A “bloomer” means that the dough is in a cylindrical shape with slightly tapered ends. To achieve this shape, begin by rolling the dough out into the shape of a rectangle. The corners of the dough, however, should still be rounded. When you are done, the dough should be no longer than 14 inches (35.5 cm) and about 1 to 1 ½ inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) thick. Choose 1 side of the dough and begin to roll it vertically. Roll it on top of itself so that it becomes gradually thicker. It should be about 4 (10 cm) or 5 inches (12.7 cm) thick when you are done rolling. Tuck the ends to close up any space, and smooth out the dough when you are done rolling. Put the rolled-up dough onto a baking sheet that has been lightly greased. Put a kitchen towel on top of the dough. Allow it to rise for a few minutes. After it has risen a bit more, use a knife to cut slashes into the top of the dough. Cut diagonal marks that are about 1 ½ inches apart. Typically, you will be able to fit in 6 slashes.
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One-sentence summary -- Use a rolling pin on the dough to create a rectangular shape. Roll up the dough. Allow the dough to rise. Cut diagonal slashes into the dough.


If you are not sure that you have actually sprained your thumb, it is helpful to know what symptoms to look for. These symptoms include:  Sharp, pulsating and/or excruciating pain Swelling Bruising While you can sprain your thumb in a variety of ways, the most common causes of a sprained thumb include:  Repetitive activities that involve the thumb and put excessive pressure on its joints. Sports like basketball, volleyball, and other sports where there is a good chance that the ball will put a lot of pressure on your thumb Contact sports like rugby and martial arts. Wrapping a sprained thumb does not only help stabilize the injured thumb, but also compresses it. Compression aids in stimulating the flow of lymph fluid, which carries important nutrients to the damaged tissues surrounding the injury. Lymph fluid also removes waste from cells and body tissues which is an important function during the tissue regeneration process. Wrapping the thumb also speeds the recovery process and keeps the injury from getting worse. In order to be completely effective, the bandage must be removed, the injury left to rest, and the bandage re-applied a few times a day. In this way, the lymphatic system can complete its evacuation of the injury site.
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One-sentence summary -- Identify the symptoms of a sprained thumb. Familiarize yourself with the most common causes of a sprained thumb. Understand why thumb wrapping is beneficial.


Arrange to have the lawn mowed and shrubbery trimmed. Cover any plants that are frost intolerant. Arrange to have your garden watered if necessary. Place tables, chairs, hammocks, delicate garden ornamentation, and other outdoor accessories in a garage, shed or storage unit. Leave nothing outdoors that can be blown about by a strong wind. Pleasure craft such as boats, ATVs, bicycles, canoes, kayaks and cars should be locked in a garage or storage shed. Block window views into this storage space.
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One-sentence summary -- Protect the yard and garden. Store outdoor furniture. Lock away expensive vehicles.


Each Waterpik unit comes with an instruction manual. If you lose it, you can download another copy on the Waterpik website. The Waterpik is an elaborate device with several parts that can break and require replacement. The Waterpik website includes a section where tips, accessories and replacement parts are available for sale separate from the main units. You should replace the tips every three to six months. A common issue is that the device sometimes loses water pressure. You can attempt to fix this issue before having to replace the device.  Ensure the black valve in the reservoir tank is inserted with the dome side facing up and the four-pronged side facing down. Fill the reservoir at least half full to support pressure. Confirm that the unit is plugged into a fully functioning electrical outlet. Regularly clean the unit by adding a few teaspoons of vinegar or chlorhexidine mouthwash to a full reservoir of warm water. Then drain the reservoir through the handle into the sink until it is empty. A reservoir leak is another common issue. You can attempt to fix this issue before having to replace the device.  Remove the black rubber valve from the water tank by pushing it out from the bottom. Run the valve under warm water and massage with your fingers. Return the valve to the tank. Ensure the dome side is facing up and the four-prong side is showing on the bottom.
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One-sentence summary --
Use the instruction manual. Buy replacement parts. Fix a drop in water pressure. Fix a leaking reservoir.