How to Speak Basic French

French is a beautiful, romantic language, and it’s spoken in countries all around the world. If you’d like to learn basic French, start with practical words and phrases. Work on greetings, polite expressions, introducing yourself, and other simple conversational skills. Practice your pronunciation and, if you want to dig a little deeper, learn more about the language’s grammar and structure. To study French effectively, make flashcards, read easy French children’s books, and write simple daily journal entries in French.

EditSteps

EditGreeting Cheat Sheets

Sample Ways to Say Hello in French

Sample Ways to Say Good Morning in French

EditBasic Phrase Cheat Sheets

Sample Ways to Say Goodbye in French

Sample Ways to Say Thank You in French

Sample Ways to Say How Are You in French

EditLearning Common Words and Phrases

1. Greet people by saying “salut,” “bonjour,” and “bonsoir.” From starting conversations to greeting passersby, saying hello is the first step in learning basic French. Say “bonjour” (bon-zhur) for the most basic greeting.^[1]
   
   • The “j” in “bonjour” is soft; it’s a “zh” sound, or a combination between “sh” and “j.” Pronounce the “n” just slightly, but try not to let the tip of your tongue hit the roof of your mouth as you would in English. French is pronounced with the back of the mouth and nose more than front of the mouth.
   • Bonjour literally means “good day,” and is a more formal way to say hello. Say “salut” (sa-loo) for an informal expression, like “hi” in English.
   • It’s also best to use bonjour during the day. At night, say, “bonsoir” (bon-swarh), which means “good evening.”
2. Say “au revoir,” “bonne nuit,” or “salut” to bid farewell. “Au revoir” (ohr-vwah) is the best-known way to say goodbye in French. Literally, it means “until we see each other again.” For a more informal expression, you could use “salut,” which can mean either “hi” or “bye.” While it’s Italian, the French also sometimes use “ciao,” too, such as “Ciao, salut.”^[2]
   
   • You can also say, “bonne nuit” (bon-nwee), which means “goodnight.”
3. Practice saying the alphabet to get a feel for French phonics. Pronounce the vowels a, e, i o, and u as “ah,” “eh,” “ee,” “oh,” and “oo.” Consonants like b and c, which sound like “bee” and “see” in English, are pronounced “bay” and “say” in French.^[3]
   
   • Pronounce the alphabet in French like this: “ah (a), bay (b), say (c), day (d), eh (e), eff (f), zhee (g), osh (h), ee (i), zhay (j), kay (k), elle (l), em (m), en (n), oh (o), pay (p), koo (q), air (r), ess (s), tay (t), oo (u), vay (v), doo-bluh-vay (w), eex (x), ee-grek, (y), zed (z).”
   • Practicing the alphabet can help you get to know how vowel and consonant sounds work in French. This can improve your pronunciation, even if you just want to learn how to say a few practical phrases.
4. Work on learning how to count in French. Whether you’re ordering in a restaurant or telling someone how old you are, knowing your numbers will come in handy. Break it up into steps, and you’ll be able to count to 1,000 in no time. On the first day, practice 1 through 10, then work on 11 through 20, and memorize the rest of the tens digits (30, 40, 50, and so on) the next day.^[4]
   
   • The numbers 1 through 10 in French are “un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, dix.” Say them like this: “uhn (1), duh (2), trwah (3), katreh (4, the “reh” is subtle, and isn’t a distinct syllable), sank (5), sees (6, the “s” sounds are soft, like “cease”), sept (7), weet (8), nuhf (9, it sounds like “surf” without the “r”), dees (10, it rhymes with “cease”).
   • For a list of numbers with a helpful pronunciation feature, see http://www.languageguide.org/french/numbers.
5. Master practical phrases if you’re a traveler. If you’re visiting a French-speaking location, learn how to ask useful questions, such as “Do you speak English?” or “Where is the bathroom?” Keep in mind there are 2 words for “you” in French; “vous” is polite, and “tu” is informal. Use “tu” if you’re talking to a friend, and “vous” if you’re asking a passerby for directions.^[5]
   
   • To ask “Do you speak English,” say, “Parlez-vous anglais?” (par-lay voo ahn-glay). For the informal version, ask “Parle-tu anglais?” (parl-too ahn-glay).
   • If you’re at a restaurant, say, “Je voudrais” (zhuh voo-dray), which means “I would like.” For instance, tell the waiter, “Je voudrais une salade” (zhuh voo-dray oon sah-lod), which means “I would like a salad.
   • In an informal setting ask, “Où sont les toilettes?” (oo, sohn lay twah-lette) if you need to find the restroom. If you’re at a formal dinner party at someone’s home, ask the host, “Excusez-moi, où est-ce que je peux me rafraîchir?” (eh-skew-zay-mwah, oo ess-kuh zhuh puh muh rah-fray-sheer), which means “Excuse me, where can I freshen up?”
   • Many French speaker know English but, if you’re in France, it’s polite to excuse yourself for not knowing French: “Je suis désolé, mais je ne parle pas français” (Zhuh swee day-zo-lay, may zhuh-nuh parl pah frahn-say). This means “I’m sorry, but I don’t speak French.^[6]
6. Memorize the French words for please and thank you. It’s always wise to be polite if, say, you’re asking for directions or ordering at a restaurant. Recall that there are 2 ways of saying “you.” Likewise, there are formal and informal ways of saying “please.”^[7]
   
   • The formal way of saying “please” is “s'il vous plaît” (see voo play). Say, for instance, “Excusez-moi, s'il vous plaît, parle-tu anglais?” (eh-skew-zay-mwah, see voo play, parl-too ahn-glay), which means “Excuse me, please, do you speak English?”
   • The less formal version of “please” is “s'il te plaît” (see teh play). Ask your friend, “Je voudrais de l’eau, s'il te plaît” (zhuh voo-dray deh low, see teh play), which means “I’d like some water, please.”
   • “Merci” (mair-see) means “thank you.” To say “Thank you very much” or “Thanks a lot,” say “Merci beaucoup” (mair-see bow-koo) or “Merci bien” (mair-see bee-ehn).
   • To say “You’re welcome,” use “Je vous en prie” (zhuh voo-zawn pree), which is more polite, or “De rien” (deh ree-ehn), which is less formal.
7. Learn how to ask and respond to “How are you” in French. To ask someone how they’re doing, say “Comment allez-vous?” (koh-mah tahl-ay voo). This is the polite version; less formal alternatives include “Comment vas-tu?” (koh-mah vah-too) and “Ça va?” (sah vah).^[8]
   
   • If someone asks how you’re doing, you could respond, “Très bien (treh bee-ehn), which means “very good.” Other responses include “Pas mal” (pah mahl), which means “not bad,” and “Ça va” (sah vah), or “It’s going.”
8. Practice telling others about yourself. Learn how to tell people your name, age, and where you’re from, and to ask others about themselves. To introduce yourself, say, “Je m'appelle” ('zhuh mah-pell), which means “My name is.”^[9]
   
   • To ask someone their name, ask “Comment vous appelez-vous?” (koh-mah voo zah-play voo), which is more polite, or “Comment tu t'appelles? (koh-mah too tah-pell), which is informal.
   • Ask, “Quel âge as-tu” (kell-ozh ah-too) or the formal “Quel âge avez-vous” (kell-ozh ah-vay-voo) to ask someone’s age. To respond, say, “J'ai 18 ans” (zhay deez-weet ahn), which literally means “I have 18 years.”
   • “Où habitez-vous” (oo ah-bee-tay voo) and Où habites-tu?” (oo ah-beet too) mean “Where do you live.” You’d say, “J’habite à New York, mais je suis de Canada” (zha-beet ah New York, may zhuh swee deh Canada), which means “I live in New York, but I’m from Canada.”

EditImproving Your Language Skills

1. Practice your pronunciation, especially the French “R.” Listen to spoken French, and practice mimicking the way sounds are formed in the throat instead of the front of the mouth. For example in English, the “r” sound is made in the front of the mouth with the lips and teeth. French speakers, on the other hand, make the “r” sound by drawing the back of the tongue close to the soft palate.^[10]
   
   • One of the best ways to improve your pronunciation is to get a French speaker to correct your mistakes. If you know a native speaker or someone who’s fluent, ask them to help you develop a better accent.^[11]
2. Familiarize yourself with gendered words. In French, all nouns and adjectives are either masculine or feminine. Many words that end in “e” are feminine, but keep in mind there are lots of exceptions! The key thing to know is that the adjective’s gender must match the noun’s gender.^[12]
   
   • Additionally, if a noun is plural, an adjective that describes it must also be plural. You’d use “Sam est petit,” (Sam eh puh-tee) to say Sam, who’s a boy, is short. If Sam and Beth, who are girls, are both short, you’d say “Sam et Beth sont petites” (Sam aye Beth sohn puh-teet).
   • Articles, such as “the” and “a,” also need to match the gender and number. “Un” and “une” (uh and oohn) are the masculine and feminine versions of “a.” “Le,” “la,” and “les” (luh, lah, and lay) are the masculine, feminine, and plural ways of saying “the.” You’d use “l’” for words that begin with vowels: “l’école.”
   • If you’re describing yourself, make sure the adjective matches your gender. For instance, “Je suis américain” (zhuh sweez-ah-may-ree-keh) is masculine, and “Je suis américaine” (zhuh sweez-ah-may-ree-kenn) is feminine.
3. Learn about how the verb “to have” is used in French. Knowing when to use “être” (to be) and “avoir” (to have) can get a little tricky, but it’s a key aspect of basic French. In French, you’d use the verb “to have” to say “I’m hungry” and “I’m thirsty.” For instance, the literal translations of “J’ai faim” (zhay feh) and “J’ai soif” (zhay swof) are “I have hunger” and “I have thirst.”^[13]
   
   • To ask someone if they’re hungry, use “Avez-vous faim?” (ah-vay voo feh) or “As-tu faim? (ah-too feh). Swap out “faim” with “soif” (swof) to ask if they’re thirsty, and “sommeil” (soh-may) to ask if they’re sleepy.
   • The verb “to have” is always used to express conditions such as hunger, thirst, and fatigue. Use “être” (to be) for adjectives such as gender and nationality.

EditUsing Effective Study Techniques

1. Memorize daily or weekly vocabulary lists. Make vocabulary lists at your own pace. For instance, make a list of 10 new words or phrases every day, or use a word of the day calendar to add 1 new word to your vocabulary per day.^[14]
   
   • When you study, review your previous list or word to keep it fresh, then move on to new material.
   • Try making themed lists, such as foods, body parts, and household objects. If you're traveling to a francophone country and want to study vacation-related vocabulary words, check out https://www.laits.utexas.edu/fi/html/toc/03.html.
2. Make flashcards to build your vocabulary. Write down a word in French on one side of the flashcard, and the translation on the other. When you write down the French word and its translation, say them out loud. Quiz yourself, or have someone help you study your flashcards.^[15]
   
   • Seeing, writing, and speaking the translations out loud can help you commit your vocabulary words to memory.^[16]
3. Watch French movies and TV shows. French is spoken rapidly, so try renting or buying French films or TV shows to get used to hearing and understanding the language. You can also search for videos on YouTube and other streaming services.^[17]
   
   • You may be able to select French dubbing for English TV shows and movies on DVD, so check audio menus.
4. Read children’s books in French. Flashcards can help build your vocabulary, but you should also try to learn how to use the words in context. The language in children’s books is simple, and illustrations can help you guess words that you don’t know.^[18]
   
   • Look online or at a library for French children’s books. You can also download free or cheap ebooks on your e-reader or other electronic device.
5. Write journal entries about your day in French. Once you have a grasp of basic French, practice writing a few short sentences in French every day. They don’t have to be complex, especially when you first begin. To reinforce your vocabulary, try incorporating words from your daily or weekly lists.^[19]
   
   • For instance, you might write, “Aujourd’hui c’est dimanche, le 7 Octobre. J’ai déjeuné avec ma cousine. J’ai mangé une salade de poulet, de la laitue, des épinards, des oignons, et des tomates.”
   • That translates to “Today is Sunday, October 7. I had lunch with my cousin. I had a salad with chicken, lettuce, spinach, onions, and tomatoes.”
   • If you have a friend or relative who speaks French, ask them to read your entries and correct any errors.

EditVideo

EditTips

• When asking a question, remember to bring up the pitch of your voice at the end of the phrase. If you lower the pitch of your voice, “Ça va” means “It’s going,” and “Tu as faim” means “You are hungry.” If you raise the pitch of your voice at the end of these phrases, they mean “How are you?” and “Are you hungry?”
• Remember to use the formal “vous” to show respect to strangers, professors, bosses, and elders. You would use informal phrases only when speaking to children, friends, or family members.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Improve Your French
• Learn French from Scratch
• Speak French
• Pronounce the Letters of the French Alphabet
• Say Hello in Different Languages

EditSources and Citations

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from How to of the Day https://ift.tt/2qqjOjF

How to Apply Day of the Dead Makeup

The Day of the Dead is a widely celebrated holiday and has a distinctive style of makeup which is traditionally associated with it. The style is known as “sugar skull” makeup because of the way it mimics the skull candy which is used in the celebration. Applying Day of the Dead makeup has become a popular tradition and is simple enough to accomplish for most people. Although there are essentially endless variations, achieving the basic look is easy to accomplish.

EditSteps

EditCreating the Base

1. Wash, moisturize, and prime your face. Use whatever cleanser you normally use, or simply use soap and water. A clean and oil-free face is best to ensure the makeup application goes smoothly. Next, apply moisturizer because large amounts of makeup can dry out your skin. Lastly, apply a makeup primer to smooth out your features and help the makeup apply more smoothly and come off more easily.^[1]
   
   • Washing is a must to make sure the face is oil-free when you start the makeup. Moisturizer and primer will help you accomplish the look better but are not absolutely necessary.
2. Apply white base to the whole face. Don’t use anything grease-based like clown paint from the halloween store. Instead, using water-based theatrical makeup, like the one sold by Ben Nye, is often recommended.^[2] White Kabuki makeup is also a good option. It is probably easiest to order either of these online, if you have that option available. Use a sponge or brush to apply the makeup to your whole face, avoiding the area around your eyes.
   
   
   • Apply the makeup from the top of your forehead just below the hairline to the sides of your face at the edge of your ear and around your jawline just under the chin. Don’t go all the way under your chin or down onto your neck.
   • You may need to apply multiple coats so your face is covered completely. You don’t want the makeup to be too caked or become lumpy, but you want your face to appear fully white with no skin showing through.
   • Don’t apply makeup to your lips.
3. Use a powder to set the base. Using standard setting powder, lightly cover the whole face. Using a brush or a powder puff are both fine. When using a puff, be sure to dab rather than wipe to keep from smearing the white base you’ve just applied.^[3]
   
   
   • Setting with powder is not absolutely necessary, but it will ensure a longer lasting look.
   • At this point, you can also lightly brush hot pink eye shadow or blush on the contours of your cheeks, chin, and forehead.
4. Draw circles around the eyes. You can use an eyeliner pencil, liquid eyeliner, a nude pencil, or even cream eye shadow. The idea is to outline the whole area of the eye that you want to emphasize.The circle should encompass the entire eye socket, from the top of the eyebrows to the lower edge of the eye socket.^[4]
   
   
   • For people with thick or tricky eyebrows, a light swipe of an Elmer’s glue stick can help straighten them and even them out. It’s safe and washes off easily with water.^[5]
   • Don’t worry about making a perfect circle, because you can blend it with makeup in the later steps.

EditAccentuating the Eyes

1. Apply mascara to both eyes. Don’t be afraid to apply 2 or 3 coats of mascara because you are going for a darker look than you normally would. Using one coat of brown mascara and then one coat of black can give your lashes a fuller look.^[6] Mascara and other features don’t need to be perfect given the overall look. It’s also not a big deal if you get mascara on your eyelids since you will be covering this whole area anyway.
   
   
   • If you want to curl your lashes, this is the time to do it.
   • You can also buy mascara that is specifically meant to create more volume, such as Maybelline’s The Falsies Push Up Angel Mascara or Urban Decay Perversion Mascara.
2. Apply black eyeliner to both eyes. Go around the waterline of your eye as you usually would when applying eyeliner, but also cover about halfway up your upper eyelid. Also make sure you get the inside and outside corners well since you won’t be able to get them with paint or eye shadow. Liquid eyeliner works best but pencil is an option.
   
   
3. Blend from eyelashes to eyebrows. Using either an all over eyeshadow brush or a blender brush, blend eyeshadow up from the eyeliner filling in the circle from eyelashes to eyebrow. Then extend shading around the bottom of the eye socket, filling the rest of the circle. One you finish, you should have a fully filled circle around your eye. The circle does not have to be perfect.^[7]
   
   
   • You have a decision to make here: do you want to stick with a basic black and white look or add some color? You have freedom to style your eyes in a way that most fits the look you want. You can stick with all black or use a vibrant color like blue or pink.
4. Add small dots all around the outer edge of the circle. Place the dots so that they overlap just slightly using the eyeliner from before. If you want a very simple look, you can stick with black filled circle and black dots. If you you used blue or pink, black dots are also good, but if you used black to fill in the circles, you could use bright red paint to make the dots stand out.
   
   
   • Rather than simple dots, you can also draw more elaborate flower petals with bright colors.^[8]

EditAccenting the Nose and Mouth

1. Paint the lips. Start by applying basic lipstick. Bright red or pale pink are the best options, but feel free to pick what you like best. Then, use black lip liner (or eyeliner) to draw a horizontal line across the middle of your lips.^[9]
   
   
   • You can make the line extend just past the edges of your mouth or you can extend it all the way to your jaw line.
   • Don’t make it super wavy, but it doesn’t have to be straight as a ruler either.
2. Draw small vertical lines through the horizontal line. This completes the stitching of the mouth.
   
   
   • The size of the stitch lines is up to you, but don’t exceed an inch long.
   • How close you place them is also up to you, but don’t get them so close that they blend together.
3. Paint the nose. Use black paint or liquid eyeliner to emphasize the nose. Start on the bridge of your nose and paint at least to the tip forming a triangle with rounded points. You can also paint the whole nose covering the nostrils if you want to.
   
   

EditAdding Extra Features

1. Draw spiderwebs on the forehead and cheeks. Draw two lines, like the points of a triangle, on your forehead with the point towards your nose. Draw a third line down the middle of the first two. Connect all three lines with wavy horizontal lines filling in the web. Depending on what type of shirt you are wearing, you can also add spiderwebs to your shoulders or chest.^[10]
   
   
2. Draw small crosses and hearts. Using black eyeliner, you can add a small cross to your forehead and one on each cheek. Using red lipstick, draw a small heart on your chin. These touches symbolize the love and spiritual aspects of Day of the Dead.
   
   
3. Draw flowers. You can use flowers to customize the look in a number of ways. Keep it simple with a small flower on the cheek or whole bouquet starting at the temple and continuing down the cheek to your jaw. You can also draw petals around the black makeup on your eyes.
   

EditSources and Citations

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from How to of the Day https://ift.tt/2QclDvZ

How to Tune a Lap Harp

The lap harp—a small string instrument in concert pitch that is popular with young children—can be a wonderful first instrument to learn. It's also a favorite of experienced music students and musicians. But regular play, occasional use, and even a lack of play—which typically leads to dust buildup—can cause the pegs to gradually unwind and pull the whole instrument out of tune. Luckily, with a bit of musical knowledge and a lot of patience, the lap harp is fairly easy to tune.

EditSteps

EditSetting up Your Tuner

1. Purchase a tuning key, electronic tuner, and guitar pick. Most lap harp kits and electronic tuners include a tuning key—a small "L"-shaped silver instrument with a hole that fits over the tuning pegs on the sides of the instrument. Tuners either clip to the body of the harp or are placed close to the harp to pick up its sound. After fitting the key onto a tuning peg, turning the handle changes the key of each string.^[1]
   
   • A pick is also recommended to make strumming and note quality easier and better.
2. Set your tuner to 440 Hz if it's not already. Electronic tuners are often set to this frequency by default. This is sometimes displayed on the tuner as "A = 440." Setting to this frequency means that each of your notes will be the same frequency as other instruments in concert pitch—the common standard for musical instrument tuning.^[2]
   
3. Place the harp on your lap with the narrow, pointed end facing forward. Position it so that are 15 silver pegs on the right of the harp and 15 red pegs on the left. You can also place your lap on a flat surface and tune it from there.
   
   • Sit in a position that is comfortable enough to maintain for a good 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Clip your electronic tuner onto the harp's wooden body. Most electronic tuners clip onto the body of the harp's wood. Attach it close to the notes that you're tuning and move it accordingly. After clipping it on, turn on the tuner's power and pluck a couple of strings to make sure it's picking up sound signals.^[3]
   
   • If you're starting with the G string at the bottom right of the harp, clip it to the bottom right to start and move it along the edge as you continue tuning.

EditTuning Your Strings

1. Strum each string and observe the note on the tuner. Make sure that the display shows the note that the string is playing and a needle that moves to the left or right of its meter display. The screen will also typically display yellow when the note is too low, and red when it's too high. The combination of colors helps you guide your tuning until the needle stabilizes into the center of the display with the desired note above it.^[4]
   
   • To tune to G, the notes—from bottom right to top right when the narrow end is facing upward—should be: G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Alternative tunings are different, but stick to G standard tuning until you get more experience.^[5]
   • Many lap harps come with a sheet with all the notes marked, as well as tuning instructions. Be sure to have something of this sort (or write down the notes above on a paper) so that you have a reference for what notes each string needs to be tuned to.
2. Note how many half or whole steps the string is away from the intended note. For example, G♯ (G-sharp) is a half step up from G, and G♭(G-flat) is a half step down from it. Most lap harps are tuned to the key of C or G and only play "natural" notes (no flats or sharps).
   
   • If you're an experienced musician, don't be afraid to play around with some of the strings to turn a note or two flat or sharp.
3. Tighten each flat string by slowly turning the tuning key clockwise. If the note is too low—for example, the first string is A instead of G—you need to tighten the string a full step. Hook the tuning key onto the silver knob, strum the note clearly until it shows up on the tuner, and then slowly tighten the string with your tuning key by turning it counterclockwise.^[6]
   
   • As the note is fading away, you'll hear the pitch begin to change. Use this as a guide as to how much you've changed the sound, and if you're going higher or lower.
   • Keep an eye on the tuner screen and stop tightening the string when the tuning needle centers.
4. Loosen each sharp string by turning the tuning key counterclockwise. If a note has gone sharp—for example, the bottom-right string is A instead of G—hook the tuning key onto the string's peg, strum the note clearly, and gently turn it counterclockwise. Stop loosening the string once the tuner reads G.
   
   • Watch the screen carefully and stop turning the key once the tuner displays the correct note.
   • Keep an eye on the tuner screen and stop tightening the string when the tuning needle centers.
5. Continue this process with all the strings until they're tuned. Tuning can be slow and tedious work, so take plenty of breaks. If you come across a particularly difficult string, come back to it later.^[7]
   
   • Check your progress periodically by playing up and down through the strings you've tuned. Make any adjustments as you go along.

EditThings You'll Need

• Lap harp
• Electronic tuner
• Tuning key
• Pick
• Note sheet (included in some harp starter kits)

EditTips

• Keep in mind that some of the changes you make will be so small that you may not even have to feel the movement of the key (in fact, if you do, you may have gone too far). Some adjustments are very minuscule – be careful not to turn the key so much that it goes out of tune.
• Most instrument repair shops will be able to tune a lap harp. If you're having trouble, consider having it professionally tuned.
• You can also tune by ear, using a piano or a note playback feature on your tuner. However, especially when using the piano, you'll have to be sure that the piano is perfectly in tune, or the harp will be out of tune, too. Generally, tuning with the needle on a tuner is more accurate and easier to work with.

EditWarnings

• Don't let young children try this unsupervised. It's very likely that they'll over-tighten and break a string, which can be dangerous and present a choking hazard.
• Do not over-tighten the strings! It's very easy to break strings on a lap harp, and it can be a real pain to buy replacement strings.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Play the Harp
• Tune a Guitar
• Tune a Guitar to Drop D

EditSources and Citations

__
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from How to of the Day https://ift.tt/2Jw5MG5

How to Crack Your Ankle

Sometimes, when you stretch a certain way, you may notice a popping or cracking noise in your joints. If you have ankle pain and soreness, stretching so that your ankle deliberately cracks can sometimes give you the relief you need. Cracking your joints is perfectly normal and is not dangerous, although the sound can sometimes bother people who are nearby.^[1] If you want to crack your ankle, try one of these stretches, but stop right away if you experience pain while you’re doing them.

EditSteps

EditPointing Your Toes

1. Stand up straight with your foot held out in front of you. Your foot should be slightly off the floor with enough room to flex it in different directions. About should be enough.^[2]
   
   • If you feel unsteady, place your hand on a wall or a piece of sturdy furniture to help hold your balance.
   • If you need to, you can also do this exercise sitting down.
2. Point your toes forward as much as you can for about 15 seconds. Keep your knee straight, and stretch your toes forward either as much as you can or until you feel discomfort. After about 15 seconds, relax your foot back to the neutral position.^[3]
   
   • If your ankle doesn’t pop, you can try again or stretch your ankle another direction.
3. Repeat by pulling your toes back and turning your ankle from side to side. After each move, hold your foot in place for 15 seconds, then relax. Once your ankle pops, you can stop, or you can continue the stretches if you want to loosen your ankle even more.^[4]
   
   • Your ankle will only pop about once every 20 minutes, so there’s no need to continue stretching unless you want to.
4. Try rotating your ankle in circles if it didn’t pop already. Try 5 circles each of small, medium, and large rotations, first counterclockwise, then clockwise. If the stretches didn’t crack your ankle, the rotations may help it to pop.^[5]
   
   • If your ankle doesn’t pop after the rotations, let it rest before trying another method.
5. Switch legs and repeat if you want to crack both ankles. Sometimes, only one of your ankles might need to be cracked, in which case, you don’t have to switch to the other side. However, if you’ve loosened up the muscles in one ankle, it might be best to stretch the other one as well, even if it doesn’t crack.^[6]
   

EditTracing the Alphabet

1. Sit in a chair so your feet don't touch the floor. Make sure you’re well-balanced and comfortable. You’ll be moving your feet for several minutes, and you don’t want to strain your back.^[7]
   
   • If you need to, shift so your weight is resting on the foot that’s still on the ground.
   • You may be more comfortable in a chair with arms, so you can use your hands to help support your weight.
2. Lift one leg into the air about off the ground. For this exercise, you’ll be rotating your ankle in different directions until it cracks. Leave yourself plenty of room to move your foot around without running into the floor. ^[8]
   
3. Trace the alphabet with your foot, leading with your big toe. By tracing the alphabet, you’ll be forcing your ankle into a variety of different angles and movements that you might not normally perform. One of these motions may be just the thing to crack your ankle.^[9]
   
   • Repeat the alphabet 1-3 times as necessary.
4. Switch and repeat with the other foot. If you want to crack both of your ankles, shift your weight in your chair, return the first foot to the floor, and lift the other foot. Even if your ankle doesn’t crack, it’s always a good idea to limber up both sides of your body evenly.^[10]
   

EditCracking Your Ankles with Your Hands

1. Sit with your legs crossed and put one foot on the opposite knee. For this exercise, you’ll be most comfortable—and stable—if you sit on the floor. If sitting directly on the floor is uncomfortable, you can sit on a cushion or a pile of blankets.^[11]
   
   • You may also be able to perform this exercise sitting on a bed or a couch.
2. Pick one foot up and place it on top of the opposite knee. This will be a sort of modified lotus pose. The outside of your foot should rest on the top of the opposite knee. This position should feel comfortable and not strained.^[12]
   
   • If you feel any discomfort in your ankle, knee, or lower back, stop right away.
3. Place one hand on top of your ankle and grasp your foot with the other. You’ll be using your hands to manipulate your ankle, so be sure you have a good grip on your foot. Hold it firmly, but do not squeeze so tightly that it’s uncomfortable.^[13]
   
4. Guide your foot in circular rotations, first one way, then the other. Make sure you stretch your ankle gently, in slow circles, keeping your ankle extended as far as you comfortably can. However, don’t force your ankle to the point of discomfort.^[14]
   
   • If you need to, you can repeat on the other foot.

EditWarnings

• Stop right away and consult your doctor if any of these exercises are painful.

EditSources and Citations

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from How to of the Day https://ift.tt/2CUUbyQ

How to Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated in Latin American countries and is especially popular in Mexico. This special holiday, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd each year, honors the lives of people who have died. It is believed that the souls of the dead come back to visit their loved ones at this time. Contrary to popular belief, Día de los Muertos is not a sad or depressing time, but a time of happiness and celebration of life!

EditSteps

EditHonoring Your Loved Ones

1. Make an altar for the deceased. You can create an altar for just one person or an altar for many people. Fill the altar with favorite foods and trinkets that the people enjoyed in their lifetime. Decorate it with candles, flowers, and a framed photo of the person or people you are remembering. Spend time at the altar, telling fond and humorous stories about the deceased.^[1]
   
   • Many people choose to pray, and add a Christian cross and statues or pictures of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the altar.
   • Catrina figures (a costumed female with a skeleton face) are popular decorations for altars.
2. Visit the graves of your loved ones. Clean and decorate the grave with ofrendas (offerings) like "cempasúchitl" (orange marigolds) or "Flor de Muerto" ("Flower of the Dead"), which are thought to attract souls of the dead. You can even make a path from flower petals from the grave to your home to help your loved ones find their way. Lay down trinkets and the deceased's favorite candies.^[2]
   
   • Usually, deceased children are honored on November 1, while deceased adults are honored on November 2.
   • For children (los angelitos or little angels) bring toys and sugar skulls; for adults, bring bottles of their favorite alcoholic beverage (tequila, mezcal, pulque).
   • You can visit the graves of your loved ones any time during the holiday, or even spend all night in the cemetery eating, drinking, talking, playing cards, and listening to music.
3. Set out pillows and blankets in your home. Traditionally, people celebrating Día de los Muertos arrange a pillow and blanket for each of their deceased loved ones in their home. This is so that the spirits of the dead can rest after their journey, as they are believed to visit their loved ones during this time.^[3]
   
4. Play music. Listen to live mariachi music or play your loved one’s favorite songs or recordings. Enjoy the music and celebrate the life of the deceased. Some people even have parades through the graveyard, and play music, dance, and celebrate while stopping at the gravestones of each of their loved ones.^[4]
   
5. Write calaveras literarias. Calaveras literarias (“literary skulls”), also known as panteones, are short poems written in the form of epitaphs. These poems are satirical or funny, and often poke fun at your loved ones’ quirks or embarrassing moments. You can even illustrate your poem with pictures of your loved one or of Dapper Death and his Dame.^[5]
   
   • Traditionally, calaveras literarias were written in four-line stanzas in which the second line rhymes with the last line, or five-line stanzas in which the third line rhymes with the last line. In modern times, many of these poems are written in blank verse and are no longer than one page.^[6]
   • For instance, if your loved one was a poor bullfighter, you could write a short poem in which they struggle or fail during a bullfight. Humor often plays a large role in the calaveras literarias.
6. Make Day of the Dead masks. This is a great activity for children on Día de los Muertos. Draw a skull or trace a template you find online. Decorate the mask in a traditional style, or create your own designs. Cut out the mask, punch a hole on either side, and attach a string to each hole. Tie the mask around your head and head out to celebrate.^[7]
   
   • Masks can be either half- or full-face. Traditional designs include skulls and flowers.
   • You can use crayons, markers, puffy paint, glitter glue, etc., to decorate your mask as you wish.
7. Wear Day of the Dead makeup. Many people like to wear makeup that is reminiscent of a sugar skull on the Day of the Dead. Paint your face white, then add large colored circles around your eyes. You can draw “stitches” on your lips and extending out from your mouth. Paint on a nose, and add decorations like flowers or spiderwebs to your face.^[8]
   
8. Dress in costume for the holiday. Nowadays, many people wear items of clothing decorated with sugar skulls or skeleton prints, such as shirts, dresses, or leggings on Día de los Muertos. You can also wear shells and dance so that the noisiness "wakes up" the dead, or even dress up as the deceased.^[9]
   
   • Some women also dress as Calavera Catrina in long, flowing, brightly-colored lace dresses paired with flower crowns and sugar skull makeup.
   • Sometimes, children dress in costume and ask people on the street for a calaverita (a small gift of money). Unlike Halloween, though, they don't knock on doors.

EditMaking Ofrendas (Offerings)

1. Prepare a special dinner. Include a plate setting for every person whose memory you wish to honor and include a favorite dish of theirs in your dinner. Invite your family to celebrate with you and tell stories about your deceased loved ones. Popular offerings include calaveras, calabaza en tacha, atole, and pan de muerto.^[10]
   
2. Create calaveras. Calaveras are Mexican sugar skulls. This is a fun activity for the whole family, and especially fun to eat, as calaveras are offered to both the living and the dead. To make your own, mix 1 teaspoon (4.93 mL) of meringue powder with 1 cup (237 mL) of granulated sugar, then add 1 teaspoon (4.93 mL) of water, and mix well. Pack the mixture into a mold and let dry overnight.^[11]
   
   • Decorate the calaveras using colored icing, sequins, feathers, and more.
   • You can also buy the sugar skulls "ready made" and then decorate them.
3. Make calabaza en tacha. Calabaza en tacha (candied pumpkin) is a popular and traditional dish for Día de los Muertos. In a large saucepan, bring 2 pounds (0.907 kg) piloncillo, 4 cinnamon sticks, 4 cups (1 liter) of water, and the juice and zest from 1 orange to a boil. Add the flesh of one 5-pound (2.25 kg) pumpkin, cut into strips. Simmer an hour or two until tender, then serve.^[12]
   
   • Piloncillo is Mexican unrefined brown sugar; to substitute, you can mix 2 teaspoons (9.86 mL) molasses with every 1/4 cup (59 mL) of brown sugar.
   • This recipe yields 6-8 servings of calabaza en tacha.
4. Serve atole. Atole is a warm porridge-like drink made from masa. To make it, blend 1/2 cup (118 mL) fresh masa with 1/4 cup (59 mL) hot water. Transfer it to saucepan, add a cinnamon stick and the seeds from one vanilla bean, and stir until it thickens. Mix in 3-4 tablespoons (44-59 mL) piloncillo until it dissolves, then remove from heat. Remove the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean seeds.^[13]
   
   • You can serve atole as is, or choose to add 1 cup (237 mL) of pureed fruit, such as pineapple or strawberries, to your dish before serving.
   • This recipe yields 5-6 servings of atole.
5. Mix the dough for pan de muerto. Pan de muerto ("bread of the dead") is a sweet egg bread made in various shapes. This is a traditional Día de Los Muertos dish and is a fun activity for the family to do together. To make it:^[14]
   
   • Stir 1/2 packet (3.5 g) active-dry yeast and 1/4 cup (59 mL) warm water in a large bowl and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
   • Heat 1/4 cup (59 mL) La Lechera sweetened condensed milk and 1/4 cup (1/2 stick or 59 mL) unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
   • Add 1/2 teaspoon (2.46 mL) anise seeds, 1/4 teaspoon (1.23 mL) salt, and the La Lechera mixture to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
   • Add 2 large eggs and 1 cup (237 mL) flour and mix well with a wooden spoon.
   • Add 1 ¼ cups (296 mL) flour, in small increments, stirring well until the dough comes together.
6. Knead the dough. Knead the dough gently for about 5 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic and no longer sticky.
   
   • Place dough in a large greased bowl and cover it with greased plastic wrap.
   • Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
   • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Shape the dough. Arrange the dough into a loaf or a shape such as a skull or an angel.^[15]
   
   • To make a skull, remove 3 tablespoons (44.36 mL) of dough and form each into a ball. Shape the larger dough into a loaf.
   • Roll 2 of the balls into long worm shapes to form the bones on top of the bread. Drape the 2 worms-shaped dough pieces on top of the loaf to form an “X.”
   • Form the remaining ball into a skeleton head and gently place it on top of the “X.”
8. Bake your pan de muerto. Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet and allow it to rise in warm place for about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176.6 degrees C).
   
   • Brush the top of the loaf with egg wash made from 1 egg yolk beaten with 2 teaspoons (9.86 mL) water.
   • Bake for 20 minutes; then remove the loaf from the oven and brush again with egg wash. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon (14.79 mL) granulated sugar.
   • Return it to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Serve warm or cool completely.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Celebrate Cinco De Mayo

EditSources and Citations

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from How to of the Day https://ift.tt/2qnHlSc