INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Pull lightly on the bottom edge of your fabric strip to see if it sticks well enough. It should keep for a couple of weeks in the refrigerator, or a couple months in the freezer.

SUMMARY: Let the wax cool completely. Store any leftover wax in the refrigerator.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You have probably heard the famous saying that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” and it’s true! That is because when you wake up, you likely haven’t eaten for 8 to 10 hours. Your blood sugar is low, and so are your energy levels. You need to “break” the “fast” within one hour of waking up. A healthy breakfast will jump start your metabolism and your day, but waiting too long to eat can actually slow you down. Typical breakfast choices (such as a bagel with cream cheese or toast with jam) can give you some quick energy, but they will spike your blood sugar and leave you to crash. This can lead to insulin resistance, plus it will leave you feeling hungry again soon. Stay away from white bread and sweets in the morning.  You'll want to stay away from donuts, waffles, pancakes, and white toast. Opt for 100% whole wheat toast instead. Watch out for added sugar in oatmeal or breakfast cereals. Refrain from adding sugar (or sweetened creamer) to your coffee. To really get your metabolism started in the morning, you must also include a serving of healthy fats. This can be as simple as adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to your brown rice porridge, cooking your omelet in clarified butter, or enjoying a spoonful of peanut butter. Add some healthy fat to your meal to rev your metabolism and feel full. However, keep in mind that there may already be fat in your breakfast from things like yogurt, milk, and breakfast sausage. Not only does breakfast help jump start your metabolism and help give you energy all day, but the heartier your breakfast is, the better! A recent study shows that getting 22 to 55% of your total calories at breakfast may help you stay slim, whereas getting 0 to 11% of your calories from breakfast may lead to weight gain. So fill up your plate and get full at breakfast.

SUMMARY: Eat breakfast within one hour of waking. Avoid simple carbohydrates. Eat healthy fats. Fill up your plate.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Dressing to the T can give you an enormous confidence boost. Pick an outfit that you know you look good in and that is also comfortable. In general, wear an outfit that is fashionable but isn’t overly glamorous. For instance, wear a tailored blouse and a skirt instead of a low-cut evening dress. If in doubt, dress as though you are going to a job interview.  Don’t wear something like a dress with straps that fall down, or extra high heels that you’re not comfortable walking in. You don’t need the anxiety of having a potential wardrobe mishap on top of your nerves about the pageant. Make sure that your hair and makeup is also foul proof. Don’t use eyeliner that smears or put your hair up in a style that isn’t secure. Nothing can make your heart race like being late to something important. Even if you are feeling fine about the interview, if you get there late you may feel flustered and anxious, which will affect your performance and drain your confidence. Make sure to give yourself enough time to get to the interview, and even try to arrive a little early. Before something nerve wracking like an interview, it’s common for your mind to race out of control. Once you arrive and are waiting to go on stage, do something calming like listening to music or doing meditative exercises. Decide what is most relaxing for you. Some prefer to keep to themselves when nervous, while others like the distraction of talking to others. In the few minutes before the interview, try to relax. Take deep, slow breaths, thinking about the fact that you are thoroughly prepared for the interview and have done everything you can. You can also try thinking positive and empowering thoughts. Examples of these are: “This interview is going to go well” and “I am an impressive contestant.” Right before your interview, you may hear other contestants interviewing and answering questions. Don’t psych yourself out by comparing yourself to them or questioning your interviewing strategy based on their answers. Stay focused on your plan and try to keep a clear head. Remember that all contestants are usually asked different questions, so don’t obsess about how you would answer one of their questions.

SUMMARY: Choose the right outfit. Get there on time. Try to relax. Take deep breaths. Don’t compare yourself to the competition.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Although you can collect cardamom seeds from capsules that you've purchased from the grocery store, it's best to buy cardamom seeds from an agricultural supply company. These seeds will be free from disease and are more likely to thrive. Buy the seeds from local gardening supply stores or from online agricultural supply companies. The soil should be slightly sandy so it drains gradually. You can purchase loamy soil from most garden centers. If you're planning on transplanting the seedlings to your outside garden, you can use any size container. If you're going to leave the seeds in the container and grow the plants to maturity, use a pot that's at least 1 foot (0.30 m) deep and 6 inches (15 cm) wide. Push a few of the seeds into the containers and cover each with 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) of soil. Water the seeds so the soil is completely moist. Start as many cardamom seeds as you like, but plant them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart in the container so you can thin and transplant them once they start growing. The cardamom should germinate after about 30 to 45 days. This means you should see the cardamom plants begin to poke up through the soil. Continue to water so the soil stays moist and leave the seedlings in the container until you see at least 2 leaves on the seedlings. It will take around 90 days for the seedlings to become large enough to transplant outside.

SUMMARY:
Get cardamom seeds from a grocery or agricultural supply store. Fill containers with loamy soil. Plant the seeds 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) deep. Grow the cardamom until it sprouts a few leaves.