Make sure that your diet contains plenty of fatty acids, B vitamins, folic acid, and protein to promote the health and strength of your hair. Foods containing these nutrients include salmon and other fatty fish, nuts and eggs. One large cause of hair breakage is the friction that results from your hair rubbing against your pillowcase at night. Counter this damage by opting for silk or satin pillowcases, which create less friction and don’t absorb the moisture from your hair in the way that cotton pillowcases tend to do. If you don’t want to buy silk pillowcases, you can also wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf at night. If you have shoulder length hair, the constant rubbing of your hair against cotton shirts or shirts made of other absorbent material can sap the moisture from your hair and cause breakage. If you have shoulder length natural hair, try wearing silk or satin shirts when you wear your hair down.

Summary: Eat a diet rich in hair-healthy nutrients. Use a silk or satin pillowcase. Wear silky shirts with shoulder length hair.


Look for printing which says either SPT-1 or SPT-2. The printing is small, so you might have to look carefully. The difference between SPT-1 and SPT-2 involves the thickness of the lamp cord. Some switches only require you to connect the hot wire. If this is the case, there will be a channel along one side of the switch for the neutral wire. You may be able to open the casing of the existing switch and remove the wires without cutting them, but if not, use wire cutters to cut as close to the switch as you can.  Try to avoid cutting the neutral wire. If you have to cut it in order to remove the old switch, strip the insulation and connect the cut ends of the neutral wire together. If you like, add a plastic connector to protect the wire at the location where you want your new switch to be. If you are adding a cord switch when there wasn’t one before, use a small knife to carefully split the cord where you want your new switch to go, then cut through the hot wire. If your switch requires you to attach the neutral wire, cut through that too. Use your wire cutters to make a notch in the wire insulation, then gently pull to remove it. Only take off as much insulation as you need to attach the wires to the screws in the switch. If you only have one screw, it's for the hot wire. If you have to connect both the hot and neutral wires, the hot wire goes to the brass screw, and the neutral wire goes to the silver screw. Use your fingers to wrap the wires around the screws securely, and make sure there is enough insulation on the wires so that no live wires will be exposed when you close the switch.  There should be no visible wires showing when the switch is assembled. All you should see is insulated cord. If the exposed wires are too long, use the wire cutters to snip off a small portion and reattach the wires to the screws. Make sure that the cover closes securely and there are no bare wires showing around the switch. If you’re confident that the switch feels like it’s securely connected and there are no live wires showing, it’s time to test out your lamp! If you hooked everything up right, you should be able to plug in the lamp and turn it right on. If the lamp doesn’t turn on, double-check your wiring and try again.

Summary: Look for printing on the lamp cord to determine the size switch you need. Examine your new switch to see which wires you have to cut. Remove the existing cord switch. Strip about 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of insulation off of the wires. Match the hot and neutral wires to the appropriate screws. Insert the stripped wires into the screw terminals. Close the cover on the switch and snap or screw it shut. Plug in your lamp and try out your new switch.


Stickers come in countless shapes, colors, sizes, and styles. You can find decorative washi tape in almost any color and design. The possibilities here are endless!  Arrange the stickers in a way to create a picture, or place them sporadically across the envelope. It’s also okay to keep it simple and only use 1 or 2 stickers in one of the corners. Add 3D or foam stickers for more visual interest and texture. Make stripes or frames with the washi tape for a sleek look.  Try placing a sticker at the point on the flap to create a seal and secure the envelope, or line the entire flap with washi tape. Paper punches range from basic shapes like circles and ovals, to more complex designs like flowers and scalloped circles. Punch basic shapes out of patterned paper and glue the paper shapes on the envelope. Create 3D flowers by layering the flower shapes on top of one another. Using a few basic shapes like circles and ovals, you can make anything from fish and frogs to bears and owls. If your recipient has a favorite animal, try making it, but any cute animal is sure to make them smile. For example, to create a ladybug:  Punch out one large black circle and one small black circle. Use a glue stick or craft tape to adhere the small circle to the top of the large circle. This creates the body and head. To make the wings, punch out a large red circle and draw black dots on it. Then cut the red circle in half. Position the wings so they appear to be open, and adhere them to the large black circle, just underneath the “head.” To make movable wings, use a small brad to attach the red half-circles. This is a great idea if you are giving the recipient money or a gift card. Use ribbon in any color or design. The ribbon can be thin or thick, and you can even use multiple kinds at the same time. Instead of tying the ribbon around the envelope, try making a bow out of the ribbon and gluing it on the envelope. Glue blingy fake diamonds or pearls on the envelope. Place them sporadically, or use them to create swirly lines or other designs. This would be a fun option for a girly-girl or someone who loves jewelry. For added texture and visual interest, try gluing buttons on the envelope.
Summary: Apply stickers or washi tape to the envelope for a quick and easy option. Create fun shapes and designs with a paper punch. Combine multiple paper punch shapes to make animal art. Tie ribbon around the envelope to make it look like a gift box. Add jewels or buttons for something extra.