Problem: Article: It's no secret that hair will grow just where you don't want it. If you have unwanted hair that shows around your bikini in the back, try waxing or shaving to remove it. You can also use a hair removal cream to remove unwanted hair, but be sure to test it on a small patch of skin first to see if it irritates your skin. Use a gentle all over scrub in the shower to help remove dead skin. Removing dead skin will make your skin feel softer and appear smoother. Use a tanning lotion or cream to give your skin that sun-kissed look without actually using the sun or a tanning bed. Simply use a mirror to apply the cream evenly to your body, making sure to go lightly on problem areas such as your knees, elbows, and face. Make sure you try on your bathing suit before tanning to ensure you cover all the skin that's showing, including the area around your butt.  For a glamorous-looking tan, try products like Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Tinted Self Tanning Gel or Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint, both of which were rated highly by Total Beauty. Be warned, though, they can be a little pricey.  The best tanning creams today don't use a dye or stain. Rather, they use DHA to actually change the color of your skin. Use a moisturizing lotion when you get out of the shower or before bedtime to keep your skin healthy and looking smooth. Not everyone looks good in the same bikini, so pick the right one for your body.  If you curve at your hips and thighs, opt for a bikini with a high cut, as other bikinis may cut you off strangely. In addition, this cut will add visual inches to your legs, making them appear longer. Try a string bikini, as it can accommodate your curves.  If your problem area is your stomach, opt for boy shorts with stomach control. Not only will it slim down your stomach, the suit will highlight you summer-ready bikini butt.  If you are larger in your butt and thighs, try a bikini with ruffles and a small skirt. A small skirt can help hide problem areas, and ruffles add length, meaning you can adjust it up or down as needed.  If you're athletic, try a string bikini. String bikinis add less bulk to your already muscular body.  Avoid shiny materials. Shiny material will show every bump on your body, highlighting problem areas. Opt for solid bikinis in cool colors instead. Salt can make you bloated, which can make everything look bigger in a bikini. Use herbs instead of salt at meals, and check menus for low-sodium options. Also, always read labels, as many products have added salt. Using correct posture will help your whole body look better, as it lifts up problem areas and pulls the skin tighter. You may not have the exact bikini butt you want, but that shouldn't stop you from splashing in the waves or jumping in the pool with your best girlfriends.
Summary: Remove unwanted hair. Exfoliate your skin. Tan your skin without the harmful rays. Moisturize your skin. Choose the right bikini for your shape. Eat less salt. Stand up straight. Remember that nobody's perfect.

Problem: Article: Starches offer a low-fat, simple thickening alternative for sauces that is especially suitable for beginning cooks. You can even add a dash of herbs or spices to starch slurries to make them more flavorful. Starch thickeners are mostly flavorless, but they can give sauces an artificial sheen, making them less popular for stews or meat gravies.  Cornstarch is inexpensive, readily available, and best for dairy-based sauces. Do not use cornstarch if you plan on freezing a sauce for later use, however, as cornstarch creates a spongy texture in sauce upon freezing. Combine 1 tablespoon (8 g) of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of cold water in a small bowl. With a whisk, blend them together until smooth. Gradually whisk the mixture into your cooked sauce that needs thickening. Continue stirring and cooking the sauce over medium to medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and stir the sauce for an additional two minutes, allowing the cornstarch to completely finish cooking and thickening. If you don’t cook your starches, they can leave an aftertaste in your sauce. The longer you cook your sauce or soups, though, the better the flavor will be. Arrowroot is best for more acidic sauces, but avoid mixing arrowroot with dairy. However, you can use arrowroot when cooking with acidic dairy products like buttermilk. Arrowroot starch gives liquids a glossy appearance, making it especially desirable for dessert sauces or reductions.  In a small bowl, mix equal parts of the arrowroot starch with cold water, whisking thoroughly to beat out any lumps. Add the arrowroot mixture to the already hot liquid and cook for 30 seconds at medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Remove the sauce from the heat, and allow it to finish thickening as it stands. If you are cooking pasta, potatoes, or another type of starch to go with your meal, set aside a cup of the water that you used to cook your starch. Working a spoonful at a time, stir your starch water into your simmering sauce, soup, or other liquid. Continue this process until you get your desired thickness.
Summary: Use cornstarch in sauce. Use arrowroot starch to thicken liquids. Add starch water to sauces and soups.

Problem: Article: Small talk is usually rather impersonal and can consist of topics like: the homework, weather, teachers, vacation plans, or something on the news. If you don’t go to school with him, maybe ask what he likes to do other than homework, and school. If the conversation goes well, try talking to him again later in the week.  Say something like, “Hi, I think we’re in the same Physics class! What did you think of that homework last night? It took me several hours.” Don’t worry if you’re doing most of the talking for the first few conversations. It might take the guy a few conversations to start opening up to you. A direct approach is best; don’t try to play games or to get his number from somebody else. Getting his phone number is a flirty move that will let him know you’re interested in him as a potential romantic partner. It will also allow the 2 of you to have more drawn-out conversations.  Say something like, “Hey, I’ve enjoyed talking to you at school for the past couple of weeks. It’d be fun if we could keep the conversation going when we’re not together; could I get your number?” Remember, if he doesn’t text you first, don’t sweat it. If he’s shy in person with you, he’ll be shy over text at first too! By talking to him a few times a week, you will begin to establish a bond and let him know that you’re interested in being more than an occasional conversation partner. Until he opens up to you fully, try to lead the conversation by asking him questions. This will encourage him to talk more and even confide in you. Ask things like:  “My family and I usually take a trip up to Aspen every winter. Do you travel often with your family?” “I like your shirt; The Ramones are a great band. Do you have a favorite record by them?” Asking him out is a great way to move things to the next level, and it’ll also let him know unequivocally where you stand regarding the relationship. Make sure to ask him out in private so that the guy doesn’t feel nervous. Shy people can be very protective of their emotions, and he may hate feeling pressured.  Say something like, “You know, I like being around you, and it’s been fun to get to know you better. Would you like to go out on a date sometime?” “I’m attracted to you and I’d like it if we could spend more time together. Can we go out sometime; we could get coffee or see a movie?”
Summary:
Strike up a casual conversation with the guy. Ask for the guy’s number. Attempt to talk to him a few times a week. Ask him out for a date.