For the manicure, you’ll need a large bowl. Ideally, it should be large enough that both hands can fit inside at the same time. Add enough warm water to the bowl to cover the hands. You don’t need to heat the water on the stove. It should be comfortably warm to soak your hands in, so it’s fine to take it straight from the sink. Once the bowl is full of water, submerge both hands. Allow the hands to soak for approximately 10 minutes so the skin and nails both have time to soften.  If your bowl isn’t large enough to soak both hands at once, it’s best to use two smaller bowls so you can still soak your hands at the same time. If you have to soak the hands separately, the water will likely cool by the time you’re ready to soak the second hand. Dump out the old water, and refill it with warm water. You can skip soaking your hands if you take a warm shower just before you do the manicure. When you’re finished soaking your hands, pat them dry with a clean towel so they’re not dripping. Next, use a nail brush to gently scrub the nails and surrounding skin to remove any dirt, grime, or loose skin. Be sure to choose a soft nail brush that won’t be too rough on the skin and nails. It’s also important to clean under the nails. Use a metal manicure stick or wooden orange stick to gently remove any dirt or grime that may be underneath the nails. It’s best not to use the pointed end of the manicure or orange stick when you’re cleaning your nails because you may hurt yourself. The slanted, rounded side usually works best. After brushing your nails and cleaning underneath them, wash your hands with warm water and soap. Pat your hands dry with a clean towel. Use a soap that’s meant for the hands so you don’t dry out your skin. Antibacterial soaps are generally not recommended as they are more drying, do not clean better than regular hand soaps, and contribute to bacterial resistance.

Summary: Fill a bowl with warm water. Soak your hands for several minutes. Scrub your nails with a brush. Clean under your nails. Rinse your hands with warm water and pat dry.


You will need to bring it to a boil and sterilize your jars in the water for at least 10 minutes. Keep the jars warm until you are ready to pour in the tomato sauce. Pour boiling water over them to sterilize them. Remove any rotten or bruised tomatoes for immediate use. Prepare large ice bath beside the stove top. When the skins split, they are done. Place them in the ice bath. Take a knife and core the tomatoes by slicing the center top of the tomato with a circular cut. Slice them in half or keep them whole for canning.  You can substitute with one-half tsp. of citric acid. Wipe them and place them on the counter. Fill the jars with tomatoes and boiling water, leaving 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) headspace. Wipe the tines with a damp paper towel. Place them in the water bath to seal for 45 minutes. Remove them and place them on your counter to cool before storing.  If you are at 1,000 to 3,000 feet (304.8 to 914.4 m) in altitude (0.2 to 0.5 miles), they require 50 minutes. If you are at 3,000 to 6,000 feet (0.5 to 1.1 miles), process for 55 minutes.

Summary: Gather approximately 21 lb (9.5 kg) of tomatoes for seven quarts of canned tomatoes. Prepare your boiling water canner on the stove. Wash your lids and rims with soapy water. Wash the tomatoes. Heat another stockpot or large saucepan full of water. Blanch the tomatoes for 30 to 60 seconds. Slip off the skins. Boil water for canning. Add 2 tbsp (30 ml) of lemon juice and 1 tsp (6 g) of salt to each quart jar. Take the jars out of the simmering water bath. Screw the lids onto the quart jars.


It is best to meet the cat in an open space, so they don't feel cornered by you. Don't move towards the cat, particularly not in a way that would make it feel trapped, for example if it is in an enclosed cat carrier. While it can be tempting to approach the cat, try to let the cat make the first move. You may notice that the more you ignore the cat, the more curious they are about you. Once the cat shows some interest by approaching you, get lower to the ground so you are not hovering over the cat. Try sitting cross-legged on the ground, so you are physically less intimidating. Cats are small creatures; the smaller you can make yourself, the better. If the cat approaches you, try to let the cat become acquainted with your smell. Extend your open palm so the cat can smell you and become familiar with you. If the cat shrinks at your hand, you can try extending something you're wearing, such as your glasses. If the cat seems curious and receptive to your hand, attempt to scratch their chin or cheeks. These areas contain scent glands that release calming pheromones when rubbed. Most cats also enjoy being petted on these parts of the body.  If the cat begins to purr or rub on your leg, that is a positive sign. Don't try to pick up the cat or place them in your lap. Avoid petting the cat at the base of the tail or on the belly right away.

Summary: Let the cat approach you first. Get down on the cat's level physically. Present an open hand or extend something you're wearing. Try to pat the cat's chin or cheeks.


Place your chocolate squares in a microwave safe bowl. Place them in a microwave for 30 seconds. Then remove them and stir. Keep microwaving the chocolate in 30 second intervals until it's completely melted. Remove the brownie bites from the refrigerator. Dip them into your chocolate mixture one at a time. You can decorate the brownies as desired after dipping them in the chocolate. You can add decorative sprinkles or sparkling sugar, for example.  If there is a special occasion, decorate the brownie bites to reflect this. For example, you can use red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pink sprinkles for Valentine's Day. If you're making the brownie bites for a friend, use decorations they would like. If you're making them for a child's birthday party, for example, glittery sugar may be appropriate. After the brownie bites have been dipped in chocolate and decorated, place them in refrigerator again. Chill them until the chocolate hardens. How long this will take depends on the precise coolness of your refrigerator, but it generally takes around 20 minutes. You should store your brownie bites at room temperature in an airtight container. They should keep for about 3 to 4 days. After this point, you should discard your brownie bites.
Summary: Melt your chocolate. Dip your brownies in the chocolate. Decorate the brownie bites. Chill your brownie bites. Store your brownie bites.