Problem: Article: Cut the veneer to the size you want, making sure to leave as little overhang as possible. Any more than 1/4" overhang and you'll likely crack the veneer. Using a very short nap roller, roll the contact cement onto the area of the substrate that will be covered by a single panel of the veneer. Roll in one direction and then the other, just like you would a wall, in order to guarantee 100% coverage of the substrate surface. Go through the same motions to apply contact cement to the veneer, also making sure to get 100% coverage. There should not be any dry spots. Allow just enough time for the adhesive to dry slightly. It should feel perhaps somewhat tacky to the touch, but not be able to grab hold of a sheet of paper or the hairs of your arm. This is usually after 5-10 minutes. Place a sheet of wax or parchment paper on your substrate. This will go between the substrate and the veneer while you align the veneer, to help you get it as straight as possible without joining the pieces before they're ready. Line up the corners of the veneer and the substrate and get it into place. Then start to press it down so that the two glued sides touch, removing the paper as you go. Using your hand, smooth out the piece of veneer, starting from the center and moving out toward the edges. Apply firm pressure to ensure that full contact is made. Next, smooth it again using a flat tool like a putty knife or a carpet stair tool. Smooth it in one direction and then the other, just like you applies the adhesive. Do not use a tool like a roller, as this applies weak and uneven pressure. Trim the edges using a utility knife and then sand the edges using high grit sandpaper (180 to 220).
Summary: Cut your veneer to size. Apply contact cement to the substrate. Apply contact cement to the veneer. Allow for tack time. Place a sheet of wax paper. Align the veneer. Smooth out the piece. Trim the edges.

Problem: Article: Swipe the brush over the material gently in small, circular motions. A soft toothbrush can be used to get into harder to reach areas. For scuff marks, an eraser can help to rub away the transferred color on the shiny leather. Gently rub the eraser against the scuff, clearing away any eraser shavings by using the bristle brush as you work. Apply a small amount of the rubbing alcohol or vaseline to a q-tip or paper towel. Rub the mark using a little bit of force, being careful not to push too hard. After 15-20 seconds, wipe the area dry with a cloth. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you might have to repeat this process a few times. Make sure the cloth is only damp by ringing it out. You should use 1 small drop of non-detergent liquid soap on the damp cloth. Wipe in small circular motions on all surfaces of the shoe that are patent leather. While patent leather shoes are coated with a clear gloss, they aren’t actually waterproof. It’s best to use as little water as possible to clean and never wear them for long periods of time in wet conditions. Again, wipe in small circular motions to remove any excess water. To make sure that the shoes dry thoroughly after cleaning, set them out for at least 24 hours at room temperature. Add a small amount of the oil or vaseline to a cloth and wipe onto the leather in small, circular motions. Let it sit on the shoes for 20-40 minutes and then wipe clean with a dry cloth. If the shoes are still sticky, allow them to sit overnight to see if the stickiness dries. If not, it may be the case that the glue on your shoes has degraded due to humidity and ruined the leather. After cleaning, make sure you’re keeping your shoes in a location that is safe for long-term storage. A good storage space is dry, room-temperature, and clean. It’s a good idea to keep them stored with their shoe trees so that they retain their form.
Summary: Use a soft bristle brush to remove loose dirt and debris. Buff out marks with an eraser. Remove tough stains using rubbing alcohol or vaseline. Wipe the outside of the shoe using a damp cloth and mild soap. Buff the shoes with a soft polishing cloth. Apply olive/mineral oil or vaseline if your shoes are sticky. Store patent leather items in a safe and dry location.

Problem: Article: Choosing unprocessed foods allows you to control your diet by eliminating "hidden" ingredients and excess salt. It's possible that weight gain may be coming not from the quantity of food you are eating, but the amount of sugar, salt, and other ingredients that are added to your meal. Whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish also tend to reside near the healthy "base" of the food pyramid. Studies indicate that children who participate in school-based gardening programs are twice as likely to try new foods as those who did not participate in these programs.  Nurturing your own vegetables from seeds or seedlings will inspire you toward healthy eating.  Growing your own vegetables also saves money, allowing you to keep your body fit without breaking your budget. Much like consuming whole foods, cooking from scratch improves your control over your diet.  Not only are you likely to save money by preparing your own meals, but you can eliminate additives, extra sugar and salt, and other processed ingredients. Develop your cooking skills gradually.  You may become overwhelmed if you try to take on too much, too quickly.  Start with easy recipes to increase your confidence.  Give yourself permission to learn over time and you'll find cooking is more likely to become an enduring habit.
Summary:
Prioritize whole foods. Consider starting a garden. Cook from scratch.