Open up the oven, pull out the rack a bit, and push the sides of the cookie very lightly with a spatula or your finger. If the edge stays firm and doesn't fall inwards, then your cookies are done. If you leave a noticeable indention, then your cookies likely need a few minutes more in the oven.  This is an especially good method to use with dark cookies, such as chocolate or gingerbread, where coloring isn't the best indication of doneness.  If you choose to use your finger to test, make sure to be very careful or you could get burned by the baking sheet. If you are working with a fragile cookie, like shortbread, test them by pressing lightly into the center instead of the edges. This will lower the likelihood of them breaking up upon contact. Pull open your oven and slide your metal spatula halfway under a single cookie. Lift up just a bit and check the coloring of the cookie's underside. The cookie should appear light brown or golden in coloring and firm in texture.  Be very careful when lifting or you could split the cookie in half. This method works well for sandies, spritz, and other pale colored cookies. It's sometimes hard to test the doneness of bar cookies because they are so dense and often dark in coloring. Get a wooden toothpick or skewer and push it into the bar. Keep going until you reach the halfway point of the cookie. Withdraw the toothpick. If there are lots of crumbs or batter on the wood, then the cookies are not quite done. It's important to use wood skewers or toothpicks. Metal ones do not work as well as the crumbs will simply slide off.

Summary: Press the edges with your finger. Lift the cookie up to check the bottom. Insert a toothpick into bar cookies.


Bartenders are generally very vigilant about what is happening around their bar, so they will glance your way eventually. Look their way and wait for them to look back at you. Make eye contact and nod or wave to signal that you'd like to order. It will be very difficult for a bartender to see you if you stand behind seated customers at the bar, or behind the beer taps. Position yourself at an empty part of the bar where nothing will prevent the bartender from seeing you. If the bar is too crowded, wait until a spot clears and stand there once it is free. Depending on how busy things are, your server may be very rushed when you place your order. Always wait for your turn and speak respectfully. Being courteous will earn your server's appreciation and may result in better service. If the bar is very crowded, avoid making the bartender wait while you decide what to order. Know what you want before approaching the bar. If you are uncertain, glance at the beer taps or drink menu to choose your beer in advance. Bartenders are liable if they serve alcohol to minors, so it is not unlikely that they will ask to see ID to make sure that you're of legal drinking age. Always have a valid piece of identification with you when you order beer. A driver's license or passport are the best options. If you are in a country or region where tipping is custom, tip your server at least $1 no matter how much your beer costs. If you run a tab and pay for several beers at once, tip at least $1 for every beer you ordered. If you received exceptional service, it is welcome and appreciated to tip your server more.  A good tip for exceptional service might be $5 for a $15 bill. Note that tipping is not a traditional practice in some places, like Australia.

Summary: Make eye contact with the bartender and nod or wave. Stand in a clear spot in front of the bar to be seen. Be patient and polite when ordering. Decide what you want quickly if the bar is crowded. Present your ID if your server asks for it. Tip your server no less than $1 per beer, if applicable.


Doing this will keep your hair color looking natural and youthful. Since the fine hairs around your hairline soak up dye quickly, you could end up with a stark, wig-like line around your face if you don’t go a little lighter.  Whatever the shade is at the back of your head, use a dye that’s two shades lighter for your hairline. Your hairline is the fine hair closest to your face and stretches from ear to ear. One-dimensional, monotone hair color is unflattering and aging, regardless of the hue. Multidimensional hair color looks youthful and more natural. Adding subtle highlights can give your hair more dimension. Go for warm, buttery and caramel tones, not cool or ashy tones, to create a sun-kissed, youthful look.  Avoid stripy, conspicuous highlights, which look very unnatural.  Super light highlights should also be avoided, since these can create a “frosty” effect and add years to your appearance. Lowlighting is the exact opposite of highlighting – the process involves dyeing darker streaks into your hair, which creates even more dimension. A good approach is to have the majority of your hair dyed a very rich hue that’s close to your natural color. Then add highlights that are one shade lighter than that hue and lowlights that are one shade darker.  Lowlights should be done by an experienced hair stylist, since the process isn’t easy to replicate at home. If you aren’t sure how to choose the right highlights and lowlights, bring three pictures of hair color you like to your next salon appointment. Your stylist can work with you to choose the right shades. Highlights and lowlights will add lots of dimension to your hair, but for best results they should be placed strategically. The brightest highlights should frame your face and “kiss” the top of your head. The darkest color needs to be underneath the majority of your hair. Face-framing highlights will look more youthful because they add brightness and warmth to your complexion. They also look very natural.
Summary: Go two shades lighter around the hairline. Get subtle highlights in warm tones. Make sure you have highlights and lowlights in your hair. Frame your face with the lightest highlights.