Walk Gracefully in Heels and 7 More Things You Can Do Better
How to Walk in Heels
Engage your abs—this gives you poise and control. Walk heel to toe, which transfers impact to the leg instead of the ball of the foot. And relax your hips and knees so you'll be fluid and graceful.
—Victor Chu, instructor of the class "How to Walk in High Heels"
How to Give a Massage
The key is to be consistent in pacing and flow, maintaining contact at all times—don't forget to keep a light pressure on the return stroke.
—Patricia Coe, massage therapy clinic supervisor, National University of Health Sciences
How to Uncork Champagne
Chill it for at least two hours. (Warm Champagne will spill over.) Hold the cork steady and twist the bottle. With each turn, ease the cork out slowly until you hear a gentle sigh.
—Becky Sue Epstein, author of Champagne: A Global History
How to Flip a Pancake
In a nonstick pan, warm enough butter to let the pancake move easily. When a layer of bubbles forms on top of the pancake, slide it to the front by tilting the pan. Once it rests on the edge, flip with your wrist or a spatula.
—Shirley O. Corriher, author of Bakewise
How to Get the Lid Off a Jar
To loosen the vacuum seal, place the jar upside down in hot water, which helps the lid expand. Or tap the rim with a knife to shift the sealing compound that's between the lid and jar. I also like a silicone grip.
—Marisa McClellan, author of Food in Jars
How to Get a Human on the Phone
Many automated systems detect the words "help" or "agent," or can tell that you're upset from your tone. So try yelling, "I need HELP from an AGENT!"
—Adam Goldkamp, chief operating officer of GetHuman.com
How to Get a Bargain
Don't be afraid to negotiate—act coy and inquire about a "friends and family discount" or inject humor by saying, "Can I get the senior citizen deal?" Often you just have to ask.
—Mark Ellwood, author of Bargain Fever: How to Shop in a Discounted World
How to Hold Back Tears
Try to catch them before they start—when you feel a lump forming in your throat. The best method is to distract yourself by thinking of something else, like an upcoming vacation.
—William H. Frey II, PHD, codirector of the HealthPartners Center for Memory & Aging
Next: 5 of life's toughest questions—answered
From the
November 2013 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
