'll be much better off if you settle your conflicts when you're in a lucid frame of mind.
7. Don't drink on an empty stomach. You will feel the effects of alcohol a lot faster if you drink on an empty stomach and increase the likelihood of feeling sick. Most food is better than none at all, but you should try to eat a more hearty meal that is rich in carbs and proteins that can help you absorb the alcohol, instead of just eating some fruit or a salad. Having a meal before you go out will make you much less likely to drink over your limit very quickly.
   
   • If you've arrived at a bar and realize you haven't eaten, order some food and have a quick bite to eat before you start drinking. Don't worry if this is a bit inconvenient or if it keeps you from drinking for a little while. It'll be worth it.
8. Check with your doctor to see if you can mix your prescription medications with alcohol. If you're on a prescription medication, check with your doctor to make sure that you can drink alcohol on the same day when you took it. It varies by medication, so make sure that you know if your prescription will have any negative interactions with alcohol before you start drinking.^[1]
   
9. Don't drink if you haven't had much sleep. If you're running on two or three hours of sleep, you'll be much better off hitting the hay than hitting up a bar. Alcohol will affect you much more intensely if you're already feeling woozy, tired, and not in control of your own mind and body because you're exhausted.
   
   • You may have stayed up studying for an exam the night before and could be dying for a celebratory drink with your friends, but you should hold off for another night until you feel well-rested.
   • Don't think that having a super dose of caffeine by chugging three cups of coffee or downing an energy drink will make things better. In fact, mixing a lot of caffeine and alcohol will make you feel even worse and more likely to crash.
     

EditManage Your Drinking

1. Stay hydrated. Alcohol dehydrates and draws vitamins and minerals out of your body. Drink water, soda or water with added vitamins to restore your lost vitamins.
   
   • Drinking a one to one ratio of non-alcoholic to alcoholic beverages is a good policy – that's one serving of water for every serving of alcohol. It's always preferable to have a greater ratio of non-alcohol to alcohol.
2. Know what you're drinking. While it's good to try something out for the first time, like a "Sex On The Beach" or a beer you've never had before, be aware of its alcohol content before stocking up on more than one. You may not always be able to detect the strength of the alcohol in your drink owing to sweeteners, milk or cream or other fillers that cover the alcohol. Moreover, your own personal reaction to an unfamiliar drink may be faster inebriation than with your usual drinks.
   
   • Some contents of mixed drinks can bring up your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) more quickly than others, depending on your weight. Alcohol tolerance, like many believe, will not result in a lower BAC compared to a person who doesn't have tolerance built up.
   • It's true that beers are a safer choice than a mixed drink, but you should know the alcohol content of the beer you're drinking. Though many have an alcohol content of 4-5%, some beers can have an alcohol content of 8-9% or more, which can make a big difference.
3. Have no more than one drink per hour. If you want to drink responsibly, then you should have no more than one drink per hour. "One drink" means one 12 oz. beer, one 5 oz. glass of wine, or one 1.5 oz. shot of 40% alcohol per hour. It may be tough to stick to this limit when your friends are drinking much more, but this is the way to be safe. Sipping on a beer or nursing a glass of wine will take longer than taking a shot and is recommended because the alcohol won't hit you all at once.^[2]
   
   • People often have more than one drink per hour just because they have nothing to do with their hands and start fidgeting or feeling nervous when they're not holding a drink. If this is the case with you, just hold onto a water or a club soda in between drinks so there's always something in your hands.
4. Pace yourself. It's important to keep a steady pace when you're drinking. It can take time for alcohol to take its effect. You might feel okay for another shot after a couple of minutes, but keep in mind that you probably haven't felt its effects just yet. Nibble on some food or drink some water in the meantime, to allow the alcohol to diffuse through your body.
   
5. Avoid drinking games. Though drinking games like bullshit, kings, beer pong, and flip-cup may be a great way to pass time at a party and make some friends you'll never remember, these games encourage extreme binge drinking and are guaranteed to make you forget where you are in just a few minutes.
   
   • You can also play these games by discreetly pouring out the alcohol you "should" drink, or passing it on to a friend who hasn't had a lot to drink.

EditAvoid Dangerous Situations

1. Get comfortable with your surroundings. If you're at a house party, get acquainted with the people who own the house and its facilities. Know where the bathroom is. Find a secluded place and choose to keep your shoes or coat there (but never your purse or wallet). If you find that you are losing control, quickly make an excuse ("I left my phone in my coat pocket!") and go to that secluded place to calm down and/or to dump drinks. If you need to get home, find the house owners and ask them to call a taxi or to arrange for a sober person to take you home.
   
   • If you're in a public place, make note of all of the exits upon your arrival. You should do this instinctively in case of an emergency such as a fire outbreak so that you know in advance the closest point of exit. It is also helpful to know where the nearest cab rank or public transportation stop is located to the place you're at. Don't make things harder for yourself; always have an exit strategy.
   • Make sure you know how to get home by heart. If you get drunk to the point of losing your memory, your self-preservation will be as impaired as your inhibitions and you may become easily lost. If you don't know how to get home, you probably shouldn't go out drinking.
2. Avoid peer pressure. Always remember that you're drinking to enjoy and have fun, not to show off. The whole point of drinking is to enjoy the drink, enjoy the company and feel free. You don't need to "keep up," or engage in stupid competitions that could ruin the night and even friendships. If you're hanging out with people who encourage you to drink more even though you don't want to, then you're hanging out with the wrong people.
   
   • If you really want people to stop bugging you about why you're not drinking more, hold a club soda or Coke in your hands and put a lime in it so people will think you're driving and will leave you alone. This is a good short-term solution; the long-term solution is to stay away from people who put unwanted pressure on you.
3. Stop drinking if you start to feel drunk. Symptoms of intoxication include feeling a loss of control over your thoughts, blurry vision, slurred speech, and difficulty with maintaining your balance.
   
4. Stop drinking if you vomit. While this is generally a given, it's important that you don't attempt to drink any more alcohol, even if you feel "better" once you've thrown up. Vomiting is a signal that your body can't take the amount of alcohol that you have consumed and the rejection is your body's last line of defense coming into play. At this stage, you have truly overdone it and it's now time to care about your health rather than your partying.
   
   • If you feel the urge to vomit, then you should go to a bathroom and do it. Vomiting is a way for your body to release the excess of alcohol that doesn't belong in your system. You shouldn't force yourself to vomit, but you shouldn't hold it in, either.
5. Lie on your side if you're feeling sick. Whether you've thrown up, feel like you might throw up, or just feel terrible, you should lie down on your side to prevent yourself from choking on your vomit if you're lying on your back. Keep a bucket by your mouth and be prepared to throw up if it's necessary. If you find yourself in this unpleasant state, don't go home by yourself -- have a trusted friend stay the night so she can watch over you when you need help.
   
   • If you are feeling sick, experiencing headaches or anything feels wrong, tell someone. A responsible person needs to keep a watch over you in case you've developed alcohol poisoning and need medical intervention quickly.
   • If you see someone else who is really sick lying down, make sure to turn that person over on his or her side, too.
6. Don't make any sexual choices when you've been drinking. Though you may think that alcohol may give you some liquid courage to finally talk to, or to hook up with, your crush, it can actually impair your decision-making process and can lead you to do something you'll deeply regret later. You can flirt a little, get a guy or girl's number, and check back in when you're sober, but you should avoid going home with anyone you just met, or even just making out at a bar -- it's not classy behavior, and you won't be proud of yourself later.
   
7. Don't accept a drink from a stranger. If you've walked into a party and a guy offers you a drink right away, don't accept it unless you see him make it or grab it for you so you know exactly what it's the drink. If the guy just grabs you a beer from a cooler, then that's fine, but if he disappears into the kitchen and returns with a "mystery drink" that may be filled with alcohol or even date-rape drugs, then you'll be in the middle of a very dangerous situation.
   
   • You don't have to be rude about declining the drink. Just be honest about your reasoning. It's better to look unfriendly than to be in danger.
8. Don't leave your drink unattended. Your drink should be in your hand or at least in your sight at all times, whether you're at a party or at a bar. If you set your drink down and walk away, someone could mess with your drink, or you could even end up picking up a stronger drink by mistake, thinking it was yours.
   
   • If you get up to go to the restroom, get a close friend to hold your drink for you or take it with you. This will help you avoid anyone tampering with your drink.

EditVideo

EditTips

• If you get wasted every time you drink and do stupid things, or your friends have to take you home because you are knocked out, eventually nobody will want to drink with you anymore and you can be certain that you have crossed the line. You may have a serious problem. Seek help immediately.
• Remember, drinking is NOT the answer to any problems you will have and could even cause more problems in your life. If you like to drink, try to only have one or two drinks. If you're a lightweight, try even less than that. Not only does drinking and getting drunk bad for you because you lose brain cells, but it is also extremely dangerous being, 'under the influence'. You do not need to get drunk every time you drink, you can drink in moderation. If you do get drunk a lot though, make sure you're with someone and in a safe contained area where you can't harm or do damage to anything other than the property that you are at.
• Alcohol is a depressant. Therefore, it's a bad idea to mix alcohol with stimulants — particularly caffeine, such as coffee or energy drinks. Stimulants trick your body into feeling more alert and conscious, which may lead you to feel as if you can handle a few more drinks. Remember to keep in mind the number of drinks that you've had that night.
  • Stimulants also speed up your heart rate, which, combined with alcohol, can lead to short-term heart palpitations and other serious cardiac problems.
• Do not take sleeping pills, or any prescription or non-prescription drugs with alcohol if it has a known contraindication with alcohol

EditWarnings

• If you observe someone that is passed out, will not come to consciousness and has not vomited after extreme amounts of alcohol, take the person to the hospital. This person may be subject to alcohol poisoning. Unconsciousness – period – is a life-threatening condition.
• Avoid drinks after having some pain relieving tablets/medicines.
• Be aware that any amount of alcohol can risk affecting your coordination and state of mind. The extent to which it does this will depend on what you drink, your age, your body mass, and how fast you are drinking. Responsible drinking entails knowing your own limits, drinking in moderation, and being mature about it.
• Don't resort to drinking for problematic reasons. While going to a bar with some friends for the Super Bowl isn't necessarily a problem, the same cannot be said if you're turning to the bottle of whiskey after breaking up with your significant other.
• If you drink, don't even think about driving. Walk home, call a taxicab, or ask someone for a ride.
• Number of alcohol-induced deaths, excluding accidents and homicides: 23,199
• Do not mix energy drinks with alcohol. The feeling of drunkenness is subdued by energy drinks which is dangerous because it inhibits one's ability to judge one's limit and increases one's risk of alcohol poisoning.

EditThings You'll Need

• Water
• Food or snacks
• Friends to help out
• Designated driver or public transportation or taxicab

EditRelated wikiHows

• How to Avoid Alcohol While at College
• How to Encourage a Parent to Drink Less Alcohol
• How to Quit Drinking Alcohol
• How to Have Fun Without Drugs and Alcohol
• How to Say No to Drugs and Alcohol
• How to Drink Drinks
• How to Be Productive While Driving
• How to Acquire Alcohol Quickly

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/13nzLYP