The “mother” contains the bacteria needed to begin the process of turning ethanol into acetic acid. It sometimes forms in opened bottles of wine, and looks like a slimy blob floating on the surface. You can buy “mother” (sometimes marketed as “vinegar starter”) in this gelatinous form, or as a liquid—look for it in homebrew or natural foods stores, or online.  If you’re adding gelatinous “mother” from a store, follow the package instructions regarding the amount to add—you’ll just spoon it on top of the alcohol in your jar. For liquid vinegar starter, pour in 12  fl oz (350 ml), unless otherwise noted on the package. The “mother” reforms every time you make a batch of vinegar. So, if you’ve made vinegar before, or have a friend who has, you can use the “mother” that formed in a previous batch. Just spoon it out and put it into your new jar.  You can repeat this process over and over again for years, if desired. It’s fine to use a “mother” from one type of vinegar (e.g., wine) to start another (e.g., cider). Simply lay the paper towel or cheesecloth over the top of the jar, then stretch a rubber band over the mouth of the jar. You need to cover the jar with a permeable material so that fresh air can circulate inside. Don’t leave the jar uncovered. Dust or dirt may get in, and there’s a good chance you’ll end up with a bunch of drowned fruit flies floating in your vinegar! Find a shelf on your pantry or similar location that’s fairly dark and gets decent air circulation. The conversion into vinegar will occur at temperatures between 59 and 94 °F (15 and 34 °C), but 80–85 °F (27–29 °C) is the ideal range—so pick out a warm spot if possible.  If you can’t find a dark spot, wrap the jar in a thick kitchen towel—but don’t cover the cheesecloth or paper towel lid. Don’t shake, stir, or (if possible) move the jar during the initial 2 month waiting period. This will make it easier for the “mother” to form and do its work. You’ll notice the scent of vinegar and possibly some more funky smells coming from the jar during the 2 months. Ignore this and leave it alone for 2 months.

Summary: Place or pour a store-bought “mother” into the jar. Use a homemade “mother” instead if you’ve saved it from prior vinegar making. Seal the jar with a rubber band and cheesecloth or a paper towel. Place the jar in a dark, airy, temperate place for 2 months.


First remove any nail polish you may be wearing so you can better see the extent of the break and proceed in fixing it. The type of nail polish remover you use will depend upon the kind of nail polish you are wearing. For example, if you’re wearing really dark polish or glitter, you’ll need an acetone remover. Dampen a cotton ball, pad or cloth with the remover and wipe in the direction of the break so it doesn’t snag and get worse. A note on acetone nail polish remover: In general, acetone removers should not be used on natural nails because it will dry them out, causing them to break more easily. They also shouldn’t be used on acrylics or other types of artificial nails. Use small nail or sewing scissors, if you have them, to cut a piece of scotch tape that is just larger than your nail bed. Now cut that piece into the shape of your nail bed. You might find it easier if you hold the tape with a pair of tweezers. Your shaped piece of tape likely won’t be perfect. It’s better, in fact, for it to be a bit smaller and not touch your cuticle and the skin on the sides of your nail than for it to be too large. It’s also better for it to be a little long and hang over the end of your nail at this point. Using either your fingers or a pair of tweezers, place the piece of shaped tape on your nail bed. Use the pad of another finger to press it into place before gently smoothing it out to get rid of any air bubbles or wrinkles. Using your scissors or a pair of nail clippers, trim off some of the excess tape at the top of your nail. Next use a nail file with a fine grit and file the top lightly, in the direction of the break, to even out the tape with the tip of your nail. Run your fingernail under cool water to get rid of any excess dust or material and pat dry with a clean cloth. This step isn’t necessary but recommended, especially if you don’t plan to do a more permanent nail repair. Apply 1-2 layers of nail polish, nail strengthening polish or a base coat to the nail. Make sure you wait 2 minutes between applications. If the rest of your nails are painted, paint this nail, too. Nails are dry when you can put them to your lips, and they are cool and no longer sticky or tacky. When you’re ready to remove your temporary nail "band-aid," soak a cotton ball in acetone fingernail polish remover, stick your finger in it for about a minute so that it soaks into the tape, pull out your finger and gently peel off the tape in the direction of the break. The scotch tape may come off on its own when you take off your nail polish with an acetone remover.

Summary: Remove any nail polish. Cut and shape a piece of scotch tape. Place the tape on your nail. Tidy up your fingernail tip. Apply a layer of polish. Remove the scotch tape.


Generally, it’s a good idea to establish for your child that consequences exist, but you need to do so within reason. If your child has done a particular thing wrong for the first time, or they did something that was okay in one situation but wrong in this one, you should only give them a warning. They’re learning and can’t be expected to read your mind. However, if they repeat a behavior that they know isn’t allowed, consequences should be put in place. Before imposing consequences, warn the child that consequences are about to happen. Counting to three is less ideal, since it teaches your child that they do not need to respond to your requests immediately. Instead, tell them that consequences will happen if they do that action and if they don’t immediately stop, it’s time to put those consequences into action. The consequences for an action should be proportionate, appropriate and logically related to the action your child took. You do not want your child to become confused about what they did wrong or why it’s wrong. Match the consequences to their actions to help your child learn and keep you from over-reacting in frustration.  For example, if your child throws their dinner when they’re done eating, make them clean it up. However, if they refuse to eat their dinner, then just take it away and give them nothing (or a simple meal of whole grain or other healthy bread and a glass of water). If they are fighting over a toy, take the toy away for a period of time. If they refuse to put on a coat, simply let them be cold for a little while. Everyone in your child's life, including their mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, brothers, sisters, etc. all need to follow the same rules. All family members need to know that consequences need to be put in place if the child does something wrong. You don’t want your toddler to become used to bad behaviors that they then bring back home or to other environments. This can be tough, but explain that it’s better for everyone and help give them the tools they need to put consequences in place.
Summary: Know when consequences are appropriate. Warn children of consequences. Match consequences to actions. Get everyone on board.