Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Check your power source. Check the fuse first. Check the strand and sockets for damage.

Answer: Make sure that your power source is reliable and is not the cause of your light failure. Ensure that the switch is flipped to “on” if you’re using a power strip or surge protector, and that there is power going to the room of your home where you are plugged into an outlet.  You should try plugging your string of lights into several different sources of power to determine if one of them is the source of the problem. If your power source is not the issue, be sure to unplug your lights before proceeding with any further adjustments or fixes to the bulbs. Before you check the bulbs themselves, pop open the cover on the end of a string of lights with a small screwdriver. Gently remove the glass fuse(s) and replace if brown or burnt in appearance.  You can buy replacement fuses for Christmas tree lights at a hardware store or where light strands are sold. Plug the strand back in once you’ve replaced a burnt-out fuse to see if this fixed the problem. Lay out your string of lights and look for any damage or fraying of the wires that connect bulbs. Also look for damage of the plastic sockets where the bulbs fit in. Discard a string of lights if you see either wire or socket damage. Replacing the bulbs will not solve the issue in this case, and the strand is considered unsafe for further use.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Try "avec plaisir" (ah-vek play-zihr) in southern France. Use "bienvenue" (bee-ahng-veh-noo) in Canada. Say "s'il vous plaît" (sihl voo play) in Belgium. Go with "service" (sehr- vees) in Switzerland.

Answer: This phrase means "with pleasure" and is used commonly in southern France, particularly around Toulouse. Use it when you want to tell a friend that you were happy to do whatever they're thanking you for. This phrase isn't used in the same way in other regions of France. However, in the south, you'll often hear it used as an alternative to "de rien." Like "de rien," it's considered casual speech and should only be used with people you know well. The word "bienvenue" literally means "welcome" in French. However, it's typically used to welcome people into your home or elsewhere, not to mean "you're welcome." French Canadians are the only French speakers who use this word this way. In Canada, this can be used in almost any context. However, you'd still want to go with a more formal French "je vous en prie" if you were speaking to someone significantly older than you or in a position of authority. This phrase literally means "please," but often is used in Belgium to mean "you're welcome." The use of the formal second-person pronoun should tell you that this is a formal phrase you can use to respond to thanks from anyone you don't know. If you're responding to thanks from a close friend, you might instead say "s'il te plaît." But, again, don't use this phrase outside of Belgium. You won't be understood. The Swiss-French often use "service" in response to "merci." The word is intended to mean, essentially, "at your service." you would typically use this if you've done something for someone and they've thanked you. Outside Switzerland, it's unlikely anyone would understand what you meant if you said this in response to "merci."


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Have a consultation with a trusted hairstylist or colorist. Decide on a hue of bleached hair. Be prepared to spend time in the chair. Take care of your hair.

Answer: Most hairstylists are trained in how to properly bleach hair, but some may be more skilled at it than others. Schedule a brief consultation with your hairstylist so you can strategize how you might want to bleach your hair. Ask your hairstylist how often they've bleached hair, how they've handled different types of hair, etc. Also ask for their recommendations on how to handle your hair and how they think your hair will react to the bleaching process. You should also ask if your hair is healthy enough to bleach. Some colorists won't bleach hair that has already been color-treated, because it is such a damaging process. Bleached hair does still have variety in terms of hues. You can choose white hair, white blond, platinum blond, or a few other hues. Bring in a picture of someone with the same shade of hair that you'd like. This will help your hairstylist figure out the best approach to bleaching your hair. The bleaching process is a slow process and does not happen instantly. The hairstylist needs time to wash your hair, mix up the bleach solution, and apply it to your hair. It needs to sit in your hair for a while (30 minutes or so). Then your hairstylist needs to wash it out and dry your hair.  You may need to schedule a second session with your hairstylist if you have very dark hair and you want to go white blond.  Your hairstylist is also skilled at bleaching highlights into your hair. It is also much easier for another person to do this process, rather than trying to do it yourself. They can see your head from above and can apply bleaching solution evenly over your head. Your hair will be brittle and dry after this treatment and will need deep conditioning to restore some moisture and elasticity. Use a deep conditioner (store-bought or natural) at least once a week, leaving it in your hair for 20-30 minutes and then rinsing it out. Results can be improved by heating up your hair with a hair dryer while the deep conditioner is in place. If you have made your own deep conditioner with food items, check to make sure it hasn't gone bad. If it's been mixed up for longer than a few days (or a week if kept in the refrigerator), throw it away and mix up a new batch.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Buy a garment steamer. Fill the steamer and turn it on. Put the item on a hanger. Hold the steamer head up to the wrinkles. Hang your clothes in the shower.

Answer:
If you have a few items that always need to be ironed, try buying a garment steamer. Steaming takes about a quarter of the time ironing does and is a great option for large or special items that need to be pressed. Garment steamers have different water capacities depending on their size, so check your steamer's instructions before filling it. Don't fill it up beyond the maximum fill level--this can cause a leak that can damage your steamer. Get a hanger and put the item that needs to be ironed on it so that it's hanging upright. Most hangers will be fine, but avoid using hangers made of wood or that have cloth coverings--steam and water can damage them or leave marks on your clothes. If you're trying to steam curtains, leave them on the rod.  You can use a garment rack, door sill, curtain rod, or anything that gets your item hanging vertically. Don't try to steam garments that are lying flat--you'll just get them wet! Check your label to be sure the item can be steam-cleaned before starting. Gently run the steamer head across the wrinkled areas until there are none left. Don't press it too hard against the garment--just hold it against the fabric and gently move it downward. You can hang up clothes on the shower bar to steam while you're taking a hot shower. This is less effective than using a steamer or dryer, but you'll be able to get some wrinkles out.