How to Make Women Melt

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   Take the initiative to help her out. Set aside defined gender roles in your household and distribute the work equally. When you've settled down and made your love nest together, here are some ways to keep the woman in your life melting:

   • Make her breakfast in bed on the weekend. You can also cook breakfast or dinner for the whole family. If you're not already cooking for the family regularly, start making this a regular routine. Also. know what her favorite foods are. When you go grocery shopping together, add them to the cart as an automatic reflex. You'll send shivers of delight down her spine!
   • Do things without having to be asked. Take care of the vacuuming, the pets or the pile of dishes in the sink. Repair broken items around the house.
   • Take care of the kids for a day. Take them out and wear them out so they come home exhausted and don't want to hassle her! Or give her the special delight of arranging an entire day of playing with them and feeding them at home, allowing her to just sit back and enjoy the sound of her children laughing and enjoying themselves all day. This combination that will definitely make her heart melt: you caring for the kids while they are laughing with joy.
   • Take care of her when she's sick. Make special meals, fetch her mail, fluff up her pillows, rub her back, get the temperature "just right," rent her favorite movies, and if you have kids, tell her not to worry because you're taking care of everything.
   • When she's tired, run her a warm bath with something scented in the water, or give her a relaxing massage. Carry her to bed if she falls asleep anywhere else.
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   Be a creative gift giver. Gifts that are unique and thoughtful in nature are a lovely way to tell her that she's special.

   • Give traditional gifts in the beginning of the relationship, such as stuffed animals, your sweater or sweatshirt or a piece of jewelry. After you've been together for a while, start coming up with something a little more personalized so that she'll know you're into her.
   • Have the gift customized. For example, you can inscribe a special message on a mug, T-shirt or bracelet. Then, give her a note card that says, "I want you to know that I appreciate everything you do. I probably should tell you more. I think you're the complete package. So I'm giving you this bracelet to show how much I appreciate you," she'll melt.
   • Don't just buy the first bundle of flowers that the florist has to offer. Go out of your way to either select flowers that you know she loves or to find less common ones, such as violets or freesias. You can also pick wildflowers and give them to her yourself--she'll definitely melt.
   • Choose handmade chocolates from a hard-to-find artisan chocolate shop. Or if you're good at it, go all out and make them yourself!
   • Remember your anniversaries and arrange unique ways to celebrate them. And tickle her pink by mentioning an upcoming anniversary before she does!
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   Say things that make women melt. Saying things that make her melt depends on who she is and how well you know her. While you won't find a 1-size-fits-all formula, have a toolbox full of general sweet somethings that you can use until you know her a little better. Here are some of you might like to try:

   • Acknowledge her sense of humor. Tell her that she makes you laugh.
   • Ask her, "How was your day?" It's surprising how many times people forget this simple nicety. Yet, it means a lot because it gives her an open invitation to talk about herself. Ask specific questions about her job or about her day raising your children.
   • If you've been apart a few days, tell her you miss her. Something like: "Can't wait to see you; feels like it's been an eternity since we've been together."
   • If things have been flagging a little lately in the romance department, tell her: "Honey, I want to increase the romance in our lives."
   • Tell her there's no one else like her. She's unique, and nobody else in the world is as right for you as she is. Everyone likes being told how special they are. Doing this serves as an especially powerful tonic if she's feeling insecure. When you're getting ready to propose, tell her: "I cannot wait to spend every moment of my entire life with you."
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   Use endearments regularly. Your own special words for one another are a reminder of the unique love for one another and it's important to continue using these even as your relationship turns into everyday living.

   • Call her by a pet name. Some of the cute names women like may include kitten, love, sweetheart, sweetie, babe, gorgeous, darling/darlin', princess or a sweet nickname that you came up with on your own.
   • Tell her that you love her regularly. Few of us tell one another often enough that we love each other. For example, in public, say "Sweetie, I love you" loudly enough for people around you to hear, and then kiss her. Or call her or text her for no other reason than to say, "I love you."
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   Take her on a romantic vacation. Book everything, create a small portfolio of the trip and ask her to "close your eyes" and then "open your eyes and look where I'm taking you" before placing the itinerary in her hands. If she's a hard worker who worries about time availability, try to clear the vacation time with her boss first.

How to Grow Flowers from Seed

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   Choose a container. There are a variety of inexpensive options available. Germinating flats are cheap and specifically created for the purpose of germinating seeds. Plastic drinking cups and recycled egg cartons are other inexpensive options, however. Small flower pots will also work.
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   Make sure your container provides enough room for your seeds to develop.The best containers are 4 or more inches deep. This allows the flower's root system to develop.
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   Sterilize the container. If using an old plastic pot or tray, soak it in a solution containing one part bleach and nine parts water, and rinse thoroughly. If using a new container, sterilization may not be necessary.
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   Provide adequate drainage. Most plastic pots and germination trays already have holes in the bottom for water to drain out. If using a plastic cup, egg carton, or another container without any holes, punch a small hole in the bottom of the container before filling it with soil.

How to Keep a Boyfriend

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   Ask for what you need. This applies to everything from emotional to physical needs. Don’t assume your boyfriend knows what you want or what you need—it’s an unrealistic and unproductive expectation that will lead to unfounded disappointments and resentment.

   • Expecting your partner to know instinctively what you want is one of the most common and preventable sources of tension in a relationship. If you want your boyfriend to be involved, you first have to communicate your feelings and needs to him honestly.^[1]
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   Don’t assume you know what he’s thinking. Instead, just ask. Just as you wouldn’t want to have to read his mind, don’t wait for him to read yours (because he probably can’t).

   • When asking your boyfriend about his thoughts or feelings, try to be as respectful and patient as possible. Don’t be confrontational or accusatory, as it will only make your partner more likely to clam up.
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   Be genuinely interested in him and allow him to be equally as interested in you. Get in the habit of having intimate conversations where you open up to each other and have room to be a little bit vulnerable.

   • Open up about your goals and dreams.
   • Talk about your past, both good and bad.
   • Share things that have meaning for you—maybe a song, a book, a souvenir, etc.
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   Use a specific, concrete communication style, both in your everyday exchanges and in more serious conversations.

   • For example, rather than asking, “how was your day?” ask a more specific question that’s likely to elicit a more engaged response, like “what was the best part of your day?” or “what made you smile?”
   • This is particularly important when discussing your needs. Don’t be vague, be specific. Rather than say, “I wish you listened to me more,” say, “I’d really like for you to ask me about my day.” The more specific you are, the more likely you are to get positive results.
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   Check in with each other about your relationship regularly. Make it a regular practice to sit down with each other and talk about things that are and aren’t working.

   • Establish ahead of time that this will be an open but also a respectful and caring conversation. If something isn’t working for one of you, agree not to accuse or blame the other person but to instead explain your feelings and offer gentle suggestions for change or compromise.

How to Make a Slushie

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   Dissolve 1 cup of sugar in 2 cups of water. Dissolving the sugar before you begin will help you avoid a grainy texture. Pour the sugar and water into a bowl and stir until you no longer see individual grains of sugar.
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   Blend the sugar water with 2 cups of ice. Just pour the sugar water into your blender and add 2 cups of whole ice cubes. This method works best if your blender is powerful enough to grind ice finely, creating the classic slushie texture.

   • You might want to test-grind some ice cubes to make sure your blender can handle it; if not, just try another method.
   • If you like your slushies thinner, add another 1/2 cup of water. If you like a thicker, icier texture, reduce the water by 1/2 cup.
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   Add flavor and color. To imitate the classic slushie, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of your favorite flavored extract (like raspberry, strawberry, lemon, lime, coconut or vanilla) and 5 or more drops of food coloring. Use a long-handled spoon to stir it all together. You can add a little more flavored extract or coloring to taste. ^[1]

   • Do you love soda-flavored slushies? Make one by freezing you favorite soda to make ice cubes. Replace the water and ice with cold soda and soda ice cubes, and leave out the sugar.
   • Don't have time to buy flavored extract? You can use a packet of Kool-Aid powder in place of flavor and food coloring.
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   Blend the mixture on high speed. Depending on the strength of your blender, it can take just a few pulses or several minutes to get the texture of a slushie. Keep going until the ice has been crushed and the mixture takes on the right consistency.

   • It can help to periodically stir the mixture with a long-handled spoon to help the ice circulate.
   • If your blender isn't quite powerful enough, transfer the mixture to a food processor and process it in batches.
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   Taste the slushie. If you're happy with the flavor and level and sweetness, the slushie is ready. Add more sugar, flavoring, or food coloring to make the slushie just right. If you add extra ingredients, be sure to blend the slushie thoroughly.^[2]
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   Enjoy the slushie. Divide the mixture into glasses and drink it through a straw for an authentic slushie experience. You'll have enough for two large or four small slushies.

How to Size a Road Bike

1. Choose the frame type. Choose a C-C or C-T frame.
2. 2
   Measure your inseam.

   • Stand with your back against a wall.
     
   • Place your feet 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart.
     
   • Stand a book upright between your legs. The spine of the book should face away from the wall. The other edge of the book should touch the wall.
     
   • Lift the book to your crotch. You should feel as if you are seated on a bicycle saddle.
     
   • Get an assistant to measure the distance between the top of the book and the ground. This is your inseam.
     
3. 3
   Calculate the frame size.

   • Multiply your inseam measurement by .65 if you have a C-C frame. If your inseam measurement is 30 inches (76.2 cm), the result is 19.5 inches (49.5 cm). Your frame should be as near to 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) as possible.
     
   • Multiple your inseam measurement by .67 if you have a C-T frame. If your inseam measurement is 30 inches (76.2 cm), the result is 20.1 inches (51.1 cm). Your frame should be as near to 20.1 inches (51.1 cm) as possible.
     
4. 4
   Calculate total reach. Total reach indicates how far you should stretch horizontally over the bike from the seat to the handlebars. A measurement of total reach denotes the distance from one end of the top stem, or crossbar, to the tube where the handlebars attach to the bike.

   • Stand with your back against a wall.
     
   • Hold a pencil. Make a fist around the pencil.
     
   • Hold your arm straight out at your side. Your arm should be parallel to the ground.
     
   • Get an assistant to use a tape measure to determine the length between the point on your collarbone nearest to your shoulder and the pencil. This is your arm length.
     
   • Stand a book upright between your legs. The spine of the book should face away from the wall. The other edge of the book should touch the wall.
     
   • Lift the book to your crotch.
     
   • Get an assistant to use a tape measure to determine the length between the top of the book and the hollow in your neck, just below the Adam's apple. This is your torso length.
     
   • Add arm length to torso length. An arm length of 24 inches (61 cm) and a torso length of 24 inches (61 cm) will give you a total of 48 inches (122 cm).
     
   • Divide the total by 2. A total of 48 inches (122 cm) gives you 24 inches (61 cm).
     
   • Add 4 inches (10.2 cm) to that number. You now have 28 inches (71.2 cm). From one end of the top stem to the tube where the handlebars attach to the frame, your bike should measure as close to 28 inches (71.2 cm) as possible.

How to Pick a Stage Name

1. 1
   Understand what a stage name can do for you. A stage name can help you accomplish a number of things, which all can influence how you decide on your name.

   • Branding: A stage name can help you brand your performance persona, giving you a separate identity to develop as a brand.
   • Separation of personal and professional life: A stage name will be a very public name, possibly a household name. While some people might still know your real name, keeping your real name separate from your stage name can afford you some level of privacy.
   • Differentiation: If your real name is very common, a stage name can help you stand out and be more memorable.
   • Prejudice considerations: Some people have used stage names in the past in order to decrease immediate reactions of racism, anti-Semitism or other forms of prejudice. Luckily, this is less often the case today. Similarly, some women may have avoided a hyphenated name because it might indicate they’re married, which unfortunately some consider to be detrimental to their careers.
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   Choose a name that reflects your persona. Your stage name is a way to express yourself. What do you want your name to signify? Think about how a stage name might be able to channel your performance persona.^[1]
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   Have a story behind your name. Whatever your stage name, people will likely want to know how you decided to call yourself that. If it’s an uninteresting story, then perhaps think about making up a more exciting story to go with your name.^[2]
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   Do research about your name. Look online and in name books to learn the meaning of the name you’ve chosen. Learn the history of the name. Does the name’s meaning and history reflect what you want it to mean?
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   Choose a searchable name. Think about how people can find your name through search engines like Google. If you use very common words, especially single words like Trouble or Heart, it may be hard for fans to find you online.^[3]
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   Choose a name that will grow with you. There can be the appeal of choosing a name that reflects the moment, where you might follow a fad. Also consider where you want to be in 10 or 20 years. Does your stage name suit an older performer just as well as a younger one?

   • Child performers should consider how their names will grow with them as they get older. Joe Yule called himself Mickey Rooney, a good name for a kid actor. But it was less useful as an adult actor. Similarly Lil’ Bow Wow had to drop “Lil” when he grew up.^[4]
   • Choose a name that you won’t get tired of quickly. If you think you might hate your stage name in six months, think of a different moniker.

How to Allow Pop–ups

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   Launch Internet Explorer.
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   Click the Tools button on the main menu and hover your cursor over the words "Pop-up Blocker" in the drop down menu.
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   Select "Pop-Up Blocker Settings" from the slide out menu.

   • This will launch the Pop-Up Blocker Settings window.
4. 4
   Make any necessary changes and click the Close button.

How to Get a Baby to Sleep in a Crib

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   Begin the routine before you move baby to crib. Several weeks before attempting to move your baby into his or her crib, introduce set cues and habits that will let your baby know when bedtime has come.

   • A set routine will help your baby know that it's bedtime, regardless of where he or she is sleeping.
   • You can vary the routine as desired, making it as short or long as you need in order to help baby wind down. The elements you introduce into your routine should all be of a calming nature, however.
   • Beginning the process before moving your baby to his or her crib will help your baby to associate the new routine with bedtime. As a result, your baby will still know that it's time for sleep even when one aspect of the routine—sleeping in your room—ceases.
   • Be consistent. The only way to establish certain actions as a routine is to do them every night. If you skip some nights, you might give your baby mixed signals.
   • Even if you have no pre-set cues that tell your baby when it's time to go to sleep, there might be signs and signals you unknowingly give to your baby that indicate the arrival of bedtime. Analyze your bedtime habits and determine if there are any habits you have established for your child. If there are, continue these habits as much as possible.
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   Include a snack.^[1] Try giving your baby 2 or 3 oz (60 or 90 ml) of formula or breast milk before going to bed. For babies over six months of age, you could also try giving them 1 or 2 Tbsp (15 or 30 ml) of cereal before bed.

   • Stuffing your baby with too much food will only cause discomfort, but giving him or her a little before bed may help your baby feel more comfortable and last a little longer into the night before waking up.
     
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   Give baby a bath. A short, warm bath can help soothe your baby, easing him or her into sleep.

   • Note, however, that some babies will feel invigorated when given a bath. If yours falls under this category, then you should do the bath earlier in the day rather than making it part of your bedtime routine.
   • Follow the bath by wrapping your baby in a warm towel or blanket. Holding your child close will also add an extra level of warmth and comfort, further soothing your baby in preparation for sleep.
     
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   Read a book. Choose a simple book designed for babies and read it in a calm, gentle voice.

   • Even though younger babies may not understand the story as you read it, your baby can still appreciate the routine of being held while mom or dad speaks in a calm, rhythmic voice. Additionally, the rhythmic, sing-song quality of the text found in most children's books can have a soothing quality in itself.
   • Consider selecting a children's book themed around sleep. Once your child grows old enough to understand the story, the routine may have an even stronger effect.
   • If your baby has not relaxed after a single book, you can also consider reading several books before bedtime. Do not allow this part of the routine to last past 5 or 10 minutes, though, since it may actually cause your baby to feel more awake if it continues too long.
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   Sing a soothing song. Lullabies exist for a reason. Singing a gentle lullaby or similarly calming song might help your baby wind down, and the rhythmic quality of music makes it a great aspect to introduce into a bedtime routine.

   • Singing to your baby while holding him or her against your chest allows the child to feel the soothing vibrations of your voice as they listen. This may help maximize the calming quality of the song.
   • When the time comes for you to move your baby into the crib, sing the lullaby while still holding him or her. After a week or so passes, change this practice so that your baby is already in his or her crib when you begin the song.
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   Give baby a bedtime toy. Choose a simple toy, like a stuffed animal, that can act as a symbol of security.

   • Avoid stimulating toys designed to help babies develop. While these toys are great for daytime play, placing them in the crib at night might prove too stimulating for your baby and may keep him or her awake.
   • You could also try a toy specifically designed for bedtime. For instance, stuffed animals that play soothing music are a popular choice.
   • Security blankets often have the same effect and may be used in place of a toy.
   • For younger babies who have not established independent head control, you should position the toy far enough away so that it can be seen but not grabbed. Doing so will prevent your baby from accidentally rolling into it and suffocating.