Problem: Article: Try to imagine how you might feel if you were in the same situation that they are. Then consider the ways they're different from you, to help inform how they may feel a little differently. Pay attention to people in real life, and in stories you read or watch.  Books, movies, and TV for young people often focus on teaching social skills. Pay attention to any lessons in the media that could teach you something. While different people can use body language in different ways, it can usually offer some useful clues about how they feel. This is useful for figuring out whether someone is interested in what you're saying, and whether it's a good time to approach them.    Where are they facing? People tend to look at, and turn towards, what they're interested in.  Is their body language mostly open or closed? Relaxed, open body language is a sign that a person feels comfortable. If they're using arms, legs, or objects like a "barrier," then they're probably uncomfortable. (Though sometimes, crossed arms can mean that they're just cold.) Being judgmental, or jumping to conclusions, can make it easy to misunderstand a person or a situation.  Try to assume the best of other people if you don't understand yet. For example, instead of thinking "my new boss must be an overbearing jerk," try telling yourself "maybe she's just talkative, and didn't realize she was interrupting me." You need to pay attention in order to understand someone. When you listen, focus on what the other person is saying, and not what you're going to say next. Try to understand their perspective, and ask questions.  People tend to open up more if you validate their feelings and say things like "that's understandable" or "that sounds tough; I'm sorry to hear you're going through that." It can also help them feel better if they're upset. What do they need? What are their goals right now? If you understand what they're trying to achieve, you can often figure out what they might do, and how you can get along with them.
Summary: Practice figuring how other people feel. Work on reading body language. Practice keeping an open mind. Work on your listening skills. Try to work on discovering people's intentions.

Problem: Article: The best types of almonds are raw almonds without added sugar, salt, or spices. You can usually find raw almonds at the supermarket alongside other nuts and snacks. If you decide you want to flavor your almonds, you can always lightly salt them or add spices like cinnamon at home. Almonds are not safe for everyone. They have high levels of oxalates, which can affect the kidneys and gallbladder. If you have health issues involving these organs, it's best to avoid eating almonds. Almonds are high in manganese, which can interact poorly with certain medications. If you're taking any prescription medications, talk to your doctor before introducing almonds to your diet. You should make sure almonds will not interact poorly with any prescribed medications.
Summary: Go for whole, raw almonds. Avoid almonds if you have problems with your kidneys or gallbladders. Make sure almonds don't interact with your medication.

Problem: Article: Rubbing an ice cube over your pores for 10 to 15 seconds can help to tighten the skin and close up the pores, making them appear smaller. You should only do this on clean, freshly-washed skin. Make a paste from one tablespoon of baking soda and a little water.  Apply this paste to the problem areas and leave to dry for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. This can help to minimize the appearance of pores. Baking soda also dries out the skin, which can help to fight acne. Any method that reduces skin oil will also make pores appear smaller. Egg white masks are believed to tighten pores, making them appear smaller.  Mix 2 raw eggs whites with 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice. Apply this mask to the face and leave to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. The orange juice helps to brighten your complexion.
Summary: Use ice. Use baking soda. Make an egg white mask.

Problem: Article: Whether it’s a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, or living area, each room has a function and a "target audience," those people who tend to use the room the most.  Your design choices need to reflect the target audience as much as possible in order for the room to remain functional. The rooms in your house should complement the personality of the person or people who use them most. For example, if your space will be used to host dinner guests or clients, you will want to take a different approach than if it is used as a nursery or playroom. Similarly, if you are the only one who will be using the room, you might feel more free to design it to your own standards and not worry about how others will see it. Ask someone for help to make sure your measurements are accurate, and write them down as you go. Measure each wall's length and height, as well as any permanent fixtures to the room (like built-in cabinets, fireplace, bathtub, etc). Don't forget to measure windows and doorways, including width and height. Before you can plan your design, you need to know what you have to work with. If you have an unlimited budget, then you can skip this step! Otherwise, think about each part of the room's design, which you are interested in changing, and how much you can afford to spend. This will help you focus your design on those elements you can afford to update. For example, you may not be able to put in a new carpet, but you might be able to buy a throw rug to cover up the carpet and update the look. Your budget should be a list that includes general categories and a specific breakdown of how the money will be spent in each category. It will be unique to the room that you are designing, so it will differ depending on if it is a kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom, etc. Some aspects to include in your budget might include:  Walls: Do you need to paint? What about repairing, replacing, or adding features like wood trim, crown mouldings, or paneling? How about wallpaper? Windows: Do you need new windows altogether, or can you keep the ones you have? Old windows can be drafty and dated, and hard to clean. But they can be disguised with good window treatments. Do you need new blinds? What about draperies, curtains, valances, or other window treatments? Flooring: Do you need to replace the carpeting? Do you want to put down hardwood floors or tiling? Could you just get by with steam cleaning the existing floors and perhaps adding an accept rug or area rug to update the space? Fixtures: Does the area have light fixtures or chandeliers that need to be replaced or updated? What about outlet and light switch covers? Does it have a sink, faucet, or bathtub that needs updating? What about countertops, cabinets, or appliances? Furniture (couch, chair, table, bookshelf, bed, etc). Décor: This includes everything from the pictures on the wall to the throw blanket on the couch. In many cases, you can renovate the appearance of a room by just changing the décor items. Do you want to add photos or canvases to the wall or to shelves? What about figurines, wall hangings, or soft lines like throw pillows or blankets? Think practically first: What furniture do you need in order to use the space? Items like a bed, dresser, or couch might fit this description. Then, consider what furniture items would make the space more user-friendly or fun, like a coffee table, bean bag chair, or accent table. As you write down the furniture, make a note of what you currently have and what you might need to buy. Using themes and designer tips from professional decorators will help get the creative ideas going.  Experiment with different furniture arrangement options using free room planning websites. Search online for "interactive room design" to get started. You can also use these websites design a virtual room from flooring and paint colors to cabinets and counter tops. Know which cleaning supplies, painting supplies and any tools or equipment are necessary. Have someone ready to help you move any heavy or fragile furniture.
Summary:
Choose the room you want to design. Take measurements of the space. Set a budget. Think about what furniture you want in the room. Research online web tools for inspiration for furniture arrangement and color ideas. Have supplies and tools ready.