INPUT ARTICLE: Article: In a clean, plastic spray bottle, combine ¼ cup (59 ml) of witch hazel, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of vegetable glycerin, 2 teaspoons (10 g) of aloe vera gel, ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of colloidal silver, 5 drops of lavender essential oil, 3 drops of roman chamomile essential oil, 5 drops of sweet orange essential oil, 2 drops of carrot seed essential oil, and enough filtered water to fill the bottle. Shake the bottle gently to mix all of the ingredients.  The colloidal silver is an optional ingredient, but it helps preserve the toner so it lasts longer and treats skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. Be sure to store the toner in a cool, dark spot. You can store it in the refrigerator to help it last longer, but it should be good for up to 6 months even at room temperature. When you’re ready to use the toner, wash your face with your usual facial cleanser. Next, gently mist the toner over your face and wait 2 to 3 minutes for your skin to absorb it before moving on to the next step in your skincare routine. If you prefer, you can spray the toner on a cotton pad or square, and wipe it over your entire face. After your skin has absorbed the toner, it’s important to hydrate your face. Use your usual moisturizer, and massage it into your skin to keep your skin smooth and supple. It’s all right if your skin is still slightly damp from the toner when you apply the moisturizer. That will help lock in the moisture.

SUMMARY: Mix all of the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray onto a clean face. Apply a moisturizer.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: There are two general methods of propagating zucchini - either by planting seeds, or by purchasing a small pre-existing zucchini plant and transplanting it to your garden. If you choose to grow your zucchini from seeds, you’ll have to start your seeds 4-6 weeks prior to the planting time outdoors for your environment/location. Grabbing a pre-potted plant is always easier and less time-consuming, but may not be as fulfilling as starting your zucchini from seeds.  There are a few kinds of zucchini, but the squash are all generally the same. You might see zucchini as classified as ‘open habit’ or ‘dense habit’, which refers to the way the leaves grow on the bush (sprawling/vine-y or bush-like). Most bush varieties of zucchini are considered summer squash, while vine varieties are considered winter squash. Zucchini will vary naturally between a yellow-ish hue and a green so dark it is nearly black. Some have very mild stripes/spots, this is normal and should not be concerning. Zucchini is typically considered a  summer squash, because it thrives and produces the best fruit in summer. Some varieties are considered winter squashes, but this has to do with the time of fruiting, rather than the time of planting. Zucchini are sun loving and won’t do well in cold soil. Therefore, plant your zucchini when the temperature of the soil outdoors is at least 55 °F (13 °C). This is normally after the first or second week of spring, after all chance of frost have passed. If you’re not sure when to plant, call your local agricultural extension for detailed information on planting times for zucchini in your area. Zucchini will thrive in an area that gets full sunlight with plenty of room to spread out. Find a location in your garden that will supply the zucchini with at least 6-10 hours of sunlight per day, and that lacks too much shade. Be sure to select a plot that has well draining soil; zucchini like moist soil, but not soggy soil.  If necessary, improve drainage by planting the zucchini on soil mounds, or through larger changes such as soil amendment and drainage systems. Plant in an area with southern exposure for maximum sun (or northern exposure in the Southern Hemisphere). Although not everyone has the time to, preparing soil several months in advance will allow for the best growing conditions for your zucchini. Start by mixing in a gardening mulch and fertilizer, to supply the soil with the necessary nutrients. Test the soil pH, and amend it if necessary; zucchini prefer a soil environment with a pH between 6 and 7.5. To make the soil more acidic (lower pH), mix in peat moss or pine needles. To make the soil more alkaline (higher pH), mix in lime.  To add nutrients and organic material, till compost into the soil a month before planting, then cover with mulch until time to plant. If your soil does not drain well, mix in some sand to help encourage water drainage. tart your seeds. If you’d rather not take chances of sowing your seeds directly into the soil, you can start your zucchini seeds indoors 4-6 weeks prior to transplanting them outdoors. Grab seed trays, soil-less potting mixture, and your seeds. Place a single seed in each tray, cover with ⅛ inch of potting mixture, and water well! These should be placed in an area that gets sunlight and is at least 60 °F (16 °C). When the second set of leaves have sprouted, the zucchini starts are ready to be transplanted outdoors.

SUMMARY: Decide how you’re going to start your zucchini. Know when to plant. Find the perfect planting location. Prepare your soil. .


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Cats are known for their love of routine. By having a routine that ends with you sleeping, your cat will eventually be able to understand the signs of bedtime. Be sure to do the same activities in the same order every night; brush your teeth, change your clothes, make the bed, and turn off the lights. Even if your cat isn't watching you, sounds of your bedtime routine will travel throughout the home. Set aside certain fun activities that your cat enjoys that only happen before bedtime. You can:  Groom your cat. Cuddle in bed. Brush your cat's teeth. Feed special treats. Lead your cat to their sleeping area. The first few days or weeks may be difficult for both you and your cat, especially if you have a restless or aggressive cat. Your cat might come up to you for pets or whine at you for hours. And then you may be tempted to get up and tend to your cat. By doing this, you are giving it the attention that encourages unwanted behaviour from your cat, even if you're giving it positive attention. By ignoring your cat night after night, you are telling your cat that no matter what they do, nothing will happen. Their unwanted behaviour should eventually stop.  Avoid getting up to get a drink of water or to use the washroom. Plan ahead as much as possible until your cat establishes the routine of going to sleep. Consider leaving your cat outside of the bedroom. In some cases, your cat may be too difficult to ignore while they are in the room. Do not give in and open the door for it or talk to it from inside the room. Establishing a bedtime routine with your cat may take a few weeks and you may need to make a few sacrifices. With any behavioural training, time and patience is always the key. Even though you are trying to change your cat, you will also have to change. Sometimes pet training is more about compromise than about the success of learning a new behaviour. Remember, your cat is also a living thing with feelings, thoughts, preferences, and a unique personality.

SUMMARY:
Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Involve your cat in your bedtime routine. Ignore your cat when you are sleeping. Don't get frustrated. Finished.