Let's be honest, we've all tried to turn a pair of old jeans into shorts, and most of the time it has gone horribly wrong.
They either end up uneven or cut at the wrong length and most of the time you probably just throw the jeans out.
Queue this video from Cosmo, where they show you step by step how to create the perfect cut-offs.
Now, go and show off those legs (when the weather permits).
For something that is such a fixed part of our daily routine, it is amazing just how many of us get it wrong.
It is almost so second nature that we don’t really give it too much thought. The problem with this is if we become complacent with our routine or get lazy, we may not be giving our teeth the proper care that they need which can lead to problems such as cavities and gum disease.
So, instead of filling our mouths with nasty, painful fillings, let’s take a look at the simple way to brush our teeth properly.
It only takes two minutes
Two minutes is the correct amount of time each person needs to spend per teeth brushing session. You’re probably thinking “I always take two minutes to brush my teeth,” but you’d be surprised. The majority of people don’t spend nearly this amount of time, even when they think they do. Try using a watch or phone to make sure you are actually taking two minutes.
45-degree angle
Most of us start brushing across our teeth in wide, side-to-side strokes. But this can actually damage them and cause scrapes along the gum line. Instead, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and use short up-and-down strokes.
Mix it up
Out of sheer force of habit, we all generally tend to start brushing our teeth in the same place every time. The problem here is that a lot of us get bored and taper off towards the end of the process, meaning that there are certain spots in our mouth that are being neglected every time. Try starting from a different place every time you brush your teeth and it’ll make sure you get them all.
Too much is not good
The HSE recommended that we brush our teeth at least twice a day. However, any more than three times and you may start to wear down the enamel on your teeth.
Brush your tongue
Sometimes after we brush our teeth there can often still be a bad taste left in our mouths. This is because our tongues are the main cause of bad breath. So, when you have finished your brushing regime, gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
Have you ever felt like you have no clothes to wear, despite the fact that you have absolutely no space in your wardrobe, because of all the clothes?
If your answer is yes, you are not alone and there IS help out there. All it takes is a little organisation. Here are some top tips on how to do it:
Throw it out
If you have piles of clothes that you haven’t worn in years for whatever reason, you need to get rid. If they’re in good enough shape you could sell them, or bring them to a charity shop. Otherwise, it’s off to the clothes recycling bin for you, unless, of course, you’re handy with a needle and thread and could turn them into something amazing.
Lift and separate
Separate all your jeans from your jumpers, your tops from your dresses and your underwear from your outerwear. Having all the different types of clothing in a different place makes picking an outfit MUCH easier.
Jeans
There are different ways to organise jeans – whether by size, colour, or style. The easiest is probably by colour, as it’s the most visual which is what you need when you’re staring into your wardrobe at 6am. Whether or not you decide to fold them neatly on a shelf, or hang them on the railing, is up to you.
Jumpers
It’s best to fold heavy jumpers so that they don’t lose their shape on the hanger, and do use some kind of moth repellent to protect your woollen clothes. Natural repellents such as patchouli oil, or cedarwood oil are always worth a try.
Dresses
A hanger is the only place for your dress. Organise them by colour rather than length, as it makes them easier to find. You could also have sub-categories of day and night dresses, if you’re REALLY organised!
Skirts
It’s best to hang these on those hangers especially made for skirts with the clips. Fold them in at the sides so the outside doesn’t get damaged and organise them by colour, but also by style. That skirt you wore in Ibiza last year probably isn't going to make an appearance any time soon, so you could stick that one at the back.
Shoes
If you have one of those closet organisers that are made for holding shoes, use it. They do collect a lot of dust, but isn’t that better than running around the place looking for your missing shoe first thing in the morning? If you don’t have one, the bottom of your wardrobe does the job too. Organise them by the height of the heels and style.
Underwear
Keep your fancy underwear separate from your normal, everyday underwear. Otherwise you’ll end up wearing your nice things to work, and they won’t seem so fancy anymore. If you want to REALLY go all out, you could line your underwear drawer with silk. How very seductive!
In this day and age, you just HAVE to know how to take a decent selfie. Even if you’re not fond of them yourself, what if someone stops you out of the blue and includes you in THEIR selfie? Are you just going to stare at the camera like a deer caught in headlights? Of course not. You’re going to strike a pose. And here is how you do just that:
Know your good side
Everyone has a good side – well, most of us. Beyoncé probably looks good from both sides, but she’s clearly not human, so… just go home Beyoncé. The rest of us have to jump to the right side of whoever we’re taking a selfie with so that our good side is in the shot. And then…
Look up
Never look down into the camera for a selfie – unless you want to get all your chins in the shot. Nobody looks good from this angle – not even Beyoncé we bet. You could stare straight ahead but this is what you do when you’re taking your passport photo and we know how they turn out. So look up into the camera so that your eyes look big and beautiful.
Choose an expression
What kind of face you want to pull is up to you. However, may we suggest refraining from the pout. It’s kind of over and people only really use it when they’re taking the mick out of selfies. A smile is always good – or a sultry stare if you can pull it off. Sticking your tongue out is ok, but it’s best used when you’re with your friends, to show how much fun you’re having. When you’re on your own, it’s just a bit weird.
Snap it
Press the button, and try to keep your eyes open for the flash.
Check it
Check to make sure you’re happy with it before posting it anywhere, and then…
Take 100 more
Taking a good selfie is a hit and miss kind of a thing, so you’re probably going to take a LOT of photos before you get one you’re happy with. That’s half the fun though, right? Just make sure your photos aren’t automatically uploaded to your online account before you start snapping!
Doctors used to think that brain freeze was caused by sensitive teeth, but apparently this isn’t the case.
Instead, those awful headaches are caused by the cold food hitting the roof of your mouth, and the angle at which the food enters your mouth as well.
Apparently, the trick is to eat your ice-cold food with a spoon, and position it in a way so that it doesn’t hit the roof of your mouth. That way your brain won’t get the memo that it’s supposed to shrivel up and cause you crippling pain right in the middle of your ice-cream.
We’ll be putting a lot of thought into how we use our spoons from now on anyway!
There is nothing worse than a disgusting smell lingering in your home, so it’s time to get rid of them.
Here are the five most common smells and tips for making them disappear:
The dishwasher
Sometimes the dishwasher can really stink, like really, really smell. The best way to get rid of this is to fill a cup with vinegar, put it on the top rack and put the dishwasher on a cycle without any other dishes in it – ta da!
Animal smells
While you may love them unconditionally, your adorable kitty or cuddly dog can really stink. To get rid of their strong odours, sprinkle a little baking soda over your fabrics, rub it in and leave it over night. In the morning, simply vacuum it clean.
Your bin
A bin smell can be particularly pungent, especially if it hasn’t been taken out in more than a week. Light a scented candle in the kitchen and it should at least be masked until you take the bin out. For goodness sake, just take the bin out.
The fridge
Again your trusty baking soda can be put to good use. Pour some into a cup, plonk it at the back of the fridge and it will absorb all nasty smells.
Burnt smells
If you’re anything like us, you will have a few burnt smells at least once a day in the kitchen. Simply pop on the fan, light a scented candle and the smell will go away.
Whatever it is you’re saving for, do it fast with these five top tips!
Save on bills
Plug out your charger when you’re not using it, turn off the lights if you’re not in the room, don’t leave your laptop plugged in. All these little adjustments make a big difference.
Make your lunch
Granted, it’s not as much fun as going out for lunch, but it’s much easier on the bank account.
Carpool
If you drive to work, try and find someone to carpool with so you can split the cost. Petrol isn’t cheap ye know?
On yer bike
If you live close enough to work to cycle (or walk), then you totally should. It’s cheaper AND good for you. Just make sure to wear a helmet.
Plan before you shop
Going to the shop with a list is a much better idea than going without (once you stick to it that is). Avoid impulse buying – it is the worst thing you could do when you’re trying to save money!
Cancel the gym membership
Go for a run outside instead – it’s free!
Fake reviewers – we’re onto you. There’s nothing worse than trying to see if the hotel you want to book actually IS the ideal getaway location, or if someone’s been paid to talk it up online. Use these tips to decipher between real reviews and fake ones.
Check if the reviewer has reviewed anything else
Most people who are inclined to leave reviews don’t just do it for one particular product of service – and if they only leave one glowing review, it’s a bit suspicious. Beware.
What kind of language are they using?
If you’ve checked to see if they’ve left any other reviews, and the answer is yes, take a look at the way they’re written. Are they oddly similar? If so, this fake reviewer is a big fan of the old copy and paste routine.
How do they refer to the product?
If they keep writing out the product name in full, even when it’s long and awkward, chances are it’s a fake review. They’re just trying to up their SEO points.
What are they talking about?
If it’s a hotel review and they keep banging on about all the activities and family fun you’ll have there, it’s more likely to be fake. A 2013 study by Cornell University found that fake hotel reviewers focus more on this kind of thing, because they think it’s what we want to hear. Normal people tend to focus more on the hotel itself.
Before you get that foam roller out, make sure you are ready and know how to use it, as it can hurt.
Before and after workout
Use your roller before you start your workout and after. It is great to help recovery but it is also petty useful for warming up and stretching your muscles. It increases circulation so your muscles are getting more oxygen than if you just stretched.
Slow down
Yes, it can hurt so slow down. Rushing through won’t be of any benefit and it will still be sore. Make sure you focus in on areas where rolling hurts the most as your body needs it more here.
Don’t go one way
Make sure you use the roller to go in all directions and not just up and down. Extend and flex the joint as you use the roller.
Do it everyday
We know it hurts but you should do it every day. Think of it as brushing your teeth, you wouldn’t clean your teeth one day and not the next.
