If you cut faux fur from the front, you risk cutting into the fur itself and shortening it. Flip your faux fur over, and trace your pattern onto the back/wrong side. Cut along the lines that you drew using a box cutter or fabric scissors. If you are using fabric scissors, make sure that you glide the bottom blade through the fibers. You want to cut through the backing of the fur, not the fur itself. Set your leather down on a cutting mat with the right side facing up. Set the pattern on top and trace around it; do not pin the pattern, or you will leave behind permanent holes. Cut along the lines that you drew using a rotary cutter.  You can find rotary cutters alongside the fabric scissors in a fabric store and a craft store. If the pattern keeps slipping, use paper clips or clothespins to secure it to the edges. Mist slippery fabric, like chiffon, with water. Let it soak through, then set your pattern on top and pin it in place. Cut around the pattern, taking care to avoid the paper, then remove the pins.  Don't use a dress maker's pen on the wet fabric, or it will bleed. You can try using a dressmaker's chalk on the wet fabric, especially if it can be used wet, like a watercolor pencil. Placing tissue paper behind the fabric will make cutting it easier. Do this if you are having trouble cutting the fabric. Sharpen your scissors afterwards. When cutting solid-colored fabrics, you will often fold the fabric in half first to save time. When it comes to prints, however, you want to cut out your first set of pieces first, then use them to match the prints for the second set.  You will need to be more fabric than the pattern calls for when working with prints, especially stripes. Keep the direction of the prints in mind. If your fabric has palm trees on it, make sure that they are right-side-up!

Summary: Cut faux fur from the back. Use a rotary cutter to cut leather, pleather, and faux leather. Dampen slippery fabrics before cutting them. Place tissue behind delicate fabric, but be aware that it can dull your scissors. Take care to align prints, plaids, and stripes when cutting patterns.


The great thing about xanthan gum is that it won’t change the flavor of your smoothie. It’s a tasteless, plant-based fiber that thickens and emulsifies liquids. You can add ¼ teaspoon to any smoothie, regardless of the ingredients, to thicken your drink naturally. Protein powder not only adds a shot of protein to your morning smoothie, it also thickens up the drink. Mix vanilla protein powder with almond milk, coffee, and banana for a filling and invigorating morning smoothie. Not only can you thicken a smoothie with gelatin, it’s also great for your hair, nails, and joints. Add a small scoop to a smoothie made from kale, celery, apples, and almond milk. Gelatin is tasteless, so you don’t have to worry about it changing your favorite flavors.

Summary: Use xanthan gum without changing the flavor. Add protein with a scoop of powder. Try gelatin for added health benefits.


Cervical mucus that is thin may be more favorable to the male Y-chromosome. Guaifenesin, which is generally found in cough syrups, can also help thin cervical mucus. Taking guaifenesin during ovulation may increase your chances of having a baby boy.  Talk to your doctor before taking guaifenesin to ensure it is safe for you to use. Check the labeling to ensure that the product only has guaifenesin and not additional ingredients for the symptoms of a cold. Reducing the acidity in a woman’s cervical fluid can also increase the chances of conceiving a baby boy. Eat alkaline foods such as spinach or beets in the weeks prior to ovulation to optimize your chances of having a boy. Examples of high-alkaline foods include:  Buttermilk Coconut, olive, flax, and sesame oils Avocado Banana Sour cherries Figs Lima and soybeans Almonds and almond butter Beets Yams Asparagus Leafy greens Broccoli There is some evidence that women who consume more potassium and sodium may be more likely to conceive boys. Increase your potassium and sodium intakes within reason in the weeks before ovulation. Foods that provide potassium and sodium include:  Bananas Breakfast cereal Canned beans  Leafy greens Oranges and grapefruits Sweet potatoes and winter squash Plain yogurt Cheese Caffeine may make Y-chromosome sperm more active. Have your significant other drink a cup of coffee or soda before you have sex. This may increase your chances of conceiving a boy. Weight loss may increase your risk of having a girl. Instead of doing intense cardio, reach for some weights. This can increase your muscle mass and add healthy weight, both of which may help you conceive a baby boy. Ask your doctor if you are healthy enough to lift weights. Then, meet with a certified fitness trainer to develop the best strength-training program to build muscle. Tight underwear or pants may affect your partner’s sperm production because they keep the scrotum too warm. Having your partner wear boxer shorts and looser pants may increase your chances of conceiving a boy.
Summary: Thin cervical mucus with guaifenesin. Follow a high-alkaline or “boy” diet. Consume more potassium and sodium. Drink some coffee. Lift weights. Wear loose-fitting garments.