How to Feel Comfortable in High Heels

Ladies, do you want to wear high heels with confidence? High heels can get a bad reputation for being uncomfortable or impossible to walk in: but the truth is, they don't have to be. Once you have a quality, good fitting high heel shoe, and some practice walking in them, you can wear high heels with ease.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Finding a Great Fitting Shoe

1. Get your feet measured and sized.^[1] It is important to know the exact size of your feet when purchasing shoes. Once at a shoe store, you can ask a sales associate to assist you in proper foot measurement so that you can find shoes that fit you correctly.^[2]
   
   • Wearing shoes that are even just a half size off can make for a very painful outing. Your poor tootsies will be in pain and your leg muscles will be very sore.^[3]
   • Make sure your toenails are trimmed so that they do not scratch your toes once your shoes are on.
2. Find out the shoe width. Many fashion shoes come in a standard medium width, but you may have feet that require a wider or more narrow fit. When you find a pair of shoes you love, see if they come in different widths.
   
   • A shoemaker can usually stretch the shoes to widen the toe box, enhancing the comfort of the shoe.
   • If you have narrow feet, buy foot inserts that help your foot grip the shoe and fill up any extra space on the sides.
3. Always try the shoes on prior to purchase. Remember, not all shoes follow the same sizing standards.^[4] Two different pairs of shoes in the same size can fit you very differently. Shoes can run big or run small, so it is important that you always try them on in the store before you buy them. Also, the shape of the shoe can play a major factor in how they fit your feet.
   
   • If the shoes pinch you even a little when you are trying them on, do not buy them. It will only get worse.
4. Test the shoes around the store. If you are purchasing shoes in a store, try on the shoes and walk around in them for two minutes. This will be enough time for you to feel if they are causing you any discomfort. If they fail the two-minute test, you should probably find a pair of heels that is more comfortable.
   
5. Buy quality shoes.^[5] It feels great to find inexpensive merchandise, but shoes are not an item you want to skimp on. Do your research before purchasing shoes, especially high heels, and make sure they are a trusted brand. Your feet are the foundation of your body and it is important that they receive great care and stay healthy.
   

[Edit]Protecting Your Feet from Injury

1. Treat blisters on your feet. Blisters can develop on your feet from your toes sliding forward, too-tight shoes, or sweaty feet that cause too much friction in your shoe. To help soothe your blisters, cover them with moleskin bandages. These types of bandages are softer and will allow your skin to more easily breathe. Your blisters will surely prevent you from walking normally if you leave them untreated.^[6]
   
2. Invest in shoe inserts designed for high heels. Shoe inserts will help your foot fit more securely in your shoe, allowing you to wear them longer. There are foam and gel inserts available to use. The foam inserts can be cut to your foot size, while gel inserts are transparent and provide discreet comfort. They help keep your foot in place and can support your foot's natural arches, keeping your feet comfortable.^[7]
   
3. Plan your shoes for the occasion. You should wear specific types of heels depending on whether you will be inside or outside. If you plan to spend time outside in the grass, or walking long distances on surfaces you are not familiar with, choose shoes that have a wider "contact point" on the bottom so you don't trip.^[8] If you are going to be inside, make sure there is friction, or texture, on the bottoms of your shoes so you do not slip.
   
   • High heels that have spiked heels can easily pierce soft ground. If you wear them outside you will be sinking into dirt all day.
   • Preferably, you want the heel to have a wide "contact point," the point at which the bottom of the heel touches the ground, for outside use. The wider the contact point, the less likely you are to fall sideways and twist your ankle, fall, or both.
4. Take off your heels during long stretches. If you are wearing your shoes to work, or for more than four hours a day, find a places to take them off for a few moments. This will allow you a chance to stretch out your foot muscles and prevent your feet from injury.^[9]
   
   • Flex your feet and rotate your ankles when you slip your shoes off for a few minutes. You can do this under your desk at work or even in the bathroom.^[10]

[Edit]Practicing How to Walk in Your Heels

1. Learn how to walk properly in heels. When you wear heels, your body has to take a different approach to walking because of the new angle at which it places your legs and feet. Try following a simple approach to help you more easily walk in high heels. First, take a step forward, starting with your heel, and rock all the way forward to the tip of the toe. Repeat these two words with every step as a reminder, "heel - toe; heel - toe; heel - toe...", and before you know it, you will feel sturdy, stable, confident, and comfortable walking in heels.
   
   • Eventually, you will develop muscle memory to walk comfortably and easily in heels.
   • After you can walk at a good pace, watch yourself in a mirror to smooth out your new strut. Your stride should be natural, and your body should remain perpendicular to the floor.
   • If you catch yourself wobbling unsteadily, slow it down again until you feel good.
2. Practice good posture. You should walk as if you are being pulled up by a string. As you walk, use your hips to shift and lift your legs to the center with each step you take. Condition your body to deal with the changes in posture, which will engage different muscles than when you are walking barefoot or in flats. Your feet, ankles, knees, and back will thank you!^[11]
   
   • Keep your back straight, don't slouch.
   • Don't block your arms when walking, swing them normally.
   • Take small steps and walk in a straight line.
3. Work your way up to longer wearing time. You wouldn't go from couch potato to marathon runner in one day. Similarly, you can't go from ballet flats to four-inch stilettos in one day. If you are planning to wear heels for a special occasion, begin by wearing them for increasing intervals of time every day prior to your event. First, wear them for thirty minutes, then an hour the next day, and then two hours. This will help prepare you for an extended time in your heels.
   
4. Practice essential movements in your heels. Start slow by walking back and forth on a non-slippery surface. Then, try to walk up and down stairs. Make sure you can bend over to pick things up. Try wearing a pair while vacuuming, getting ready in the morning or before bed, and running small and routine errands.
   
5. Have confidence. Some people feel silly putting on a pair of heels... don't! Envision yourself becoming a fashion hero when you put them on, and people will envy your confidence. You probably look great wearing them, so don't let uncertainty trip you up.
   
   • Trust your shoes. If you are afraid, you will block and contact your body, so you won't be able to walk normally. If you are confident, you will forget you are wearing them and walk normally.

[Edit]Tips

• If you need to wear heels often, you can apply a cream that protects your skin from friction. It's generally made for sportsmen and may be found in drugstores.
• If you are not used to wearing heels, you should start with low heels first. Spike heels are also very difficult to walk with.
• High-heel inserts are truly magnificent little wonders of the world. They are a friend to all high-heel wearers everywhere. Once you have invested in your first pair, you will wonder how you ever walked in heels without them!

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Wear High Heels Without Pain
• Choose Comfortable Shoes
• Break in High Heel Shoes
• Make Sandals Comfortable
• Be Comfortable Wearing High Heels when You're Tall

[Edit]References

1. ↑ [v161237_b01]. 31 December 2019.
2. ↑ http://shoes.about.com/od/fitcomfort/ss/measurefeet.htm
3. ↑ http://shoes.about.com/od/fitcomfort/ss/measurefeet.htm
4. ↑ [v161237_b01]. 31 December 2019.
5. ↑ [v161237_b01]. 31 December 2019.
6. ↑ http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/feet-pain-from-blisters
7. ↑ http://www.edwardantrobus.com/2013/personal/financial/cushioned-insoles-worth
8. ↑ [v161237_b01]. 31 December 2019.
9. ↑ http://www.active.com/fitness/Articles/5-Foot-Stretches-to-Prevent-Injuries
10. ↑ http://www.active.com/fitness/Articles/5-Foot-Stretches-to-Prevent-Injuries
11. ↑ http://illumin.usc.edu/81/walking-in-high-heels-the-physics-behind-the-physique/

How to Level a Floor

Make your floors perfectly flat with this DIY solution

Have you noticed your floor starting to sag or develop raised bumps? When it’s time to update your flooring, installing the hardwood, tile, laminate, or other finish on a flat, level surface is important for protecting it from damage. Leveling your floor now stops high and low spots from developing again, and we’ll walk you through each step of the way. Follow along so you’re able to make your subfloors perfectly even and ready for your new flooring.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Take out your old flooring and run a level over the subfloor to find the high and low spots.
• Use an electric sander or concrete grinder to shave down raised areas in the subfloor.
• Pour a floor leveler over the low spots in your floor and smooth it out to thick with a trowel.
• ​​Let the leveler set overnight and then check the level of your floor again.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Remove the existing flooring.

1. Taking out the old flooring lets you access the subfloor underneath. When your floor is uneven, it’s a problem with the subfloor that’s underneath the tile, laminate, or hardwood. Always start by removing the baseboards on the wall first so your flooring is easier to take out. After that, the way you remove the flooring depends on the type you have.^[1]
   
   • To remove tile floors, use a chisel and mallet to chip the tiles away. Then use a metal scraper to break apart the old adhesive.
   • To take out hardwood floors, use a circular saw to cut the boards into smaller lengths and lift them up with a pry bar.
   • For removing laminate flooring, lift up each board at an angle to slide it out from the others. Keep taking the boards out one at a time.

[Edit]Check the level of the subfloor.

1. Testing the level shows where your high and low spots are located. Lay a long, straight board across your floor and set a level on top of it. Move the board to different areas of the subfloor to check if the surface is level. Mark any raised spots or sagging areas with a pencil.^[2]
   
   • Floors have a little natural variation, so it’s okay if the level varies by less than every .
   • For an alternative way to look for low spots in your floor, set a marble down in multiple places and watch where it stops rolling.

[Edit]Have the floor checked for structural damage.

1. Uneven floors from serious damage should be handled by the pros. Contact a structural engineer or construction company in your area to check for underlying damage. If they find damaged or rotted joists, termite damage, and cracks in your foundation, have a professional contractor repair the issue first. If your floor sags due to your home naturally settling on the foundation, then you can level it on your own.^[3]
   
   • If you level your floor without solving the underlying problem first, then the high and low spots may quickly come back.

[Edit]Sand down raised areas of the subfloor.

1. Grinding away raised spots helps you notice where the floor sags. Wear safety goggles and a face mask when you’re sanding down the subfloor since it can produce a lot of dust. If you have wooden subfloors, go back and forth over the raised areas with an electric sander until they’re level with the rest of the wood. For a concrete floor, rent a concrete grinder from a local hardware store and grind the spot down.^[4]
   
   • Frequently check the level of the area you’re sanding down so you don’t accidentally make a new low spot in the floor.
   • Common raised spots are the seams where the pieces of your subfloor meet.

[Edit]Repair and clean the old subflooring.

1. A damaged or dirty subfloor is prone to sagging or raising up again. Fill cracks in a concrete floor, or screw down any loose boards on a wooden subfloor. Once you fix any damaged or loose boards you find, sweep or vacuum any leftover dust and debris, especially around the corners where dust particles tend to collect.^[5]
   
   • If there are traces of oil, wax, or adhesive on the subfloor, apply an adhesive remover and scrape it off.
   • If your subfloor has signs of rot or damage, then completely remove the piece and replace it.

[Edit]Coat the subfloor with a bonding agent.

1. Bonding agent protects the subfloor and strengthens your floor. Paint a thin coat of the bonding agent on the subfloor around the perimeter of the room with a brush. Spread the agent about from each wall. Then, use a roller or mop to spread the rest over the larger area in the middle of the room.^[6]
   
   • Wear old clothes or a painters bib along with gloves when you’re spreading the bonding agents. Once it gets on something, it can be nearly impossible to get off.

[Edit]Mix floor leveler to a creamy consistency.

1. Your floor leveler will have the same texture of pancake batter. Follow the mixing directions for your specific brand, but normally the mix is around 1 part water and 5 parts leveler. Pour the leveler powder into a large bucket and begin adding room-temperature water little by little until the mixture thickens to a slurry. Keep stirring the mix vigorously to break up lumps.^[7]
   
   • Only mix as much of the floor leveler as you plan on using since it hardens quickly and may be difficult to work with after 30 minutes.
   • Attach a mixing paddle to an electric drill to combine the leveler and water faster. Just use a slow speed so you don’t spill.

[Edit]Pour the leveler over your subfloor.

1. The leveler will spread to the lowest parts of your floor on its own. Start in one of the corners of the room furthest from the door. Slowly pour a thin layer of the leveler out of the bucket into each of the sunken sections you marked earlier.^[8] Let the leveler naturally spread out and fill in any low points. Spread the leveler over your entire floor so you have the smoothest, most even surface.^[9]
   
   • Floor leveler works well on concrete and wooden subfloors.
   • Try not to over-apply the compound. In most cases, you’ll only need a layer between thick to even out the worst imperfections.^[10]
   • Work towards the door so you don’t accidentally trap yourself in a corner.

[Edit]Smooth the leveler with a hand trowel.

1. Smoothing out the leveler ensures it doesn’t leave any raised edges. By the time you’re finished pouring, the compound will have set enough to finish by hand. Run your trowel over the surface of the leveler to smooth it out. Make sure that it’s not any thicker than , or else it may not set properly.^[11]
   
   • Put on spiked shoe covers so you can walk across the leveler without leaving footprints or getting your shoes dirty.
   • Avoid pressing down too hard on the compound while it’s still wet since you could accidentally create a new low spot.

[Edit]Let the leveler dry overnight.

1. Leveler needs time to set completely before installing new floors. Even though floor levelers may start hardening within minutes, they’re still wet and unstable under the surface. Check the label on the specific product you’re working with to find out how long to wait, but usually you’ll need at least 24 hours.^[12]
   
   • Some floor levelers may take 1–2 days to set before you’re able to put in new floors.

[Edit]Sand uneven patches on your floor.

1. Sanding the leveler a final time gets rid of slight height differences. Once the compound is dry, run an electric sander over the surface to shave down rough patches. Start with a low-grit sandpaper (around 24-40 grit) and work up to a high-grit one (80-120 grit) to gradually smooth and blend the new surface. Sand from one end of the room to the other so the leveler is perfectly smooth.^[13]
   

[Edit]Check the new level of the subfloor.

1. Checking again lets you see if you still need to make adjustments. Place your level in several different spots as you did before to get a more accurate reading of the floor’s overall slope. As long as the level isn’t off by more than , then you’re ready to finish your floor.^[14]
   
   • If the floor is more than off level at any point, apply another layer of floor leveler.

[Edit]Install your flooring.

1. Any flooring will look great once you finish leveling your subfloor. Now that your subfloor is level, any flooring you put on top will stay flat and even. The subfloor may need additional prep depending on the type of floor you’re installing.^[15]
   
   • To put in floor tile, install a cement-based backer board over a wooden subfloor to help keep the tiles held in place and properly spaced. For concrete subfloors, just be sure to use a tile leveling system so they’re all the same height.
   • If you’re installing hardwood, just nail the boards directly into the subfloor.
   • For vinyl or laminate flooring, you don’t need any additional prep.

[Edit]Tips

• Leveling compounds won’t enhance the stability of the flooring, so it’s important to make sure your subfloor is properly stabilized and reinforced before dumping the messy compound on top.

[Edit]Warnings

• Avoid applying leveling compound directly to wood subflooring materials without a bonding agent. The liquid will absorb into the wood, which may cause splitting, leaks, or other severe structural damage.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Level
• Electric belt sander
• Concrete grinder (for concrete floors)
• Bonding agent
• Bucket
• Floor leveler
• Hand trowel
• Safety goggles
• Face mask or respirator

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://youtu.be/afrUJ1YBtdE?t=28
2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afrUJ1YBtdE&feature=youtu.be&t=92
3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/replace-a-subfloor/
4. ↑ https://youtu.be/jtFec6dpvKE?t=82
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/1OTFDI7hMeE?t=50
6. ↑ https://www.ronhazelton.com/projects/how_to_level_a_floor_before_putting_down_hardwood_flooring
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/jkmdeqxcojc?t=93
8. ↑ [v161734_b01]. 19 February 2021.
9. ↑ https://www.ronhazelton.com/projects/how_to_level_a_floor_before_putting_down_hardwood_flooring
10. ↑ https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/how-to-pour-self-levelling-cement/
11. ↑ https://youtu.be/jkmdeqxcojc?t=175
12. ↑ https://pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/9b6f5c3a-e260-4e60-8f4d-403f8cb491d4/60893649.pdf
13. ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/flooring/video/how-to-level-a-subfloor/
14. ↑ https://youtu.be/eDg6pjD001o?t=1835
15. ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/flooring/guides/installing-tile-over-a-wood-subfloor/

How to Fix Salsa if You Made It Too Hot

Whether you forgot to deseed your peppers or used a tablespoon of cayenne instead of a teaspoon, making salsa too spicy is an easy mistake. However, there’s no need to throw out your dish if tasting it left you with flames shooting from your ears. Try adding cooling ingredients like citrus juice, fruit, or dairy. If you don’t want to get experimental, just make another batch without the spicy ingredients, then combine it with the original batch. You’ll have twice as much salsa as you planned for, but you can easily can or freeze any leftovers.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Taming the Heat

1. Add more tomato to red salsas. If your salsa is tomato-based, just add a little more chopped tomato.^[1] As with any additional ingredient, the amount needed will depend on the size of your batch and how mild you need it to be.^[2]
   
   • Try adding half a tomato for starters, then add more to taste.
   • Keep a glass of milk handy to cool off after your taste tests!   
2. Grab some citrus, sugar, or honey. Adding acid and sweetness are well known ways to tame a spicy dish. Try squeezing in the juice of a quarter lime and a half teaspoon of sugar or honey.^[3]
   
   
   • Remember you can always add more, so mix in additional flavors little by little and taste as you go.
3. Mix in a cilantro and citrus puree. Cilantro and citrus were probably in your original recipe, so adding a little more will help you tone down your salsa without changing it too dramatically. Strip the leaves from a dozen or so cilantro sprigs, chop them coarsely, then blend them with the juice or a lime or an orange.^[4]
   
   
   • Add a teaspoon at a time until you’ve gotten your salsa under control. If you have any leftover, it’ll make a great condiment for tacos, sandwiches, eggs, and stir fries.
4. Try chopped cucumber or avocado. Get your salsa cool as a cucumber! Adding cucumber or avocado can ease the heat but, if they weren’t in the original recipe, they might change your salsa’s texture and flavor. If you’re open to a little experimentation, chop up one or both to mix in with your salsa.^[5]
   
   
5. Tone down the heat with pineapple, peaches, or melon. As with cucumber or avocado, adding sweet fruits will really switch up your original recipe, but you might come up with something delicious. Try dicing up fresh or canned pineapple, a ripe peach, watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew. Fold the fruit in a little at a time, and stop when you’ve achieved your desired spice level.^[6]
   
6. Serve a scoop of sour cream. If all you have on hand is sour cream, you’re in luck - dairy is a powerful spice neutralizer. You could just serve your salsa with a scoop of sour cream on top or on the side. If you’re open to making a different kind of dip, mix sour cream into the salsa until you’ve curbed the burn.
   
   

[Edit]Doubling Your Batch

1. Make another batch of salsa without any spice. If you want to stick with your original recipe, your best bet is to make another batch without the jalapeños, cayenne, or other spicy ingredients. Roast your tomatillos, dice your onions and tomatoes, chop your cilantro, squeeze your citrus, and do any other prep according to your recipe.
   
   
   • If you're serving salsa at a party, it might be best to stick to a recipe you know. Tweaking your salsa by adding new ingredients is like an experiment, and you might not want to use your guests as guinea pigs.
2. Refrigerate your salsa if you need to make an ingredient run. You probably bought the amount of ingredients needed for one batch, so a quick trip to the grocery store might be necessary. If you need to go to the store, just cover your salsa and store it in the fridge.
   
   • Acid in the salsa helps prevent bacterial growth, but it still shouldn't be left out for more than a couple hours.^[7]
3. Combine your two batches. After you’ve purchased and prepped ingredients for the second batch, mix them up with your super spicy salsa.^[8] If you filled up your largest mixing bowl with the original batch, you might have to get creative.  
   
   
   • If you have a large stainless steel roasting pan or saucepan, try pouring half of each batch into it. You should then have enough room in your mixing bowl to add the rest of the second batch.
   • Avoid aluminum products, which will react with the acid in the salsa and leave your dish with an unpleasant metallic taste.^[9]
   • You could also use the largest freezer bags you have to mix your batches.  
4. Simmer leftover salsa before canning or freezing it. The main issue with doubling your batch is that you’re left with an insane amount of salsa. Whether you plan on canning or freezing your leftover salsa, you’ll need to simmer it to reduce water content and kill germs, which is an essential part of the canning process.^[10]
   
   
   • Simmer your salsa uncovered in deep saucepan over low heat, and stir frequently. Depending on your salsa’s water content, simmer it for up to 60 minutes, or until you’ve achieved a thick consistency.
5. Make sure your recipe is suitable for canning. Salsa needs to be acidic enough to be safely canned, but not all recipes contain enough acid.^[11] Your recipe should note whether it’s suitable for canning. If you’re not sure, just freeze it to stay on the safe side. You can store frozen salsa for up to six months.^[12]
   
   • If you accurately doubled the ingredients other than peppers in a suitable salsa recipe, your double batch should still be acidic enough for canning. It's vital to accurately double the acidic ingredients without overdoing the non-acidic ingredients. If you’re not sure about your accuracy, just freeze the leftovers.
6. Thaw your salsa in the refrigerator. When the time comes to thaw your salsa, the fridge is your best option. Slowly thawing it in the refrigerator will help prevent it from becoming too watery. Most likely, it will still have a little more water content that you want, but you can just strain it to remove excess liquid.^[13]
   

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ [v162213_b01]. 11 November 2022.
2. ↑ http://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=18716
3. ↑ http://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-fix-a-dish-thats-too-spicy-article
4. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/spicy-foods/spice-up-or-cool-down-your-favorite-foods
5. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/spicy-foods/spice-up-or-cool-down-your-favorite-foods
6. ↑ http://www.eatouteatwell.com/how-to-tame-a-spicy-dish/
7. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/RetailFoodProtection/IndustryandRegulatoryAssistanceandTrainingResources/ucm113843.htm
8. ↑ [v162213_b01]. 11 November 2022.
9. ↑ https://www.cooksillustrated.com/how_tos/6390-cooking-with-aluminum-pans-controversy
10. ↑ http://www.gettystewart.com/how-to-make-freezer-salsa-tomatoes/
11. ↑ http://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/nchfp/factsheets/salsa.html
12. ↑ http://www.gettystewart.com/how-to-make-freezer-salsa-tomatoes/
13. ↑ https://www.ontario.ca/foodland/recipes/freezer-salsa

How to Ask Someone to Hang Out

Asking someone to hang out can feel like a big step at the start of a new friendship. It may be a classmate, a coworker, or someone you met at a party. Even though it feels scary at first, asking someone to hang out doesn’t have to be stressful. Let someone know that you’d like to hang out sometime in the future, or ask them to hang out at a specific event. Be bold by inviting someone to join you on a spontaneous outing.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Offering a General Invite for the Future

1. Ask in a casual way. If you have been planning to ask them for a while, don’t come on too strong. Keep yourself calm so that when you ask them to hang out it doesn’t come across as desperate or pushy. Take a breath and use your regular conversational tone.^[1]
   
   • You’ll sound too eager if you say, “You are so cool and I really want to spend more time with you.”
   • Be casual when you ask a classmate by saying, “Man, everytime we talk, this guy is droning on in the background. We should chill outside of class sometime.”
   • If you had fun with someone at a party, say, “It’s been a great meeting, do you want to catch up later on sometime?”
2. Use a specific common interest as a reason to hang out. You may have a hard time asking someone to hang out without a specific reason. If you’re asking someone you know you have a common interest with, use that to your advantage. Tell them it would be fun to do the activity together sometime.^[2]
   
   • If you always talk to a coworker about the Walking Dead, ask them if they want to come over and watch it with you. You know you’re both free when it’s on, and the hangout has a set time frame so they can split when it’s over.
   • You might meet someone that works out at your gym. Since you are probably there around the same time, ask them if they’d want to work out together. Say, “We could both have a spotter and push each other to work harder.”
   • Say to someone, “I’ve noticed we always seem to be painting in this studio at the same time, would you want to meet up and actually paint together sometime?”
3. Be confident that they will say yes. It’s no good to ask someone to hang out if you tell yourself they won’t want to. Get in the mindset that you are fun to hang out with and that the person you ask will say yes. If you are confident in yourself and make a direct ask, the person will be more open than if you seem timid when you ask.^[3]
   
   • Don’t say, “You’re probably busy most of the time and have a lot of other friends already, but we could hang out sometime if you want to it. It’s okay if you would rather not.”
   • For an example, think about a co-worker you’d like to hang out with. Catch them in the break room and say, “We should find something cool to do outside of this place sometime.” It’s simple, shows your interest, and leaves things open to developing.
   • If you’re in a weekly club with someone, say, “You know, we meet up here every week. Let’s grab some food after the meeting sometime.” Again, it’s direct and shows that you are assuming they would be interested.

[Edit]Suggesting a Specific Time to Hang Out

1. Tell the person some times that work for you. When you ask someone to hang out, make sure you have a few times in mind when you know you’re free. Think of three dates within the next two weeks that you’d want to do something. Offer those dates to the person and ask if they are free during any of those times.
   
   • If you ask them to hang at an unspecified time in the future, it’s less likely to happen. If you give them three dates, there’s a decent chance they’ll be able to say yes to one of them.
   • You might have one night a week that you always keep open in case something comes up. Tell them you’re usually free on Tuesday nights and ask if next Tuesday would work.
   • For example, “I’m looking for something to do in the next couple of Saturdays, would you want to hit the shops downtown and then get some lunch?”
2. Invite them to an event that is coming up. If you already have a party or get together planned, even if you aren’t hosting it, invite the person to come to the event. Since it is happening at one specific time, if they aren’t able to attend, they are only turning down the event and not you. This is also less pressure than a one-on-one hang out.^[4]
   
   • If you are having a Super Bowl party, invite them to join you. It’s a common event, it’s set at a specific time, and there will be plenty of people to interact with.
   • Maybe you don’t have anything specific that’s coming up. Plan something with a group of friends for the purpose of inviting the person you want to get to know.
   • It doesn’t have to be a private event. Ask the person if they want to go to the town festival and walk around together. They would probably go anyway, and it’s a laid back, public event.
3. Make plans for the following weekend. Throughout the week, people may have set schedules, but they are often more open on weekends. If you typically only see people in a weekday environment, ask them to do something over the weekend. This gives you morning, afternoon, and night times to work with.^[5]
   
   • Weekends are good because people are often more open to late nights on Friday and Saturday, and they may have more free time during the day on Saturday and Sunday.
   • Weekends also offer more events like community theater, farmer’s markets and festivals, concerts, and parties.
   • Say, “After this long week, I need to blow off some steam this weekend. Would you want to hit up the shooting range on Friday after work?"

[Edit]Being Spontaneous

1. Ask them to go to an upcoming meal. If you are at work or getting out of class around lunch time, ask the person if they want to eat lunch together. If you both packed your lunch, you could sit and eat together. Otherwise, ask the person if they want to go out for lunch together. This works because you both need to eat and it’s a low-pressure way to hang out.^[6]
   
   • It doesn’t have to be an immediate meal. Ask someone to grab dinner when you get off work or meet up in a few hours when you finish what you’re doing.
   • If you leave a party late at night, ask if they want to grab some late night food at a nearby diner.
2. Transition from class or a meeting into hanging out. If you’re with the person at work, a club meeting, or class, ask them if they want to do something when the engagement is over. Ask them while you’re in the meeting if they want to hang out afterward, or ask them right when it is over if they want to go do something.^[7]
   
   • They may have things going on back to back, but a lot of times people will be free when a scheduled event has ended. Take advantage of this gap in their schedule.
   • Say, “I’ve got a couple of hours to kill when the class is over, do you want to go walk around the quad?” This is a simple way to hang out and it’s a low-pressure ask since it’s spur of the moment.
   • When you’re heading out the door after work or an organization meeting, say, “I’m going over to Poor Richard’s to grab a drink. Do you want to come hang out?” Getting a drink after work is common, so this type of question will seem normal to them.
3. Invite someone to go wherever you’re going. Anytime you’re about to do something and you see someone you want to hang out with, ask them to join you. Since you are going to do it no matter what they say, it’s not a big deal if they turn you down. If it’s a person you see every day, you have unlimited options of what to invite them to.^[8]
   
   • This works when you are on your way out of the dorm to see a movie, leaving your apartment complex to go for a hike, or leaving the office to play ultimate frisbee.
   • Get in the habit of inviting people to come along with you wherever you are going. After a while, they will get used to you asking and eventually they will say yes and join you.

[Edit]Ways to Ask Someone to Hang Out Over Text

Sample Ways to Ask Someone to Hang Out Over Text

Sample Ways to Ask Someone to Hang Out Over Text

[Edit]Video

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ [v161181_b01]. 24 October 2019.
2. ↑ [v161181_b01]. 24 October 2019.
3. ↑ https://www.albionpleiad.com/2014/01/dos-and-donts-for-guys-when-asking-a-girl-out-ce-edits/
4. ↑ [v161181_b01]. 24 October 2019.
5. ↑ http://www.succeedsocially.com/invitingpeopleoutexamples
6. ↑ http://hellogiggles.com/non-awkward-ways-ask-co-worker-hang-outside-work/
7. ↑ http://www.hercampus.com/career/job-advice/6-tips-befriending-your-co-workers
8. ↑ http://www.succeedsocially.com/invitingpeopleoutexamples

How to Start a Ranch

Spending your days riding, herding and exploring the great outdoors is one of the many appeals of starting a ranch. If you are thinking of starting a ranch for lifestyle or business reasons, you should carefully consider the size, type and location of the ranch you hope to start. Given the low profit margins in ranching, you should budget carefully and consider hiring a ranch manager or management firm.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Buying a Ranch

1. Shop for a ranch online. You can begin searching for a ranch online, where you will find a variety of ranching real estate sites. Real estate sites specializing in ranches usually focus on a particular region, such as California or Texas ranches. Some of the sites allow you to sort listings by location, price range and acreage.^[1]
   
2. Work with a real estate agent. Though you’ll be able to find many enticing properties online, it’s a good idea to work with an agent to find a ranch in your price range. They’ll have more access and a better idea of what’s on the market, and be able to caution and encourage you appropriately about setting up a ranch.
   
3. Determine whether you want to invest your money in a ranch. Ranches are a significant investment. If you want to keep your money in a safe investment that is a little more fun than a government bond or savings account, a ranch could be a decent investment.^[2]
   
   • In California, you may pay between $5,000,000 and $21,000,000 for a ranch.
   • In Texas, you might be able to get a ranch for as little as $400,000. You can also easily spend upwards of $5,000,000.
   • You should only invest in a ranch if you want to spend significant time at the ranch, since ranches can be difficult to value and to sell.
4. Talk to your local bank about financing options. Some local banks work with agencies such as the USDA to help finance beginner farmers and ranchers. Ask your local bank about the local beginning farmer financing initiative, which is a special lending pool designed for young farmers.
   
   • You could also look into the “Young & Beginning” program offered by Farm Credit Services. This program helps young farmers get on their feet with real estate loans, insurance, education reimbursements, youth in agriculture loans, as well as college scholarships.
5. Work your private contacts. If you know any property owners, you should contact them directly to work out an arrangement to ranch on their land. Depending on your financial situation and ranching goals, you could work out a cash deal or a work-in arrangement. In other words, you could work to pay for some or all of the land or get a good deal by paying with cash.
   
6. Start a large, profitable ranch. If you want to make money with a traditional working ranch, try to determine your possible sources of income from ranching, hunting rights, tourism and other sources. ^[3]
   
   • If you want to make money, you should look at emerging markets such as sheep farming and carbon offsetting.^[4]
   • Another way to make money is to lease your farmable land out to other farmers to grow hay, corn, or other crops.
7. Get a small, personal ranch. A small ranch can be a great way of living an active and outdoor lifestyle, as long as you have other sources of income. If you are starting a ranch for personal and lifestyle reasons, you might want to purchase a ranch that is conveniently located and hire a ranch manager to keep the cost of the ranch relatively low. ^[5]
   
   • If you start a small ranch, remember that it is a significant investment of time. You will be spending at least twenty hours a week working on your small ranch, in addition to whatever you do for a living.^[6]
   • Small ranchers do not typically realize a profit, although there are exceptions.^[7]
   • If you are mostly interested in ranching for recreational or lifestyle purposes, you may want to start with a small ranch and 5-10 cattle and/or 2-4 horses.
8. Look into the carrying capacity of the land. Go to the local conservation office and ask about the production potential of the land you are looking to purchase. You want to consult with professionals about the soil type, vegetation, annual precipitation and other local ecological conditions that will determine the number of livestock your land can support.
   
   • Sellers may tell you the land can support more cattle than is realistic. ^[8]
   • If you live in the USA, the local Natural Resource Conservation Office will have helpful data to help you determine the potential productivity of the land you hope to purchase.
9. Take location into account. Ranches in relatively close proximity to urban centers retain their value and cost a great deal, as well as ranches in high demand regions like Montana or Texas. Although you may want to get away from the city to a remote ranch, you should also consider the time it will take you to get to the ranch for a vacation.^[9]
   
   • If it is a working ranch and you will also have a day job, you should consider the travel time to and from the ranch.
   • Other considerations for location include distance to gas stations, feed stores, and grocery stores.

[Edit]Getting Your Ranch Off the Ground

1. Make sure you have everything to set up your ranch. In addition to the land and the cattle, you will need a lot of physical equipment to start up your ranch. For instance, you will need the following equipment:^[10]
   
   • Tractor
   • Truck
   • Stock trailer
   • Corrals
   • Fencing
   • Fuel
   • ATV
   • Feed for all of your animals
2. Build facilities if necessary. You may need to add fencing or build corrals, barns, sheds, arenas, or feed storage buildings on the property. You’ll likely need to hire an architect or engineer to help you plan the site and design the buildings and a contractor and construction team to complete the work. Plan for the expense of paying for the design, construction, and maintenance (including utilities) of any necessary facilities.^[11]
   
3. Hire a ranch manager. Ranching requires significant technical expertise, including not only business management but also cattle and grazing management.^[12] As such, you may want to a hire a ranch manager with technical expertise in these areas, as well as irrigation, rangeland, cattle and ranching equipment.^[13]
   
   • Hiring a ranch manager or a management firm will allow you to focus on the more pleasurable aspects of ranching, such as horseback riding, hunting or fishing.
4. Buy affordable, quality livestock. Cattle and horses are the biggest expenses in ranching. Develop a network of friends and professionals to give you advice on which livestock to purchase, since it is easy to overpay for livestock. You also want to make sure you are paying for good quality, genetically superior livestock, since you will be investing a lot in them every year.^[14]
   

[Edit]Keeping Your Ranch Profitable

1. Do an inventory of financial resources. If you have recently inherited a ranch or purchased a ranch with existing resources, you should do a thorough financial inventory. Take an in depth inventory of existing financial resources, such as ranch bank accounts, debts that the ranch owes to banks, as well as lease agreements and other financial arrangements. Knowing the current financial state of the ranch will help you figure out what to do with it.^[15]
   
2. Review human, natural, and physical resources. Resources include the people who work at your ranch, as well as equipment like tractors, trailers, fences and barns. You want to look at human resources, such as current family and paid employees who put time into the ranch. Then, list all of the natural and physical resources of the ranch, such as existing equipment, buildings and the livestock. Take this inventory into account in planning your ranch operations.^[16]
   
3. Figure out whether you could make money. The profit margin in ranching is typically very thin, with only the most frugal and efficient ranchers able to make a living in this business. Smaller ranchers will usually lose money ranching.^[17] However, if you have inherited a ranch, the value of your land may be significant and could possibly allow you to keep your ranch financially feasible.
   
   • For instance, gross annual income for each cow is typically $190 to $340.^[18]
   • Each year, every cow you own will cost you between $300 and $400.^[19]
4. Aim for a large volume of cattle. If you start a ranch with a large number of cows for the operation, you will be able to spread the high costs of equipment, fuel and labor over a greater volume of animals. If you can lower the cost spent on each cow, you are more likely to make money in the competitive business of ranching.^[20]
   
   • Of course, you should also make sure your land has the carrying capacity to handle the number of cows you desire.
5. Budget for livestock, equipment, labor and other production costs. Since the most profitable ranches are also the most efficient in their production costs, you should aim to keep your equipment and labor costs down. So, make a realistic and efficient budget for your new ranch, which should include items like livestock, feed, a tractor, ATVs, stock trailers, corrals, and waged labor.^[21]
   
   • If you can use an old truck instead of a buying a new one, you are more likely to make a profit.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/30/your-money/owning-a-ranch-offers-returns-beyond-the-financial.html
2. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/30/your-money/owning-a-ranch-offers-returns-beyond-the-financial.html
3. ↑ http://www.worth.com/how-to-buy-a-ranch/
4. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/30/your-money/owning-a-ranch-offers-returns-beyond-the-financial.html
5. ↑ http://www.worth.com/how-to-buy-a-ranch/
6. ↑ https://www.noble.org/news/things-to-know-before-buying-a-ranch/
7. ↑ https://www.noble.org/news/things-to-know-before-buying-a-ranch/
8. ↑ https://www.noble.org/news/things-to-know-before-buying-a-ranch/
9. ↑ http://www.worth.com/how-to-buy-a-ranch/
10. ↑ https://www.noble.org/news/things-to-know-before-buying-a-ranch/
11. ↑ http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36072/building-a-horse-property-from-the-ground-up
12. ↑ https://www.noble.org/news/things-to-know-before-buying-a-ranch/
13. ↑ http://www.worth.com/how-to-buy-a-ranch/
14. ↑ https://www.noble.org/news/things-to-know-before-buying-a-ranch/
15. ↑ http://www.cattlenetwork.com/strategic-scenario-planning-ranching-conducting-ranch-inventory-part-2
16. ↑ http://www.cattlenetwork.com/strategic-scenario-planning-ranching-conducting-ranch-inventory-part-2
17. ↑ https://www.noble.org/news/things-to-know-before-buying-a-ranch/
18. ↑ https://www.noble.org/news/things-to-know-before-buying-a-ranch/
19. ↑ https://www.noble.org/news/things-to-know-before-buying-a-ranch/
20. ↑ http://www.beefmagazine.com/blog/what-s-more-important-economy-scale-or-low-cost-production
21. ↑ https://www.noble.org/news/things-to-know-before-buying-a-ranch/