Position a magnet close to the copper. If the magnet sticks to the metal, the item you are cleaning is only copper plated. If the magnet doesn't react, your item is likely copper. Plated copper generally needs to be treated more gently than pure copper. Lacquer is frequently applied to copper to prevent tarnish. However, this can crack and cause copper to tarnish unevenly. Use a cloth to dab a little white vinegar and baking soda on an out-of-sight place on the metal. Metal that brightens is lacquer-free. Mineral deposits and debris are likely contributing to the tarnished appearance of your copper. Soak copper items in warm water with a small amount of gentle dish soap for about 10 minutes. Rinse the metal with water and dry it with a microfiber cloth.  Do not submerge copper plated items in water. Instead, use a microfiber cloth dampened with water. Add a few drops of mild dish soap. Wipe the copper clean and dry it with a fresh microfiber cloth. Copper plated items should not be cleaned with normal methods. Buff these items with a copper polish after wiping it clean and drying it. Cracked lacquer can result in difficult to clean tarnish, which will be easier remove after de-lacquering. Add water to a large pot in quarts (.95 L) until there is enough to completely submerge the copper. For each quart of water add a tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda. Bring this to a boil and boil the copper for 30 minutes.  Large items can be boiled in this fashion in sections. It may be easiest to use a lacquer remover or acetone to remove lacquer from large items. Copper will be quite hot after being boiled in baking soda. Use a pair of tongs, ladle, or spoon to remove copper from the water. Place it on a wooden cutting board or towel until cool.

Summary: Verify the metal is copper. Check for the presence of lacquer. Wash the copper in warm, soapy water. Remove lacquer by boiling copper in baking soda if desired.


Everyone has different hair and shampoos specialize in different types. If you have greasier hair, look out for shampoo that specializes in grease. Pick out a shampoo that is free from sulfates, alcohol, and other chemicals. Use an organic brand if you have the means to. Only use a small amount of shampoo. Shampoo can dry your hair out if used in excess. Fit a small dollop into your palm and massage thoroughly. Consider cutting back on how often you shampoo your hair. Using shampoo everyday is not necessary, and can damage your hair quicker. By using shampoo regularly, you kill the natural greases your hair creates. While too much can look gross; small amounts of your natural hair grease is healthy. Be sure that your conditioner is free from silicon, alcohol, and chemicals. Only use a small amount.  Use more conditioner if your hair is very thick and curly. This type of hair is usually dryer.  Conditioner moistens your hair. After applying shampoo and conditioner to your hair, thoroughly wash it with lukewarm water (don't use hot water because it will dry out your hair). If you are skipping shampoo, rinse your hair with warm water while running your hands through it.

Summary: Understand your hair type. Use the right shampoo. Massage onto your scalp. Shampoo less frequently. Use conditioner. Rinse hair.


If you suspect that you have a vacuum leak in a specific area, you can use soapy water in a spray bottle to see if there is a problem. Spray soapy water on the suspect area while the car is running. If the car's idle levels out after you spray the soapy water, then it is likely that it has temporarily blocked the leak. You may have to spray several times and in a variety of places to find the exact location of the leak. In order to find a leak you can test individual hoses to see if they hold pressure. Purchase a vacuum gauge from your local auto parts store and hook it up to the suspect hose. Then start the car and let it idle for a few minutes. Once the car is warmed up, you can get an accurate reading on the guage. A typical care has 17 to 20 inches (43.2 to 50.8 cm) of vacuum. If your hose is reading under that, it may have a leak. If you have not had success finding your vacuum leak yourself, it may be time to go to a mechanic. Describe the issues you have noticed with your mechanic and allow them to diagnose the problem for you. In some cases, your mechanic will have a machine that allows them to use smoke to find the leak. They will surround the suspected problem area with smoke and look for areas where the smoke is being drawn into the engine. Old school mechanics have used starter fluid or carburetor cleaner to spot leaks for years. You simply let the car idle and then spray a very small amount of the cleaner or fluid on the area where you suspect a leak. If there is a leak, the engine will run quicker for just a moment. This is because the fluid or cleaner that was sucked in has added to the fuel burning in the engine. This is a relatively dangerous method to use for finding a vacuum leak. You are spraying a combustible material into your engine while it is running. In most cases, it will work fine and will not burn outside the engine. However, if there is a stray spark or overheated area, you could cause a fire on the engine or an explosion.

Summary: Spray soapy water on areas where you suspect a leak. Put a vacuum pressure gauge on a suspect hose. Consider going to a mechanic for help. Spray starter fluid or carburetor cleaner on areas where you suspect a leak.


When you're sad, you may only want to lie around--and that's okay for a while. Eventually though, it can help to push yourself to get up and move around.    Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins which act as feel-good chemicals for the brain. Walk around the block, play fetch with your dog, or have a dance party with your best friend. People with a sense of humor are more resilient in tough life situations, so try to find ways to laugh. Hang with a buddy who's known to be a jokester or queue up your favorite comedy film or TV show. A great way to move through sadness is by spending time on hobbies or passions. These are often anchors that bring joy despite unhappy circumstances. If you love playing tennis, schedule a few matches this week. If you like to bake, try out a new recipe with a loved one. Alcohol, drugs, junk food, and excessive shopping can feel good when you're sad. These activities only numb the pain temporarily, though. They may even plant seeds for addictive or destructive behavior down the line.  Resist the temptation to turn to such activities when you're sad by keeping them out of reach. Limit your access to alcohol, drugs, or junk food (stock your fridge and pantry with healthy foods) and withdraw the amount of cash you need for everyday expenses and hide your credit cards. Instead of engaging in unhealthy coping, make time for positive  self-care activities.
Summary: Get physically active. Laugh. Do things you enjoy. Avoid unhealthy coping.