It's recommended you let them sit overnight in order to let them retain the flower shape.

Summary: Once the slices are shrunken and almost completely dried out, transfer them to a muffin tin so that the edges curve upward in the shape of a flower.


You must be current on your mortgage, and not have been delinquent on any payments in the last 12 months. You will not be eligible for HARP if your loan is serviced by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), the Veteran's Administration (VA) or the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Make sure your mortgage is owned by Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, also known as Freddie Mac, or Federal National Mortgage Corporation, called Fannie Mae. You will also need to submit to a credit check. The new  HARP 2.0 is now unlimited loan-to-value for fixed rate loans with 30-year terms or less. You can use national banks such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America, or local banks and credit unions in your community.

Summary: Check your payment history. Find out who owns your mortgage. Demonstrate you have the income to afford your monthly mortgage payments. Don't Be Concerned with a Home Appraisal. Find a lender who will make HARP loans.


If possible, do physical activity before you study. Go for a jog before you sit down to study for a test or go over your class notes. Hit the gym on the way home to swim some laps so you are ready to study that evening. Doing aerobic activity gets blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your brain, which helps your brain function better. A few studies have shown that performing light exercise while studying can help recall of information. If you are going to exercise while studying, just make sure to keep it gentle.  These studies found that vigorous exercise while studying may hurt recall because your brain is focused on the workout instead of the information. To try this, take your textbook or notes to the gym. Use the stationary bike while you study for at least half an hour, making sure to keep the intensity light and gentle. You can also use an elliptical, treadmill, or stairclimber. Studies have shown that exercising before and while you study are not the only times that benefit your recall and mental processing. Working out after a study session can also help boost your mental function and improve your studying. Go for a walk or even lift weights after you study to help your brain stay active so your studying can pay off. If you are studying in the library, break up your study sessions with physical activity. Get up and take a fifteen-minute stroll around the building or around campus nearby.  You can also do this if you are studying in your dorm or a coffee shop. Taking a break helps refresh yourself and gets blood flowing to the brain, which can help you think and remember better. You can get your blood pumping at your desk while you study. If you don't want to leave everything and go for a quick 15 minute stroll, try getting some physical activity in where you are.  Do some chair squats at your desk. Stand up from your chair, then squat down without sitting down. Hover just above the chair for about 10 seconds. Repeat this 20 times.  Try wall sitting. Lean against the wall and slowly lower yourself into a squat position, using the wall to support your back. Hold for as long as you can, or do 20 sets while holding for 10 seconds each. You may also wish to lift one leg as you hold the squat for an extra challenge. Use resistance bands while you sit there and study. Put one in each hand and pull on them for an upper body workout. You can also try holding hand weights and doing bicep curls while studying.

Summary: Exercise just before you study. Try light exercise while you study. Go to the gym right after studying. Take a walk around the library. Exercise at your desk.


When you’re raising small kids, sleep often gets kicked to the curb. Unfortunately, depriving yourself of sleep can make you grumpy or irritable during family time. Improve your mood and have lots of energy to play with your kids by getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.   Sleep better by shutting off electronic devices at least an hour before bed. Do soothing activities like light-reading, taking a warm bath, or making love to your spouse. Parents often stress the importance of eating healthy to their kids, but you may not be following that advice yourself. Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals to fuel your body so that you can be productive at work and still have energy left over for your family.  Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, including whole foods like fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Reduce the amount of junk food and processed foods you consume. regularly. Physical activity is one of the best ways to support physical health, live longer, and manage everyday stress. Plus, if you exercise with your spouse and kids, you’ll be modeling healthy habits for your whole family.  Plan a fun night of bowling with your spouse and kids. Or, go for a family bike-ride or hike on weekends. If your favorite form of exercise is a solo one, such as running, then make sure to also plan some activities that will involve your whole family. Because children often pick up their parent’s habits, strive to develop healthy ways of handling stress. Instead of turning to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or compulsive shopping, stick to healthy habits like exercise, relaxation techniques, and  self-care.  When stress hits, try  meditation,  deep breathing, or yoga to quell the tension. Build a self-care routine that allows you to regularly engage in fun, nourishing activities like gardening, getting a haircut, or listening to your favorite music. You might be so consumed with your marital, parenting, and work responsibility, that you don't prioritize other social relationships. Take measures to keep an active social life, so that you have healthy outlets for stress.  Join a club or organization relating to your career or a hobby. Participate in a church or civic group in your area. Or, start a Meetup group for dads to gather in your local community. Your social network is a valuable resource for getting advice and encouragement for being a better husband and father. It can be helpful to talk with other men about your role as a husband and father.
Summary: Get enough sleep. Eat a nutrient-rich diet.  Exercise Manage your stress effectively. Build a strong support system.