<p>Bethany Mota is your average 18-year-old, at least in some key respects. </p>
<p>A recent high school graduate, she lives at home with her parents . She is more or less obsessed with fashion, beauty, friends, and One Direction. And she is totally addicted to social media.</p>
<p>The difference of course is that social media is also addicted to her. The effervescent YouTuber is an internet phenomenon - and increasingly, a cottage industry - with 4.8 million subscribers to her main YouTube channel and a fashion line with Aéropostale. </p>
<p>Mota is beautiful, relatable, and bubbly. She's also industrious. She's made hundreds of videos and is putting up more all the time. Here, the very, very, <em>very</em> best of all time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>"Draw My Life | Bethany Mota": </strong>Mota narrates the story of her life - from the 1995 caesarean that brought her into the world to her recent trip to China - with dry erase markers and a good ol' fashioned whiteboard. </p>
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<p>"<strong>Vlog: My Hong Kong Trip!</strong>": Mota's global popularity is plain to see as she travels to China, where she tried some "awesome, cool" food, "found panda stuff," and of course, shopped til' she dropped.</p>
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<p><strong>"Huge Holiday Giveaway!!!": </strong>This girl <em>really</em> knows how to get followers. In her Christmas 2013 giveaway video, she asked fans to subscribe to her various social media accounts, all in the hopes of winning big ticket items like an Alexander Wang ($875) bag and MacBook Pro ($1,199). A Merry Christmas, indeed...</p>
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<p>"<strong>DIY Room Decorations using water bottle &amp; soda cans</strong>": And for her next trick, Bethany will turn empty Arizona Iced Tea contaners into decorative cameras and flower vases.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>"<strong>Confidence</strong>": Mota's videos tend to stay lighthearted and upbeat, but she took it down a notch for this video about self-esteem. We defy you not to feel a little better after watching this...</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
<p>"<strong>DIY Despicable Me Minion Costume + Makeup!</strong>": In her Spookbook series, Bethany shows viewers how to make their own Halloween costumes, from Wonder Woman to Nicki Minaj. After watching this adorable video, we wouldn't mind if Bethany dressed as a minion all the time.</p>
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<p>"<strong>Guys thoughts on perfume! Feat. Eddie + Holden</strong>": If you were wondering what teenage boys think about various scents, it goes a little something like this: "not bad," "alright," and "it's sugary... like candy." Classic.</p>
<p></p>

The Best of Bethany Mota: The Teen Style Superstar's Greatest Hits

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="12889919" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="valentines-day" source="Orion">Valentine's Day</keyword> is a busy day for business owners, restaurants, and <keyword id="12229465" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="service-workers" source="Orion">service workers</keyword>.</li><li>Insider spoke with five industry pros to learn their tips for having a smooth, romantic holiday. </li></ul><p>Valentine's Day is a romantic day of celebration for many couples, but it's often a hectic time for restaurant workers, jewelers, florists, and specialty-store workers.</p><p>Lying about having a dinner reservation, insisting the chef hide an engagement ring in your partner's meal, or ordering flowers at the last minute can turn the season of love into a nightmare for those working on the holiday.</p><p>Industry professionals shared four tips for how customers can help spread the love by making their jobs easier on one of the busiest days of the year.<strong> </strong></p><h2><strong>1. Make a restaurant reservation in advance</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Zach Erdem seated at his Southampton restaurant Blu Mar." height="2400" width="3199" msid="89530680" hostid="261"></div><p><a href="https://www.eater.com/2016/2/12/10972884/valentines-day-restaurant-trends">Valentine's Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants</a>, so making a reservation in advance is a must. </p><p>Restaurants often begin taking reservations weeks, sometimes months, in advance and book up fast. Now throw a pandemic into the mix, and restaurants may also be subject to limited capacity and operating with less staff. </p><p>But according to Hamptons hot-spot owner Zach Erdem, who runs <a href="https://75main.com/">75 Main</a> and <a href="https://www.blumarhamptons.com/">Blu Mar</a>, not everyone thinks they need a reservation for fine dining.</p><p>"A lot of people show up at the restaurant all dressed up and expect to be seated without a reservation," Erdem told Insider. While he said he does his best to seat them, winging it on the holiday is not wise and not an ideal situation for the restaurant staff, who already have a lot on their plate. </p><p>"Some will even lie, claiming they called weeks ago and made a reservation and blaming our staff for the mix-up," Erdem said.</p><h2><strong>2. Don't ask the chef to hide an engagement ring in your unsuspecting partner's meal</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Ashley Schuering Jenny Powers" height="681" width="908" msid="89530683" hostid="261"></div><p>If you're planning on proposing at a restaurant, think twice before involving the staff in your plans. </p><p>"We don't want the kind of liability that comes with hiding your engagement ring in food or beverages. It could get lost, and we definitely don't want to get sued if your prospective fiance breaks a tooth," Ashley Schuering, a former service worker turned food <a href="https://confessionsofagroceryaddict.com/">blogger</a> who worked in restaurants in Nashville and Philadelphia, told Insider. </p><p>One customer, Schuering said, even asked to have a ring cooked inside an omelet, which she said she politely declined to do. </p><p>If you're going to propose in a restaurant, she suggested positioning the ring next to the dessert or inside a glass of champagne where it's more obvious and less likely to get misplaced (or eaten). </p><h2><strong>3. Don't wait until the last minute to order flowers or bombard your <keyword id="12020721" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="florist" source="Orion">florist</keyword> with unrealistic requests </strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Leneille Moon Jenny Powers" height="769" width="1024" msid="89530685" hostid="261"></div><p>Unlike some holidays like Mother's Day, Valentine's Day falls on the same date every year, so it's beyond frustrating when a client requests flowers the day of, Leneille Moon, an Atlanta-based floral designer and owner of <a href="https://www.specialeventfactory.com/">Special Event Factory</a>, told Insider.</p><p>Florists have to order the flowers in advance, so "if we have to pay a premium for last-minute flowers, be ready to pay last-minute pricing," Moon said. </p><p>Late orders aren't the only issue when it comes to ordering flowers.</p><p>Ivette Harrouche, cofounder and COO of <a href="https://pompflowers.com/">Pomp Flowers</a>, told Insider there are some requests that seem simple to customers but in reality can be challenging or impossible to solve at scale. </p><div type="image" title="Ivette Harrouche Jenny Powers" height="520" width="694" msid="89530688" hostid="261"></div><p>Requests like, "Can I please have this order delivered at exactly 10:30 a.m.?" or, "I'd like a different vase with this order. Here is a link to it via Amazon. Can I please have this vase delivered with my flowers instead?" can't be accommodated logistically due to all the moving parts involved with deliveries, Harrouche said.</p><p>As Pomp prepares to deliver an estimated 10,000 orders nationwide this Valentine's Day, she added that even changes to an order, such as, "I ordered 50 roses but I only want 35, as this is our 35th Valentine's Day together," can tack on a lot more work for a business than customers think.</p><h2><strong>4. Know your partner's preferences before buying a sex toy</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Carol Queen Jenny Powers" height="900" width="1200" msid="89530692" hostid="261"></div><strong> </strong>Carol Queen is the staff sexologist at San Francisco-based erotic toy shop <a href="https://www.goodvibes.com/s">Good Vibrations</a>. Queen told Insider it's one thing to ask a staffer at a specialty store for help choosing a piece of jewelry, flower arrangement, or chocolate treat. Asking for a recommendation for a sex toy, however, can put store staff in a tough position, as they don't know your significant other's desires or comfort level. <p>"It would be great if you give the intimacy a head start so you'll know whether your loved one will appreciate the plaything you choose and purchase. There are no returns here! If you honestly don't know, get a gift card and go shopping together the weekend after Valentine's and get the conversation — and the party — started together," Queen said.</p>

We asked service workers and business owners their Valentine's Day pet peeves. Here are 4 ways to eat and shop responsibly.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Cottagecore aesthetic is a trend in design that emphasizes a comfy, cozy, countryside <keyword id="11898442" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="home" source="Orion">home</keyword>.</li><li>The term cottagecore comes from fantasizing about escaping to a rural life and living "in a cottage."</li><li>Tips from the experts include planting gardens, adding cozy <keyword id="11910348" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="decor" source="Orion">decor</keyword>, and maximalist shelf decorations.</li></ul><p>Cottagecore is a dreamy, cozy design aesthetic that has captivated an adoring audience on social media. Today, it's evolved into a highly sought-after design aesthetic. </p><p>The term cottagecore is said to have been coined by the Tumblr community in 2018. All throughout the early 2010s, young people would romanticize a rural lifestyle and document it in their photography. Their photos often show romanticized scenes from countryside homes decked with vintage, floral design elements. People don lace, large hats, and flowy, ethereal gowns. Teapots, vintage chandeliers, and outdoor claw-foot tubs also each have a cottagecore claim-to-fame.</p><h2>What is 'cottagecore'?</h2><p>The cottagecore aesthetic often takes one back to simpler times - cooking, picking daisies, running barefoot through a field, and feeding goats are all big cottagecore energy. To Sarah Ellison, creative director of the <a href="https://www.frankandfaber.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">London-based interior design studio Frank &amp; Faber,</a> cottagecore centers, "comfort, space, and well-being." </p><p>"As always, our interiors are inspired by the world around us," says Ellison. Ellison's Frank &amp; Faber often designs elevated, cozy natural spaces in homes and gardens that emulate a cottagecore aesthetic. "The outside world has been pretty bleak and people have not been able to take solace and comfort in the usual external forces - friends, family, going for a nice dinner," she says. "Everything has turned inwards and people have looked for solace and comfort in their homes, really appreciating how much their home environment is critical to their sense of well-being and sanity."</p><p>Social media maven Jesca Her, a beloved cottagecore influencer with over <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jesca.her?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.papermag.com%2Fcottagecore-explained-tiktok-trend-2645826366.html&amp;referer_video_id=6808240837202365701&amp;refer=embeder=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">325,000 TikTok followers</a>, lives nestled in a town outside of Denver, Colorado. On her social accounts, she says that she "sees the world through rose-colored glasses." Her posts are draped in a warm, pink-hazy afterglow edit and her life offers a glimpse into immaculate cottagecore aesthetics. </p><p>"It's an aesthetic that is very inspired by a sense of nostalgia for a rural countryside life," says Her. "In a cottage - so that's where we get the term cottagecore - in the middle of the woods, or in a forest. Anything involving the outdoors and finding comfort in nature."</p><p>The cottagecore aesthetic can easily be emulated in a home. Here are seven of the style's key features - according to Her and Ellison - to keep in mind when decorating. </p><h2><strong>1. Start a small garden</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A planter box with red flowers." height="1444" width="1925" msid="86878946" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Tend to your garden, literally. Plant wildflowers or herbs like lavender, rosemary, and basil in a planter box, or in your backyard if you have one. "Cottagecore is a movement which idolizes a lifestyle more commonly associated with an agricultural way of life - embracing craft, sustainability, sourcing local," Ellison says. "From an aesthetic perspective, it is about natural, sustainable, heritage taking inspiration from the outside world with a healthy dose of romanticism and chintz."</p><h2><strong>2. Prioritize comfort over everything</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A yellow armchair in the corner of a room with patterned wallpaper." height="3212" width="4282" msid="86878947" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>What does cottagecore feel like? "Very at-home, cozy, safe spaces," says Her. "Comforting and like a space where you can just be creative and try new things. The emphasis is very much at-home." Cottagecore favorites include cozy beds and warm couches, with tons of layered blankets, and tea by a fireplace. </p><h2><strong>3. Source unique, craft materials</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A light brown table, with a plant and lamp on top." height="3230" width="4307" msid="86878949" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>For cottagecore, says Ellison, "Craft is king." Cottagecore celebrates the unique, one-of-a-kind items that can only be made or sourced by specific craft makers. By hand-painting your own furniture in a warm color, or finding a local furniture maker in your hometown, you can have a wholly distinct item to individualize your space. Accessories that Ellison recommends include "handcrafted ceramics, rough plaster sculptures, statement hand-painted pieces sourced from local artisans."</p><h2><strong>4. Raid some thrift stores for decor and furniture</strong></h2><div type="image" title="A bed in a blue room." height="3538" width="4718" msid="86878950" hostid="261"></div><p>Thrift stores are filled to the brim with lovely, cottagecore aesthetic potential. You can seek out granny-chic style items like frames, crystal dishes, vases, art, and furniture. "Most of my stuff is thrifted, and over time, I've picked stuff here and there," Her says. You can also rehabilitate an old piece to make it ultra-modern, for example, painting a wooden side table a warm pink. </p><h2><strong>5. Use what you have</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A bedroom with exposed wood beams." height="3836" width="5115" msid="86878951" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>The most character in any home is the oldest part of the home. Uncover the past and highlight what already exists to pull out the personality in the space. "Embrace existing features," says Ellison. "Expose ancient beams, paneling or beautiful stone on the walls or in more urban homes, reinstate the existing floorboards in a raw, paired back finish or apply some of those beautifully worn, rustic finishes such as reclaimed timber, tongue-and-groove cladding, or exposed plaster on walls."</p><h2><strong>6. Emphasize natural, sustainable materials</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A plant sitting in a kitchen window sill." height="1411" width="1882" msid="86878953" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Consider bringing some living herb boxes into the home to emphasize nature. Plants of all kinds draped around the home, will surely evoke a cottagecore aesthetic.<strong> </strong></p><p>"Whether we live in the city or countryside, it is about acknowledging the importance of interacting with the natural world and bringing those materials into our home environments," says Ellison. "[Use] natural, sustainable materials such as wood and stone along with wools, linens, and sisals in upholstery and accessories."</p><h2><strong>7. Layer textures throughout the space</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A bed in a white room with exposed wood beams." height="3809" width="5079" msid="86878954" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Use textiles to your benefit by layering beautiful fabrics and textures throughout the space. "Layering is key with textures bringing a feeling of cozy 'fireside' warmth," says Ellison. The best fabrics to add to your cottagecore space include: "soft furnishings in wools, linens, and velvets. Softness is added with fabric pleated lampshades, artisanal woven wall hangings, and rugs on walls."</p><h2><strong>Cottagecore decor tips </strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Use bold cloth prints and patterns. </strong>Don't fear the gingham. Cottagecore spaces love incorporating eye-catching prints. "Patterns are also layered [with cottagecore]. Embrace a 'country-side chic' with the classic gingham check and ticking stripe alongside horticulturally inspired designs such as classic William Morris chintz," Ellison says.</li><li><strong>Art and knick-knacks are everything. </strong>"I'd say the easiest way, and one of my favorite ways to decorate is by putting art and knick-knacks on my walls," Her says. "I also have a <a href="https://www.insider.com/gallery-wall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gallery wall</a> that I really love. Shelves are great. You can put knick-knacks on your shelves: candles, books, jars. When you buy flowers from your grocery store, you can put flower petals in the jars. If you go to a bulk store you can find mason jars and get creative."</li><li><strong>Highlight pastels and warm, earthy tones. </strong>Warm tones are friendly to our eyes, evoking images of fire. Warm colors are also great for social, often-used spaces like the kitchen or the living room. "I like to keep it very warm and cozy," Her says. "I try to go for very warm-toned woods. Use pinks, oranges, yellows, beiges, creams."</li><li><strong><strong>Get cozy in the kitchen. </strong></strong>Her says that <a style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 20px;" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jesca.her/video/7008634802240851206?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.papermag.com%2Fcottagecore-explained-tiktok-trend-2645826366.html&amp;referer_video_id=6808240837202365701&amp;refer=embed&amp;is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1s_from_webapp=v1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">her kitchen</a> is her favorite cottagecore space in her home. "It's just very cozy and packed with things. A little bit cluttered, but in a somewhat organized way," says Her. "A lot of jars, plant cuttings, dried flowers, candles, spoons, little knick-knacks."</li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2><p>Cottagecore may feel like the coolest aesthetic on the internet, but it's accessible for everyone. Incorporating a cozy, "granny chic" design element in your home is as easy as bringing the outdoors inside, adding shelving, knick-knacks, and comfort to your surroundings. </p><p>"Cottagecore is not seeking perfection," says Ellison, "Instead, it's using materials that age beautifully as they settle into a home. Their imperfections add to the characterful warmth."</p><a data-type="6021bbc9507cd7080e5117a1">The 6 commandments of mid-century modern design</a><a data-type="611fb01ba27a1f35b315d9b2">How to nail a colorful, eclectic boho style in any room of your house</a><a data-type="61606d576b02d877eb4ccc92">11 types of flowers that thrive in the crisp fall air</a><a data-type="60ef2ce90cf12a1446591376">10 low-maintenance indoor hanging plants to add height and brightness</a>

How to achieve a whimsical 'cottagecore' aesthetic in your home

<p><em>The<span> </span><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insider Picks</a><span> </span>team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.</em></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=43912&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Furbanstems.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>UrbanStems</span></p><p class="caption">A beautiful bouquet from UrbanStems is a surefire way to make someone smile this Valentine's Day.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Giving flowers on Valentine's Day is a time-honored tradition, though many of us have horror stories of buying arrangements online, only for them to turn out to be mediocre bouquets in person.</li><li><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=43912&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Furbanstems.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UrbanStems</a> wants to close the gap, making the process of ordering beautiful flowers a seamless, pleasant experience for both the buyer and the recipient.</li><li>The company offers affordable floral bouquets and plants (<a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=43912&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Furbanstems.com%2Fproducts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">starting as low as $35</a>) sourced from ethical farms around the world. Arrangements are created by in-house floral designers and delivered straight to your door in just one day. </li><li>We've both given and received flowers from UrbanStems and think it's the perfect last-minute Valentine's Day gift. </li></ul><p>This Valentine's Day, millions of flowers will be wrapped into beautiful bouquets and sent to loved ones nationwide. </p><p>Gifting flowers is a timeless tradition - and for good reason. A nice bouquet of flowers is beautiful to look at, smells wonderfully refreshing, and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-neurochemical-self/201706/why-flowers-make-us-happy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">actually has the power to make us happier</a>. </p><p>Giving flowers should be a simple process, yet for many of us, it's not. You may not have time to go into your local flower shop and have a bouquet made, or your florist just might not have time to put together a bouquet with such short notice. You could order one online, but you've heard too many horror stories of botched bouquets bought on the internet. </p><p>With Valentine's Day in less than a week, we figured it was high time to tell you about <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=43912&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Furbanstems.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UrbanStems</a>, the company many of us personally use to order flowers for our friends and loved ones. </p><p>This flower delivery service was born out of the same concerns many of us have about ordering flowers online - there's a lack of trust, awareness, and transparency that makes it difficult to know what we're really getting into. UrbanStems founder Ajay Kori was fed up with sending flowers as gifts. Every experience he had doing so ended in catastrophe. Instead of giving up on the gesture altogether, Kori enlisted his college classmate to try and fix the floral industry.</p><p><span style="color: #000000;">What they've created is an easier, more affordable way to order beautiful flowers online - one that ensures your bouquets actually are delivered in time for those special moments. </span></p><h3>How the service works:</h3><p>When you head over to the <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=43912&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Furbanstems.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UrbanStems</a>, you'll find a small but diverse selection of bouquets. UrbanStems is a member of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ethical-clothing-bedding-companies-brands" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fewer, better camp</a>, which is reflected in their selection - a few beautifully-crafted bouquets and potted plants, rather than a mass of mediocre arrangements. All of the flowers and plants are sourced from sustainable farms, which UrbanStems' in-house <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=43912&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Furbanstems.com%2Fabout" target="_blank" rel="noopener">floral designers collaborate with to create unique bouquets</a>. With prices that start at $35, UrbanStems is a pretty affordable option as well. </p><p>Once you've picked <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=43912&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Furbanstems.com%2Fproducts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">which bouquet you like</a>, put in your desired delivery address and choose from the delivery date options listed. UrbanStems provides a calendar that shows which delivery dates are available, as well as notes when the bouquet will be back in stock if it has been sold out. UrbanStems also suggests vases that compliment each bouquet, should you want to spend a little extra to send a vase as well. </p><p>Moving to checkout is simple. UrbanStems has you sign up with your email  so they can inform you on the status of your order. Then all you have to do is fill out the delivery information, and my favorite part - a cute note to go with your flowers. If you're stumped, UrbanStems has some sweet prewritten options for you, but you can completely customize this part on your own.</p><p>UrbanStems bouquets can be delivered anywhere in the US - if you're living outside of the US but want to send flowers to someone who does live here, you can do that, too. One of the best parts of UrbanStems is its simple delivery process. If your recipient lives in DC or NYC, an UrbanStems courier will deliver their flowers by bicycle or car, any day of the week. If your recipient lives anywhere else in the US, your order will get free one-day FedEx delivery, which can only be delivered Tuesday-Friday - something to note if you're planning for flowers to be delivered for a specific occasion.</p><p><strong>These quick delivery options make UrbanStems a great last-minute gifting option, but you can also use it to plan gifts far in advance.</strong> If you know you want to deliver someone flowers for their birthday in a month, you can order bouquets up to three weeks out from the current date. </p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=43912&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Furbanstems.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>UrbanStems</span></p><p class="caption">UrbanStems' pretty packaging is an added bonus.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>When your recipient receives their flowers, they'll be packaged up in a beautiful box that's hiding a lovely bouquet and a sweet note from you. It's thoughtful and easy way to surprise someone special and make them smile. Whether it's your partner, sister, brother, parent, friend, or coworker, UrbanStems makes a great gift for just about any occasion. If you'd like to know more about the experience, here's what two of our editors have to say about the service:</p><p><strong>Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor: </strong>I've now both ordered and received bouquets from UrbanStems, and both experiences felt seamless and rewarding. Sending bouquets is easy; you just pick which one you want, select a vase (these cost a little extra, just so you know), and write a card to your recipient. Receiving them is even easier; just open the box, follow the instructions to care for your flowers, and, if you're anything like me, pop the special note that comes with on your refrigerator door with a magnet. If you properly take care of the flowers, they'll last for around a week or so. I got a bouquet with lots of white flowers in it, which tend to age a little faster, so mine lasted about four or five days before they started to wilt and discolor.</p><p><strong>Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks senior editor: </strong>I was looking for a new flower delivery service a few months ago since my go-to, BloomThat, was acquired by FTD Companies and paused its services in September. Sally recommended UrbanStems. I've ordered two bouquets from the company so far and have found it offers a lot of the same conveniences as BloomThat, for both the person buying the flowers and the recipient. The constantly rotating, seasonal flower selection is robust, but not overwhelming, and while the prices are on the higher end ($55 is currently the cheapest bouquet price), they're justified by the quality you get. The flowers I've sent were vibrant and fresh, and more unique than what you'll find elsewhere.</p><h3><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=43912&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Furbanstems.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Surprise someone special with a floral bouquet or plant from UrbanStems this Valentine's Day </a></h3><figure id="img-194733" contenteditable="false" data-type="img" data-e2e-name="image-figure-image" data-media-container="image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0764G2NPN/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_020519_owyn-protein-shake-product-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B0764G2NPN&amp;linkId=fcb67d0c5e585e3c19cfd52f760f1adb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></figure><p class="tagline"><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p>

UrbanStems delivers fresh, beautiful bouquets with free one-day delivery - we tried it and think it's a great Valentine's Day gift

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Whether you're melting down old candles or starting with fresh wax, candle-making is easy.</li><li>Essential oils are the purest form of fragrance for candles, but fragrance oils smell stronger.</li><li>Soy wax, coconut wax, and beeswax are the safest and cleanest types of wax to burn.</li></ul><p>New hobbies are always a refreshing idea if you're bored of the same-old. If you're looking to try a fun and accessible activity, candle-making is calling your name. Not only is it a fun craft for a rainy day but it's also a clever way to upcycle used containers, breathe new life into old candles, and freshen up your decor.</p><p>While it <em>is</em> the perfect <keyword id="133641" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="DIY">DIY</keyword> project, it certainly takes practice to perfect. Read on for everything you need to know about how to make candles, according to candle-making experts Ab Gibson and Al Rose, founders of <a href="https://queercandleco.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Queer Candle Co.</a>, and Paige Graham, founder of <a href="https://paigescandleco.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paige's Candle Co</a>.</p><h2><strong>What you need</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Candle-making materials including wax, a thermometer, wicks, a pouring pot, and metal containers" height="1414" width="1885" msid="84221469" hostid="261"></div><ul><li>Glass or metal vessel</li><li>Candle wax</li><li>Wick</li><li>Wick sticker</li><li>Wick stand</li><li>Fragrance (optional)</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-kitchen-scale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kitchen scale</a></li><li>Cooking pot</li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08VGGR86Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=bihk_070721_how-to-make-candles-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B08VGGR86Y&amp;linkId=ddf0898f2df5799a1b13588b65170bb72df5799a1b13588b65170bb7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pouring pot</a></li><li>Spoon</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-meat-thermometer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cooking thermometer</a></li><li>Scissors</li></ul><h2><strong>How to make candles</strong></h2><div type="image" title="A person pouring melted wax into candle jars" height="1412" width="1883" msid="84221470" hostid="261"></div><p>Now that you have your materials, you're ready to get measuring, melting, and making your candles using the steps and chart below. In essence, candle-making is as simple as melting wax and adding it to a container with a wick, but there are a few particulars to watch out for.<br /><br /></p><ol><li><strong>Set up your double boiler. </strong>Take a large pot and bring 1.5 to 3 inches of water to a boil. In this process, the smaller pouring pot and larger pot will act as a double boiler to melt the wax.</li><li><strong>Measure your wax.</strong> One pound of wax will yield about 20 ounces of candle. You can calculate how many pounds of wax you'll need by dividing the number of ounces your vessel will hold by 20. For example, if you want to make an 8-ounce candle, start with 0.4 pounds of wax. A kitchen scale is a very useful tool here. Once you've measured, add the wax into the pouring pot.</li><li><strong>Melt the wax.</strong> Fill the pouring pot with wax and place it inside your boiling pot of water. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting and use the thermometer to track the wax's temperature. The chart below will tell you what temperature to aim for based on what type of wax you're using.</li><li><strong>Affix your wick to the bottom of the vessel.</strong> While you're waiting for your wax to melt, take a wick sticker, glue, or a bit of melted wax and stick the wick to the bottom of the vessel.</li><li><strong>Stand wick up straight using a wick stand.</strong> Leave enough extra room so that you can trim the wick after the vessel is fully filled with wax and it has hardened. If you don't have a wick stand, two chopsticks laid across the top of the vessel will help stabilize it.</li><li><strong>Remove wax from heat and add fragrance.</strong> Once the wax has reached the desired temperature in accordance with the chart below, add your fragrance if you choose to. The amount of fragrance will vary by wax type, so check the chart below. Stir thoroughly to combine.</li><li><strong>Pour wax into your vessel.</strong> Allow the wax cool and cure for the appropriate amount of time. Check that handy chart again!</li><li><strong>Trim your wick. </strong>Once the candle is fully cured, use scissors to cut your wick to about 1/4 inch tall.</li></ol><p><strong>Quick tip: </strong>Don't let the wax at the bottom of old candles go to waste. Melt it down and repurpose it into a new candle.</p><h2>How to choose the right wax</h2><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 154px;" border="1"><tbody><tr style="height: 44px;"><td style="width: 20%; height: 44px;"><strong>Wax type</strong></td><td style="width: 20%; height: 44px;"><strong>Notes</strong></td><td style="width: 20%; height: 44px;"><strong>Temperature to add fragrance</strong></td><td style="width: 20%; height: 44px;"><strong>Fragrance</strong><br /><strong>amount</strong></td><td style="width: 20%; height: 44px;"><strong>Cure time</strong></td></tr><tr style="height: 22px;"><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;"><strong>Soy wax</strong></td><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;">Natural, vegan</td><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;">185°F</td><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;">1 ounce per pound of wax</td><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;">Seven days</td></tr><tr style="height: 22px;"><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;"><strong>Coconut wax</strong></td><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;">Natural, vegan</td><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;">185°F</td><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;">1-1.5 ounces per pound of wax</td><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;">Three to seven days</td></tr><tr style="height: 22px;"><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;"><strong>Beeswax</strong></td><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;">Natural</td><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;">160-165°F</td><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;">1-2 ounces per pound of wax</td><td style="width: 20%; height: 22px;">Three to seven days</td></tr><tr style="height: 44px;"><td style="width: 20%; height: 44px;"><strong>Paraffin</strong></td><td style="width: 20%; height: 44px;">Synthetic, lots of soot</td><td style="width: 20%; height: 44px;">185°F</td><td style="width: 20%; height: 44px;">Up to 1 ounce per pound of wax</td><td style="width: 20%; height: 44px;">One to two days</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Gibson and Rose recommend using one of the natural waxes - soy wax, coconut wax, or beeswax. Paraffin, a synthetic wax that produces a lot of soot and is often used by many large candle companies, "<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00128-013-1104-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">releases the same toxins</a> found in diesel fuel," they say.</p><p>Aside from the toxins, Graham also adds that paraffin produces lots of soot, while soy wax produces 90% less soot, and beeswax burns clean.</p><h2><strong>How to choose the right wick size</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A jar full of melted candle wax with a wick sitting in it being held in place by a clothespin" height="1414" width="1885" msid="84221471" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>As a rule of thumb, wider candle containers mean wider wicks. The candle makers explain that this is because you want the candle to burn evenly all the way down without tunneling - that phenomenon where only the center of the candle burns down, leaving you with high walls of wax around the edges. If the wick is too thick, though, your flame may end up being uncontrollable or your candle will burn out rapidly.</p><p>If you are new to candle-making, don't guesstimate. Use <a href="https://www.candlescience.com/learning/wick-guide">this wick guide</a> for the most accurate wick size suggestion based on your wax type and container size.</p><h2><strong>How to choose a fragrance</strong></h2><p>While you may think choosing a scent is strictly preferential, Gibson and Rose emphasize the importance of paying attention to the type of oil you are using and its ingredients.</p><p><strong>"</strong>Essential oils are the purest form of scent oil, but they will not emit a particularly strong smell in a candle," they share. For a stronger smell, opt for fragrance oils, which are better for smell but are not considered as "pure," so it's important to pay attention to the ingredients to ensure they are regulated and non-toxic.</p><p><strong>Quick tip: </strong>Keep an eye on <a href="https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener">California Prop 65</a> warnings and choose fragrance oils with ingredients that are up to California's strict standards.</p><h2><strong>Tips for making your candles unique</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A person pouring different colored candle wax flakes into a glass cup" height="1409" width="1878" msid="84221472" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><ul><li><strong>Have fun with your containers.</strong> Consider reusing old candle vessels, thrifted vases, mason jars, or even old mugs.</li><li><strong>Layer colored</strong> <strong>waxes. </strong>Pour one color and let it set before adding another color for a striped effect or gently swirl them together for a tie-dye look.</li><li><strong>Add crushed flowers.</strong> Earthy elements are not only visually lovely but they can really kick the scent up a notch, too.</li><li><strong>Add crystals.</strong> If healing energies are your thing, try arranging crystals on top of milky wax in the vessel before it hardens. Your candle will refract the flame's light in fun ways and release different positive energies with every burn.</li><li><strong>Sprinkle some glitter.</strong> Play up the sparkle with some glistening embellishments but be sure to use fine glitter that is heat resistant and nonflammable, not paper or plastic glitter.</li><li><strong>Decorate with shells.</strong> Incorporate memories of your favorite beach vacations to make it a little more sentimental.</li></ul><h2><strong>Insider's takeaway</strong></h2><p>Although candle-making is a pretty simple process, there's a science to choosing the right materials (and ingredients), measuring, monitoring the temperature, mixing, and then some. Be sure to allow yourself ample time to complete each step - and don't rush to use your candle before it's fully cured - and the results will light up your <keyword id="6363870" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="home">home</keyword>.</p><a data-type="602ea88d0c3a1c49121fa496">8 easy ways to reuse candle jars</a><a data-type="5ceee80511e205224c09bafd">The best candle brands in 2021</a><a data-type="605a5975bf80af56263efef5">3 simple methods to dry flowers to enjoy your favorite blooms year-round</a><a data-type="60b0061668059d2dfe078859">The 10 best indoor plants to bring life into your space</a>

How to make homemade candles

<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks"><em>Insider Picks</em></a><em><span> </span>writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.</em></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://amzn.to/2GU6qOW" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>Amazon</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Moving can be stressful, but a sweet gift from a friend can make the process of settling in a little more bearable.</li><li>Though a basket of baked goods, a bottle of wine, or a vase of flowers will do the trick, the gifts that truly stand out are unique and practical - and hundreds of them can be found on <a href="https://amzn.to/2NL4cCo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon's Handmade page</a>. </li><li>We rounded up 29 picks from <a href="https://amzn.to/2NL4cCo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon Handmade</a> that make for original, thoughtful housewarming gifts. </li></ul><p>If you've just been invited to a housewarming party for a friend who recently moved, you're probably trying to figure out something original and thoughtful to bring that not every other guest will have in-hand. Wine and flowers are a typical go-to when it comes to housewarming presents, but there are more creative options, like those on <a href="https://amzn.to/2NL4cCo"><span>Amazon's Handmade</span></a> page, that are both unique and useful. </p><p>Amazon features tons of one-of-a-kind gifts, decor, clothing, and accessories on their handmade page - all of which add a personal touch to any gifting occasion. Typically, shipping can be more of a lengthy process when purchasing from independent crafters, but hundreds of <a href="https://amzn.to/2NL4cCo"><span>Amazon Handmade</span></a> products are <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-included-in-amazon-prime-membership-best-benefits-2018-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prime-eligible</a> for a seamless shopping experience. </p><p>To make the process of gifting even more seamless, Amazon has a specific handmade section for housewarming gifts. I discovered 29 unique and practical items from <a href="https://amzn.to/2SBcmOv"><span>coasters</span></a> to <a href="https://amzn.to/2H7ES8d"><span>candles</span></a> that definitely won't end up being gifted twice.</p> <p class="tagline"><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p>

29 unique housewarming gifts you can find on Amazon Handmade

<p><em><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insider Picks</a><span> </span>writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.</em></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZxBLgq" target="_blank" title="A low-maintenance DIY garden kit could be a great gift for moms who have a green thumb but don't have a ton of time. " rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>Amazon</span></p><p class="caption">A low-maintenance DIY garden kit could be a great gift for moms who have a green thumb but don't have a ton of time.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Due to the lack of free time, sleep, and requirements of baby proofing, moms with young kids often can't enjoy gifts traditionally associated with Mother's Day like candles and flowers. </li><li>As a husband to a mom, I've learned that gifts that can help a mom navigate busy days with ease and comfort can bring more pleasure than gifts that call for a break in the routine. </li><li>And since young kids tend to be ever present, items that are safe to have around the house make great gifts too because they don't add to what a parent already worries about.  </li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It's ironic that for the first few years of motherhood, moms can't really enjoy many of the gifts so commonly associated with Mother's Day. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The lack of me-time, constant fatigue that comes with 24/7 parenting, and destructive and demanding nature of little kids render many potential gifts poor choices. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The open flame of a candle isn't a wise idea around a preschooler, that vase of thorny roses is almost sure to be upset by a toddler, and no mom wants to wake up with even the mildest hangover when there's a baby to care for, so that bottle of </span><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=2025&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wine.com%2Fproduct%2Fgh-mumm-brut-grand-cordon%2F265701%3Fstate%3DNY%26s%3DGoogleBase_CSE_%26cid%3DGoogleBase_CSE_265701NY_4273%26utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_term%3D%26utm_campaign%3DGoogle_Shopping_NY_Beta%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMI19v2k8nm4QIVRlSGCh0lGgK3EAQYASABEgJsbPD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">G.H. Mumm Champagne</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> might be more of a tease than a nightcap this year.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So what to give a mom caring for young kids this Mother's Day? In short, anything that will make her life easier. </span><span>Anything that provides added comfort, efficiency, or removes a challenge presented by childcare will be a welcome gift. </span>And if you can gift an evening of babysitting and an appointment for a massage, she'll definitely appreciate that too.</p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This list was actually inspired by gifts I've given my wife in the past six years (we have a five- and one- year-old) that were actual hits. While I've used these ideas for a couple of Mother's Days as well as birthdays, holidays, and so on, every one of them was a hit precisely because it made her life as a parent that much easier and more enjoyable - and because all of them are kid-safe, too. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also, it goes without saying that chocolate is a requisite for all occasions - or no occasion at all.</span></p><p><strong>Read on to find the best Mother's Day gifts for moms with young kids: </strong></p><p class="tagline"><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p>

9 unexpected Mother's Day gifts that are exceptionally useful

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FnUYpUaD0o">Youtube/Amanda Macias/Business Insider</a></span></p></div><p></p></div></div>Over the weekend a 12-year-old Taiwanese boy tripped over himself and accidentally punched a fist-sized hole in an extremely valuable painting, <span>Focus Taiwan </span><a href="http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aedu/201508240015.aspx" target="_blank">reports</a><span>. </span></p><p><span>According to exhibition director Sun Chi-hsuan, the 350-year-old <span>Paolo Porpora oil painting entitled "Flowers" is </span>valued at $1.5 million and will now undergo restoration in Italy.</span></p><p><span><span>Italian artist </span></span><span><span><a href="http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/bio/p/porpora/biograph.html" target="_blank">Porpora</a>, who is best known for his <span>b</span><span>aroque-style </span>depictions of fruit and flowers, painted the 78-inch tall canvas in the 17th century.</span></span></p><h2><span><span>Here's the painting: </span></span></h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>TST Art of Discovery Co</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><h2>And here's a close up of the damage on the lower right side:</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>TST Art of Discovery Co</span></p></div><p></p></div></div>Fortunately, the work is insured and the boy's family will not be asked to assist in the restoration fees, <span>Focus Taiwan </span><a href="http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aedu/201508240015.aspx" target="_blank">reports</a><span>. </span></p><p><span>As the Guardian <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/25/boy-trips-in-museum-and-punches-hole-through-million-dollar-painting" target="_blank">notes</a>, "t<span>he boy joins a short, cringing list of art fumblers. In 2006, a man </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/feb/06/arts.artsnews1" class=" u-underline" data-link-name="in body link" data-component="in-body-link">tripped over his shoelace</a><span> in the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge in the UK and smashed three 300-year-old Chinese vases. In 2010, a woman at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art fell into a Picasso, causing a 15 cm (6 inch) tear."</span></span></p><p><span><span>Last year, a man was sentenced to six years in prison after <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/monet-painting-restored-after-punching-2015-1" target="_blank">p</a><span><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/monet-painting-restored-after-punching-2015-1" target="_blank">unching a hole</a> through a $<span>12.5</span> million Claude Monet painting in Dublin. </span></span></span>  </p><h2>Here is the full video:</h2><p></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/aerial-video-explosion-blast-site-tianjin-china-2015-8">New aerial footage shows aftermath of explosion in China</a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="tkdzUxdzqidr5j3bDhTKNZS1v2q3Z4nZ" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

12-year-old boy trips in a museum, breaks his fall on a 350-year-old painting worth $1.5 million

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Riedel</span></p><p class="caption">Decanting your wine can have an impact on aroma and taste.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Maximilian Riedel, CEO of glassware company Riedel, believes every wine should be decanted - even Champagne.</li><li>For old wines, this is because sediment settles at the bottom of the bottle.</li><li>For new wines, decanting helps to naturally age the wine.</li><li>It doesn't need to be done hours before - decanting your wine right before you drink it can still make a difference.</li></ul><p>When it comes to wine, what you drink it from can be just as important as what you're drinking.</p><p>From <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-best-glass-to-drink-champagne-from-is-not-a-flute-2018-2?r=US&amp;IR=T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">swapping a narrow Champagne flute for a tulip-shaped one</a> to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-wine-glass-to-use-for-sauvignon-blanc-chardonnay-pinot-noir-bordeaux-2018-2?r=US&amp;IR=T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">picking the right glass</a> for your Bordeaux, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and pinot noir, there's plenty to learn about the world of glassware.</p><p>But one thing many people don't realise is that what you do before you drink it is also key to getting the most from your wine.</p><p>Maximilian Riedel, CEO of glassware company Riedel, told Business Insider that he believes every wine should be decanted before you drink it - even Champagne.</p><p>"I am a firm believer that every wine must be decanted," he said. "When I say every wine, I truly mean sparkling and still."</p><p>A family run Austrian company that was established in 1756, Riedel is one of the world's most well-known producers of wine glasses - so Riedel himself knows a thing or two about what's best for your bottle.</p><h2>Decanting started with Champagne</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Antony Jones/Getty</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>He explained that the concept of decanting actually started with Champagne.</p><p>"Champagne is, thanks to the second fermentation through the yeast in the bottle, the ageing process, one of those wines that in the old times had to be decanted to split the wine from the yeast," he said. With modern Champagne, however, it's done with a machine.</p><p>"The yeast over time moves into the neck of the bottle. There it gets, nowadays, frozen, and you remove it, then you refill it with a special liqueur. Every Champagne house does this, but this is a very modern technique to remove the yeast.</p><p>"In the old days, you bought the Champagne, took it home, then you had to gently decant it to keep the yeast in the base of the bottle."</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Riedel</span></p><p class="caption">Maximilian Riedel, CEO of glassware company Riedel.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>He said that despite the fact Champagne is "the most ancient thing to do," for most people it seems like something new.</p><p>"Everyone is afraid that if you decant Champagne that you lose the bubbles, but the difference between Prosecco and Champagne, in Champagne the bubble are binded, it's not artificial. The bubbles grew up, they were bred in the bottle of Champagne, through the fermentation. With Prosecco you're just adding CO2."</p><h2>Old wines need to be decanted to get rid of sediment...</h2><p>It's well understood that wine tastes better as it ages. However, Riedel explained that with old wines, over time, sediment settles in the bottom of the bottle, so they need to be decanted.</p><p>"People don't like the feel or taste of sediment," he said.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Riedel</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><h2>...But young wines need to be aged</h2><p>However, he said that nowadays "nobody can afford to drink these old wines, [so] at most restaurants the wines on average are very young.</p><p>"Storing wine for time [also] needs space, and space has become very expensive, especially in the big cities."</p><p>That means people are drinking young wine - and it also needs to be decanted, but for different reasons.</p><p>"Young wine must be decanted because young wine is like a young person - they have yet to settle, they're all over the place. The only way to mature them is through time, the ageing process."</p><h2>You should even decant rosé</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Shutterstock.com</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>"I am the guy who decants Champagne, white wine, red wine, and rosé wine," he said. "When I posted once on social media me decanting rose, I had a lot of questions, a lot of doubters. But people who love rose like I do know that sometimes you still have a lot of the gas that they use to kill germs etc. in wine, that sometimes the sulfate is still notable on the nose, and the only way to really get rid of it and enjoy wine that young is by decanting it."</p><h2>It doesn't need to take hours</h2><p>While he's obviously a proponent of decanting, Riedel added that you don't need to use a decanter if you have time to open a bottle of wine five to eight hours before drinking it.</p><p>"Then you would not need a decanter because there's enough oxygen exchange with the bottle," he said.</p><p>However, if you don't have the time to plan out your day, decanting right before you drink it will still make a difference.</p><p>"If I now open a fresh bottle of wine and pour it into a glass, and the other one I pour into the decanter then into the glass, you, and everybody else, would notice a difference, in smell and in taste," he said. "After five hours open in the bottle, in the glass, and in the decanter, it tastes the same."</p><p>In busy restaurants, Riedel added that the most simple way to decant is from one bottle to another. "It's very similar," he said.</p><h2>You need to pick the right one</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Riedel</span></p><p class="caption">The "Eve" decanter.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Decanters come in all different shapes and sizes.</p><p>"For me when it stands on its own it's like a piece of art," Riedeil said. "There are very few art pieces you can actually use on a daily basis."</p><p>He said that a small decanter is good for white wines, because it can fit into an ice bucket to keep the temperature.</p><p>Meanwhile, a big decanter like his "Eve" design exists to stretch a young wine.</p><p>"In particular wines that have power in the fruit, high in alcohol, the decanter stretches the wine and naturally matures it," he said. He explained that as the wine flows through the decanter, it "naturally ages, gets rounded, softer, brings forward the primary aroma in the wine."</p><p>He said the more you rotate the wine through the decanter, the more oxygen you're pumping into it - which means you're naturally ageing it.</p><p>Meanwhile, he said a decanter like this might "rip apart" an old wine.</p><p>If you're not sure where to start, Riedel says you can even try a flower vase that has the shape of a decanter "just to try it."</p><p>"If you really fall in love with the concept and believe it makes a different, then you can start investing money," he said. "You can go for affordable to very expensive."</p><p>The lowest-end decanter from Riedel - its machine-made single bottle size - costs £40, while the Eve design will set you back a whopping £495.</p><h2>They're not that hard to wash</h2><p>Riedel - who is a proponent of putting wine glasses in the dishwasher - said there's nothing wrong with your decanter looking used.</p><p>In order to wash it, however, he recommends filling the inside two to three times with warm water, then leaving it overnight to absorb the colour pixels.</p><p>"If you want to try to avoid water stains, use a hairdryer," he added. "It sucks out the humidity."</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nikon-small-world-winning-footage-microscopic-world-around-us-2018-9">Award-winning footage of the microscopic world around us</a></h3>        <div>                    </div>    </div>

This is why you should always decant your wine - Champagne included

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"><p class="source"><span><a href="http://media.ashleymadison.com/posts/5419">media.ashleymadison.com</a></span></p></div><p></p></div></div>Weddings can induce some crazy behavior.</p>
<p>Emotions are high, families are thrown together, and everyone must conform to a tight schedule, n<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">ot to mention the shenanigans that ensue when there's an open bar involved.</span></p>
<p>Sarah Pease, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/wedding-proposal-tips-2013-12">a well-known New York City proposal planner</a>, has been planning weddings since 2008 with her company <a href="http://www.brillianteventplanning.com/">Brilliant Event Planning</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;">.</span> She's seen everything from the "bridezilla" stressing about every detail to guests showing up in white <span>- a major faux pas</span>.</p>
<p>Pease shared a list of 10 ultimate wedding guest "don'ts" with Business Insider.  </p>
<p><strong>Don't deviate from a schedule: </strong>"It's not a very sexy idea, but planning can really impact your day and the happiness of everyone there," Pease said. "If you've got to be at the church by 6 p.m., the bride has to leave the hotel by 4:30 because it will take her a half-hour to get into her dress. The hair and make-up people need to know that everyone has to be done by 4:45 so they can help the bride get into her dress. And so on."</p>
<p>"If you're helping or attending, stick to the timeline so the bride only has to worry about her schedule."<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span></p>
<p><strong>Don't wing a wedding speech: </strong>"People who say they're just going to wing it crash and burn every time," she said. "You wouldn't show up to a half-marathon without training, so don't show up to the wedding without a prepared speech."</p>
<p>"And keep it short," Pease added. "A five-minute speech is long. Hit three general ideas. Don't ramble. In my experience, you'll get on a tangent and then start talking about something uncomfortable."</p>
<p><strong>Don't wear anything resembling white if you're not the bride:</strong> "The bride should be the only person wearing white," Pease said. "There's always at least one person, man or woman, who shows up to the wedding as a guest wearing white or a color too close to white."</p>
<p><strong>Don't stiff the bartender: </strong>"You should still tip the bartender even at an open bar because they're making your drink right there," she said. "It's a nice service and they're there for a long time."</p>
<p><strong>Don't get drunk:</strong> "This is really up to each person, but there's this idea of 'wedding drunk' that I find useful," she said. "Basically, don't become a hassle for the bride and groom."</p>
<p><strong>Don't complain about the food: </strong>Wedding food is notoriously bad, but Pease advises sucking it up. "The rule of thumb is, ask yourself will this upset the bride and groom. If the answer is yes, you shouldn't do it."</p>
<p>"You could have a Michelin chef cooking for everyone and some people would still complain," she said. "Just focus on what's good about the wedding, like getting to celebrate with friends and family." </p>
<p><strong>Don't monopolize the bride and groom: </strong>"Cocktail hour is a great time to spend two minutes with the couple," Pease said. "Don't track them down and try to spend 30 minutes catching up. If they did that with all 200 of their guests, they'd run out of time."</p>
<p>"The best thing to do is say a quick congratulations," she said. "You can always schedule a phone call or lunch with the bride or groom for later."</p>
<p><strong>Don't get too aggressive with the bouquet toss: </strong>"You've either got a wedding full of single girls or possibly some divorcees," Pease said, "but either way emotions can run high if you think about it as a literal sign for who's getting married next. I like when there's an alliance to flip it to a girl who really wants it."</p>
<p>"If guys want to get in on the action, by all means go for it," she added. "Just be gentle. Don't tackle anyone. It's not a contact sport."</p>
<p><strong>Don't buy a gift the couple didn't put on their registry:</strong> "Going off registry is always a contentious subject," Pease said. "Some people think an off-registry gift is more personal or heartfelt. But honest to God, people really just want the stuff on their registry. That's why they picked it."</p>
<p>"But if you do choose to go off registry, cash is a better option than an alternate gift," she told us. "I prefer cash gifts where the giver says, 'Here's x-number of dollars for a helicopter ride in Hawaii, close to where you're honeymooning,' or 'Here's something to put toward your new mortgage.' Something like that to give the money a purpose."  </p>
<p><strong>Don't steal souvenirs from the wedding decorations: </strong>"Always check with the venue before you grab anything," Pease advised. "Don't ask the bride and groom, but you can ask a waiter or a wedding planner."</p>
<p>"Sometimes, depending on something like an agreement with a florist, you can take the whole centerpiece," she said. "Other times, the vases are rentals or the flowers are being donated to a local hospital the next morning. It's always best to check."</p>

10 Things A Wedding Guest Should Never Do

<p class="p1">Vodka may not be your liquor of choice for drinking, but what about making an ice pack or treating dandruff?</p><p class="p1">The Russian liquor has amazing capabilities such as killing bacteria, drying without an odor, and binding essential oils to water. This means it can help with everything from making insect repellents to soothing a toothache.</p><p class="p1">So forget cocktails and shots - there's a whole other reason to buy that bargain bottle of vodka.</p><p class="p1"><strong>Here are 37 things you didn't know you could do with vodka:</strong></p><h2 class="p1">MEDICINAL </h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><strong><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Health/10-bizarre-home-cures-work/story?id=16773228">Cure stinky feet</a>: </strong><span>Soak a washcloth in vodka and rub them on your feet. The vodka is an antiseptic and will destroy any fungus or bacteria, and will dry odorless.</span></p><p class="p2"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><a href="http://tipnut.com/quick-easy-homemade-ice-packs/">Make an ice pack</a>: </strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Make a quick and easy ice pack by mixing two cups water with a 1/2 cup vodka in a Ziploc freezer bag. The vodka will keep the water from completely freezing, creating an easy, bendable ice pack you can inexpensively replace or refill.</span></p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/15-Unusual-Uses-for-Cheap-Vodka/step10/No-More-Flakes/">Treat dandruff</a>:</strong> Rinsing with vodka after shampoo and conditioner can help clear away any product build-up and flakes. One blogger recommends mixing one cup of vodka with two teaspoons of rosemary and letting it sit for a few days, then straining. Keep the mixture in the shower.<a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/15-Unusual-Uses-for-Cheap-Vodka/step10/No-More-Flakes/"><br /></a></p><p class="p2"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><a href="http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/mythbusters/mythbusters-database/can-vodka-cure-bad-breath/">DIY mouthwash</a>:</strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> The Discovery Channel show "MythBusters" confirmed that vodka can be used as a mouthwash. Combine one cup of vodka with 9 tablespoons of cinnamon, and keep the concoction sealed for two weeks before using.</span></p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/lifehacks/comments/1dtoto/i_need_a_home_remedy_for_an_ear_ache/">Soothe an earache</a>: </strong>An at-home remedy for an earache or infection is to combine a shot of strong vodka and honey. Heat the mixture to help dissolve the honey and apply a few drops every four hours or so. Keep the concoction warm when applying for some added relief.<a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/lifehacks/comments/1dtoto/i_need_a_home_remedy_for_an_ear_ache/"><br /></a></p><p class="p1">WARNING: Do not do this if your <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/234602-home-remedy-for-earache-pain/">earache also has signs of pus or bleeding, or you have a fever</a>, since all of these are signs you'll need antibiotic treatment.<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/234602-home-remedy-for-earache-pain/"><br /></a></p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mug-EE-AH_w">Numb a toothache</a>:</strong> Alcohols such as whiskey and vodka can help reduce a toothache. Soak a cotton ball in vodka and then place it on your tooth and hold it inside your mouth. You can also swish vodka around in your mouth to numb the pain if you don't mind the taste. <a href="http://www.mytooth.net/tooth-discomfort/effective-toothache-home-remedies-for-instant-relief/"><br /></a></p><h2 class="p1">CLEANING </h2><p class="p1"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><p class="p1"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><a href="http://www.liverenewed.com/2013/07/using-vodka-as-a-non-toxic-and-frugal-cleaner-green-in-365.html">Stain remover</a>: </strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Vodka can be used as a stain remover for grass, ink, lipstick and other oil-based stains. Soak the area in vodka, rubbing with a clean toothbrush to dislodge grime if necessary, before rinsing thoroughly and throwing the item in with the regular wash.</span></p><p class="p1"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong><a href="http://www.lenscleaning.net/feeders/lense-cleaner.htm">Clean your eye glasses</a>: </strong><span>Vodka works as a lens cleaner since it won't leave streaks. Pour a little on a microfiber cloth and rub on glasses to get rid of dust, finger prints, and grime.</span></span></p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20559918_21103528,00.html">Remove rust from screws</a>: </strong>Soaking screws in vodka for a few hours will wipe away any rust they've accumulated. Wipe away rust after soaking.<a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20559918_21103528,00.html"><br /></a></p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="http://www.couponkatie.com/2011/04/vodkathe-best-household-cleaner-i-did-not-know-about/">Clean kitchen surfaces</a>: </strong>Combine one part vodka with two parts water to spray on counter tops and tables, shine the kitchen sinks, and clean any other surfaces. For really tough stains, let the mixture sit for 20 minutes before wiping down with a clean rag.<a href="http://www.couponkatie.com/2011/04/vodkathe-best-household-cleaner-i-did-not-know-about/"><br /></a></p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20559918_21103526,00.html">Shine chrome</a>: </strong>If your bathroom fixtures have hard water or soap scum stains, polish them up with a clean cloth soaked in vodka - it will cut right through the grime.<a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20559918_21103526,00.html"><br /></a></p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/style-guide/Tips-to-care-for-silver-stone-studded-jewellery/articleshow/17031496.cms">Remove tarnish from jewelry</a>: </strong>Soak silver jewelry or gemstones in vodka to leave them sparkling. You can also pour vodka on a clean cloth to wipe dirt or tarnish from jewels by hand. Finish by buffing with a clean rag. <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/style-guide/Tips-to-care-for-silver-stone-studded-jewellery/articleshow/17031496.cms"><br /></a></p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4556886_cleaning-vodka.html">Clean bathroom surfaces</a>: </strong>Spray undiluted vodka on the bathtub, tile, and shower walls, and let sit for 20 minutes. Wipe down with a damp rag or sponge, and brush any remaining mildew away with a scrub brush. The smell will evaporate when dry.<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4556886_cleaning-vodka.html"><br /></a></p><p class="p2"><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4556886_cleaning-vodka.html">Help clean dishes</a>: </strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Add a splash of vodka with your soap while soaking dishes in the sink - it will help cut through the grease and give your glasses a streak-free shine. </span><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4556886_cleaning-vodka.html"><br /></a></p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="http://thekrazycouponlady.com/at-home/how-to-remove-stickers-goo-and-other-icky-residues-using-household-items/">Remove sticky goo residue</a>: </strong>If you have a price sticker or sticky tag that you want to get rid of, pour vodka on a rag and rub the adhesive for around a minute. The goo will come right off.<a href="http://thekrazycouponlady.com/at-home/how-to-remove-stickers-goo-and-other-icky-residues-using-household-items/"><br /></a></p><h2 class="p1">DEODORIZING </h2><p class="p1"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/homemade-reed-diffusers-147411">Make your own reed diffuser</a>:</strong> Reed diffusers are easy to DIY - all you need is water, a binding agent (like alcohol or rubbing alcohol) and essential oils. The vodka will bind the essentials oils to the water and the original smell of the vodka will completely dissipate.</p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="http://www.crunchybetty.com/attack-the-stinky-shoes">Remove odor from shoes</a>: </strong>Combine water and vodka in a spray bottle and then mist on the inside of your shoes after wearing. The vodka will get rid of odor-causing bacteria and the smell will disappear once they're dry. You can also add an essential oil to the mix for an extra boost of freshness.<a href="http://www.crunchybetty.com/attack-the-stinky-shoes"><br /></a></p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-air-freshener-holiday-room-spray/">DIY room freshener</a>:</strong> Since vodka's odor disappears as it dries, combine high-proof vodka, water and essential oils in a spray bottle for an easy DIY Febreze.<a href="http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-air-freshener-holiday-room-spray/"><br /></a></p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="http://www.greenideareviews.com/2012/06/10/using-vodka-to-deodorize-dry-clean-only-clothing-review-does-it-work/%20">Deodorize clothes</a>: </strong>Using a spray bottle, mist vodka on clothes, concentrating on the interior and exterior of the garment. Hang to dry in a well-ventilated area. The vodka will kill the bacteria and doesn't leave a scent as it dries. Just make sure to spot test first. </p><p class="p1"><strong><a href="http://www.diynatural.com/spring-cleaning-homemade-glass-cleaner/">Clean windows and glass</a>: </strong>Combine a cup of vodka, 1/3 cup of white vinegar and half a teaspoon of liquid soap. Mix in a bucket with 1/2 gallon of water and stir to combine before pouring into bottles. Spray on windows and glass and then dry with a lint-free cloth or crumpled up newspaper.</p><h2>BEAUTY</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/15-Unusual-Uses-for-Cheap-Vodka/step13/Natural-Astringent/"><strong>DIY astringent</strong></a></span><strong>: </strong>You can use vodka as an astringent for your face - dip a cotton ball in vodka and wipe. It will kill bacteria and tighten your pores, but make sure to moisturize afterwards since it can dry out skin significantly.</p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/things-you-can-do-with-a-sponge-2015-4"><strong>DIY eye packs</strong></a></span><strong>:</strong> Soak makeup sponges in vodka and water before freezing in plastic wrap. The vodka will prevent the sponges from freezing completely and will make easy DIY cold eye packs for under the eye.</p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/ingredients/is-vodka-good-for-your-hair/"><strong>Make hair feel cleaner</strong></a></span><strong>:</strong> Add a shot of vodka to your shampoo - the vodka will help remove the hard water minerals from your hair, making it feel lighter and cleaner. Just be sure not to overuse since it can strip your hair of natural oils if used too often.</p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="http://wellnessmama.com/11624/natural-hairspray-recipe/"><strong>DIY hairspray</strong></a></span><strong>:</strong> Instead of buying hairsprays with tons of chemicals, make your own with vodka. Boil 1.5 cups of water, two tablespoons of white sugar, one tablespoon of vodka, and 10 to 15 drops of an essential oil together. Once cool, pour into a spray bottle and use.</p><h2>FOOD</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/drunk/comments/11ez9y/lot_of_people_seem_to_struggle_with_making_vodka/">Vodka-infused gummy bears</a>:</strong> For a grown-up twist on a classic candy, you can soak gummy bears in vodka for a few days and let the alcohol dry. The bears will look normal, but taste like alcoholic versions of their formerly sweet selves.</p><p><strong><a href="http://greatideas.people.com/2014/10/29/how-to-make-candy-infused-vodka-recipe/">Make candy-infused vodka</a>:</strong> <a href="http://mixthatdrink.com/skittles-vodka-tutorial/">Skittles</a>, <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/10/try-this-jolly-rancher-vodka-.html">Jolly Ranchers</a>, and <a href="http://mixthatdrink.com/starburst-vodka-tutorial/">Starbursts</a> can all be transformed into candy-infused vodka in a few simple steps. Sort the candy by type, soak in the vodka, filter with a coffee filter (multiple times if necessary), and bottle.</p><p><strong><a href="http://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/55321/soaking-fruit-in-alcohol">Make booze-soaked fruit</a>:</strong> <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Vodka-Soaked-Strawberries">Strawberries</a>, <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_8416228_marinate-pineapple-alcohol.html">pineapple</a>, and <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Vodka-Watermelon">watermelon</a> all make delicious "drunken fruit" recipes. These are great for topping a dessert or snacking on responsibility. </p><p><strong><a href="http://beforeitsnews.com/awesome-time-wasters/2013/02/you-can-turn-vodka-into-gin-2446490.html">Make gin</a>:</strong> Many gin distillers start the process with a flavorless grain alcohol base which is essentially vodka. That means you can <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/homemade-gin-kit-2014-1">DIY your own gin</a> by soaking cheap vodka with spices and add-ins like juniper, coriander and more, and then straining with a funnel and cheesecloth. There are also <a href="http://www.amazon.com/W-P-Design-Homemade-Gin/dp/B00KFG2AX4">gin-making kits</a> on the market you can buy.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-homemade-vanilla-extract-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-197785">DIY vanilla extract</a>:</strong> Vodka makes a good base for a DIY vanilla extract. Split open the vanilla beans lengthwise and place them in a jar submerged in vodka. Infuse them for a month and then strain out the pods and seeds with a coffee filter. </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/penne-alla-vodka-recipe.html">Penne alla vodka</a>:</strong> This delicious pink Italian sauce - made with tomatoes and cream - also uses a cup of vodka (hence its name). The vodka releases the flavors in the tomatoes and will keep the sauce stable, too. <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/penne-alla-vodka-recipe.html">See a classic recipe here.</a></p><p><strong><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-vodka-pie-crust/">Flaky crust</a>:</strong> Adding chilled vodka to pie crust can actually make it flakier and more delicious. Pie lovers will be shocked by the difference a few drops can make.<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-vodka-pie-crust/"><br /></a></p><h2>MISCELLANEOUS</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ivulKLDmd8%20">Band-Aid removal</a></strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>:</strong> Take a vodka-soaked cotton ball and apply to the sides of the Band-Aid. This will ease the pain of removal as the vodka breaks down the adhesive.</span></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.liverenewed.com/2013/07/using-vodka-as-a-non-toxic-and-frugal-cleaner-green-in-365.html">Clean engine parts</a>:</strong> Vodka can be effective as a cleaner for car parts that have carbon on them, like spark plugs. Use a cheap, high-proof vodka and rub with a clean rag.<a href="http://www.liverenewed.com/2013/07/using-vodka-as-a-non-toxic-and-frugal-cleaner-green-in-365.html"><br /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-get-rid-of-weeds-with-vodka#b">Kill weeds</a>:</strong> If you're out of weed killer or don't use it on principal for environmental reasons, you can fill a squirt bottle with vodka and apply to the weeds instead. This works best for weeds in sunny areas since the vodka and sun will work together to kill the plant.<a href="http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-get-rid-of-weeds-with-vodka#b"><br /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://nourishingjoy.com/homemade-bug-spray-and-mosquito-repellents/?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=artcl&amp;utm_campaign=exploitvodka">Insect repellent</a>:</strong> Essential oils mixed with vodka will work well as bug repellents. Add 1/8 cup of vodka with 1/8 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/8 cup of water, and 80 drops of mixed essential oils like eucalyptus, lemons, peppermint, lemon, cinnamon, or cloves. Shake well and apply often. </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-vodka-citrus-sodas-keep-flowers-fresh/">Keep flowers fresher for longer</a>:</strong> According to flower experts, you can add a little bit of vodka to your vase to make your cut flowers last longer. Just make sure to dilute it significantly first.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/232718-how-to-make-razor-blades-stay-sharp/">Disinfect razors and keep them sharp</a>:</strong> By placing your razor in a cup of vodka, it will disinfect the razor and keep it from rusting. Make sure to rinse before use.<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/232718-how-to-make-razor-blades-stay-sharp/"><br /></a></p><p><em>Did we miss your favorite thing to do with vodka? Let us know in the comments!</em></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/food-tricks-and-hacks-2014-2">These Food Hacks Will Make Your Life Much Easier</a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="tzeXA4ZDpYL_m7S20EJPLTE4pacGZlT8" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

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