When you're being photographed, or just when you're having fun showing off, flaunt your curves by standing with a jutting hip. Instead of planting your weight evenly on both feet, try putting your weight on one foot. This will tilt your pelvis upward on the side of the weight bearing foot. Exaggerate the pose by jutting your hip out a little further. Place a hand on your waist or hip. The space between your inner elbow and your waistline will draw attention to your hips and make your waist look smaller.  Try dropping one arm behind your jutting hip instead, for a sultry look. Another option is to raise an elbow and put your hand behind your head. If you’re standing and posing for a photo, try an exaggerated curvy pose. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, then drop one knee so your hip is at an angle. Place your hands below your hips on your upper thighs. Then, hinge forward at the hips and lean forward slightly. Tilt your head to one side and jut out your elbows to ensure that your waist is visible. Sitting or standing with your legs crossed will narrow the line of your knees and make your hips look curvier. Only do this if it is comfortable for you, and take breaks!

Summary: Stand contrapposto for photos or anytime you want to look curvier. Pose with your arms akimbo to make your waist seem smaller. Tilt your head and angle your body to accentuate your curves. Cross your legs to seem curvier while sitting or standing.


Start by identifying the year that you want to check and then get out a physical calendar or open an online calendar to check that year. If you are using an online calendar, then you should be able to look back or ahead by at least a few years.  For example, if you want to see if 2016 was a leap year, go back to that year’s calendar. If you want to check if 2021 is a leap year, go to that year online. Leap years always result in 1 extra day that is placed at the end of February, since this is the shortest month in the year. Turn to that month in the calendar and check to see if there is a February 29th listed. If there is, then it is a leap year. If February only goes through the 28th, then it is not a leap year. Each year lasts about 365 days and slightly under 6 hours. That extra 6 hours adds up to an extra day over the course of 4 years, which is why leap years occur almost every 4 years. Count ahead 4 years from the last leap year to estimate when the next leap year will be. For example, since 2016 was a leap year, you could count ahead 4 years to 2020 as a way to predict the next leap year.

Summary: Locate the year you want to know about in a calendar. Turn to February and see if there is a 29th day. Expect another leap year in 4 years.


Once you’ve measured and chopped your chocolate, put it into a container that’s safe to go in the microwave. Typically, these include dishes made of glass, ceramic, or plastic that’s labeled for use in a microwave.  If you’re not sure if your bowl is safe to put in the microwave, check the bottom for a symbol that looks like 3 wavy lines, or one featuring a dish with wavy lines above it. These both indicate that a dish is microwave-safe. The dish may also say something like “Microwave safe” on the bottom. Using a dish that’s not microwave-safe could cause the chocolate to scorch, your dish could break, or it could even be a fire hazard. Turn the power down to the lowest heat possible on your microwave. Then, heat the chocolate for 15-30 seconds. When the timer goes off, remove the bowl from the microwave right away.  Opt for 15 seconds for small pieces of chocolate, like mini chocolate chips. For larger pieces, your first blast should be closer to 30 seconds. Do not microwave the chocolate for longer than 30 seconds, or it will scorch. If the chocolate doesn’t seem melted at all after 30 seconds, change the microwave to 50% power instead.
Summary: Place the chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate on the lowest heat setting for 15-30 seconds.