Buy them in circles or sheets that you can roll out, rather than already set in a foil pie pan. Remember to make a double batch if your recipe only makes one 12-inch (30.5 cm) pie crust base.

Summary: Purchase ready-made pie crusts at your local supermarket if you don’t have time to make dough at home. Opt to make the pie crust from scratch at home.


You certainly can and likely will have backaches later in pregnancy. However, if you are trying to differentiate between early pregnancy and PMS, backaches early on are more likely a symptom of PMS. Though both pregnancy and PMS can cause mood swings, PMS is more likely to be associated with depression. If you are feeling somewhat depressed, that could be a sign you've not implanted. Though you can feel bloated at the beginning of pregnancy, this symptom is more often associated with PMS. Your stomach may feel extra tight with this symptom. While this step may seem obvious, it's one of the most significant signs that you're not pregnant. Try to keep track of when you have your periods by marking them on a calendar, so you know when one should be coming up. That way, you'll know you may be pregnant if you've skipped one. The most effective method to know if you are pregnant or are simply experiencing PMS is to do a home pregnancy test. These kits are easily available at the pharmacy and come with easy-to-follow instructions.  You can take a pregnancy test a couple of days before you normally have your period or when you are trying to decide whether you are having PMS or implantation symptoms. Some pregnancy tests claim they can be accurate that early. However, for a more definitive result, wait until a week after you would normally have your period.  Most times a blood test will detect hormone only a couple of days prior to the early home pregnancy tests. Don't request a blood test just for curiosity, as your insurance is not going to cover that.

Summary: Check for backaches. Notice your emotional state. Watch for bloating. Look for your period. Consider taking a home pregnancy test to get a definitive answer.


Subtract the standing (1 minute) values from the laying down readings. Also subtract the standing (3 minute) values from the laying down values, for a comparison and to see how quickly the body adapts.  Judge whether the person is likely to be suffering from orthostatic hypotension. If the systolic pressure decreases by 20 mm Hg or if the diastolic pressure decreases by 10 mm Hg, they likely have this condition. Note that the condition is diagnosed based on the 1 minute standing blood pressure, not the 3 minute one (the 3 minute one simply provides a comparison to see how quickly the body adapts when given more time to stand). Also consider whether the patient’s pulse increases by a normal rate. It is usual for the pulse to increase by 10 to 15 beats per minute. However, if the beats increase by 20 beats per minute or more, she should see a doctor for further evaluation. Regardless of the difference between the blood pressure values lying down and standing, if the person feels lightheaded and/or dizzy consistently upon standing he needs to be seen by a doctor for a professional evaluation of what may be causing these symptoms. The diagnosis of "orthostatic hypotension" can be based on these symptoms alone, regardless of the difference in numerical blood pressure values, so it is important to ask the person about any symptoms he may be experiencing when he suddenly stands. Having "orthostatic hypotension" (low blood pressure immediately upon standing) is very common, particularly among the elderly. It leads to symptoms such as light-headedness and/or dizziness upon standing, and it poses the risk of someone passing out when she stands up due to insufficient blood flow. It is important to be aware of "orthostatic hypotension" in order to correct or improve it as best as possible.  In the elderly, common causes of orthostatic hypotension include medications the person is taking, dehydration, insufficient salt consumption (although too much salt can lead to overly elevated blood pressure), or simply a delayed response of the blood pressure after standing, which, to some degree, correlates with the natural aging process. Orthostatic hypotension is far less common in young people. However, it can sometimes occur as the result of other diseases (Parkinson's disease, paraneoplastic syndromes, etc.), extreme dehydration, or large amounts of blood loss secondary to trauma.

Summary: Evaluate the results. Consider the person's symptoms. Understand why it is important to measure orthostatic blood pressure.


Although simple, this is a great way to change up your daily look. Slide the handle of a rat-tail comb back through your hair to create a deep side part. Tuck the thinner side of the part behind your ear. If your hair is too short to stay tucked behind your ear, use a hair clip instead. Brush your hair back to make your part go away. Next, slip a headband over your head, then pull it back behind your hairline until it is perpendicular to your ears. This works well with plastic, metal, or fabric/elastic headbands. Find a long, skinny, silk or chiffon scarf. Tuck it under your hair and place it on the back of your nape. Pull the ends of the scarf over the top of your head, then tie them into a tight knot. Upgrade your look by doing 1 of the following:  Finish off with a double-knot if you only have a few inches/centimeters of scarf left. Tie the ends of the scarf into a bow if the scarf is long enough. Pull the knot towards the left or right side of your head, just above 1 eyebrow, for a chic look. Pull the knot towards the back of your head so that it rests under your nape. Leave the ends long. Squirt some hair gel, pomade, or mousse into your palm, then massage it between your hands for a few seconds. Use your hands and a comb (if needed) to manipulate your hair into all sorts of shapes and styles. Try any of the following:  Comb your hair back or to the side for a sleek and chic look. Spike your hair up for an edgy look. Brush it back slightly to get a quiff. Gather the top section of your hair between your palms to create a dorsal fin. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create a center or deep-side part. Gather the left side of your hair into a pigtail at the left side of your hair and secure it with a small hair tie. Repeat the process for the right side. If your hair is not long enough to do a full ponytail, you could try a half-up ponytail instead. Gather all your hair at ear-level and up into a ponytail at the back of your hair and secure it with a hair tie. Upgrade your style by doing any of the following:  Add a cute hair clip or barrette to cover the hair tie. Part your hair to the side before you start for a chic look. Leave loose strands as they are, or take a moment to curl or straighten them. If your hair is still too short, try using bobby pins to hold it back instead of a hair tie.
Summary: Change the way you part your hair. Pull your hair back with a headband. Wrap a chic scarf around your head like a headband. Style pixie-length hair with hair gel or mousse. Try a pair of pigtails for bob-length hair. Try a half-up ponytail if you can't do a full ponytail.