Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Go for dark neutrals for a balanced and classic style. Choose a pair of bright colored socks for a bold look. Show off your personality with quirky designs and patterns. Opt for textured socks to add visual interest.

Answer: If you want a look that’s easy to mix and match, go for dark colors and neutrals. Black, navy blue, charcoal gray, and dark brown are all great color options for thigh-high socks. These colors blend in and balance any outfit.  To add some color to your outfit, pair your neutral socks with a bright colored top or dress. Keep your entire outfit neutral by pairing charcoal gray socks with a black skirt or dress. If you’re not looking to blend in and want to stand out, choose colored socks. Bright shades like red, orange, and yellow are a great way to add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit. Your socks can be one solid color or multi-color whichever you prefer.  Plan your outfit carefully if you choose bright-colored socks. Loud colors can easily clash with other items in your outfit, so choose colors that complement each other. Some fun and bold bright color combinations include red and blue, green and yellow, and orange and blue. Bright colored socks look great with a pair of denim shorts and a white t-shirt. If you want to add a sense of humor or fun to your outfit, look for socks with interesting patterns. Stripes, polka dots, and random prints can show off your personality and give you a unique look that no one else can match.  Pair your printed socks with your favorite sneakers for a quirky, yet casual look. Thigh-high socks with 3-4 horizontal stripes at the top are very popular and come in a variety of colors. Pair them with your favorite shorts for a youthful, flirty look. Neutral color socks can be a little more interesting with some textured details. Some interesting textures include sheer, fishnet, or even thick crochet cable socks. Textured socks are a great way to add a little edge without taking your look too far over-the-top.  For a casual look, consider ribbed or crocheted socks. Loose, scrunchy socks are also fairly casual, but they have an additional cute or youthful edge. For sultrier styles, consider choosing sheer thigh-high socks. Fishnet thigh-high socks are also available for a more edgy look.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Wear shoulder pads. Choose clothing that fits well. Try some horizontal stripes. Opt for white shirts. Dress in layers.

Answer: Shoulder pads are a classic solution to narrow or small shoulders. Some clothes come with built in shoulder pads, such as blazers and coats. You might also be able to get away with putting shoulder pads on under a thick sweater. Be careful not to overstuff with shoulder pads or they will look too obvious. Baggy clothing can actually make your shoulders look narrower, so it is best to avoid it. Instead, choose clothing that fits you well, such as fitted jeans and shirts. It is especially important to choose clothing that is fitted around your waist because this can help to create the V-shape that makes your shoulders look wider. Wearing horizontal stripes across your chest and shoulders can also make your shoulders look wider. Try wearing a sweater that has a stripe or two going across the chest and/or shoulder area. White can make you seem like you have wider shoulders as well by making the top half of your body appear larger. Try wearing white dress shirts and t-shirts to see if this enhances the size of your shoulders. You can take advantage of the effects of layering your clothes in the winter to give the look of wider shoulders. Try wearing a sweater over a long sleeved shirt, or layer a t-shirt over a waffle shirt. You can also try wearing two or three t-shirts in warmer weather to create this effect. However, make sure that the collars or sleeves of the other shirts don’t peak out or it may look odd. Wear a larger shirt over the others to hide the edges.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Combine the water and cornstarch. Melt the butter. Add the shallot. Whisk in the flour. Gradually pour in the broth. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Season the gravy. Serve.

Answer: Whisk the two ingredients together in a small bowl until the cornstarch dissolves, forming a thick slurry. Set the dish aside. Cornstarch and flour are both thickeners, but cornstarch also gives thickened liquids a mild gloss, while flour alone can leave gravies looking dull. Since cornstarch is sensitive to prolonged cooking, however, you'll need to use both cornstarch and flour as thickeners in this recipe. Toss the butter into a large saucepan and set it over medium to medium-high heat. Let the butter melt completely.  Cutting the butter into smaller pieces prior to adding it may help the butter melt faster. Spread the melted butter over the entire bottom of the pan by shifting the pan as it melts. Toss the chopped shallots into the melted butter. Cook, stirring frequently, for 30 to 60 seconds or until the shallots become notably fragrant. Shallots have a mild, sweet onion taste that is also somewhat reminiscent of garlic. If you don't have any, you can use 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped sweet onion or 2 large, minced garlic cloves. You may also omit the ingredient completely, but doing so will result in less flavorful gravy. Sprinkle the flour over the contents of the pan. Cook, whisking continually, for about 5 minutes or until the roux looks golden brown. You need to cook the flour roux for at least 1 minute after the flour absorbs the remaining butter; otherwise, the gravy may retain some bitterness from the taste of raw flour. Pour the broth into the seasoned roux, whisking constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil while you continue whisking. You can use nearly any broth for this recipe, including beef, chicken, or turkey. To create a generic brown gravy, consider using two parts beef gravy and one part chicken gravy. Once the gravy is at a boil, pour in the cornstarch slurry and whisk well. Continue simmering the gravy for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until it thickens. Note that the water and cornstarch may separate as the slurry sits, so you may need to quickly stir the slurry before mixing it into the gravy. Sprinkle the gravy with black pepper, as desired, and mix to combine. Most commercial broths are fairly salty, so you probably won't need to add any extra salt. If you choose to do so anyway, add the salt in small amounts and taste the gravy in between each addition. For the best flavor and texture, serve the gravy immediately, while it's still hot.  You can keep the gravy warm by setting it on the stove over very low heat, but try to use it within the next 15 to 20 minutes. Cornstarch can break down when exposed to prolonged heat, and if that happens, the gravy will become thinner. Refrigerate any leftovers and reheat them on the stove prior to use. Whisk the gravy well to work out any congealed lumps.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Become the designated driver. Let your friends know so you have allies. Give the host an advance notice, if applicable. Prepare a few stock phrases in advance. Avoid situations where you know you'll be  triggered.

Answer:
If you're driving to this event in a group, offer to be the designated driver. Having a reason to stay sober will help others respect your decision. Very few people will offer a drink to someone who's driving people home afterward. If they do, you'll have an understandable excuse. Spend time with other designated drivers when at the party or special event. There is often strength in numbers when it comes to peer pressure. Go with a group to this special event, and let them know beforehand you don't plan to drink. You can tell them why if you feel comfortable, or you can just tell them you're cutting back on alcohol. Your friends can offer their support if others start pressuring you.  Choose friends you trust and know will respect your decision. If you have a friend who also doesn't drink, ask them to come. Don't rely too heavily on your friends' support. You may spend time without them at this event and will need your own motivation. Tell the host you do not drink to avoid awkward situations. Your host will them know not to offer you a drink or toast with you. You can avoid hurting their feelings, and they can avoid putting you in an uncomfortable situation. Decide on a few phrases you will say beforehand if someone offers you a drink. If you don't plan a response or two, you might feel tongue-tied when the moment comes. Your response doesn't have to be vulnerable or complicated: even a simple, "I appreciate it, but no thanks!" will do. If you think you might be tempted, stay away from people or places you might give into pressure. Drinking when you've decided not to will only hurt your self-respect in the long run. Prevent putting yourself in a compromising situation by avoiding it entirely.  Ask yourself personal questions if you feel pressured: why do I want to give in? What will I lose if I have a drink? What's more important: long-term satisfaction or short-term comfort? Don't let anyone or anything compromise your personal convictions.