INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Take a measuring tape, and measure from the trunk to where you want the tree skirt to end. Add ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) to your measurement for seam allowance. Choose a fabric to be your main/outer fabric, and another fabric to be the underside/lining. Stack the two fabrics on top of each other, right sides together, then fold them in half. Tie a piece of string to a pen, then pin the other end the folded part of the fabric. Adjust the string until it matches your measurement, including the extra ½ inch (1.27 centimeters). Hold the pen until the string is taut, then use it like a compass to draw an arch. Adjust the string again until it is about 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) long. Hold the string taut, then draw a smaller arch. This will make the center part of the tree skirt that goes around the tree trunk.  If your tree has a really thick trunk, make the inner arch bigger. If your tree is very small, make the inner arch smaller. Cut the outer arch first, then the inner one. Make sure that you cut through all layers of fabric at the same time. Don't unfold the fabric yet. Start cutting at the outer edge of the big arch, and stop cutting when you reach the inner arch. Use one of the folds as a guide. This will create the opening slit. Unfold the circles when you are done. Choose ribbons that are between ½ and 1 inch (1.27 and 2.54 centimeters) wide. They can be the same color as your skirt or a contrasting one. If you have a small tree skirt, cut four pieces of ribbon instead. Use thinner ribbon, if you can. Turn the main/outer fabric circle so that the right side is facing you. Pin the ribbons to the open slit, three on each side. Make sure that the ribbons are facing into the circle and are not sticking out beyond the slit. Place a set of ribbon on the top of the slit, and another at the bottom. Place the last set of ribbons in the middle. Pin the two skirt pieces together with the right sides facing in. Make sure that the ribbon closures are tucked inside. Sew around the inner and outer arches as well as the slits using a ½ inch (1.27 centimeter) seam allowance. Leave a gap between two of the ribbons for turning. Snip the corners at the top and bottom of each slit. Cut some notches into the inner arch and the outer arch. This will reduce bulk and help your fabric layer smoother. Use a knitting needle to help poke out the corners. When you are done, the ribbon closures should now be on the outside! Gently press the seams with an iron using a heat setting suitable for the fabric. Thread a needle, then use a ladder stitch to sew the gap shut. At this point, your tree skirt is done, but if you can add some final touches to make it nicer. Here are some ideas to get you started:  Topstitch around the seams. You can use a contrasting or matching thread color. Add a trim, such as pompoms, rickrack, ribbon, or bias tape. Apply appliqués using fusible interfacing. You can also hand stitch them on. Stitch designs onto the skirt, like on a quilt.

SUMMARY: Decide how big you want your tree skirt to be. Stack two pieces of fabric together, then fold them in half. Draw an arch on the fabric based on your measurement. Draw a smaller arch. Cut the fabric out. Cut along one of the folded edges to open the skirt. Cut six pieces of 6-inch (15.24-centimeter) long ribbon. Pin the ribbons to the slit on the main fabric. Sew the skirt together. Snip the corners and cut notches into the curved edges. Turn the skirt inside out and press it flat with an iron. Sew the gap shut. Add some finishing touches, if desired.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Always restock the fridge with beer.    domestic (about 25), premium (6), and imported (about 20) into the beer cooler. Also count these. (it helps if you just take the exact same number of each item, like 15 of each, to save recording time and confusion)

SUMMARY: Determine if you need to go to the storage room or area  for items that are used up in the usual refrigerators. Fill the cart’s insulated compartments with a layer of ice. Load the sodas, waters, sports drinks, and juices into one cooler, lining them up in an attractive way so they look appealing. Count and record the number of each item as you load them to save time and keep track of the inventory. Load the beers: Place chips, crackers, cookies, candies, and other snacks into a small cooler. Pour a layer of ice on top of the drinks. Count and record the amount of money in your bank, and take it with you on the cart.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Ask a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor to keep an eye out on your home while you’re away. It is absolutely essential that you trust this person and know that they will follow through with checking in.  A next door neighbor is a convenient person to monitor your home since they are the most likely person to notice any unusual situations. Do not sacrifice convenience for trust. If you do not feel completely comfortable asking your next door neighbor to check on your home, ask a close friend or family member. Remember to return the favor and offer to do the same for them when they are on vacation. Overgrown lawns or driveways full of snow are surefire giveaways that the homeowner isn’t at home.  Be mindful of your friend’s time and offer compensation for these chores. For example, if the neighbor that you’ve asked to keep an eye on things has a teenage son or daughter, offer to pay their child to complete these tasks. Always return the favor and offer to do the same when they go away on vacation. Interior lights signal that someone is at home but leaving your lights on all the time while you are away is not cost effective. A programmable light switch will turn on select lights at a certain time and then turn them off. This saves money, is energy efficient, and is a useful deterrent. An intruder who is watching your home closely may notice that the lights go on and off at certain times every day. Set a schedule for your timers that varies day by day. Never post on social media that you are leaving for a vacation. Avoid posting pictures from your vacation while you are still away, checking in at the airport or your vacation destination, or updating your friends about your vacation. Internet safety is extremely important. Many burglars learn about their potential victims through social media when they post that they will be away, how long they’ll be away, and where they’re going. Notify the post office that you will be away so they do not leave mail and packages at your door. You can also ask your neighbor to collect your mail for you if you prefer not to stop your mail altogether. Avoid scheduling deliveries, like those for online shopping, for times when you are away. Packages that are left outside your front door are easily stolen and alert others that you are out of town. This applies to your curtains, your blinds, or shutters that cover your windows. If you typically leave your blinds open during the day, consider leaving them open when you are away. Noticeable changes can alert others that you aren’t home, like if your curtains are pulled shut for two weeks straight when they are normally open.

SUMMARY:
Ask a friend to monitor your home. Ask a friend to maintain your yard. Install programmable light switches. Do not post online. Stop your mail. Leave window coverings the same.