You did it! You survived the toddler years, and now your kid is old enough to socialize with other kids at the park. Congrats, mom and dad! However, just because your little one is ready for playdates doesn't mean you're off the hook entirely.

We'll share some practical playground tips for parents to help keep you safe and sane while your kid plays in the sandbox or swings on that swing set.

Tips for Ensuring a Successful Playdate at the Park

Before meeting up with friends and family for a playdate, you must do some essential things to ensure a successful time at your local playground

Not all playgrounds are the same. When selecting a playground for your child's playdate, opt for a playground with age-appropriate equipment for them and their friends. Try to find a playground with both toddler-friendly and older kid-friendly equipment. That way, everyone can have fun, and no one feels left out.

When managing young children, hunger is your number one enemy. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks for everyone— including yourself! We recommend packing some easy-to-eat finger foods like grapes, string cheese, crackers and some heartier options like sandwiches or fruit cups. And don't forget the drinks! Water is always a good choice, but juice boxes or pre-packaged iced coffees can be excellent refreshments on hot days.

This one should go without saying, but we'll say it anyway: apply sunscreen to everyone before heading to the park— and reapply it frequently! Depending on how long you're planning to stay at the park, you may need to reapply sunscreen every few hours—more often if your kids take a dip in the water fountain or play in the sprinklers.

4. Have an Exit Strategy—or Two (Or Three)

Let's face it, sometimes things don't go as planned—especially when young kids are involved. It's always a good idea to have an exit strategy in mind if things start going south (i.e., someone gets hurt or isn't sharing). However, it's also important to be flexible and have backup plans for your backup plans! After all, with kids, anything can happen...and usually does.

Perhaps most importantly, don't forget to relax and have fun yourself! Playdates can be exhausting, but they can also be a lot of fun. So take a deep breath, enjoy watching your kiddo interact with their friends, and savor this special time in their lives—it'll be over before you know it!

Playground Safety Rules to Keep Everyone Safe

The primary purpose of a playground is to provide a fun place where kids can run around and play safely. But unfortunately, playground accidents are common among young children. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USPSC), ERs treat more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/child-safety/playground-safety#:~:text=According%20to%20the,including%20concussion.">200,000 playground-related injuries</a> annually.

Clearly, playground safety is a concern. But the good news is that many of these severe injuries are preventable if you take some simple precautions and follow these standard playground rules.

Make Sure Kids Understand How to Play Safely

If your child wants to climb onto something like the monkey bars or slide, ensure they know how to do it safely. Teach your child how to use the playground equipment correctly and what to look out for. For example, teach them never to stand directly under a moving swing set or slide. Instead, tell your child to sit on the ground and wait until the swing stops before getting up.

Teach them how to balance on slides and teeter-totters. You can even instruct them how to ride a bike or scooter. Make sure they always wear helmets while riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, inline skates, and snowboarders.

When your child is playing near other people, follow basic playground etiquette. This includes teaching your child to avoid running into others or getting hit by objects such as balls or sticks.

Also, ensure your child understands what to do in a dangerous situation. For example, if they notice someone else getting hurt, they should tell an adult immediately.

But even if you've taught your child the playground safety rules, it's still important to have adult supervision around when they're playing. Accidents can happen quickly, and you'll want to be there to ensure your child is safe. Look for potential hazards like slippery surfaces around playground equipment like sand, grass, and gravel, as they can cause falls. Your child should know which areas are off-limits and which games are age-appropriate.

Also, encourage them not to play alone. If there are other children nearby, nudge your child to join them. And if they start to get too wild, remind them of the playground safety rules. With your active supervision, they'll be able to play safely and have a great time.

Hovering is great because it gives you a better view of what's happening without being directly involved. However, constant supervision can make children nervous and cause them to become anxious. Hovering also makes it difficult for children to interact with each other - so give them s p a c e!

8. Make Sure Your Child Dresses Appropriately

Style aside, children should wear clothes that keep them safe if they fall down or hit something. Avoid loose clothes that could snag on playground equipment, tree branches, or fences.

Make sure your kids wear proper footwear when they go to playgrounds. They should wear shoes that fit correctly and provide adequate support. If your child walks barefoot, ensure their feet aren't cold or wet. Also, don't let your child wear flip-flops or sandals because that footwear doesn't offer much protection against any playground injury.

9. Avoid “Stranger Danger” by Teaching Your Kids a Password

It's every parent's worst nightmare: your child is playing at the park when a stranger approaches and tries to lure them away. When teaching your child about "stranger danger," it is also essential to empower them with the tools they need to stay safe.

One way to do this is by teaching them a password. If a stranger comes up to them and says the wrong password, they'll know not to go with them. Of course, you'll also want to choose a memorable password but not too easy to guess, like using a childhood memory or an inside joke. That way, it will be easy for your child to remember but difficult for a stranger to guess. And if you're ever in doubt, ask your child what the password is. It's a simple but effective way to help keep them safe.

10. Speak Up if Another Kid Pushes or Hits

It can be tough to know what to do when you see your child getting pushed or hit by another kid on the playground. But it's essential to speak up and take action. Here are a few tips on how to handle the situation:

Thanks for reading! These simple playground safety tips can help ensure that everyone has a great time without significant mishaps. So round up some of your child's friends and head to the nearest playground for good old-fashioned fun!

10 Practical Playground Tips for Parents

Packing for a trip can be stressful. Will you have enough clean clothes? Too many clothes? Will everything fit in your suitcase? And once you finally get everything packed, you must lug your heavy suitcase around the airport.

But it doesn't have to be so painful. With a little bit of planning, you can make packing a breeze. In this blog post, we'll share our top tips for packing a suitcase like a pro. By the time you're done reading, you'll be an expert packer— and might even enjoy it!

The average person packs way too much stuff. But there are ways to ensure everything fits into your luggage without buying multiple pieces. Here are some tips for packing a suitcase efficiently:

Before throwing things in your suitcase, take a few minutes to list everything you'll need for your trip. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don't forget anything important. Even if you're just going away for the weekend, it's still helpful to have a list, so you don't forget anything essential, like your toothbrush!

A good rule of thumb is placing heavier items towards the bottom, followed by lighter items. This will help prevent your bag from becoming top-heavy. So when packing, start with the heaviest items and put them towards the bottom. This will help to distribute the weight more evenly and prevent things from getting squashed.

As an added precaution, place fragile and delicate items near the top of the box. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. If you've got a favorite shirt that you want easy access to, feel free to pack it wherever you want.

Roll Shirts and Tops Instead of Folding Them

Rolling your clothes saves valuable space in your suitcase. This is a simple method for minimizing creases in your clothing when traveling. This packing technique was developed by the U.S. Army Rangers and is commonly known as the 'Ranger Roll.' Here's how it works: first, lay your clothes on a bed or flat surface. Then, fold each item in half lengthwise and roll it up tightly. Once you've rolled all of your clothes, place them in your suitcase in an orderly fashion. The key is to ensure that each item is securely rolled, so it doesn't unroll during transport.

A burrito roll is similar to the ranger roll but does not require folding the sleeves or hems. You simply fold the shirt lengthwise into thirds, ensuring the collar stays tucked inside. Then roll the sleeve up like a jellyroll. To keep the sleeves from rolling down again, pin them together.

Packing cubes are small fabric bags that help keep your belongings organized and tidy in your suitcase. They're great for separating items by category (e.g., tops in one cube and bottoms in another) and can compress clothing to save more suitcase space. If packing cubes aren't your thing, Ziploc bags can also organize smaller items like underwear, socks, and toiletries.

If you're like most people, you probably just throw your sneakers in your bag without thinking much about how they'll fit. But packing shoes properly can make a big difference in comfort, safety, and style.

A great way to save space and make packing easier is to stash items in your shoes. Socks make excellent packing material for small items like jewelry or sunglasses. And if you're really tight on luggage space, you can even stuff underwear into shoes. Just make sure you wear something else on the plane.

When it comes to packing jewelry, the key is to be strategic. First, take inventory of what you have and will need for your trip. Then, start packing the larger items first, like necklaces and bracelets. Make sure to wrap each piece in a soft cloth or tissue paper to prevent tangling and damage. Once you've packed the bigger pieces, fill any remaining space with smaller items like earrings and rings. Try to pack your jewelry in a place where it won't get jostled around too much.

One packing hack can save you a lot of space and hassle: keep your belt in your collared shirts. Instead of packing your belt with your clothes, slip it through the shirt collar. This way, it will take up far less space and be much less likely to wrinkle.

These handy little bags can help you save space and keep your clothes wrinkle-free. Simply put your clothes in the bag, seal it, and then use a vacuum cleaner to remove the air. The result is a much smaller bag that takes up far less space in your luggage. And when you arrive at your destination, simply hang up your clothes, and they will quickly regain their original shape.

Traveling with liquids can be a challenge. You want to keep them together but don't want them to leak. First, use a sealable bag. This will help to keep the liquids from leaking out and getting all over your luggage. Second, pack the liquids in your carry-on bag. This will make it less likely that they will get lost or stolen. Finally, make sure that the bottles are securely closed. This will help to prevent any spills or leaks.

When it comes to packing fragile items or breakables, there's definitely an art to it. The best way to protect them is to use clothing as padding and wrap them in thick, sturdy clothing. This will help absorb some of the impacts and prevent breakage. Place them in the center, surrounded by a buffer zone. Place them at the bottom of the bag if you're carrying liquor bottles.

One of the worst things about traveling is having to lug around a heavy suitcase. But there's no need to suffer! You won't have to waste valuable space in your suitcase if you wear or carry your bulkier items..

Be sure to take advantage of all the pockets in your suitcase. This will help you keep track of small items like your travel documents (passport and boarding pass) and personal items (lip balm) and make it easier to find them when needed.

Most people don't think about packing their suitcases until the very last minute. But you shouldn't wait until the last minute to start thinking about it. Start early. If you want to avoid stress, start planning and packing a suitcase well ahead. You'll save yourself a lot of hassle if you plan out what you're bringing and where you'll put it.

Don't forget anything. Take advantage of digital tools like Google Keep and Evernote to keep track of items you've already packed. This way, you won't waste time searching for something you know you packed.

Packing a Suitcase Like a Pro

Have you ever gone to pull that <a href="/tips/clothing/avoid-wrinkles-and-hanger-bumps-on-sweaters">wrinkled sweater</a>&nbsp;out of your <a href="/tips/home-garden/use-garbage-bags-to-quickly-pack-closet">closet</a> only to notice that it's full of holes? Or how about that Pendleton Wool blanket that mysteriously starts to resemble Swiss cheese?

Moths and carpet beetles can and will infest your closet, pantry, and carpets while silently damaging your clothing, food and furniture.

These pests can wreak havoc on your carpets, clothing, and food storage. But don't despair! You can do a few things to get rid of these pesky bugs. Read on to learn how to win the battle of the bugs.

Before we get into how to get rid of carpet beetles and moths, it's essential to know which pest you're dealing with. The most common carpet beetle is the black carpet beetle, which is about 1/8 inch long and has a black or brown body. Other types of carpet beetles include the furniture carpet beetle and the varied carpet beetle. They get their name from their fondness for eating carpets and feasting on clothing and other fabrics. Carpet beetles are particularly attracted to natural fibers like wool and fur.

On the other hand, moths are generally a bit larger than carpet beetles and are gray or brown. They, too, love to eat fabric but are especially drawn to stored food items like grains and cereals. Adult moths can also cause damage to your carpets by laying their eggs in them; the moth larvae then hatch and start eating away at the fibers. Yuck!.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles and Moths: The Game Plan

Now that you know which bug you're up against, it's time to formulate a plan of attack. Fortunately, there are ways to eliminate all the species of carpet beetles without hiring a professional exterminator. Here are some tips to help you keep them out of your home.

How to Get Rid of a Carpet Beetle Infestation

Carpet beetles are pesky little creatures that can wreak havoc on your carpets and furniture. You can do some things to get rid of them for good.

Just sprinkle some boric acid onto your carpet and vacuum it up after a few hours. The boric acid will kill carpet beetle eggs and adult beetles, eliminating the infestation. Just be sure to keep your pets and children away from the treated area until the vacuuming is complete. You can also purchase boric acid traps, which will help to quickly eliminate any beetles that come into contact with them.

If you see any signs of damage caused by carpet beetles, it's essential to treat the area immediately. Spray insecticidal soap directly onto the affected area. This will kill both the adults and larvae. Be careful not to let children or pets come near the treated area.

You don't want to trap carpet beetles inside your house. Check underneath upholstered furniture and behind appliances for places where they could hide. Once you've sealed off potential hiding spots, seal up any gaps around windows and doors.

Steam cleaning works best against carpet beetles because it removes the moisture that allows them to survive. You can use a steam cleaner to clean up areas where carpet beetles are hiding.

You can use natural remedies to kill carpet beetles. Mix one part white vinegar and three parts water. Spray it on the infested areas. Let it dry completely. Repeat every week. This method works best if you do it once a month.

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock composed of the remains of diatoms, a type of algae. The unique structure of the diatomaceous earth makes it an effective insecticide. When dry, it is abrasive to the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. It also helps prevent the growth of mildew and mold. Although diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and animals, pregnant women and children under five should avoid it.

So, how can you tell which kind of moth you're dealing with? Clothing moths prefer natural fibers like wool and cotton, while flour and grain are more likely to attract pantry moths. If you find moth's sweater holes in your cashmere sweater, chances are they're clothes moths. And, if you find them near your pantry or cupboards, they're probably pantry moths.

Once you've identified which type of moth you're dealing with, you can take steps to get kill moths:

Vacuum any areas where you've seen moths or caterpillars and any cracks or crevices where they might be hiding. Set up moth traps using sticky paper or pheromone traps, which lure the moths into a space they can't escape. They're easy to use and inexpensive. You'll find them in hardware stores, garden centers, and online retailers.

Moth repellents are another effective method for keeping moths away. You can apply insect repellents directly to clothing or spray them onto fabric. Some products contain DEET, which is toxic to insects, while others contain natural ingredients such as citronella oil.

If you don't want to purchase expensive mothballs, store clothing properly. Hang items up high to discourage moths from crawling down to your clothing. Also, try storing clothing in plastic bags rather than paper ones. This prevents moths from getting trapped in the folds of the bag. Keep your closet clean and ventilate it well. Clothes that hang too close together allow for condensation and humidity. These conditions encourage mold and mildew growth.

Cedar products are a great way to protect your belongings from moth damage. The cedar oil deters moths from laying their eggs in your clothes. Cedar hangers, cedar chips, and cedar balls are a great way to keep your drawers smelling fresh.

Place herbs in a small cloth bag and hang them in the closet. Dilute the essential oil in water and spray the inside of your closet. Don't let the oils drip onto your clothes.

White vinegar is an effective cleaner you can use to clean almost anything. You can even use it to clean your car! Here are some tips on how to use white vinegar effectively.

No one wants to deal with a house infestation, but sometimes there's no avoiding it. If you've already dealt with the problem, you're probably wondering how to prevent future infestations. Luckily, you can do a few things to deter pests from making themselves home in your house.

If you still see bugs after taking these preventive measures, it may be time to call a professional exterminator. They will have the tools and expertise necessary to eliminate your bug problem.

Battle of the Bugs: How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles and Moths

How often have you gone to the grocery store, picked out a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and then watched them wilt within a couple of days? The answer is probably too many times to count!

We've compiled a list of 11 tips to make your fresh-cut flowers last longer. With just a little extra care, you can enjoy those fresh blooms for days (or even weeks!). So next time you're at the florist, pick up a bunch of flowers and try these tips:

Before bringing your beautiful flowers home, wrap the stem with a moistened paper towel to protect the "cut" end and prevent the stem from drying out. Once you're home, trim an inch or two off the bottom of the stems and immediately put your flowers in a clean vase with fresh water. Change the water every few days to keep them looking their best.&nbsp;

Cutting the stem at a 45-degree angle will increase the surface area to help the flowers absorb water more efficiently. The sooner you can get your bouquet hydrated, the better, since the entire process is quite shocking to the flowers.

If you want to extend flower life, keep the stems clean. Depending on the type of flower, you may need to use a sterilized knife (X-Acto knives and razors work well), or shear to remove any thorns or leaves below the water line in the vase. These leaves can rot and contaminate the clean water, causing the flowers to wilt more quickly.

Believe it or not, you can actually use sugar to extend the life of flowers. Adding around&nbsp;three tablespoons of brown or granulated sugar to the vase water can help flowers stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Add two tablespoons of white vinegar per quart of warm water to the mix. The sugar gives food to the plants, and the vinegar will prevent bacterial growth.

While it might seem strange to add to flowers, you might want to do it for several reasons. For one, it could prevent your flowers from dying prematurely. And while we don't recommend doing this every day, you can use it once a week to prolong flower life.

The best way to do this is to add a teaspoon of bleach to your watering can. This will kill off any harmful bacteria in your water, on the flower stems, and even in your glass vase. If you're worried about the smell, a little citrus oil or essential oils will cover up the scent.

You'll find that the effect isn't immediate - it takes a little while for the chlorine to work its magic. But over a month, you'll see that your flowers look fresher and healthier.

Removing dying flowers may seem like an act of mercy, but in reality, it can help your plants to thrive. When a flower starts to wilt, it not only looks terrible, but it also speeds up the decomposition process, releasing bacteria and other particles that can contaminate the water and shorten the lifespan of the other flowers. So be sure to cut off any wilted blooms as soon as you notice them. Not only will your arrangement look better for it, but your cut flowers will last longer too.

Vodka is high in ethanol, which acts as a natural preservative. Adding a few drops to your vase water can help your flowers stay fresh and perky for up to a week. Just be sure to use plain (and cheap) vodka - no need to waste your good stuff on flowers!

Aspirin relieves headaches and fever but can also make flowers last longer. A study found that flowers grown in water containing crushed aspirin had fewer problems with algae growth and were less likely to die during periods of stress. They suggest that aspirin works because it lowers the pH level of the solution, making it easier for the plant roots to absorb nutrients.

Contrary to popular belief, most flowers don't like direct sunlight. They actually prefer a cooler temperature and some shade. The sun's rays cause the flowers to lose moisture, leading to wilting and premature death. By keeping them in a cool, shady spot, you'll find that they grow much larger and healthier.

If you're buying your grown flowers, look for those kept in a cool, shaded place. Also, avoid placing them near air conditioners and heaters since they'll dry out the blooms quickly.

9. Spritz the Petals With Water or Hair Spray

One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep cut flowers looking fresh is to spritz them with water or hair spray. Just as it preserves your hairstyles, a spritz of hairspray can keep your cut flowers fresh. This helps to keep the petals from drying out and wilting. In addition, it can also help to prevent the flowers from getting dusty or faded. Stand a foot away from your arrangement and give them a quick blast just on the underside of the leaves and petals. You'll see how much better they look.

10. Store Flowers in the Refrigerator Overnight

Most florists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/how-to-make-cut-flowers-last-longer">keep flowers in a cool room</a> where the air temperature is between 34 and 36°F, and the humidity is between 90 and 95%. Flowers are susceptible to temperature changes, so keeping them chilled overnight helps to keep flowers fresh.

Based on that, some believe keeping your flowers in the fridge will make them bloom longer. Simply place your flowers inside the vase into your fridge before bed each night, and let them chill out overnight. Just make sure to remove them from the fridge in the morning so they can warm up gradually to room temperature. Your flowers will thank you!.

Like any living creature, flowers last longer if you feed them. Feeding will help your flowers grow faster and bloom more frequently. A packet of flower food contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. You can use flower food in several ways. First, spray it on the leaves of your plant. Second, apply it to the base of each stem where the buds form. And finally, put some flower food inside your plant's vase.

Depending on the species, some flowers can last from a few days to a few weeks without water. If you're looking for a flower that will last a little longer without water, there are a few options to choose from:

So, if you're looking for a long-lasting floral arrangement, these five types of flowers will do the trick! If you're not sure which type of flower to choose, ask your florist for advice. They'll be able to help you pick the perfect bloom for your needs.

11 Tips to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer

If you're looking for a new job, you probably dread doing online interviews. That's why we've compiled a list of the top online job interview tips covering everything from what to wear, to how to prepare mentally.

Zoom is one of the hiring managers' most popular video conferencing tools for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/prepare-for-the-job-interview-at-50-plus">interviews</a>. Video interviews aren't a replacement for in person-interviews; it's simply another form of interviewing that offers many advantages over the traditional phone (also known as phone screen interview) and in-person interviews. Here are some zoom interview tips to help you ace the call:

A common mistake is assuming you don't need to prepare for an online interview. While some candidates think they can wing it, most people fail to adequately prepare for virtual interviews.

Researching the company online gives you insight into what they value and what they look for in potential hires. For example, suppose you see that the company values diversity. In that case, you can mention something specific that you did in the past which demonstrates your ability to work well with different types of people.

Also, make it a habit to save the job posting requirements and duties when submitting an online application. This helps you prepare your responses for the online interview, as it is typically unavailable after they have stopped taking applications.

Before attending the call, you should ask yourself common interview questions:

Practice interviews with friends and family members. Ask them to give you feedback on your responses and ask them to critique your tone. They can help you hone your responses and identify areas where you could improve.

There are no strict guidelines on whether you should be 5 or 15 minutes early. As long as you're there on time, that's all that matters.

However, being early for a Zoom interview allows you to prep ahead of time and impress your interviewer. You'll give yourself plenty of time to think about what you want to say and how you want to present yourself, without feeling rushed.

Before joining the call, you'll also want to ensure everything is set up correctly.

You never know what could happen during an interview. So always have a backup plan ready just in case something goes wrong. For example, if your mic starts malfunctioning, you might need to switch to another device, like a smartphone.

Also, make sure that you're dressed appropriately for the occasion. A suit might seem like overkill, but it's a good idea to look professional because you never know who else will be joining the call.

If it's your first time wearing a suit, you might feel a little nervous and uncomfortable. Our advice is to start wearing your suit a few days in advance. You'll feel confident, comfortable, and natural. Plus, you'll have more time to adjust your style if needed.

Interviewing is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences. Here are some tips to successfully get through the interview process:

Using positive body language during an online interview can make you seem confident and energetic. If you're excited about the job, your interviewer will pick up on it. Smile and nod frequently throughout the interview. Even if you don't think you're qualified, try to act enthusiastic!

Often the interviewer will ask about your biggest weakness. "I work too hard" or "I'm too honest" are not good answers. Even if they believe you, those statements give the impression that you are either obnoxious or will eventually burn out.

Instead, say something like, "My biggest weakness for this job is that I have no experience with (company's database platform)" or "I don't know much about (part of the job) yet, so it would take me some time to learn." If it's a remote position, maybe "I haven't worked asynchronously in a remote setting, so it will take some time to adjust to the different time zones".

These are genuine, job-related problems, but they're also things you can improve as soon as you're hired. However, personality defects are not and should not be discussed in the interview.

Negotiating salary is an important part of the hiring process. It can be tempting to start discussing money early in your interview, but resist the urge! It's best only to do so if both parties have expressed mutual interest and an agreement has already been made for you to move forward with them as their ideal candidate (or at least near enough).

Once you're at that point, ask them about their average salary range. Your goal is to understand where on the spectrum of possible salaries they fall within your perceived value for an offer. And how much flexibility there is with adjusting this number based on factors like experience level or additional education qualifications obtained during one's career journey thus far.

If you've done your research, you should know the industry standard salary for the role. Based on your experience and qualifications, it's always better to ask for a little more and negotiate down rather than play safe. Imagine if you did and they gave you what you asked for - no questions asked. It's not like you can call back and say er... can I have more, please?

If asked, you always have another offer in the works. And preferably from a direct competitor. If you say you don't have any other job offers, there's no urgency to hire you or offer you more.

During the interview process, ask follow-up questions about the role and company culture. Examples of questions: why the job is available? What are benefits, vacation days, or work-life balance? This could help you determine what kind of place you'll be joining.

If you don't know what to ask and need ideas, check out these&nbsp;<a href="https://careersidekick.com/unique-questions-to-ask-employers/">unique interview questions to ask employers</a>. Remember that you are also interviewing your potential employer when you go for the job interview.

10. Write Down Notes during the Interview

Write down everything you learned during the interview. Then, review those notes later to refresh your memory. They'll come in handy when you apply again. When you receive feedback, write down key points.

Don't expect to hear back immediately following an interview. Companies take time to make hiring decisions, so don't worry if you aren't called within 24 hours.

If you haven't heard anything after a few days, follow up via email. Include a short note saying, "I'm excited to hear about the opportunity." You'll make a good impression if you're eager to move forward.

10 Top Online Job Interview Tips

If you are a beginner chess player, you may be looking for ways to improve your game. Here are 10 tips that will help you become a better chess player!

One of the best ways to improve your chess game is to focus on tactics. By working on tactical puzzles, you can train your brain to see tactical patterns on the chessboard. This will help you to find better moves in your own games.

Make sure to practice all different kinds of tactics, such as pins, forks, skewers, and discovered attacks. The more you can see these patterns, the better you will become at using them in your own games.

It is important to practice tactics often. By setting a goal of solving at least 10 per day, you will quickly see a big improvement in your chess skills.

One good way to make a habit of practicing chess puzzles every day is to regularly visit a website with daily puzzles like a&nbsp;<a href="https://playboardle.com/">chess wordle</a> game.

If you want to get better at chess, it is important to play games with longer time controls. This will give you more time to think about each move, and it will also help you develop your strategy. It's okay to start slow, with time controls of 30 minutes or 1 hour per game. As you improve, you can start playing faster games.

Playing chess with longer time controls will also help you to avoid making blunders. When you are in a hurry, it is easy to make a mistake that you would not make if you had more time to think about your move.

Blitz and bullet games can be fun, but they often cause players to develop bad habits. If you want to get better at chess, make sure to play mostly longer games.

One of the biggest mistakes that beginner chess players make is trying to learn too many different openings. It is much better to focus on a few simple openings that you understand well. This will help you to avoid getting lost in complicated positions.

Some good openings for beginners are the Italian Game, the Sicilian Defense, and the French Defense. These openings are not too complicated, but they can still lead to interesting and exciting games.

Once you have mastered these openings, you can start to experiment with other openings. But it is important to make sure that you understand the basics before you move on to more complicated positions.

#4. Focus on Learning Principles Rather than Memorizing Lines

When you are first starting out, it is tempting to try to memorize long lines of chess moves. But this is not a good way to improve your game. Instead, you should focus on learning principles.

If you can remember these principles, you will be able to make better decisions in your games.

#5. Run Through Your Mental Checklist in Each Position

You should check all of the following things on each turn, listed here in order from most to least important:

Dwight Eisenhower famously said that "plans are worthless, but planning is everything." He meant that things generally won't turn out the way you planned, and following your original plans in the face of changing circumstances is generally a bad idea, but the fact that you took the time to make a plan in the first place will allow you to roll with the punches and make new plans quickly and effectively. Eisenhower was talking specifically about war, but his thoughts apply equally well to chess.

In order to make a plan, you should evaluate the position on the board as the opening comes to a close and you enter the middlegame. You should look for weaknesses in your opponent's position, and then make a plan around exploiting those weaknesses. A rough outline of how to create a plan is as follows:

Make sure to follow Eisenhower's advice and adjust your plan following each of your opponent's moves.

If you are unable to find any weaknesses in your opponent's position, keep developing your pieces and strengthening your position until one arises.

Endgames are the most important part of chess. Even a slight advantage can quickly become a decisive one in the endgame, so it is important to understand how they work.

The best way to learn about endgames is by studying classic endgame setups and positions. Once you understand these basic ideas, you will be able to recognize them on the board and take advantage of them if they occur.

One of the most important things you can do when trying to improve your chess is to analyze your own games, especially your losses. This will allow you to identify mistakes that you are making and figure out how to avoid them in the future.

When analyzing your games, it is important to take a step back and look at the big picture. Instead of focusing on individual moves, try to identify patterns of play that you can use in the future. Also try to identify any mistakes that you made in terms of strategy or tactics and how you can avoid them the next time.

Finally, make sure to keep track of the games that you have analyzed so that you can refer back to them if needed. This will help you to understand your progress over time and figure out what areas need further improvement.

Another great way to improve your chess is by studying the games of top chess players. Looking at how a top player plans and executes their strategy can give you valuable insight into how to play the game.

When analyzing master games, try to focus on the same things that you would when analyzing your own games: look for patterns, plan development, and mistakes. Also try to look for any new ideas that you may not have seen before.

Keep a record of the games that you study so that you can review them in the future if needed.

Finally, one of the best ways to improve your chess is by finding a coach or mentor. A coach or mentor can provide valuable advice and guidance that will help you to become a better player.

When looking for a coach or mentor, make sure to find someone who has the experience and knowledge necessary to help you reach your goals. Also make sure to be honest about your goals and abilities so that you can find someone who is best suited for helping you.

With these ten tips, you should have all the tools necessary to start improving your chess game. So what are you waiting for? Start practicing today!

10 Chess Tips for Beginners

If you're freezing in a hotel room or a building where the thermostat is covered by a plastic lock box, there's a simple trick that can try to getting the heat to turn on.

Simply place an ice pack (or iced Starbucks drink) on top of the lock box. It should trigger the thermostat to turn on as the sensors will think it's way colder than it actually is.

To trick your thermostat into thinking it's hotter than it actually is to get the air conditioning to turn on -- repeat the process above, by placing a cup of hot water or similar on top of the lock box.

Trick Your Thermostat Into Thinking It's Cooler

Don't have chalk or a washable fabric pen handy and want to maintain a straight line when sewing?

Here's a good&nbsp;rule of thumb:&nbsp;Draw two evenly spaced parallel lines with a pen or Sharpie marker on your leading thumb.

As you sew, keep the top mark that you drew on your thumb lined up with the edge of the fabric. The bottom mark on your thumb will be where your "imaginary" line will be. Viola! No more wavy stitch marks!

Use Your Thumb as a Sewing Guide

Fishing, much like <a href="/tips/outdoors/camping-pro-tips-for-first-time-campers">camping</a>, is an activity where learning the basics is easy but mastering it can be quite challenging. The key to success is learning from other fishermen who have gone before you.

From choosing the right fishing tackle to knowing where to fish and what type of fish to catch, there are plenty of things to consider before heading out onto the water. With these nine fishing pro tips, you can hopefully establish and improve your fishing skills to set you on the path to becoming a great angler.

A fishing rod is a pole with a line attached to the end of it. There are different kinds of fishing rods varying in length, diameter, weight, flexibility, and strength. The most common materials used for rods are graphite, fiberglass, bamboo, and wood.

A spinning reel is attached to a rod and used to store your line. Similar to fishing rods, spinning reels also come in many different shapes and sizes. Smaller models are better suited for younger kids and novice anglers since they're easy to handle, while larger reels are better for experienced anglers, who cast longer distances and fight larger fish.

You'll want to purchase a spinning reel and rod combo as it will give you everything you need to start fishing without having to buy individual items. Since you'll most likely be spending the majority of your time fishing in shallow freshwater (where casting distance isn't much of an issue), consider purchasing a shorter rod. That way, it's easier to transport and stow in your car's trunk.

The best tip for choosing a fishing rod and reel is to not break the bank. Get yourself a fishing rod that meets your needs&nbsp;and fits your budget. You can always upgrade later on.

Next, you will need lures to attract the fish. When deciding which lure to use, you should determine the types of fish that you'd like to catch. Some lures work best for specific species such as bass, walleye, or trout, whereas others target a wider variety of fish like perch, carp, or catfish.

For those just starting out, it's better to go with the following lures due to their simplicity, effectiveness, and reliability.

Inline spinners have one or more blades attached to the lure which emulate bait fish by emitting flashes and vibrations throughout the water. They have three hooks, so when a fish bites, it will almost certainly hook itself. These lures are simple to cast and retrieve which are great for beginners.

Once the spinner hits the water, let it sink for a second, give it a tug to get it spinning, and reel it back in to you.

Spoon lures are made from either metal or shell and are shaped like the bowl of a spoon. Instead of spinning, these flutter and dart around like a wounded bait fish.

Crankbaits are designed to allow you to control how deep they dive below the water's surface. Ideally, you want the floating ones that, upon retrieval, will dive to a specific depth. Once again, just cast and retrieve the bait. Vary your retrieve speed and flip the rod to make the bait dart.

If you want to attract larger fish, you'll need heavier tackle. Larger lures such as minnows, worms, and crickets are effective baits for largemouth bass. Many fishermen enjoy casting soft plastics over hard plastic jigs, as soft plastics are more flexible and you can fish them deeper and closer to the top of the water's surface.

You can't hook a fish without a line! There are three main types of fishing lines; monofilament, braided, and fluorocarbon. Each offer different benefits and drawbacks.

Monofilament is the cheapest option, but it is also the least flexible. Braided is slightly more expensive, but it is very durable. Fluorocarbon is the most costly option, but it is extremely strong and flexible.

Getting good at casting is a skill that every angler must perfect to get their lure as close as possible to the fish. If you're just starting out fishing, a spinning reel is a good choice as it's easy to use. Casting only requires winding up the reel and throwing the lure. Here's how:

Fishfinder is a simple device you can attach to your line that uses radar to help discover fish. Based on its range, it will show you exactly where those fish are. If there is a high concentration of fish in your proximity, you have a better chance of getting a bite. You can get a decent Fishfinder like the Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5′′ GPS for about $100. While a high-end Fishfinder like the Humminbird HELIX 5 might cost around $250.

The most important thing you can do when fishing is gently and slowly reel in the fish. If done properly, you will catch the fish without pulling too hard or jerking the rod. This will allow you to set the hook firmly and smoothly, ensuring you don't lose the fish.

If you're planning to catch and release your fish, keep in mind the following tips:

Make sure your hands are clean and dry. If you release a fish with wet hands or gloves, you could end up hurting yourself from the fish's spikes. Additionally, ensure your hands don't touch the fish you're about to release; the slime covering a living fish's skin can cause irritation.

Before releasing the fish, check whether it's dead or alive. You can do this by gently poking the fish's gills with your finger. If it doesn't react, it's probably already dead. However, if the fish does react, it's still alive, and you need to release it immediately before you kill it.

If the fish isn't moving, try shaking it lightly. If it doesn't move even after shaking, it's likely dead. After checking whether the fish is alive or dead, carefully place it into the water. Don't drop it directly into the water, though. Instead, hold the fish by the tail and slowly lower it into the water. Once it reaches the bottom, let go of the fish.

8. Decide Which Type of Fish You'd Like to Catch

There are several fish species that are easier to catch than others. The largemouth bass is the most commonly caught fish, followed closely by bluegill. Both of those species are aggressive and bite right away. You'll have to be quick if you want to land either one.

Flounder is another excellent saltwater option. These fish are small, plentiful and tend to stay close to the shore and near piers.

Similarly, freshwater trout is a good beginner's fish as they too are fairly easy to catch and abundant near piers. Not to mention they taste fantastic and have a good amount of meat to them.

While you can read and apply the tips listed here, every angler will make mistakes when it comes to fishing. One common mistake is not checking the weather forecast prior to heading out to deep water. No one wants a surprise storm to ruin their fishing trip, but more importantly, rough waters can be dangerous for even experienced fishermen. Even if the forecast looks good, it's always wise to check for any last-minute updates or changes in wind speed and direction before setting off <a href="/tips/outdoors">outdoors</a>.

So before you cast your line, make sure you've checked the weather report for a safe and successful day of fishing. After all, there's nothing worse than a soggy sandwich and a capsized boat!

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