All modern Macs come equipped with their own built-in malware protection. If your system is not configured to receive regular updates, malware can slip through the cracks. Click “System Preferences” in the Apple menu, then click “App Store,” and make sure the following two options are checked:  Automatically check for updates Install system data files and security updates If you’ve installed MacKeeper and are receiving pop-up messages claiming you have a worm virus, do not follow their links or enter your credit card information. MacKeeper is known malware and should be removed from your system. Because there are no Mac “viruses,” it’s likely that a suspected worm virus is actually a different form of malware, like adware (excessive and tricky advertisements) or ransomware (software that holds your files hostage until your credit card information is provided). Regardless of its type, you’ll want to remove it from your Mac.  Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac and Sophos Antivirus for Mac will both scan for and remove all adware at no cost. There are many paid options to scan and remove malware from Macs, but they are not typically recommended by experts. Start your anti-malware program and find the link that says “Update” (or something similar). Before running a scan, you’ll want the program to have up-to-date malware information. The actual name of the button will vary depending on your anti-malware program. The scan will take several moments to complete. If the program finds malware, follow any prompts to “quarantine” the rogue files. This will remove them from your system without sending them to the Trash. To keep your computer free of malware (including worms), Apple recommends taking certain precautions when using the Internet.  Never open e-mail attachments unless they were sent from a legitimate source. Limit downloads to the Mac App Store and identified developers. Mac checks all apps on its App Store for viruses and trusts other developers registered with Apple. To configure this feature on your Mac, select “System Preferences” from the Apple menu, click “Security & Privacy,” then “General.” There, select “Mac App Store and identified developers.”

Summary: Make sure your Mac is up-to-date. Uninstall MacKeeper. Download and install an anti-malware program. Update your anti-malware software to the latest definition files. Click the “Start Scan” or “Scan Now”. Quarantine your malware. Avoid malware in the future.


Pick a mirror that’s big enough to fit as much of you in the shot as you want. For instance, a small wall mirror works if you just want a selfie of your face, whereas you need a taller mirror if you want a picture of your whole body. Keep in mind that you can crop your selfies, too. If you just want your face in the picture, but you only have a giant wall mirror, crop the rest of your body out of the photo after you take it. If you’re taking your selfie in your bedroom or your own house, make sure the space that will be showing in the picture is organized and clean. For example, put away any dirty clothes on the floor, make your bed, and check that anything potentially embarrassing, like your life-sized celebrity crush poster, is hidden. Natural lighting is the most flattering for pictures. To take advantage of this, open the blinds or curtains on windows to allow more light in and try to take your picture during the day when it’s sunny outside. If it’s nighttime, recreate natural lighting by turning on soft, warm lamps instead of bright overhead lights.  Avoid fluorescent or harsh white lights which dull your skin. Make sure that the light isn’t directly at your back. Otherwise, you’ll just be a silhouette. Adjust the light if possible so that it hits you in the front.

Summary: Find a mirror that’s the right size, like a full-length one for a full body selfie. Clean up the room that’s visible in the mirror if possible. Find a spot that has good natural lighting or that is well-lit.


Deep conditioner helps tame extra-curly or frizzy hair. It’s especially good for treating damaged hair! Make sure your deep conditioner is made for curly hair--the best deep conditioners for your hair will have ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, keratin, argan oil, and coconut oil. You can also buy deep conditioners with proteins to treat badly damaged hair--look for ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, Panthenol, soybean protein, or glycoprotein. Work from the ends to the roots just like you do with regular conditioner. This is an optional step, but heat will open up the cuticles of your hair, allowing the conditioner to penetrate more deeply. Using blow dryers on your curly hair can damage it, so instead wet three or four hand towels with cold water, wring them out, and microwave until hot, about 1–2 minutes. Wrap the towels around your head and leave on for 5–10 minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to remove the conditioner. You can detangle your hair with your fingers or with a wide-tooth comb. Wash your hair as usual, with shampoo made for curly hair. Be sure to wash your hair in a downward motion before rinsing--this prevents tangles! You can use a regular conditioner afterward to help lock in the deep conditioning, but it isn't required. If you have long hair, divide it into 6–8 sections for more convenient handling. Detangle your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb if necessary, but be gentle since wet hair is more vulnerable to damage. If you plan to use rollers, hair styling products, or a leave-in hair mask, go ahead and put them in now before letting your hair air-dry. Deep conditioners aren't made for everyday use, but you should be using them regularly. If your hair is very damaged, deep condition every week. If it's not, once a month is fine!

Summary: Choose a deep conditioner. Apply according to product directions. Apply heat (optional). Rinse your hair with cool water. Wash your hair. Section your hair. Apply any additional products. Repeat regularly!


You can also use all-purpose feed; however, layer feed can have up to 2 percent more protein and more calcium content to promote better eggshells. You will need 18 to 24 lbs. (8 to 11 kg) of feed per week for 10 chickens. You can purchase layer feed in pellet, mash or crumble forms, the choice is up to you. If the eggs turn soft provide the hens with more calcium. Keep in mind that it is common for a hens first egg to be a bit unusual such as double yolks and soft shells. Crushed oyster shells or crushed eggshells can increase the calcium. Never mix the calcium into the layer feed. The healthiest treats are mealworms, pumpkin and pumpkin seeds. Provide a bowl of grit (unless free-range) to help them digest it. They eat more when it is cold out. Scratch is made of cracked corn, oats, wheat and other grains. It should be given in limited quantity and taken away almost entirely in the summer. These are toxic to chickens. Lawns with weeds and tender, young plants can increase nutrition. However, lawns sprayed with pesticides or featuring only one type of grass can take the place of more nutritious food sources. The benefits of having your chickens graze around your lawn is that they don't need to be provided grit and most of their diet is made up from the things they find inside the grass and ground.
Summary: Begin feeding your laying hens layer feed at 20 weeks of age. Provide a supplemental source of calcium in a bowl. Give your layers limited treats each week to supplement their diet. Supplement a chicken’s diet with “scratch” in the winter. Don’t feed your chickens citrus fruits, salty foods, rhubarb, chocolate, onion, garlic, lawn mower clippings, uncooked beans, avocado skins or pits, raw eggs, sugar/candy or raw green potato peels. Allow your chickens to graze around your lawn.