How to Stay Focused

Staying focused can help you accomplish a variety of professional and personal tasks, from studying for a test to finishing your work an hour early. There are various practical steps you can take to help yourself focus better and to stop checking your Facebook or phone every fifteen minutes. To stay focused on the task ahead of you, resist the impulse to give in to distractions, make a to-do list (which has built-in breaks) and resist the temptation to multi-task.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Getting Organized for Better Focus

1. Organize your workspace. Whether you're doing work in your office or studying at home, having a clean space can help you focus and get your work done with much more concentration. Remove anything that can distract you from your work and isn't relevant to the task. Clean off your desk to include only the things you need to work, leaving just a few photos or mementos to help you relax a bit.
   
   • If you spend just ten minutes cleaning your space at the end of every day, you'll be able to maintain your new organized lifestyle.
   • If you don't need your phone to do your work, put it away for a few hours. Don't let it clutter your space and distract you.
2. Make a to-do list. Making a to-do list at the beginning of every day or week can make you feel more focused and motivated to continue your work. If you make a list of all the things you have to do, no matter how small, you will feel more accomplished when you check those items off your list and move on to the next task. This will also keep you focused on one task at a time.^[1]
   
   • Prioritize your tasks. Put the most important or hardest tasks first. It's better to save the easier or more manageable tasks for the end of the day, when you're more tired and less compelled to complete the hardest tasks. If you put off the hard tasks until the last minute, you'll be dreading getting them done all day.
   • For example, a to-do list could contain: “Call mom. Order cake for kid's birthday. Call the doctor back. Post office @ 2 pm.”
3. Give yourself a time limit for each task. Managing your time goes hand in hand with making a to-do list. Next to each item on the list, write about how long it'll take you to accomplish each task. Be realistic about this estimate. Then, try to complete each task within the confines of each time limit. This will make you less likely to slack off or text your friend for an hour instead of actually getting anything done.^[2]
   
   • You can break up more time-consuming tasks with shorter, easier tasks. That way you won't be overwhelming by too many tough tasks in a row. You can think of the shorter tasks as a mini-reward.
   • For example, you could write: “Make coffee: 5 minutes. Answer emails: 15 minutes. Staff meeting: 1 hour. Type meeting notes: 30 minutes. Edit reports: 2 hours.”
4. Make time for breaks during the day. Though it may sound counter-intuitive to plug relaxation into your daily schedule, this form of organization will actually help you stay focused. You should take at least a 5-10 minute break for every hour of work, or a 3-5 minute break for every half hour of work. This will help you get more motivated to finish the task, give you a break to rest your eyes, and will give you some time to transition your mind to the next task ahead.^[3]
   
   • You can even set a timer to go off after every half hour or hour of work, signaling that you should take a break. If you're really “in the zone” you can skip one of the breaks, but don't make it a habit.
   • If you have a smartphone, you can also use an app like Pomodoro to schedule your workday with built-in breaks.
5. Take breaks in a place where you won't be distracted. The break won't help relax your mind if you're still checking work emails, for example. So, get up during some of your breaks. Look out the window, take a short walk outside, or just walk up five flights of stairs to get your blood pumping. These short breaks will make you more invigorated to return to work.^[4]
   
   • For example, you can set a goal to read for thirty minutes over the course of three hours. Taking a break to rest your eyes from the screen and finish the chapter of a book will make you more motivated to finish your tasks.

[Edit]Improving Your Focus

1. Improve your focus stamina. Though you may think that you'll always be easily distracted, anyone can improve his or her focus with a little motivation. All you have to do is pick a given task, and give yourself 30 minutes to work on only that task without any distractions—without even getting up. Keep going and see how long you can build up your focus stamina.^[5]
   
   • After a couple weeks, once you've become adept at focusing for 30 minutes, see if you can extend that focus time by 5, or even by 10 minutes.
   • Though you should take a break at least every hour, learning to focus for longer will make it easier for you to complete the tasks ahead and to focus for even a shorter period of time.
2. Don't procrastinate on tasks that you need to complete. Avoid delaying any of your activities by leaving things to be done for tomorrow, next week, or next month. Rather, have them done now and move on to the next project.^[6]
   
   • For example, if you know you need to call a particularly difficult client this week, don't put it off until Friday afternoon. Make the call on Monday or Tuesday morning, and it won't be hanging over your head for the rest of the week.
   • Regularly giving in to procrastination will ruin your focus and severely decrease your productivity.
3. Multi-task less to enhance your focus. Many people incorrectly think that multi-tasking is great because it allows you to accomplish a variety of tasks at once. To the contrary, multi-tasking actually confuses your brain and slows you down, keeping you from being fully engaged in any one task. Every time you switch back and forth between two tasks, you'll have to slightly reset your mind, which will slow you down.^[7]
   
   • This is where the to-do list comes in handy: it will make you more motivated to finish your tasks one at a time.
4. Avoid online distractions. Distractions are the enemies of focus and make concentration all but impossible. If you want to be able to focus fully, then you have to know how to avoid a variety of distractions. There are several types of distractions you'll need to train yourself to avoid.^[8]
   
   • To avoid online distractions, aim to have as few Internet tabs open as possible. The more tabs you have open, the more you'll be multi-tasking and the more likely you'll be to get distracted. Give yourself five minutes every 2 hours to check your email, Facebook, or any other social networking sites that you can't live without. Then, stay off the sites until the next 2 hours have passed.
5. Avoid physical distractions. Whether you're working in an office, a library, or at your own home, try not to get distracted by other people. Don't let others throw you off task, whether they're people in your study group, your colleagues, or a friend who is always asking for favors. Put the personal stuff off until after you get your work done, and you'll get your work done faster and will be able to enjoy personal engagements more.^[9]
   
   • Also don't get distracted by your surroundings. If you're in a loud environment, listen to calming music or invest in some noise-cancelling headphones. Though you may be tempted to look around and see what everyone else is up to, allow yourself to only look up every 10 minutes or so to stay focused.
   • Work in a productive environment like a coffee shop or library. Seeing others being productive can help you focus on your own productivity.^[10]
   • Listen to classical music or nature sounds through headphones to help improve your focus. Avoid music with lyrics since they may be distracting.^[11]
6. Take a few deep breaths to settle your mind and help you focus. If you feel stressed, irritable, or over-stimulated while working, sit back and shut your eyes. Take 3 to 5 deep, full breaths. The increase in oxygen will stimulate your brain, making it easier to focus on whatever task is in front of you.^[12]
   
   • If you have time, you can turn the 3 to 5 breaths into a longer breathing session. Over your lunch break, for example, sit or lay down and focus on deep breathing for 15 minutes.
   • Accept the task that you need to get done. Resisting a task will make it more difficult.^[13]
7. Chew a piece of gum. Studies have shown that chewing a piece of gum can temporarily increase your focus. Chewing gum increases the amount of oxygen that your brain receives, which in turn helps you focus.^[14]
   
   • If you don't like gum, try eating a healthy snack, which can have the same effect as gum. Eat a handful of nuts or a few carrot sticks.
8. Avoid too much caffeine. Though one cup of coffee or one cup of tea a day can help you feel a bit more energized and ready to start your work day, if you have too much caffeine, it can make you too hyped up to focus, or even jittery or shaky after a few hours. Resist the urge to pour yourself a full cup of coffee each time you need help focusing.^[15]
   
   • It's better to stay hydrated and drink just one cup of tea a day than to fill your system with so much caffeine that you feel too jumpy to get anything done.
9. Look at a faraway object for 20 seconds. Most of us work on a computer or at a desk, and typically look at objects from a distance of . This can strain your eyes, causing some discomfort and reducing your focus. So, give your eyes a break by looking at a faraway object for a few seconds. Your eyes—and your mindset—should be able to focus better when you return to your computer screen.^[16]
   
   • Try following the 20-20-20 rule: each time 20 minutes passes, devote 20 seconds to looking at something that's about away.

[Edit]Staying Motivated when Trying to Focus

1. Remind yourself of what you're working towards. Having a goal in mind will give you motivation to finish your work, and you'll be more successful at staying focused.^[17] Part of the reason we lose focus is because we can't see the point of whatever task we have to get done and would rather be doing something else.
   
   • For example, if you're studying, remind yourself why it's important. It may not be important for you to ace 1 quiz or test, but it is important for you to succeed in the course that will factor in your quiz or test grade, and it is important for you to get good grades so you can graduate.
   • Or, if you're doing work, remind yourself why your work is important. If the work is a means to an end, remind yourself of all the things you can buy because of the work, or about all of the fun things you can do once your work day is over.
2. Pinpoint a specific goal you can work towards. It's easy to get bogged down in a distracting series of small tasks if you're not working towards a single, large goal. When you have a goal to work towards, it can be the carrot at the end of the stick that makes the task worth doing.^[18]
   
   • So, what is your goal for completing your task? Is it to simply get done with the work or school day, to save up enough money to buy a boat, or to advance your career?
   • For example, your goal could also be just to clean your whole house so you can throw a fun party, or to run for 40 minutes without giving up so you can be in better shape.
3. Repeat or write down a “focus mantra.” When you know exactly what your purpose and goal are, you can create a focus mantra that you repeat to yourself whenever you get distracted. It can be just a simple phrase that you repeat when you're getting sidetracked that helps get you back in order. If repeating this out loud would be make you feel awkward, try writing your mantra down on a sticky note and sticking it on your desk.
   
   • Your mantra could be something like, “No more Facebook and no more texting until I get my work done. When I get my work done, I'll be ready to ace the chemistry test, and when I ace the chemistry test, I'll get an A in the class!”

[Edit]Expert Advice

Follow these tips for staying focused at work:

• Keep a time tracking log. Every half hour, stop and make a record of what you did. At the end of the week, look at your time log and determine how much of your time is spent where you need it. You might see that you spend too much time surfing the internet. Make changes from there.
• Do what you're good at. You're more likely to stay focused when you're working on something you're good at and enjoy doing. Then, if you can, delegate the tasks you're not good at to someone else. Usually, the stuff you're not good at is the tasks you struggle to focus on.
• Download time management apps. There are a lot of different apps to help you stay focused. Try apps that block the internet so that you're not tempted to surf the web, and you're not distracted by incoming emails. You can also find a lot more focusing tips throughout the internet.
• Find the best environment for you. Some people need total silence while others work better with soft music in the background. Use trial and error to find the best environment to keep you focused.

[Edit]Tips

• If you find yourself losing focus often, and if you feel like you waste time during the day, try using a time log. Create a time log to see and understand how you spend your time.
• If you're discouraged about the number of tasks you don't complete during the day, try making a track record of tasks you have done and tasks you have failed to do. Try to increase the number of successful tasks. This will motivate you to stay focused on the tasks at hand more than other things that may distract you.
• If you're looking to step up your to-do lists, try separating your to-do list into three lists: things to do that day, things to do the next day, and things to do that week. If you finish the tasks for that day but have some time left over, you can move on to the next set of tasks.
• Do what you can to sleep and eat at the proper times. Avoid studying too late at night.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Reach Your Hardest Goals
• Set Goals

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-stay-focused-2015-11
2. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225321
3. ↑ https://crew.co/blog/science-of-how-to-stay-focused/
4. ↑ https://crew.co/blog/science-of-how-to-stay-focused/
5. ↑ https://crew.co/blog/science-of-how-to-stay-focused/
6. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/40544191/how-to-stay-focused-when-you-have-a-flexible-schedule
7. ↑ https://crew.co/blog/science-of-how-to-stay-focused/
8. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-stay-focused-2015-11
9. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-stay-focused-2015-11
10. ↑ https://www.newscientist.com/article/2090717-do-you-get-your-best-work-done-in-coffee-shops-heres-why/
11. ↑ https://www.inc.com/nicolas-cole/6-types-of-music-for-maximum-productivity-according-to-science.html
12. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/3049108/this-breathing-exercise-can-help-you-stay-focused-at-work
13. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/concept-flow-help-get-in-zone-work-brad-stulberg-2017-9
14. ↑ https://crew.co/blog/science-of-how-to-stay-focused/
15. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-stay-focused-2015-11
16. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-stay-focused-2015-11
17. ↑ https://hbr.org/2017/11/how-to-stay-focused-if-youre-assigned-to-multiple-projects-at-once
18. ↑ https://hbr.org/2017/11/how-to-stay-focused-if-youre-assigned-to-multiple-projects-at-once

source How to of the Day https://ift.tt/2AChtoC

How to Make Au Gratin Potatoes

If you enjoy scalloped potatoes but want a rich cheesy topping, make au gratin potatoes. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes cooked in a baking dish or slow cooker with heavy cream or a rich cheese sauce over them, sprinkled with cheese until the potatoes are tender and the topping is bubbly. For a sophisticated flavor, you can also sauté sliced fennel with onion to layer in between the potatoes. Top the gratin with Gruyère cheese and cook it until the cheese is browned. The instructions tell you exactly how to make this delicious side dish or light meal.

[Edit]Ingredients

[Edit]Au Gratin Potatoes with Gruyère

• 2½ pounds (1.1 kg) yukon gold potatoes
• 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter
• 1½ cups (355 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• ¼ teaspoons (0.5 g) freshly grated nutmeg
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 ounces (85 g) Gruyère cheese, shredded

Makes 6 servings

[Edit]Slow Cooker Au Gratin Potatoes

• 5 to 6 potatoes
• ½ cup (75 g) onion, minced
• 3 tablespoons (42 g) butter
• 3 tablespoons (24 g) flour
• 2 cups (475 ml) milk
• 4 ounces (115 g) smoked gouda, shredded
• 4 ounces (115 g) sharp cheddar, shredded
• 3 tablespoons (15 g) parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Makes 4 to 6 servings

[Edit]Potato-Fennel Gratin

• 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
• 2 small fennel bulbs
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the dish
• 4 Russet potatoes
• 2 cups (475 ml) plus 2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream, divided
• 2 1/2 cups (270 g) grated Gruyère cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) kosher salt

Makes 10 servings

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Au Gratin Potatoes with Gruyère

1. Preheat the oven to and grease a baking dish. Get out a 9 x 12-inch (22 x 30-cm) baking dish and rub 1 tablespoon of butter over the bottom and insides to prevent the potatoes from sticking. Set the dish aside while you prepare the potatoes.^[1]
   
2. Peel and soak the potatoes. Rinse 2½ pounds (1.1 kg) of yukon gold potatoes and peel the skins. Discard the potato peels and place the peeled potatoes into a large bowl. Fill the bowl with cold water and let the potatoes soak while you make the cream sauce.^[2]
   
   
   • Soaking the potatoes will prevent them from becoming discolored as they sit.
3. Heat the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Pour 1½ cups (355 ml) of heavy cream into a saucepan along with 1 cup (240 ml) of whole milk, ¼ teaspoons (0.5 g) of freshly grated nutmeg, 1 1/2 teaspoons (8 g) of salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste. Turn the burner to medium and stir the liquid occasionally until it starts to bubble around the edges. Turn off the burner.^[3]
   
   
4. Slice the potatoes -thick. Lift the soaked potatoes out of the bowl of water and set them on a cutting board. Use a mandolin or a knife to slice each potato into -thick slices. Pour the water out of the bowl and wipe it dry with a kitchen towel. Pat the potato slices dry and place them into the bowl.^[4]
   
   
5. Mix the potato slices with the cream mixture. Once you've sliced all of the potatoes and put them in the bowl, slowly pour the warm cream mixture over the slices. Use your hands or a spoon to toss the potatoes in the mixture so they're completely coated.^[5]
   
   
6. Transfer the potato mixture to the dish and sprinkle the cheese on top. Use the spoon to push the potato slices down. This way the cream should cover most of the potato slices. Scatter 3 ounces (85 g) of shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes.^[6]
   
   
7. Bake the au gratin potatoes for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Place the baking dish in the center rack of the preheated oven. Set a baking sheet on the rack that's underneath it to catch any drips. Bake the potatoes until they're soft when you insert and remove a fork. The cream mixture should bubble and the cheese will brown once it's finished cooking.^[7]
   
   • If the potatoes are still firm, cook them for 15 minutes and check them again.
8. Serve the au gratin potatoes. Turn off the oven and let the au gratin potatoes sit for 5 to 10 minutes before you serve them. This will make it easier to handle them and the liquid will thicken a little as it cools. Serve the au gratin potatoes with sliced ham, greens, or roasted vegetables.^[8]
   
   • Store the leftover au gratin potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

[Edit]Slow Cooker Au Gratin Potatoes

1. Grease the slow cooker. Spray the bottom and inside walls of a slow cooker with cooking spray. If you don't have cooking spray, you can rub butter to grease the slow cooker. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking.^[9]
   
   • You'll need to use a slow cooker that's at least 4-quarts (3.8 liters) in size.
2. Peel and slice the potatoes. Rinse 5 to 6 potatoes and use a vegetable peeler to remove the peel. Use a sharp knife to slice the potatoes into slices.^[10]
   
   
3. Layer the potato slices with minced onion. Spread a layer of potato slices in the bottom of the slow cooker and sprinkle about 1/4 cup (37 g) of minced onions over it. Sprinkle salt and pepper according to your taste over the layer. Spread the rest of the potato slices evenly in the slow cooker and top them with the remaining 1/4 cup (37 g) of minced onions.^[11]
   
   
4. Cook the butter with the flour to make a roux. Place 3 tablespoons (42 g) of butter into a saucepan and turn the heat to medium. Once the butter melts, stir in 3 tablespoons (24 g) of flour and cook it for 1 minute. Stir the roux constantly so it thickens and becomes pale.^[12]
   
   
5. Whisk in the milk and cook the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep the heat on medium and slowly whisk in 2 cups (475 ml) of milk. Continue to whisk and cook the sauce until it thickens a little.^[13]
   
   
   • Avoid boiling the sauce or it will curdle and burn on the bottom.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in the cheeses. Use a spoon to stir in 4 ounces (115 g) of shredded smoked gouda, 4 ounces (115 g) of shredded sharp cheddar, and 3 tablespoons (15 g) of grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are dissolved in the sauce.^[14]
   
   
7. Pour the cheese over the potatoes and turn the slow cooker on to HIGH. The cheese sauce should almost cover the potatoes. Put the lid on the slow cooker and turn it on to HIGH.^[15]
   
   
8. Cook the potatoes on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours then on LOW for 1 hour. Change the heat back to HIGH and cook the potatoes for 2 to 3 hours so they're completely soft. Turn the slow cooker to LOW and cook them for 1 more hour.^[16]
   
   • The total cooking time will be 3 to 4 hours.
9. Serve the slow cooker au gratin potatoes. Turn off the slow cooker and take the lid off. Serve the hot au gratin potatoes with roast beef, steamed vegetables, or rolls. Store the leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.^[17]
   

[Edit]Potato-Fennel Gratin

1. Preheat the oven to and grease a baking dish. Get out a 10 x 15-inch (25 x 38-cm) baking dish and rub about 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter over the inside. Greasing the baking dish will keep the potatoes from sticking.^[18]
   
2. Trim the fennel bulbs and slice them. Take 2 small fennel bulbs and cut off the stalks that poke out from the bulbs. Use a sharp knife to cut the bulbs in half lengthwise. Use a paring knife to cut out and remove the hard cores from each bulb. Slice the fennel bulbs into thin slices.^[19]
   
   
   • You should have about 4 cups (348 g) of sliced fennel.
3. Sauté the fennel with the sliced onion for 15 minutes. Put 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil and 1 tablespoon (14 g) of unsalted butter into a saucepan and turn the burner on to medium-low. Stir in the sliced fennel and 1 thinly sliced yellow onion. Sauté the vegetables and stir them occasionally until they're soft and translucent.^[20]
   
   
4. Peel and slice 4 potatoes. Use a vegetable peeler to peel the Russets. Set them on a cutting board and cut them into slices. If you prefer, you can use a mandoline to evenly slice the potatoes. Transfer the potato slices to a large mixing bowl.^[21]
   
   
5. Toss the potato slices with cream, cheese, salt, and pepper. Pour 2 cups (475 ml) of the heavy cream over the potato slices and add 2 cups (216 g) of the grated Gruyère cheese. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon (5 g) of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of freshly ground black pepper in the mixing bowl. Use a large spoon to toss the ingredients until they're combined.^[22]
   
   
6. Stir in the sautéed vegetables and transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Mix in the sautéed fennel and onion so it's combined with the seasoned potato slices. Scoop the mixture into the greased baking dish and push down on the potatoes so they're submerged in liquid.^[23]
   
   
7. Mix and scatter the rest of the cream and cheese over the potatoes. Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of heavy cream into a small mixing bowl. Add the remaining 1/2 cup (54 g) of grated Gruyère cheese and stir until they're combined. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish.^[24]
   
   
8. Bake the potato-fennel gratin for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The potatoes should become completely soft and the cheese on the top will melt and bubble. Insert a fork to see if the potatoes have cooked enough. If the potatoes are too firm, cook the gratin for another 15 minutes and check again.^[25]
   
9. Rest the gratin for 10 minutes and serve it. Turn off the oven and remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the potato-fennel gratin sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. This will help the cheese set and the sauce firm up before you dish it onto serving plates. Serve the gratin with roasts, glazed vegetables, or crusty rolls.^[26]
   
   • Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Au Gratin Potatoes with Gruyère

• 9 x 12-inch (22 x 30-cm) baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan
• Vegetable peeler
• Spoon
• Large bowl
• Fork
• Baking sheet

[Edit]Slow Cooker Au Gratin Potatoes

• Slow cooker at least 4-quarts (3.8 liters) in size
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Saucepan
• Vegetable peeler
• Spoon
• Whisk

[Edit]Potato-Fennel Gratin

• 10 x 15-inch (25 x 38-cm) baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Vegetable peeler
• Paring knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Mandoline, optional
• Small bowl
• Spoon

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a13911/potato-gratin-recipe-mslo1210/
2. ↑ http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a13911/potato-gratin-recipe-mslo1210/
3. ↑ http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a13911/potato-gratin-recipe-mslo1210/
4. ↑ http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a13911/potato-gratin-recipe-mslo1210/
5. ↑ http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a13911/potato-gratin-recipe-mslo1210/
6. ↑ http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a13911/potato-gratin-recipe-mslo1210/
7. ↑ http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a13911/potato-gratin-recipe-mslo1210/
8. ↑ http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a13911/potato-gratin-recipe-mslo1210/
9. ↑ http://www.foodguyadventures.com/recipes/slow-cooked-au-gratin-potatoes
10. ↑ http://www.foodguyadventures.com/recipes/slow-cooked-au-gratin-potatoes
11. ↑ http://www.foodguyadventures.com/recipes/slow-cooked-au-gratin-potatoes
12. ↑ http://www.foodguyadventures.com/recipes/slow-cooked-au-gratin-potatoes
13. ↑ http://www.foodguyadventures.com/recipes/slow-cooked-au-gratin-potatoes
14. ↑ http://www.foodguyadventures.com/recipes/slow-cooked-au-gratin-potatoes
15. ↑ http://www.foodguyadventures.com/recipes/slow-cooked-au-gratin-potatoes
16. ↑ http://www.foodguyadventures.com/recipes/slow-cooked-au-gratin-potatoes
17. ↑ http://www.foodguyadventures.com/recipes/slow-cooked-au-gratin-potatoes
18. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/potato-fennel-gratin-recipe-1916177
19. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/potato-fennel-gratin-recipe-1916177
20. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/potato-fennel-gratin-recipe-1916177
21. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/potato-fennel-gratin-recipe-1916177
22. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/potato-fennel-gratin-recipe-1916177
23. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/potato-fennel-gratin-recipe-1916177
24. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/potato-fennel-gratin-recipe-1916177
25. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/potato-fennel-gratin-recipe-1916177
26. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/potato-fennel-gratin-recipe-1916177

source How to of the Day https://ift.tt/3a4KBqs

How to Troubleshoot a Dryer That Smells Like It Is Burning

A burning smell coming from your dryer is not a good sign—it’s a fire hazard. Try removing any built up lint from the lint catcher, cleaning the inside of the dryer, and/or cleaning the hose duct and vents. If the smell persists, you may need to check the electrical components inside the dryer and have them replaced. Stop using the dryer immediately and, if necessary, call an electrician to fix it.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Removing Lint Buildup

1. Remove any lint from the lint catcher. This is the small mesh screen that pulls in and out of the dryer. For forward-facing dryers, it can be located on the front of the loading panel. For top-load dryers, it may be located under a small flap.^[1]
   
   • Clean the lint catcher after each load to avoid lint buildup and, consequently, a fire hazard.
2. Unplug the power cord from the wall. Disconnecting the power is a necessary safety precaution before messing with any parts of your dryer. If you have a gas dryer, turn the gas valve on the dryer line or turn the valve supplying gas to your whole house. Then unscrew the flex hose to disconnect the dryer from the gas line and use a gas line cap to seal the line until you’re done cleaning the dryer.^[2]
   
   • If you’re not sure whether your dryer is gas or electric, refer to the manual or look up the manufacturer and model number online for more information.
   • Some dryer manuals will also give you specific cleaning instructions.
3. Use a screwdriver to remove the top panel of your dryer. Lint can build up in the screen (especially if you don’t clean it after each load), falling down into the shaft that holds the lint catcher. Removing the top panel will allow you to clean any lint that may have fallen beyond the lint trap. First you’ll need to take out the screws located around the opening of the lint trap. Then pull the entire top panel towards you and lift it up to release the metal catches.^[3]
   
   • If your dryer faces forward, the metal catches are typically located about to down from the top and up from the floor. You’ll have to slide the panel upwards or downwards depending on how your dryer is assembled.
   • If your dryer has a condenser unit that holds the lint trap, remove it from the dryer and rinse away any lint under the faucet of a large sink. Make sure to rinse both sides of the unit and let it air dry for a few hours before inserting it back into the dryer.
   • You may need to wedge a screwdriver between the top or front panel and the base of the dryer to pry it open.
4. Use a dryer brush to remove lint from the lint filter opening. Depending on your dryer, the lint filter opening will look like a rectangular tray (this is where the lint catcher slides in and out) or a deep crevice (for front loading machines). Stick a dryer cleaning brush down into it and twist it around, moving it back and forth to get all of the lint out.^[4]
   
   • You can purchase a dryer lint cleaning kit at any hardware store.
   • If you don’t have a lint cleaning brush, you can use a large pipe brush cleaner or a vacuum with a hose attachment that’s small enough to fit inside the opening.
5. Replace the lint trap, the lint panel, and plug in the dryer to test it. After cleaning the most common places for lint to accumulate, replace all the parts and reconnect the dryer to the power source. If your dryer is gas-powered, reconnect the gas line and turn it on. Run the dryer for up to 1 or 2 minutes to see if the burning smell is gone.^[5]
   
   • If there’s no smell you can use your dryer as usual—just remember to clean out the lint trap after each load.
   • If the burning smell persists, there may be lint stuck around the parts inside of the dryer.

[Edit]Vacuuming the Inside of the Dryer

1. Unplug the power cord and disconnect the gas, if applicable. You’ll need to shut off the power and gas to stay safe before opening up the body of your dryer. If your dryer is gas-powered, turn the gas valve on the dryer line to the “off” position or turn off the valve supplying gas to your whole house. Then unscrew the flex hose to disconnect the dryer from the gas line and use a gas line cap to seal the line.^[6]
   
   • Refer to the manual that came with your electric or gas dryer if you’re not sure where to locate the power cord or gas line.
2. Use a screwdriver to wedge open and remove the bottom panel. Insert a screwdriver into the gaps close to the where the catches are (usually at the top corners of the panel). You may need to slide the screwdriver to the left or right and wiggle it around until the catches release.^[7]
   
   • Refer to your dryer’s manual to see exactly where the catches are and if there are any additional instructions about how to remove the panel.
   • If your dryer doesn’t have a removable panel underneath where you load clothes, you may need to slide it away from the wall and remove the back panel.
3. Use a vacuum’s hose attachment to suck out any lint buildup. Sometimes lint can drop into the body of the dryer, coming in contact with the heating element and causing the lint to heat up (hence the burning smell). Use a vacuum attachment to clean out all the lint.^[8]
   
4. Reattach both panels, replace the lint screen, and test the dryer. Reattach the bottom and top panels, sliding and pushing them into the correct position until you hear the catchers click into place. Then replace the screws on the lint trap opening before plugging in the dryer. Run it for about 1 or 2 minutes and if you still notice the burning smell, stop it immediately and unplug it again.
   
   • If the smell persists, you may need to clean the hose duct or call a professional.

[Edit]Cleaning the Hose and Vent

1. Unplug the power cord from the wall for safety purposes. Make sure there is no electrical current running to your dryer before you handle any parts of it. If your dryer is gas-powered, you should also turn off the gas. Turn the valve connecting your dryer to the gas line to the off position or shut off the main valve that supplies gas to your entire house.^[9]
   
   • Unscrew the flex hose to disconnect the dryer from the gas line and use a gas line cap to seal the line until you’re done cleaning the dryer.
   • Failing to disconnect the power can result in moderate shocks to electrocution, so be sure to disconnect it!
2. Slide the dryer away from the wall to access the exhaust hose. Slowly pull the dryer away from the wall so you can access the venting hose, the flexible tube connected to the back of your dryer.^[10]
   
   • Depending on your model, the hose may look shiny and silvery or like white corrugated plastic.
3. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the clamps that hold the hose in place. Loosen and unscrew the clamps that keep the hose attached to the dryer and the wall. Detach each end of the hose and pull out as much lint as you can with your hand. Use a vacuum with a long wand attachment to clean deeper into the tube.^[11]
   
   • Clean out the hose every 6 months or so because lint buildup is a fire hazard.
   • Look at both ends of the hose to check for any kinks—these small depressions can reduce airflow and allow bits of lint to get into the central dryer cabinet.
   • Dryer repair companies can also clean this for you if you don’t want to do it yourself.
4. Use a dryer vent cleaning brush to clean out lint from the vent. The vent is where the hose attaches to the wall. It’s easy for lint to get trapped in the vent. Use a cleaning brush with a long stick attachment to pull out lint, making sure to clean as far into the vent as you can.^[12]
   
   long stick attachments. You can fit these together to make a or cleaning tool to go deeper into the vent if necessary.}}

[Edit]Inspecting Internal Parts

1. Use a multimeter to see if you need a new thermostat. The thermostat monitors the internal temperature of the dryer and shuts it off if it gets too hot. If your thermostat is broken, the burning smell could be due to overheating. Unplug the machine, remove the back panel of the dryer, and remove the small cylindrical or rectangular-shaped thermostat by disconnecting the wires from both sides. Then set your multimeter to the lowest ohm reading (RX1) and place the two probes of the meter to the terminals (on one each, it doesn’t matter which color probe goes on which side).^[13]
   
   • The terminals are the two metal prongs on either side of the thermostat.
   • Before disconnecting the thermostat wires, take a photo to keep track of which wires go where or jot it down on a notepad.
   • At room temperature, the multimeter should have a reading of zero. If it reads infinity, get it replaced.
2. Inspect the heating element in electrical dryers for signs of breakage or burning. The heating element looks like a coil (made of nickel and chrome) or series of interconnected coils housed inside a small open-faced box. Unplug the machine and remove the back panel in order to access it. Take it out by unscrewing the sensors located at the top and bottom of the vessel and unhooking the 2 wires located below the bottom screw.^[14]
   
   • Be sure to inspect each coil. If you see any dark spots (blackening) or broken coils, call a repair service to replace the element.
   • If two adjacent coils are touching (as if they’ve been smashed together like a slinky), it could cause an electrical short and needs to be replaced.
   • You can also use a multimeter to test for proper functioning. Set the multimeter to the continuity setting and press the probes onto the wire terminals (one on each terminal) located at the outside corner of the encasing. If the multimeter beeps, the element is still good. If it makes no sound, the element needs to be replaced.^[15]
3. Inspect the wires attached to the heating element in a gas dryer. If you have a gas dryer, the heating element is located inside the electrical cabinet on the backside of the dryer. Look for a long white or silver cylindrical tube (the combustion tube) with two or three wires attached. If the wires or old or have come unattached, they may have partially melted and caused the burning smell.^[16]
   
4. Call a professional to replace the belt if you see physical slack or damage. The belt loops around the drum, under the pulley, and around the motor pulley. A worn out belt might loosen, causing slippage, friction, and heat (hence the burning smell). Unplug the dryer, slide it away from the wall, and remove the back panel to access the belt. It should be tightly wound around something that looks like a pulley system.^[17]
   
   • In some models, the belt and motor pulley are located toward the front of the machine. If this is the case, remove the front panel in order to access and inspect the belt.
   • Use your hand to tug on the belt, making sure it remains taught. If you notice any slack, parts that appear melted, or sections that have been rubbed away (revealing the internal fibers), call a professional to replace it.
   • Be careful when inserting your hand into the body of the dryer, the edges of the cabinets and internal casings are sharp!
   • Depending on the make and model of your dryer, the belt will be located either behind the back panel or behind the front bottom panel.

[Edit]Tips

• Get a dryer lint cleaning kit from any hardware store to help you clean out lint buildup.
• Have a friend or family member help you remove the top or front panels of the dryer.
• Read the instruction manual that came with your dryer for disassembly and cleaning instructions.

[Edit]Warnings

• Always unplug the dryer before cleaning it.
• If the burning smell persists, you may have an electrical issue inside the dryer. Do not use the dryer and call a professional repair service.

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

[Edit]Removing Lint Buildup

• Screwdriver
• Dryer lint cleaning brush
• Vacuum (with hose attachment)
• Dryer lint cleaning kit (optional)

[Edit]Cleaning the Venting Hose and Duct

• Screwdriver
• Vacuum (with hose attachment)
• Dryer lint cleaning kit (optional)

[Edit]Inspecting Electrical Parts

• Multimeter (for thermostat and element inspection)
• Screwdriver (for thermostat and belt inspection)

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/appliance-repair/washer-and-dryer-repair/dryer-lint-cleaning-tips/
2. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/appliance-repair/washer-and-dryer-repair/dryer-lint-cleaning-tips/
3. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/appliance-repair/washer-and-dryer-repair/dryer-lint-cleaning-tips/
4. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/appliance-repair/washer-and-dryer-repair/dryer-lint-cleaning-tips/
5. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/appliance-repair/washer-and-dryer-repair/dryer-lint-cleaning-tips/
6. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/appliance-repair/washer-and-dryer-repair/dryer-lint-cleaning-tips/
7. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/appliance-repair/washer-and-dryer-repair/dryer-lint-cleaning-tips/
8. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/appliance-repair/washer-and-dryer-repair/dryer-lint-cleaning-tips/
9. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/burning-smell-from-dryer/
10. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/burning-smell-from-dryer/
11. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-dryer-vent/
12. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-clean-your-dryer-duct-in-5-steps/
13. ↑ https://www.partselect.com/Dryer+test-thermostat+repair.htm
14. ↑ https://www.thinktankhome.com/common-dryer-problems/
15. ↑ https://youtu.be/8AG7PtCy0v4?t=82
16. ↑ https://youtu.be/8BZE9yYMaWk?t=13
17. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/burning-smell-from-dryer/

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How to Decorate Candles

A few candles can light up a room with their warm glow, but they add even more to your decor with a few unique, pretty embellishments. With a some glue, a few decorations, and lots of creativity, you can transform a plain candle into the centerpiece of your table.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Decorating with Glitter

1. Place paper on the areas you don’t want to glitter. You can wrap strips of tissue paper around the candle and tie them in place, or tape down individual pieces to create different designs. Plan out what you want your candle to look like, then tie down or attach the paper with Scotch tape to start the decorating process.^[1]
   
   
   
2. Brush Mod Podge on the areas you want to cover. Use a paintbrush or a crafting brush to spread a thin, even layer of Mod Podge on the candle. You can paint over the edges of the paper to ensure full coverage, but try not to cover the paper completely.^[2]
   
   
   • If you don’t have Mod Podge, you can make your own or use regular liquid glue, although the glitter may not stay on as long.
3. Sprinkle glitter over the candle. Thick coats of glitter look best on candles, making the glitter look neater and more professional. You shouldn’t be able to see any of the candle surface underneath. You’ll get glitter on your work surface, so put down newspapers beforehand to catch it. Tap the bottom of the candle gently against the surface when you’re done to knock off any extra glitter.^[3]
   
   
   • Match the glitter color to your candle and your event. You might pair red glitter with a white candle for the holidays, for example, or put black glitter on an orange candle for Halloween.
4. Let the candle dry, then seal it with Mod Podge sealer. Leave the candle standing up on your work surface overnight to dry. When it’s dry, remove the paper cut outs and spray the glitter with Mod Podge clear sealer to help it stay on longer.^[4]
   

[Edit]Painting Candles

1. Clean the candle surface with rubbing alcohol to remove any dust. Dampen a lint-free cloth with rubbing alcohol. Wipe the surface of the candle with it to prepare it for painting.^[5]
   
   
2. Dab your candle with candle varnish and let it dry overnight. Wet a makeup sponge with candle and soap colors varnish, then dab it across the surface of the candle in an even, smooth coat. Let it set overnight.^[6]
   
   
   • Varnish prepares your candle for paint, keeping the paint in place and protecting it from wear and tear.
   • You can find the varnish online or in craft stores.
3. Mark off the areas you don’t want to paint with tape or rubber bands. If you don’t want to paint your whole candle, you can make stripes or designs with painter’s tape or rubber bands. Press the paint or rubber bands flush against the candle to make them easy to paint around.^[7]
   
   
4. Paint the candle with acrylic paint. Use acrylic paint and a thin paintbrush to paint your candle in a smooth, even layer. If you’re painting with different colors, paint all of the sections in one color before rinsing your brush and moving onto the next, or use separate brushes.^[8]
   
   
   • Set down a newspaper on your painting surface to keep it clean.
5. Let it dry overnight and use varnish to give it a shiny finish. Check your candle the next day. If you can see the candle through the paint, apply another coat. Let it dry again, then remove the tape. To prevent the paint from chipping and give it a glossy appearance, you can dab an even coat of varnish over the entire candle.^[9]
   

[Edit]Decorating with Images on Tissue Paper

1. Print a photo onto white tissue paper. Cut a sheet of white or transparent tissue paper just smaller than a sheet of printer paper. Then, tape it onto the printer paper, shiny side down. Feed the paper into the printer so that your image prints onto the tissue side.^[10]
   
   • Most printers flip the paper over before printing, so you’ll need to place your paper tissue side-down. Check your printer’s instructions to make sure.
   • You can transfer a photo, an illustration, or even a few words onto your candle.
2. Cut out the picture. Use regular scissors to cut the picture out of the tissue paper. Leave a thin border around the edges, and make sure that your picture isn’t too big to fit completely on the side of your candle.^[11]
   
   
3. Place the picture on the candle and wrap wax paper around it. Wrap the picture around your candle so that it’s flush against it on all sides. Wrap a piece of wax paper tightly around it, covering the whole candle.^[12]
   
   
   • Make sure there are no creases in the wax paper.
4. Apply a heat tool, like a hair dryer or heat gun, to the picture. Run an embossing heat gun over the image to embed it into the candle. Watch the ink as you heat it—you should be able to see it coming through darker and more clearly, which means it’s done.^[13]
   
   
   • If you don’t have a heat gun, use a hair dryer on the hottest setting. Use the diffuser attachment or wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat.
5. Peel off the wax paper gently and throw it away. Slowly and gently pull away the wax paper, like you’re peeling away a temporary tattoo. The picture should stay behind as a unique candle decoration.^[14]
   

[Edit]Embellishing Candles with Cute Items

1. Bedazzle your candles with plastic jewels. Buy rhinestones or plastic jewels at a craft store and use super glue to attach them to your candle. Arrange them in a cool pattern or fun design, or simply sprinkle them across the candle randomly. Use matching colors on a plain candle for the best look.^[15]
   
   • You can also buy rhinestones with sticky backs that can attach directly to the candle.
2. Ring your candle with cinnamon sticks for a homey look and sweet scent. Buy enough cinnamon sticks to surround the candle. Place a small dot of hot glue on the back of each and press it against the candle, placing it vertically with the bottom in line with the bottom of the candle. Continue all the way around the candle, then tie a piece of ribbon around them for decoration.^[16]
   
   • You can embellish it even more with a sprig of holly or cranberries.
3. Use a ribbon to tie flowers onto your candle. For a simple, pretty decoration, use matching ribbon to tie a real or fake flower to the outside of your candle. You can even layer on multiple ribbons for a fancier look.^[17]
   
   • Consider removing the flowers or cutting them shorter as the candle burns down.
4. Wind bright yarn or fabric around the candle for a striped look. Choose a ribbon or yarn that matches or offsets your candle color, then twirl it around the candle to create a striped, candy cane effect. Tilting the ribbon at an angle, so that the stripes are slanting diagonally across the candle, makes it look even more professional.^[18]
   
5. Glue on seashells and sand for a beachy vibe. Use a paintbrush to spread Mod Podge or liquid glue on the bottom half or third of your candle. Roll it through beach sand, then let it dry overnight. When it’s done, glue a shell just above the sand, or tie it on with twine or string.^[19]
   
   • This method looks best with a plain white or cream candle.
   • You can add as many seashells as you like.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Light a Candle
• Make Decorative Candles
• Make Aromatherapy Candles

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.twosisterscrafting.com/glitter-candles-easy-diy-christmas-decorations/
2. ↑ https://www.twosisterscrafting.com/glitter-candles-easy-diy-christmas-decorations/
3. ↑ https://www.twosisterscrafting.com/glitter-candles-easy-diy-christmas-decorations/
4. ↑ https://www.twosisterscrafting.com/glitter-candles-easy-diy-christmas-decorations/
5. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/christmas/indoor-decorating/painted-candles/
6. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/christmas/indoor-decorating/painted-candles/
7. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/christmas/indoor-decorating/painted-candles/
8. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/christmas/indoor-decorating/painted-candles/
9. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/christmas/indoor-decorating/painted-candles/
10. ↑ https://ideas.evite.com/2013/05/mothers-day-diy-photo-candle/#.UYagyrXigfU
11. ↑ https://ideas.evite.com/2013/05/mothers-day-diy-photo-candle/#.UYagyrXigfU
12. ↑ https://ideas.evite.com/2013/05/mothers-day-diy-photo-candle/#.UYagyrXigfU
13. ↑ https://ideas.evite.com/2013/05/mothers-day-diy-photo-candle/#.UYagyrXigfU
14. ↑ https://ideas.evite.com/2013/05/mothers-day-diy-photo-candle/#.UYagyrXigfU
15. ↑ https://homebnc.com/best-decorated-candle-ideas/
16. ↑ http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/cinnamon-stick-candle-tutorial
17. ↑ https://homebnc.com/best-decorated-candle-ideas/
18. ↑ https://homebnc.com/best-decorated-candle-ideas/
19. ↑ https://thevspotblog.com/2013/06/beach-themed-candles.html

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