How to get rid of poison oak rash

How to get rid of poison oak rash



For some people, poison oak cremes work, other people get the shot. But not me, nothing works and it spreads like wildfire!







Things You'll Need:





A bar of Lava Soap




Cold Shower









1


As soon as I notice I am getting poison oak, I go nuts. So I get in a cold shower (aah!) and lather up with that horrible Lava Soap that feels like sandpaper.





2


The real trick is to soap all your affected areas and then stand in the shower shivering and letting the Lava soap dry on your skin. That feels yucky too but at least its not as insanely itchy as poison oak!





3


After about 5 minutes and all the soap is dry, rinse all the soap off with cold water. Do not use a towel, its important to air dry so you dont spread the remaining oils.








Tips & Warnings










Be aware of how you got the poison oak so you dont reinfect yourself. My kids play in it all the time and never get the rash. Then they come hug and kiss on Mommy and guess who is covered head to toe? ME! Went hiking and got it direct from the bushes. Once I got it from my
dog
.








Dont take hot showers or baths, this will spread the oils.








I dont even shave my legs if I have the rash, more spreading.








Change your sheets and blankies, cuz it gets there just from sleeping.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2287962_rid-poison-oak-rash.html

How to Get Rid of Nervousness at the Drop of a Hat!

How to Get Rid of Nervousness at the Drop of a Hat!



Ok,I am sure you have experienced this at some stage in your life.So there you are, you are about to do something and feeling nervous. You know that feeling of butterflies in your tummy and sweaty palms? Maybe your about to make a speech, a presentation to an audience, ask the boss for a raise or even do an exam.Or maybe even go on a
date
!You've probably even said to yourself, " I wish I didn't feel like this!" And try as you may, you just cannot stop it! Frustrating isn't it feeling that way?

So,how do you actually get a grip on yourself? Don't you wish you could change that at a drop of a hat? You can! Would you like to know how?







Things You'll Need:





Your brain




Your imagination









1


Think of a time, in the past, when you felt nervous about something. Something that was before you maybe did something you were nervous about. When you do, do you have a picture? Now the answer is yes right? Ok.





2


Now,I know you can so just go ahead and see yourself in the picture, looking through your own eyes and see what you saw, hear what you heard and feel what you felt. Got it? Good.





3


Now, go ahead and just step out of the picture, so you are looking at yourself in the picture but you are NOT in the picture. And ask yourself: Where are the emotions? You will now notice they are gone!

And this is the technique for empowering yourself when you are in a minor negative state you wish you weren't. Its easy and very effective. So use it with great effect!!

If you wish to learn more techniques for empowering you through NLP, consider taking an NLP Training with us at http://www.empoweredmind.com.au as we would love to assist you!








Tips & Warnings










Use ONLY for minor negative states. NOT for major ones involving trauma. PLEASE BE AWARE OF THIS! It's fab for states like nervous but NOT for emotions that go with major trauma. There are other techniques developed specifically for that like Time Line Therapyв„ў.








Please seek professional advice if you are suffering major negative emotions such as depression.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2110384_rid-nervousness-drop-hat.html

How to Get Rid of Hickies in 5 Minutes

How to Get Rid of Hickies in 5 Minutes



Hickies can be fun to give, but aren't nearly as fun to receive. Hickies are embarrassing red blotches that occur as a result of a friend or
dating
partner sucking on your neck or other part of your body. The harder the person sucks on your skin, the redder the hickey will be the next day. Hickies are harmless, until the next morning when your boss, co-workers or parents want to know what you were doing the night before. Follow these steps to find out how to get rid of hickies in under five minutes.







Things You'll Need:





Ice cube




Spoon




Eye redness removal drops




Concealer









1


Use a spoon and an ice cube to cool the hickey. Take the ice cube and rest it in the spoon. Keep firm hold of the ice cube so it doesn't fall out of the spoon.





2


Holding the back of the spoon to the hickey, twist the spoon counterclockwise for ten seconds. Then, twist the spoon clockwise for ten seconds. The round shape of the spoon should fit exactly to the hickey and the cold pressure should alleviate the some of the redness.





3


Use eye drops to literally "get the red out." The eye drops send red blood vessels and capillaries away from the surface of the eye, causing less eye irritation and swelling. The good news is it also works on your skin. Apply several drops on the hickey and allow it to sit for one minute, then rinse it off with cool water.





4


At this point, the hickey should be almost invisible. If you can still see it easily, repeat Steps 1 through 3 again until the hickey is almost gone.





5


Apply concealer for a finishing touch. Gently pat concealer over your hickey to blend the remaining red color into the rest of your skin. Continue to apply concealer throughout the day, as it may rub off with time.








Tips & Warnings










There is no scientific evidence or medical studies to prove these methods will work.








Do not apply eye drops to cuts or scrapes.








Using ice and cold metal on the skin for too long a period of time will cause the skin to be more red and can cause damage.



http://www.ehow.com/how_4464823_rid-hickies-5-minutes.html

How to Get Rid of Hiccups

How to Get Rid of Hiccups



Okay, so you find yourself with a stubborn case of the hiccups! What could be worse? I have tried several methods but the only one that has ever worked for me and my family is this one.







Things You'll Need:





Spoonful of sugar









1


Get a case of the hiccups.





2


Get a spoonful of sugar.





3


Put the sugar in your mouth.





4


Swallow! No counting, no holding your breath, no water. Okay, you may want to drink some water after swallowing the sugar but it is not required!








Tips & Warnings










Kids will fake hiccups to get the sugar.



http://www.ehow.com/how_4447060_rid-hiccups.html

How to get rid of heartburn, acid reflux

How to get rid of heartburn, acid reflux



This article will explain how to temporarily relieve heartburn or acid reflux.







Things You'll Need:





two drinking cups




cold water




baking soda




spoon









1


I have used this remedy several times with great results. First, you will need to fill one of the cups two inches high with cold water.





2


Fill the other cup nearly full with cold water.





3


In the cup with the least amount of water, insert two tablespoons of baking soda. Stir well.





4


Consume the baking soda solution swiftly (the taste is extremely salty and disgusting).





5


This is where the other cup of water comes in. Immediately after consuming the first glass of baking soda solution, drink from the second glass of water. This will help to get rid of the baking soda taste.





6


Within a matter of a couple to several minutes, you should begin to belch. This will indicate that the baking soda is working to balance out the acidity. You will no longer have heartburn.








Tips & Warnings










You can adjust the amount of solution you consume to fit your personal needs. If you find that your heartburn has returned or has not completely subsided, you may want to add more baking soda.








If you have repeated heartburn more than once a week it may be a bacteria in your stomach called H Pylori. Speak to your health care provider about being tested. If you do have the bacteria, you only have to take one pill once and your heartburn will be no more.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2101391_rid-heartburn-acid-reflux.html

How to Get Rid of Head Lice Naturally

How to Get Rid of Head Lice Naturally



Have you ever been faced with head lice? Do you hate to have to go out and buy the expensive shampoo? I know that I did when I faced it with a newborn in the house. Here are some tips that you can use to get rid of them naturally without having to go buy that expensive shampoo.







Things You'll Need:





Items needed will depend on which one you choose.




Straight Apple Cider Vinegar




OIL of Garlic




Black Walnut Tincture or Tea




Lavender Essential Oil




Anise Oil




Tea Tree Oil




Dr Bonner's Peppermint Pure Castille Soap




Olive Oil




Henna




Mayonnaise




Vaseline




Parsley




Plastic Wrap









1


Apple Cider Vinegar, Oil of Garlic, Black Walnut Tincture or Tea: For quick relief, bathe your head/hair with any one of these.

Henna: Use henna on hair. (Will make hair reddish color.)





2


For
Lavender
Essential Oil, Anise Oil, Tea Tree Oil(2-3 drops essential oil in 10 ml carrier oil): Massage into scalp

Dr Bonner's Peppermint Pure Castille Soap: Was hair with soap, leave on for a few minutes and wash out.





3


Olive Oil, Mayonnaise, Vaseline: Cover hair and scalp, wrap in plastic wrap & leave on for about 3 hrs or overnight. Wash hair. You may need to wash hair a few times to get olive oil or vaseline out but these will smother the lice.

Parsley: Repels lice.








Tips & Warnings










My father has used the mayonnaise treatment and it worked for him. Unfortunatly I didn't have these tips when I had to deal with the problem.








The Lavender, Anise, or Tea Tree Essential Oils may cause skin irritation on some people so test on a small area first.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2100739_rid-head-lice-naturally.html

How to Get Rid Of Head Lice Naturally!!

How to Get Rid Of Head Lice Naturally!!



Tired of wasting time and money to get rid of head lice? I have a method to get rid of head lice naturally.







Things You'll Need:





Big bottle of Avon Skin So Soft




Nit Comb




Conditioner




Towels




Hair Dryer




Dawn Dish Soap




Patience









1


I start by making sure I have something to occupy my little one's time while I work on the hair. Good things include books to read small toys that fit in their hands. Or a coloring book and crayons (with a tray to hold it).





2


Coat the entire hair with the Skin So Soft.





3


To keep from dripping I put a plastic shower cap on my daughter.(not recommended for young children)





4


Leave the Skin So Soft on for as long as the child can stand. I usually like to leave it on for at least 1 hour but 15-20 minutes should be good.





5


Now take your conditioner, wrap a towel around the child's shoulders to save the clothing from the oil. (this is where the toy comes in)





6


Use the nit comb to go thru the hair once before washing. (use the conditioner to ease the comb thru the hair)





7


After you have combed the hair once wash with a steady stream of water using your Dawn Dish Soap (or any other dish soap)





8


Wash hair with normal shampoo and conditioner. Be sure to use extra conditioner (this helps so that the roots are too slippery to attach to)





9


Now comb thru the hair again with the nit comb.





10


Blow dry the hair.





11


Comb thru once more with the nit comb.
To ensure that my child does not get it back I comb through her hair every morning with a fine tooth comb. (nit comb can be used) I also use the blow dryer quite frequently to help prevent them.

Now that you know how to get rid of the head lice. Good luck. It does take patience.








Tips & Warnings










Take breaks if you both get frustrated



http://www.ehow.com/how_4428167_rid-head-lice-naturally.html

How to Get Rid of Gas With Herbs

How to Get Rid of Gas With Herbs



Flatulence, or gas, can cause not only pain but also embarrassment when it happens in public. Certain foods, like undercooked beans, can cause this condition, as can overeating and some incorrect food combinations. If you are the type of person who just has to sample every dish offered at a potluck dinner or a buffet, gas can result from the unusual mix of foods. With a little bit of knowledge about how your body normally reacts to some foods and food combinations, you can learn to prevent gas from happening. Herbs called carminatives can give a great deal of relief to those suffering from gas. It’s easy to make herbal tea, and you will appreciate the benefits even more than the good taste and healthful ingredients a tea can provide your body.







Things You'll Need:





Epazote herb




Anise seeds




Fennel leaves, seeds or any other parts




Ginger root




Spearmint leaves




Peppermint oil









1


Be careful what you eat. Beans often cause gas in many people, so if you know you will be eating beans, prepare an herbal tea that reduces gas as described in Step 3.





2


Know if you cook your own dried beans, the addition of a Mexican herb called epazote is said to “de-gas” this legume when you eat it. Epazote is easy to grow in most climates, or you can purchase it dry at your natural foods store or online.





3


Use a combination of four carminative, or gas-busting, herbs in a pleasant-tasting tea to provide good relief from gas. Combine one teaspoonful of the following in one quart of water: anise seeds, fennel leaves, seeds or any other plant parts, ginger root and spearmint leaves. Boil your water and then add the first three herbs and simmer for five minutes in a covered pot. Turn off the heat and add the spearmint. Steep for 15 minutes and then enjoy one or more cups of tea until you feel relief.





4


Realize peppermint oil helps many people when they experience gas. Simply mix two or three drops of peppermint oil to one cup of hot water and drink this blend after a meal that might cause gas.








Tips & Warnings










If you avoid combining protein--any type of meat--with fruit at the same meal, you can help to prevent gas. Any type of sugar eaten at the same meal as meat can sometimes cause gas.








Skip cold drinks, coffee and tea with your meals if they seem to cause gas.








Other herbs that can help gas and other stomach problems include fennel, fenugreek, flax seeds and
catnip
.








Always consult a qualified health care practitioner before using any herb, especially if you are pregnant or nursing or if you are taking any prescribed medications.



http://www.ehow.com/how_4489218_get-rid-gas-herbs.html

How to Treat Toenail Fungus Naturally

How to Treat Toenail Fungus Naturally



Toenail fungus is usually the culprit when a toenail becomes thicker than normal, difficult to cut, yellow or brown in color and dry and crumbly. It can sometimes affect the nail bed and cause pain and inflammation. Toenail fungus is unsightly and difficult to cure but many people have luck with a variety of home remedies.







Things You'll Need:





Apple cider vinegar




Tee tree oil




Vapor rub




Antiseptic mouth wash




Soy sauce




Pine cleaner




Garlic









1


Soak the affected toenails for 15 minutes daily in a basin with a mixture of half warm water and half natural apple cider vinegar. You can also put pure, undiluted vinegar on the nail with a medicine dropper two or three times daily.





2


Put a few drops of tea tree oil on your toenails and cuticles every day. Rub it in completely.





3


Make light grooves in the affected toenails with a nail file and rub vapor rub into the top of the toenail. Do this several times a day for several days. The grooves will help the vapor rub penetrate the nail.





4


Try soaking your toes in antiseptic mouth wash daily after a each shower.





5


Create a mixture of one part soy sauce and one part pine cleaner and put a small amount in a dropper. Put a few drops on the affected nails after every shower.





6


Put a few fresh garlic cloves in the toes of a pair of socks and sleep in them at night or crush some fresh garlic and put it directly on the affected nails.








Tips & Warnings










Keep your feet as clean and as dry as possible and keep your toenails trimmed.








Go shoeless as much as possible, especially if your feet tend to sweat. Even taking your shoes off for a few minutes during the day will give your toenails a chance to dry.








Wear cotton socks that will help your feet to stay drier.








Remember that it can take many months for the infected part of the toenail to grow out and a new nail to take its place. No matter what treatment you try, you must be consistent with treatment until that happens.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2087547_treat-toenail-fungus-naturally.html

How to Treat TMJ With Yoga

How to Treat TMJ With Yoga



TMJ, or Temporo-Mandibular Joint, is a fairly common health problem that affects the jaw muscles. Nothing can match a doctor's treatment but some patients have found that yoga relaxation techniques can ease their discomfort. Consult your doctor and give it a try. Release that tension.









1


Sit comfortably in a cross-legged position with good posture. Simple meditation with close attention to the jaw muscle can help relax TMJ problems. The key to yoga is breathing. Take long, slow, deep breaths controlled with your abdominal muscles.





2


Focus on relaxing your jaw area. Let thoughts come and go without giving them attention. Simply breathe deeply and feel your muscles let go. Focus on relaxing your tongue and eyes. These regions help relax the jaw.





3


Try some yoga poses that bring blood flow to the jaw area without putting pressure on the area. Skip complex headstands and stay with something simpler. The downward facing
dog
position where the hands and feet touch the ground while the body is bent in an inverted "V" position is a good one.





4


Find out if your shoulders are uneven or rotated. Many individuals report that TMJ symptoms improve as they treat shoulder problems. Stand in front of a mirror and examine your shoulders' symmetry. Chances are you already know if you carry tension there. Focus on relaxing your shoulder muscles during meditation.





5


Choose yoga postures that ease neck and shoulder tension. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Raise your pelvis off the ground and shift your weight onto your shoulders. Raise your arms above your head at the same time. This position is perfect for relieving shoulder tension.





6


Focus on your neck muscles by gently stretching your chin forward to meet your chest and then move your head from side to side. Inhale deeply and then exhale as you slowly stretch without forcing your muscles. Take several deep breaths in each stretching position. Also, gently roll the neck.





7


Bring your shoulders up to your neck as you breath in. Let them go as you exhale. Roll your shoulders gently while continuing to breath deeply. Repeat these steps often and as many times as necessary to relieve tension.








Tips & Warnings










Take a yoga class to get to know your body and its needs. Repetition and guidance in yoga yields more results.








Never force your muscles into a position they refuse to move into.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2068340_treat-tmj-yoga.html

How to Treat Sweaty Feet With Tea

How to Treat Sweaty Feet With Tea



The soles of the feet are susceptible to sweatiness, because our feet contain over 3,000 sweat glands per square inch and we enclose our feet in shoes and socks most of the time. Excessive moisture allows odor causing bacteria to thrive, so the first step in reducing foot odor is sweat reduction. The tannic acids found in black tea kill odor causing bacteria and shrink the pores in the feet.







Things You'll Need:





Black tea bags




Washtub




Washcloth




Soap




Pumice stone




Cotton socks




Herbal tea









1


Boil 1 pint of water. Add 2 black tea bags. You can use regular or decaffeinated tea. Both contain the essential tannic acids.





2


Steep the tea longer than you normally would if you were to drink the tea. Allow 15 minutes to release the maximum amount of tannic acids. The tea must appear black. If your solution is too weak, add another tea bag.





3


Dilute the tea solution with 2 quarts of cold water to create enough solution to soak your feet. Place the solution in a clean washtub.





4


Soak your feet in the cool tea solution for 30 minutes. Repeat daily for one week. As you achieve sweat control, you can reduce treatments to twice weekly.





5


Wash feet with a washcloth, soap and warm water to remove tea stains. Buff feet gently with a pumice stone to reduce calluses that retain stains.





6


Dry feet and apply foot powder to maintain the dryness. Leave feet uncovered overnight, and wear cotton socks during the day to allow odor causing moisture to wick away from feet.








Tips & Warnings










Add an herbal tea bag to your soaking solution to enhance your foot soak with aromatherapy. Mint and chamomile tea are desirable choices.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2081441_treat-sweaty-feet-tea.html

How to Treat Sunburn With Herbal Remedies

How to Treat Sunburn With Herbal Remedies



Ease the pain and swelling associated with sunburn and accelerate the healing process with herbal remedies, which can be mixed and applied at home. These all natural herbal treatments are safe to use and contain no chemicals. Read on to learn how to treat sunburn with herbal remedies.







Things You'll Need:





Calendula oil




Aloe vera




St. John's Wort oil




Sea Buckthorn oil




Black tea bags









1


Mix 20 drops of calendula oil with four oz. of water and apply to the skin using a washcloth or cotton balls. You can also get calendula in the form of gels and soothing salves. Calendula is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory; it will help soften the skin and ease the pain.





2


Soothe burned areas with aloe gel as often as needed. You can either purchase bottled aloe gel or simply break apart the leaves of an aloe plant and apply it directly to the skin. Be careful to remove the spiny edges of the leaf before applying to avoid accidentally poking tender skin.





3


Apply St. John's Wort oil, mixed with a couple tablespoons of olive or almond oil, directly to sunburned parts of the skin. St. John's Wort is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antibacterial.





4


Dilute a few drops of Sea Buckthorn oil with olive oil or almond oil and rub into the skin. Repeat two, eight and 24 hours later. Sea Buckthorn oil extract helps to heal sunburns and reduce the damaging effect they have on the skin.





5


Place two to three bags of black tea into a bathtub of lukewarm water and soak in it. The tannic acid in tea helps relieve pain. Tea bags can also be wet in hot water, allowed to cool and placed directly onto burned areas. Green or chamomile tea can also be used, and peppermint oil or tea can be added to create a cooling feeling on the skin.








Tips & Warnings










Avoid sun exposure while using St. John's Wort and Sea Buckthorn as they can increase photosensitivity.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2086307_treat-sunburn-herbal-remedies.html

How to Treat Sinusitis With Herbal Remedies

How to Treat Sinusitis With Herbal Remedies



Sinusitis is an inflammation and infection of the air-filled bony cavities surrounding the nasal passages. The symptoms of sinusitis include nasal congestion, severe pain across the nose and cheeks and behind the eyes as well as headache. These symptoms and the infection itself can be treated effectively at home with herbal remedies. Read on to learn how to treat sinusitis with herbal remedies.







Things You'll Need:





Elder tincture




Eyebright tincture




Echinacea




Goldenseal tincture




Eucalyptus oil




Garlic




Oregano




Horseradish




Ginger









1


Take elder flower tincture to help clear mucus from the sinuses.





2


Use eyebright tincture to lessen histamine response to the infection and reduce mucus. Eyebright also reduces swelling in the sinuses.





3


Take echinacea tincture or capsules to strengthen the immune system and help your body fight off the infection.





4


Take goldenseal tincture under the tongue as directed on the bottle. Goldenseal is a renowned broad-spectrum herbal antibiotic that is considered the most effective herbal treatment for acute bacterial infection.





5


Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with a tbsp. of vegetable oil and massage into your temples.





6


Make a fresh vegetable soup and add lots of chopped fresh garlic, ginger, and oregano along with a spoonful of horseradish. All of these additions will help open the sinuses. Garlic and oregano both have potent antibiotic and antiseptic compounds.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2086306_treat-sinusitis-herbal-remedies.html

How to Reuse Old Bras

How to Reuse Old Bras



What do you do when you get a pile of bras you can't wear anymore? Maybe they don't fit or have become tattered, or simply aren't your style. You can reuse and recycle bras rather than throwing them away. There are a host of options for reusing this undergarment--for yourself and for others.









Step
1



Donate. Your used bras and other lingerie can help homeless women and others living in less than desirable situations. As long as they are in good condition with straps and clasps in good working order, you can give them to charities. A popular UK-based organization that welcomes used bras is called Bra Appeal. It can be accessed online at www.breasttalk.co.uk/bra-appeal.




Step
2



Create a bra purse. Famous for promoting the awareness of breast cancer, these bags can make a fashion and social cause statement at the same time. Instructions for assembling a bra purse can be found through many sources online.




Step
3



Make a quilt. Take samplings of a variety of fabrics found on bras and lingerie. Collect them over time to create a special, possibly frilly and lacy, personalized quilt.




Step
4



Patch things up. The fabric found on bras can be used to patch up clothing, such as jeans that have a hole in the knee.




Step
5



Frame it. Dress up your bathroom decor by framing a pair of your favorite lingerie. Fashion is art--so place yours on display for a offbeat trendy piece of art you might find in a boutique.




Step
6



Use the old bra's fabric to fashion a new iPod pocket to sew into a
sports
bra.




Step
7



Sew the bra into a camisole for added support.




Step
8



Make a scented bra pouch. Easy to do, sew two bra cups together most of the way, placing sachets, potpourri or even scented clothes dryer sheets into the center, making a scented pouch you can through in a drawer or gym bag to keep things smelling fresh.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2085749_reuse-old-bras.html

How to Return Clothes You've Worn to an Event

How to Return Clothes You've Worn to an Event



Like rummaging through your best friend's closet to borrow something fabulous to wear to an event, sometimes the best closet to browse through and "borrow" is that of your favorite store's clothing racks. Here are tips on how to buy, borrow and return clothes and still look drop dead gorgeous with a little help from the stores.









Step
1



If you have a special event coming up, what's better than to have a few options to choose from from a store's sales floor.




Step
2



You can buy a few different options and put them all on a credit card for the purchase protection plan.




Step
3



Make sure that all the tags on the garment stay in place even while you slip the piece on for size. Simply tuck or tape the tags on the piece to the back of the garment itself.




Step
4



As you wear the garment, try to keep the piece from getting spilled on. Remember, you need to still be able to return the item without any stains on it.




Step
5



After you wear the item, just hang it up for a day to air it out for odors and have all the creases straighten out.




Step
6



Once this is done, you can take it back to the store with the sales receipt for a full refund to your credit card or cash back, depending on your method of payment.




Step
7



This is a little trick fashion stylists utilize all the time for photo shoots. Just keep the store's sales tags intact on the item and you shouldn't have any problems returning it.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2162920_clothes-event-then-return-them.html

How to Restring Pearls

How to Restring Pearls



How frequently you wear your pearls will determine how often you have to restring them. Dirt and grease get in between the pearl beads and onto the thread. This can eventually weaken and break the thread if you don't restring the pearls often enough.







Things You'll Need:





Beading Needle



Thread



Lighter



Scissors









Step
1



Wash your hands before you begin. You do not want to discolor the string as you put the pearls back on. It is easier to handle the pearls with clean hands.




Step
2



Gather all the necessary equipment together before beginning to restring the pearls. You can lose pearls and it is easier to knot the string with all items ready and available beforehand.




Step
3



Cut a 10-inch length of string. Separate the silk into four strands. One strand is put through the needle and tied into a knot to make a loop. Then use another piece of silk string to make the actual string for the necklace. Double it over and put the loop from this through the 10-inch loop piece. This longer silk string piece is actually the string the pearls are attached to.




Step
4



Cut off one of the clasp ends and loop the thread around it. Then thread it through the clasp hole and back through the hole in the thread.




Step
5



Remove the pearls from the old string. If they are tied together you will need to cut them off as you move them to the new necklace. If they are not tied together, be very careful not to let them come off too fast or you might lose some. Keep them in the same order on the new string as the old.




Step
6



Place all the pearls onto the new string.




Step
7



Remove the needle from the string and double knot the end so the pearls do not come off.




Step
8



Tie a knot to the pearl closest to the clasp. Repeat knot tying with the rest of the pearls on the entire necklace. This will put a knot in between each pearl so they don't rub together.




Step
9



Thread the other end with a clasp and double knot it. Use the lighter on the loose ends by gently holding the lighter flame to each end. Let it burn the loose string end very, very briefly. This will melt the string and the necklace will not come undone.







Tips & Warnings









If you wear pearls weekly, you will have to restring them about once a year or so. If you wear them monthly, it will be every three to four years.








The string must be at least three times as long as your necklace needs to be because of all the knots you will tie on the string.








Do not hold the lighter flame too long on the loose string ends or you will undo the clasps and have to start over.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2083823_restring-pearls.html

How to Restore Shine to Your Jewelry

How to Restore Shine to Your Jewelry



Few things sparkle like spanking-new gold, silver, platinum, and precious or semiprecious stones. After even a few days' wear, though, they can dull from lotions, body oil and everyday dust and dirt. Regular cleaning can keep your baubles looking fresh-from-the-jeweler brilliant all the time.







Things You'll Need:





Dishwashing Liquid



Dishwashing Liquid



Mild Soap



Toothpaste



Cotton Swab



Fizzing Tablets



Mild Soap



Rubbing Alcohol Or Vodka



Soft-bristle Toothbrush



Tissue



Toothpaste



Bowl



Glass For Soaking



Chamois or other soft, lint-free cloth







Silver




Step
1



With an old soft-bristle toothbrush, rub the piece with toothpaste. Let it sit for 30 minutes.




Step
2



Wash in a bowl of sudsy warm water with a few squirts of dishwashing liquid. Rinse.




Step
3



Polish dry with chamois or other smooth cloth that's free of lint.


Gold, platinum and diamonds




Step
1



Remove greasy film by rubbing with or soaking in rubbing alcohol or vodka.




Step
2



Drop two fizzing tablets (such as Alka-Seltzer or denture cleaner) into a glass of water. Immerse the jewelry for 2 minutes, then remove it. Or soak for several minutes in a bowl of sudsy warm water with a few squirts of dishwashing liquid.




Step
3



Scrub gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush.




Step
4



Rinse thoroughly.




Step
5



Polish dry with a smooth, lint-free cloth or chamois.


Pearls and other soft or porous gems such as emeralds, opals and tanzanite




Step
1



Remove traces of cosmetics and dirt with a tissue.




Step
2



Dip in a sudsy bowl of mild soap (such as Dove) and warm water. Quickly remove.




Step
3



Gently remove buildup with a soft-bristle toothbrush or cotton swab. Rinse.




Step
4



Polish dry with chamois or other soft, lint-free cloth.







Tips & Warnings









Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined case, or wrap each piece individually in soft tissue paper.








Have a jeweler check yearly for loose prongs, worn mountings and general wear and tear.








Keep jewelry away from chlorine and harsh chemicals, which can erode the finish and polish of gems.








Never use boiling water to clean jewelry.



http://www.ehow.com/how_113217_restore-shine-jewelry.html

How to Restore a Leather Purse

How to Restore a Leather Purse



Leather purses and handbags can be beautiful pieces of wearable art. However, they need to be properly cared to retain their appearance. Fortunately, a leather purse in poor repair can usually be restored.







Things You'll Need:





Saddle soap or leather cleaner



Mink oil or leather conditioner



Toothbrush



Damp white cloths



Metal cleaner or polish









Step
1



Purchase your products. You can get saddle soap and mink oil from pet supply stores, farm and feed stores, or equestrian dealers. If you have a delicate or expensive purse, consider purchasing the special products available from Lovin' My Bags. These were specially formulated for the special circumstances involved with handbags and purses.




Step
2



Remove any items from the pockets and spaces. Turn the purse upside down and gently shake it. Brush the lining out to knock loose any additional debris. If the purse is sturdy enough, you can even vacuum it with a low-suction vacuum cleaner.




Step
3



Use a soft, barely damp white cloth and wipe down the entire purse to remove any surface debris.




Step
4



Test a small, inconspicuous area for colorfastness with the soap or cleanser. Let it sit for a while and examine it to make sure it's not going to leave a mark. If it does leave a mark, use another cleanser.




Step
5



Clean the leather by massaging the saddle soap or handbag leather cleaner into the grain of the leather. Use a second cloth to blot out stains. You can use a soft toothbrush to pull up dirt or debris ingrained into the leather.




Step
6



Moisturize the leather with mink oil or a special handbag leather moisturizer/conditioner. You can use a cloth or your own hands, moving in a gentle circular motion. Take care to reach every portion of the purse, including the seams and crevices. Wipe off the oily residue with a clean cloth. Buff the leather well.




Step
7



Apply any other products to the purse, including products for color restoration, shine or odor removal. Check out Lovin' My Bags for options.




Step
8



Clean, repair, and shine the purse's hardware. You may need to re-plate the hardware if it is bad. Use a type of cleaner specific to the metal.




Step
9



If the purse is in bad shape, consider taking it to a professional. Shoe cobblers will usually do purse and bag restoration. You also can take it to small specialty mom-and-pop shops or online vendors like Lovin' My Bags or Artbag (see Resources below).







Tips & Warnings









Always blot stains - never rub.








If you use special cleaners and conditions, make sure they are the kind made for handbags and purses, not just general or all-purpose cleaners that you might use on other leather products.








Don't start this project unless you have time to finish it. This project will take several hours to do properly.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2105909_restore-leather-purse.html

How to Replicate a Retro 60's Beatnik Look

How to Replicate a Retro 60's Beatnik Look



Beatniks were all about making a statement about politics and the world, but their style has lasted for decades. You can do a retro 60's beatnik look with a few pointers and creativity.









Step
1



Wear a form fitting black turtleneck. Beatniks often read Nietzsche and appreciated his nihilistic views. Somber black clothing helped them express this ideal.




Step
2



Put on black skinny jeans or pants. They should be a solid black color to go along with the retro 60's beatnik look.




Step
3



Keep the

jewelry


dark and minimal. A 60's beatnik was all about simplicity. Retro jewelry could include some dark simple beads or tiny stud earrings.




Step
4



Don a beret to top off your ensemble. It should also be black, and can be worn cocked to one side and a bit tilted. If hats aren't your thing, you can do a simple pony tail or the Beatles cut from the early years. Goatees were popular with beatnik men.




Step
5



Cover your feet in comfortable shoes with a rounded toe. For women these can be mary janes with black stockings. Men can wear simple classic black lace up shoes.




Step
6



Crop your hair for the most effective retro 60's beatnik look. Women wore their hair in shags and bobs, and it was always straight. If you have curly hair, straighten it with a straightener and add serum for a sleek shine.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2240250_do-retro-60s-beatnik-look.html

How to Replace a Leather Watchband

How to Replace a Leather Watchband



If you have ever had a favorite watch that you have had for a long time and all of a sudden the watchband breaks, you can replace it yourself without much trouble. Perhaps you have a watch that you want to continue to wear but need to change the look and want a leather band instead of a metal band. Read on to learn more.







Things You'll Need:





Jeweler's flat blade screwdriver



Magnifying glass









Step
1



Take the watch with the broken watchband and place it on the table. With a ruler, measure the width of the broken band at the point where it is attached to the watch. Now, measure the total length of the watchband when it is in one piece and fits around your wrist. There will be a crease on the band where it is normally buckled.




Step
2



Go to the local store and select a band that you like. You should make sure that the width of the band at the point of attachment to the watch is the same as the old band. Also make sure that the new band will be long enough and not too long to fit your wrist. Purchase the band and return home to change the band.




Step
3



Clear a spot to work and make sure that there is a small towel covering the table top so that you can see anything that may drop or pop out during the process of changing the band.




Step
4



Use a magnifying glass to look at the point where one side of the band is attached to the watch. You will see a small pin connecting the band to the watch on either side of the band. Carefully use the jeweler's screwdriver to depress the spring loaded pin from the watch to the band and release it from the watch. When the tension on the spring pin is released it may pop out of the band and you will want to take care not to lose it. Repeat this process with the other half of the band.




Step
5



Take the new band and slip the spring pins into the small holes on the end of the band where it will attach to the watch. Working with one end at a time, slip one side into the pin hole in the watch body.




Step
6



Use the jeweler's screwdriver to depress the other side of the spring pin and guide it into the pin hole in the other side of the watch body. Repeat this process with the other half of the watchband and other spring pin. You now have a new band for your broken one.







Tips & Warnings









Most stores that sell replacement bands for watches will be happy to replace the band for you while you wait.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2122248_replace-leather-watchband.html