5 Minute Crafts Magazine - April 2019 by Lawrence Ambrocio

Secret Scents Uses for the perfume

April 2019 $5.99 (Canada) $3.99 (US)

DIY Uses for Tissue Roll

04.2019

CONTENTS

“They came on one of April’s most brilliant days–a day as sparkling as a newly-washed lemon…a day when even the shadows were a melange of blue and orange and jade, like the shadows that poured from the tipsy brush of Monet.” – Beverley Nichols

APRIL 2019

CONTENTS

style

home

PRETTY SMELLS Applying our favorite perfume is the final step we make before heading outside. All we need is a spritz on our clothes and we’re all ready.

IN A MIX While cleaning a pot is a pretty straightforward thing to do, things might get trickier if you really want to scrape off the burnt bits of food or sticky food like caramel that you used to make candy.

18 SPLIT ENDS Aggressive blow-drying, coloring, perming, UV radiation, poor nutrition, and even the wrong shampoo can all cause split ends.

features

food

BABY PLANNING Packing a bag for the hospital can be a true challenge for a future mother, or it can become one of the best memories ever. Everything depends on how carefully and timely it’s done.

PASTA STAPLES Pasta carbonara is a traditional Italian dish. It’s popular all over the world due to its pleasant taste, simple ingredients, and the fact that it’s easy to cook.

49 EASTER DAY DESSERT If you are looking for an easy, affordable, and tasty dessert, you might want to consider making a carrot cake. If you’re making it from scratch, it will take you about 90 minutes, give or take.

THE SECRET GARDEN The good news is that moss doesn’t overtake or destroy lawns as other undesirable plants can do. It simply tries to fill empty areas where grass doesn’t grow due to the bad soil condition.

living

health

ROLL IT OUT Biodegradable tubes are still rare. So far, this useless piece of cardboard increases the huge amount of garbage on our planet. Unusual DIYs with toilet paper tubes are an excellent way to upcycle them.

BAD ODORS Sweating is a normal process that helps your body to maintain the optimal temperature. But if your sweat meets the bacteria on the surface of your skin, it can create an unpleasant smell.

APRIL 2019

departments

EDITOR'S LETTER

58 TRICKS & TIPS

60 CHILL & DRAW COVER PHOTO © 5-MINUTES CRAFTS

PILAR GUZMÁN Editor In-Chief

FOOD DIRECTOR Annabelle Waugh FASHION & BEAUTY DIRECTOR Julia McEwen HOME & GARDEN DIRECTOR Brett Walther MANAGING EDITOR Day Helesic TEST KITCHEN SENIOR FOOD SPECIALIST Irene Fong FOOD SPECIALISTS Jennifer Bartoli, Amanda Barnier ARTICLES EDITOR, FOOD Gilean Watts INTERN Jessica Bronstein ART CONSULTING DESIGN DIRECTOR Brendan Fisher ACTING ART DIRECTOR June F. Anderson SENIOR ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Henrietta Poon CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTORS Lisa de Nikolits, Leanne Gilbert FEATURES HEALTH EDITOR Kate Daley CONTRIBUTING HEALTH EDITOR Tralee Pearce SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR Jill Buchner ASSOCIATE EDITOR, FASHION & BEAUTY Andrea Karr CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Jacqueline Kovacs COPY & OPERATIONS EDITORIAL OPERATIONS & ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER Olga Goncalves Costa COPY EDITOR Stephanie Zolis CONTRIBUTING COPY EDITORS Ruth Hanley, Debbie Madsen Villamere ASSISTANT EDITOR Teresa Sousa INTERNS William Dixon, Thalia Gamage, Natalie Wong EDITORIAL DEPUTY EDITOR Jessica Pollack SENIOR EDITORS Ariel Brewster, Sadiya Dendar, Simone Olivero CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Claire Gagne ASSISTANT EDITOR Kevin John Siazon COPY EDITOR Kelly Jones PROOFREADER Janet Morassutti INTERNS Emily McDonald, Arisa Valyear ART CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Colleen Nicholson IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHERS Carmen Cheung, Erik Putz

MARKETING SERVICES & CREATIVE SOLUTIONS GENERAL SALES MANAGER Caroline K. Breton CREATIVE BRAND DIRECTOR Laura Denton CONTENT DIRECTOR Kim Alison Fraser MANAGING EDITOR Renée Sylvestre-Williams MANAGER, STRATEGY AND IDEATION Stevie Gorrie STRATEGISTS Sarah Drake, Jessica Lee, Marcela Perez ART DIRECTORS Susan Jackson, Suzanne LaCorte, Peter Robertson JUNIOR COPY WRITER Victoria DiPlacibo SENIOR DIRECTOR, CLIENT DELIVERY Stefany Pierce CAMPAIGN MANAGERS Melissa Carmichael, Ivan McBurney, Rob Stephenson, Inga Terzopoulos

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. 5 Minute Crafts is published monthly except January/February and July/August by Rogers Media, Inc. One Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4Y 2Y5 or 1-800-2689119. Contents Copyright 2019 by Rogers Media, Inc. may not be reprinted without written permission. Article proposals and manuscripts must be accompanied by self-addressed envelopes and sufficient postage; otherwise they will not be returned or acknowledged. While the publishers will take all reasonable care, they will not be responsible for the loss of any manuscript, drawing or photograph. ISSN 0128-1839. Single copy price $5.99 + tax. Full subscription prices: Canada, 1 year (10 issues), $15 + tax. In the U.S., 1 year $45 + tax; Other countries $75 + tax, Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index. Printed in Canada. 5 Minute Crafts, it's affiliate and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, distribute, store and archive such as unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensate of any sort.

EDITOR'S NOTE

More Than One Idea I

was a weird kid. I didn’t realize that at the time, but looking back, I can imagine my parents scratching their heads from time to time about my childhood hobbies, which around the age of 7 included a keen interest in flowers. But don’t worry! Though it may sound unlikely, I did have friends. I was preoccupied with matching the colors and fragrances in a kind of synesthetic way. I had noticed that the orange ones smelled like orange. The yellow like lemon custard, brown like root beer, and white like coconut. (OK, I’ll admit that was a stretch.) My childhood imagination matched hue and scent as I tried to catalog all the color options. Those iris remind me that color schemes tap into a visceral response for many homeowners as well. Each of us probably has different ideas of what makes a room feel formal, happy, serious, shocking, or surprising. In our annual color issue we hope our readers will allow themselves the chance to play and experiment, like a child might, unencumbered by concerns of what everyone will think and instead focused on what makes you and your loved ones happy. This spring, as the iris bloom in your neighborhood, take a moment to lean over for a sniff. I swear the purple iris smell like grape bubble gum. Modern life is all about change. What matters is how you embrace it. We have a lot of new things going on at 5 Minute Crafts®, and we’re excited to be continually moving forward. First, I’m very pleased to introduce myself as the new editor in chief. I love working with our talented print and digital staff in Des Moines and New York City. Over the past few months, I’ve been getting to know my new colleagues, and in the process, I’m hoping to get to know you, our readers, as well. I’d like to do that not only through the pages of our beautiful magazine but also over our lively social media channels and our recently redesigned website, 5minutecrafts.site. Back when 5 Minute Crafts was founded in 2016, reading a magazine was a fairly passive activity for the reader, who would wait patiently for the latest issue to show up in the mailbox 12 times a year. But in today’s highly connected world, you can come into our home 24/7. Maybe it’s a pinning session on Pinterest before bedtime, or an early morning check-in on my favorite platform, Instagram (that’s a sample of my Instagram feed at left). Or perhaps you prefer to watch one of our DIY videos while researching a project for an upcoming weekend. However you fi nd us, we value the added sense of connection and community that the digital world provides. It’s an exciting time to be working at 5MCM, and we all hope you’ll enjoy getting to know us as much as we enjoy getting to know you.

PILAR GUZMÁN Editor In-Chief

APRIL 2019

style PRETTY SMELLS Applying our favorite perfume is the final step we make before heading outside. All we need is a spritz on our clothes and we’re all ready. But it goes beyond just spraying a bottle of perfume.

APRIL 2019

STYLE

Applying spray perfume correctly

Moisturize your skin before applying perfume. The gist is to keep the skin oilier so that it retains more fragrance. You can use an unscented moisturizer or petroleum jelly to create a great base for the scent.

Walk into the scent cloud. The key to making the fragrance last longer is to diffuse it all over your body rather than just applying it to one point on your body. Apart from applying it on the pulse points, spray the perfume in front of you and walk right into it. This makes sure that the scent is all over you in subtle tones, and not overdone.

Don’t rub perfume on your skin.

Spray it on your pulse points. After moisturizing your skin, spritz the perfume on your pulse points like: 1. Behind your earlobes 2. On your neck 3. Inside of your wrists 4. Inner elbows 5. Behind the knees The idea is to apply perfume to the areas that are closest to your veins, as these are warm spots that generate their own heat, and would eventually diffuse the scent naturally as well.

Don’t perfume your hair directly.

Rubbing the perfume on your skin is less effective as the top tones of the fragrance tend to fade before it can even settle into your skin’s surface. It also causes friction that can heat the fragrance up and change the scent entirely.

It is said that the contents of perfume tend to dry out your hair. So to make your hair smell fantastic, you can spray a bit of your favorite perfume onto your hairbrush and lightly brush your hair through it. This leaves your hair undamaged and smells great.

Understanding perfume concentration

Applying perfume oils correctly

Perfume concentration refers to the percentage of the blend of the natural and chemical composition in a perfume. There are 4 types of perfumes: Eau de Cologne or Cologne Eau de Toilette Eau de Parfum Extrait de Parfum or Perfume The fragrances that contain a low perfume concentration have lighter tones and don’t last for very long. These come under Eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette. If you’re seeking deeper tones and long-lasting fragrances, Eau de Parfum or Extrait de Parfum are the ones for you. To understand more about the types of fragrances, let the following infographic guide you.

If your perfume oil has a roll-on fragrance, then you can apply it to your pulse points directly or on your fingertips, and then to your pulse points. If you do the latter, make sure to wash your hands beforehand. If your fragrance doesn’t have a roll-on applicator, then it may come with an applicator stick. Just apply some perfume to the stick and then dab lightly without rubbing it on the pulse points. If it doesn’t have a stick, then you can also go for the fingerprint method as mentioned above or buy an applicator stick online. Perfume oils tend to last longer than perfume sprays. Hence, it is recommended to not overdo their application.

APRIL 2019

STYLE

SPLIT ENDS

Aggressive blow-drying, coloring, perming, UV radiation, poor nutrition, and even the wrong shampoo can all cause split ends.

APRIL 2019

STYLE Method 1: Use a hair mask or conditioner.

Method 2: Moisturize your split ends with nourishing oils.

A hair mask and conditioner hide split ends perfectly. If you prefer a conditioner, choose one that is leavein. Apply it to your clean, lightly towel-dried hair after washing it. Spread the conditioner along the length of your hair, avoiding the roots, and then comb it gently moving upwards from the ends.

Natural oils can help with split ends. They moisturize and nourish hair, making it smooth and shiny. Argan and sweet almond oils will be your best choice. Apply a few drops to towel-dried ends and spread the oil evenly. However, be careful not to apply too much at once. Start with a small amount of oil and increase the amount if necessary.

A hair mask is a deep conditioning product. It helps hydrate your hair and make the hair shaft stronger. Once a week, apply a thick moisturizing mask to your clean hair, or a special mask that restores split ends. It will temporarily smooth the scales and significantly improve the look of your mane.

Method 4: Wash your hair with cool water. If you like taking hot showers, it can worsen your split ends problem. Hot water opens the hair cuticle and makes the hair more brittle. Cool water, on the other hand, closes the cuticle, helping it fit tight around the hair shaft and making your hair smoother and shinier.

Method 5: Brush your hair carefully. If you brush your hair too aggressively, it can lead to brittle hair and split ends. Here are some rules that can help you avoid any mistakes: Never brush wet hair. This is when your hair is at its most vulnerable and more prone to breakage and snags. Wait until your hair becomes at least half dry. Avoid metal combs. They can scratch the scalp and cling to hair, causing new split ends. Don’t backcomb your hair, as it tugs on the scales of your hair, lifting them and leaving them vulnerable to being ripped off.

Method 6: Cut the split ends. Unfortunately, the methods mentioned above only disguise your problem and restore the look of your hair for a short period of time. The only reliable way to get rid of split ends is to trim them regularly. The recommended frequency is every 6 to 8 weeks.

Bonus: How to prevent split ends from appearing. After you’ve trimmed your split ends, you need to make sure that they don’t appear again. Here are some tips that can help you with this: Choose all-natural shampoos that contain no harsh ingredients. Use a conditioner after shampooing or use a leave-in conditioner. Use nourishing and moisturizing masks on a weekly basis. Limit services that damage hair, such as coloring and chemical straightening. Use a heat-protection spray and minimize the use of heat. When blow-drying your hair, focus on the hair roots and the main part of the hair, avoiding the ends. Be gentle when towel drying your hair and avoid twisting and wringing.

APRIL 2019

Method 3: Try DIY hair treatments. DIY treatments can help you fix split ends just as effectively as store-bought treatments. These 3 effective masks deeply moisturize and restore damaged hair: Avocado mask. Mash up an avocado and mix it with an egg. Add a few drops of olive oil, stir the ingredients well and apply the resulting mask to the hair (focusing on the ends). Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes, and then rinse well with warm water. Honey mask. Mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of raw honey. Apply the mixture to shampooed hair and leave it in for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse it out and then wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any residue. Egg mask. Take an egg yolk, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and a tablespoon of honey. Stir the ingredients well, then apply the mixture to your wet hair and leave it in for 30 minutes. Rinse it out and wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any residue. Before using any DIY mask, test it on a small patch of your skin, for example, on the inner part of your elbow. This way, you’ll make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients in the mask.

home IN A MIX While cleaning a pot is a pretty straightforward thing to do, things might get trickier if you really want to scrape off the burnt bits of food or sticky food like caramel that you used to make candy.

APRIL 2019

HOME BASIC DAILY CLEANING

This is the most common technique when cleaning a pan. Simply use a non-scratch scrubber sponge and hot soapy water to clean your stainless steel pots and skillets. Tip: If you’re worried about scratching the pan you can do a test by just scrubbing a small part of the pan.

CLEANING THE OUTSIDE

Small spills that run down the outside of a pot can burn and oil can polymerize. These things blacken the exterior of your pot. To get it back to normal, you’ll have to scour the exterior with a scouring powder containing, among other ingredients, oxalic acid. What you’ll need: Scouring powder A sponge Instructions: 1. Get the pot wet. 2. Sprinkle a small amount of scouring powder on the dampened surface. 3. Rub gently with a sponge. You can add more product, if necessary. 4. Rinse thoroughly within one minute of application, then wipe the pot dry. Tip: If all else fails you can spray an oven cleaner on the exterior of the pot and let it sit for a while for it to work. Then wash the pot and scrub the carbonized bits off. DO NOT let the oven cleaner anywhere near kids and avoid all contact with your skin, as it can burn you. Always make sure to wear gloves when using products like this.

APRIL 2019

HOME IF YOUR POT IS BURNT INSIDE 1. THE DISHWASHER DETERGENT METHOD

This is a pretty simple and cheap method that doesn’t involve any special material besides powdered dishwasher detergent. What you’ll need: Dishwasher detergent (powder, not liquid) A sponge Your regular dish soap Instructions: 1. Fill the pot with water. 2. Add a generous sprinkling of powdered dishwasher detergent. 3. Let the pot sit overnight with the water and detergent. The next day you should see the burnt parts lifted away. 4. Wash as you normally would with a scrubber sponge (see method A) to remove the remaining burnt bits with no effort, if needed. Otherwise, just rinse off. Tip: Alternatively, if your pot’s bottom is really burnt, you can try scrubbing it with a dishwasher tablet (again, powdered tablet). Just cover the bottom with a bit of water and warm it up on low heat. Then remove from the stove, scrape the tablet across the burnt on bits, and rinse. Then wash normally.

2. THE BOILED LEMONS METHOD

This is the easiest of all the methods listed in this section, however, some burnt bits might still remain in the pot after finishing it. The good news is that, in most cases, these are pretty easy to remove. What you’ll need: 2 or 3 lemons Your regular dish soap A sponge Instructions: 1. Quarter 2 or 3 lemons and place in the pan. 2. Fill with a few inches of water and bring to a boil. 3. Let boil for 5-10 minutes or until you start to see food particles float to the surface. 4. Discard water and lemons, rinse, and wash normally to remove any leftover burnt bits.

3. THE ALUMINUM FOIL METHOD

While this method has proven to be one of the most simple and effective ones, it does have a downside: it cannot be used on any non-stick skillet or pan. What you’ll need: 2-3 tbsp of baking soda Aluminum foil A sponge Your regular dish soap Instructions: 1. Cover the burnt area with the baking soda and add just enough water to make a thick paste that coats the area you’ll be treating. 2. Crumple up the aluminum foil to make a sort of metal foam and use it to scrub the burnt pan until all of the food bits and stained areas are clean. 3. Rinse the pan with warm soapy water. 4. Repeat the process, as needed. Baking soda gets dirty very quickly and it’s hard to see the areas that still need to be treated.

APRIL 2019

HOME IF IT HAS CANDY (OR ANY OTHER STICKY STUFF)

After making a batch of caramel sauce, caramel apples, fudge, toffee, peanut brittle, butterscotch, or any other stovetop candy, you’re in for a messy pot. While many people tend to try to scrub the leftovers out of the pot, that’s not advisable. Instead, try boiling the candy out. What you’ll need: A spoon or spatula Water A sponge Your regular dish soap Instructions: 1. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil. The simmering water will remove the hardened candy from around the sides and the bottom of the pot. 2. Scrape off any leftovers around the edges with the back of a spoon or spatula. Candy will be halfmelted, soft, and pliable enough to do that. 3. Drain the hot water and wash normally, if needed.

APRIL 2019

HOME

APRIL 2019

HOME METHODS FOR REMOVING MOSS FROM THE LAWN

1. Use a scarifier mower or conventional lawnmower with a separating blade. It will help get outside the thick layer of dead grass that accumulates between the soil and the live lawn as well as get rid of the moss. 2. Use a rake. It’s useful when you need to remove a small area of moss on the lawn or leftovers after having mowed the lawn with a scarifier. Rake it at different angles to weaken moss roots and lift them up. Then collect all the unnecessary stuff and throw it in the garbage or a bin for compost. 3. Use natural remedies. Dilute a mixture of dish soap, water, and vinegar at a ratio of 100 g to 1 gallon to 1 tbsp, respectively. Spray the solution on the moss and leave it for 24 hours. The moss will turn yellow and die within this time. 4. Use herbicides. Choose products with fatty acids or carfentrazone as active ingredients. Make sure to read labels and follow all precautions when you use pesticides. However, remember that using herbicides to kill moss won’t keep it from coming back. 💡 Tip: Combine physical and chemical methods to achieve a better result.

THE REASONS WHY MOSS APPEARS AND HOW TO PREVENT IT

❌ The soil is too wet. This can be due to excess watering or stagnant water, the excess of which has nowhere to drain. ✅ Decrease watering to improve the situation. Conduct aeration of the lawn or install underground drainage lines. ❌ There’s too much of a shadow. Moss prefers shady areas, such as under trees, behind rocks, or behind buildings. ✅ Since most types of grass grow best in the sun, plant-shade areas with shrubs or perennials, such as rhododendron, pachysandra, and ajuga. ❌ The soil has become sour or barren. It’ll be impossible to grow a nice-looking lawn in such conditions, whereas moss, in its turn, will appear quite fast. ✅ Check the pH level with a soil acidity meter. Once you’ve determined the degree of acidity, you can choose the right fertilizer and supplements. Most lawns require a soil pH of about 6. Anything below this level is a good environment for growing moss. If you need to increase acidity, add lime. ❌ The soil is strongly compacted. It negatively affects the growth of the grass, preventing water and nutrients from reaching the roots, and at the same time, it doesn’t stop the moss from growing. ✅ Loosen hard soil with aerators. Do this procedure every year or loosen up the lawn as needed.

health BAD ODORS Sweating is a normal process that helps your body to maintain the optimal temperature. But if your sweat meets the bacteria on the surface of your skin, it can create an unpleasant smell. If you notice that your sweat smells weird or that you’ve suddenly started sweating way more than usual, consult your doctor.

APRIL 2019

HEALTH KEEP YOUR BODY CLEAN.

GET RID OF ARMPIT HAIR.

✅ Take a bath or shower every day to reduce the growth of bacteria on your skin. Pay special attention to the areas where you tend to sweat. ✅ You should also wash your body after working out, playing sports, or sweating. ✅ Use a washcloth on your armpits, groin, and skin folds. ✅ Lather your skin with antibacterial soap to reduce the number of bacteria on it. ✅ Once you’ve finished washing, dry yourself completely with a towel.

Shave or wax your armpits regularly to make cleansing more effective and to control your body odor better.

PUT ON AN ANTIPERSPIRANT AT NIGHT.

Put on your antiperspirant before going to bed to give it a chance to work while you sleep and are not sweating. Otherwise, if you apply it in the morning, your sweat might wash away the product.

WEAR BREATHABLE FABRICS.

✅ For daily use, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool, and silk, that will allow your skin to breathe and your sweat to evaporate away. ✅ For working out, you can wear synthetic fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin.

CHANGE YOUR DIET.

✅ Avoid drinking too many caffeinated beverages. ✅ Cut down your intake of spicy or strong-smelling foods (like curry, garlic, spicy peppers, and onions) and sulfur-heavy foods (like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage) since they can make you sweat more or develop a stronger body odor than normal.

USE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE.

✅ Make a solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup of water. ✅ Wipe this mixture on the areas where you tend to sweat more (like your underarms, feet, and groin) with a washcloth to destroy the bacteria that cause body odor.

TRY A VINEGAR FOOT SOAK.

✅ Take a basin and add 1 cup of vinegar and 2 cups of warm water to it. Continue adding 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water until the basin is completely full. ✅ Prepare your feet by washing them with soft soap. ✅ Soak your feet in the vinegar solution for 10-20 minutes. Then wash your feet off with soft soap again. ✅ Repeat every day or until the foot odor disappears.

SPRAY YOUR SHOES WITH RUBBING ALCOHOL.

✅ Spray the insides of your shoes with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) in the evening and let them dry completely. Repeat this every day until the smell disappears. ✅ Continue to spray your shoes weekly to keep the odor away. ❗ Don’t spray the skin on your feet since the alcohol can dry it out. Always wear socks and make sure that your shoes are completely dry before wearing them again.

APRIL 2019

April 39

APRIL 2019

Baby Planning Packing a bag for the hospital can be a true challenge for a future mother, or it can become USE HYDROGEN one of the best memories ever. Everything PEROXIDE.

depends on how carefully and timely it’s done. ✅ Make a solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup of water. ✅ Wipe this mixture on the areas where you tend to sweat

more (like your underarms, feet, and groin) with a washcloth to destroy the bacteria that cause body odor.

APRIL 2019

WHEN TO START PACKING YOUR HOSPITAL BAG

There is no single opinion on when to pack a bag to take to the hospital as your due date approaches. Some people wait for the start of their maternity leave to finally begin doing this exciting and sentimental activity. Others prefer to not feel rushed and to prepare things several weeks before childbirth. Gynecologists recommend starting to pack everything you need at 32–36 weeks, because starting from the 39th week, a child in the womb is considered full-term and can be born at any time.

WHAT CAN AND CAN’T BE USED TO TAKE THINGS TO THE HOSPITAL

Despite the fact that the conditions for checking future mothers into hospitals can vary, usually, any bag is fine. But there are still ways to make it easier for you: bags should have a smooth and washable surface. Textile, leather, or suede will not really work. It would be smarter to opt for a transparent PVC bag or a regular plastic bag. An important note: Transparent bags can be much more useful and convenient than non-transparent ones. All because when you look at them, you can quickly determine which bag you need right at that moment and this will prevent you from mixing up the prenatal and postnatal bags.

HOW MANY BAGS SHOULD YOU TAKE

There are various things you’ll need before and after childbirth. In order not to have to search for them in one bag, it might be more convenient to split the necessary items into 3 groups. Pack the things that are necessary for labor in the first bag and things that you’ll need right after the baby is born in the second bag. In the third bag, you can include clothes (for both you and the baby) to wear at check-out.

APRIL 2019

BAG #1, FOR CHILDBIRTH

1. Documents: passport, birth certificate, insurance card for the pregnant woman. If you decide that your partner or other relatives will be present at the childbirth, make sure to take the documents for the person who will be there with you in the maternity ward. This is usually a passport or driver’s license. An important note: The documents may slightly vary depending on the hospital. That’s why it’s better to learn about the hospital you’ll be giving birth to your child at and find out what documents you will need to take with you. 2. A gown, nightgown, chemise, or oversized T-shirt. When choosing clothes for childbirth, don’t try to look perfect — first and foremost, it is important that you feel comfortable in these clothes. In addition, there is a high probability that you will stain them. 3. Flip flops or other washable slippers. Only bring washable footwear that will be easy to shower in. 4. Mobile phone and a charger for it. 5. Wet wipes and toilet paper. 6. Socks. Some women have cold feet when in labor, so make sure you take a pair of socks with you in order to stay warm. 7. Water. You might become thirsty during intense labor. Make sure you take water with you in order to quench your thirst. Don’t bring a 1-gallon bottle with you — instead, take several small bottles that will be convenient to drink from. 8. Snacks. A woman in labor loses a lot of energy and may start feeling hungry. Take some crackers, fruit, or a handful of dried fruit to quickly satisfy your hunger. 9. You may want your own towel or paper towels to dry your face if it gets sweaty. 10. Disposable absorbent pads are a must-have for the delivery room. It is better to take a large pack with you. They can also be used after childbirth. 11. Elastic band for hair. If you have long hair, make sure to put it in a ponytail or a bun during childbirth. 12. Lip balm is not a must-have item, but some women have said that their lips get dry and crack while in labor. A moisturizer can help relieve irritation. An important note: Carefully check the bags you’re packing in order not to forget any important items. When you arrive at the hospital, your loved ones may not be allowed to see you and give you anything extra.

BAG #2, RIGHT AFTER CHILDBIRTH

1. Clothes: a nightgown and a hospital-friendly gown, a nursing bra, socks. An important note: You will need different clothing before and after labor. The gown, chemise, or T-shirt you wear during labor will need to be replaced. If you give birth in the fall or winter, take into account that it might be colder in the room (although most hospital rooms are cold in general). Make sure to take warm socks to prevent your feet from getting cold. 2. Disposable postpartum panties, 5–7 pair. These type of panties are made out of soft, breathable material that doesn’t press or rub, which is very important in the postpartum period. Moreover, you’ll have to change your underwear much more often right after childbirth, than you usually would. This can be done without extra hassles if you use disposable panties. 3. Towels. You should take 2 towels with you — a big one and a small one. It will be convenient to take a shower with the first one and wash your hands and face with the second one. 4. Special postpartum cotton maxi-pads, 1–2 packs. If you wish, you can use large, super-absorbent pads. Just keep in mind that their surface should be soft and breathable. 5. Special pads for breasts, 6 pairs approximately. After childbirth, colostrum starts to actively be produced in the woman’s breasts. Sometimes it is produced in big amounts and starts to ooze from breasts. In order to prevent leakage, make sure to take special round pads for your breasts. 6. Hygiene supplies: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, baby soap, and a hairbrush. An important note: It is important for the baby to feel your natural smell during their first days, so make sure to opt for neutral products without strong fragrances for your personal hygiene. 7. Toilet paper. 8. Disposable toilet seat covers. 9. Micro-enema. Can be required for constipation, which sometimes occurs a few days after childbirth. 10. A breast pump will help relieve heaviness in the breasts if they produce too much milk, as well as activate lactation if there is not enough milk in the breasts. An important note: There are many types of breast pumps on the market today from simple mechanical ones to convenient and electrical ones. In the hospital, you’ll only need the simplest device for pumping milk. You can use a more advanced version at home. 11. Nipple cream with lanolin. The skin on a woman’s breasts is very thin and sensitive. If the baby suckles too intensely, the breasts may become chafed and cracked. In order to heal the wound quickly, use a cream with lanolin. It actively moisturizes and heals the skin, and is safe for babies. An important note: Don’t use creams not meant for nipples if you are breastfeeding. Keep in mind that everything you apply to your breasts, gets into your baby’s mouth. 12. Utensils and snacks: a mug, a spoon, tea bags, light snacks.

APRIL 2019

FOR THE BABY

1. Clothes: shirts, pants, socks, anti-scratch mittens, hat. Take 1-3 sets of baby clothes to the hospital. If you need more clothes, you can always ask your loved ones to bring more to you. 2. Odorless liquid soap for washing the baby. 3. Baby cream or diaper cream will save the baby from diaper rash. 4. Wet baby wipes. 5. Diapers. Opt for the ones that indicate a weight of 5-11 pounds or the ones that say “Newborn.” 6. Reusable changing pads, 1–3 pieces. Most hospitals let their patients use their pads, but you can always take yours. 7. Disposable pads are convenient when changing the baby’s clothes because at this moment many babies like to pee or poo. Also, disposable pads will prevent the baby from leaking if he/she is very active and diapers are constantly moving to the side because of their constant motion. Place a disposable pad under your baby before they sleep at night and if the diaper leaks, the rest of the linens on the bed will stay dry.

BAG #3, FOR CHECK-OUT

It’s better to pack this bag yourself, so you can be sure you haven’t forgotten anything. You’ll need: Clothes and a cosmetic bag for you. Clothes for the baby: a shirt, pants, a hat, outerwear according to the weather.

APRIL 2019

food PASTA STAPLES Pasta carbonara is a traditional Italian dish. It’s popular all over the world due to its pleasant taste, simple ingredients, and the fact that it’s easy to cook.

APRIL 2019

FOOD

PASTA CARBONARA Ingredients 9 ounces of whole-wheat spaghetti 4 ounces of parmesan cheese 3 to 4 eggs 5 ounces of bacon or ham 5 to 7 ounces of cream 2 cloves of garlic 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil salt and pepper to taste 1. Pour a bit of vegetable oil into the frying pan and place it on the heat. 2. Grate some garlic and add some oil to it so that the garlic can absorb the oil’s flavor. 3. Cut the bacon into thin pieces and put them in the frying pan. Fry the bacon until it’s golden in color. 4. Put the fried bacon on a paper towel to remove the excess fat. 5. Cook the spaghetti in salted water for about 5 minutes. Don’t overcook the pasta or rinse it as it should be al dente — this is important. 6. While the pasta is still cooking, make the sauce. Separate some egg yolks from the whites and add some salt and pepper, cream, and grated parmesan cheese to the yolks. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly. 7. Drain the water but don’t rinse the pasta. Add bacon and sauce to it. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and leave them under the lid for 5 minutes. 8. Put the pasta on some plates, sprinkle it with grated parmesan and herbs, and serve.

APRIL 2019

FOOD

EASTER DAY DESSERT

If you are looking for an easy, affordable, and tasty dessert, you might want to consider making a carrot cake. If you’re making it from scratch, it will take you about 90 minutes, give or take.

APRIL 2019

FOOD

CARROT CAKE Ingredients The cake 3 cups of grated carrots 4 eggs 2 cups of wheat flour ¾ cup of normal sugar ½ cup of brown sugar 1 cup of vegetable oil 1 tsp cinnamon powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 2 tsp of vanilla essence 5 oz of walnuts Raisins (optional) The frosting 7 oz of cream cheese 4 oz of butter 1 cup of powdered sugar 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence 1. Peel and grate the carrot. 2. Sift the flour with a sieve on top of a bowl. 3. In the same way, sift baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. 4. Make sure you mix these ingredients well with a spoon and set them to the side. 5. In another bowl, add the eggs and beat them with a blender machine. After about 30 seconds, slowly add the oil and keep beating for 2 more minutes. 6. While still beating, add the normal sugar and the brown sugar. Keep on beating until all the ingredients are well mixed. 7. Add the vanilla essence and gradually incorporate the flour mixture you set aside at the beginning. 8. Once the flour is well mixed, add the 3 cups of carrots and mix with a spatula or spoon. Stir well. Mix in the chopped nuts and raisins (optional). 9. Butter and flour the cake pan. Pour in the mixture and bake for 60 minutes at 350ºF. 10. Let the cream cheese and the butter sit at room temperature for a while to soften. Place them in a bowl and beat until they’re well combined — approximately 40 seconds. 11. Sift the powdered sugar over the same bowl and keep stirring the mixture until the ingredients are well mixed. 12. Add vanilla essence and whisk using the blender to incorporate. 13. Cover the frosting bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes. 14. Unmold the cake and place it on a plate. 15. Cover just the top with frosting or cover it completely. Enjoy!

APRIL 2019

living ROLL IT OUT Biodegradable tubes are still rare. So far, this useless piece of cardboard increases the huge amount of garbage on our planet. Unusual DIYs with toilet paper tubes are an excellent way to upcycle them.

APRIL 2019

LIVING

A BIRD FEEDER 1. Punch 2 holes on each end of the tube. 2. Cover the tube well with peanut butter. 3. Dip the tube into a feed mix for birds. 4. Pass a rope through the upper holes to hang the feeder, and a stick through the lower holes. It will work as a perch for the birds.

A BOBBIN FOR YARN 1. Take the necessary quantity of tubes and make a small cut on each one’s end. 2. Coil the yarn around the tube. 3. Insert the end of the thread into the cut. 4. Put the bobbins of yarn into a box.

AN ORGANIZER FOR LITTLE THINGS 1. Take the necessary quantity of tubes and apply glue to the entire lower circumference of each of them. 2. Take a cardboard box and organize the tubes in it with the ends covered in glue facing down. Press them down slightly and let the glue dry. Put your little things inside the tubes.

APRIL 2019

AN ORGANIZER FOR MAKEUP PRODUCTS 1. Take 5 tubes. Leave the original size of the first one and cut the remaining tubes to make them different in height. Using glue, cover them with colorful sticky paper. 2. Using glue, cover the upper ends of the tubes with a decorative ribbon. 3. Take a piece of thick cardboard, put a cup on it with its brim down, circle it with a pencil, and cut the resulting circle out. 4. Using glue, cover the surface of the circle with colorful sticky paper. 5. Apply glue to the lower ends of the tubes and glue them to the circle. 6. Let the organizer dry and distribute your makeup products among the units.

LIVING

NAPKIN RINGS 1. Cut a tube into 3 equal parts. 2. Using glue, cover each of them with a decorative ribbon. 3. Use ribbons of 2 different colors to make the design more interesting. 4. Pass the napkins through the rings and put them on plates.

LIVING

AN A PACKAGE EYEGLASSES FOR A CASE CHILD’S PRESENT 1. Take 2 tubes, flatten them slightly, and cut them vertically from one side. 2. Take a piece of decorative fabric, cover it well with glue from the back side and put the tubes a bit to the right from the middle. The cut part of the tubes should be at the edge of the fabric. 3. Wrap the tubes with the fabric, folding its edges into the tubes. 4. Fold the excess fabric behind the upper and lower ends of the tubes. 5. Secure the right and lower ends of the future case with binder clips. Leave them for a couple of days until the glue dries and the fabric sticks to the tubes properly. 6. Put your glasses inside the new case.

1. Cut out triangles on the top of the tube. 2. Paint the tube yellow. 3. Using glue, cover the bottom of the tube with decorative ribbon. 4. Drop some glue on the middle part of the tube and attach a piece of decorative wire to it. Try to choose wire wrapped in fabric. 5. Glue 2 to 3 decorative eyes to the opposite side of the tube. Curl the ends of the wire. 6. Put a small bag of candy inside the tube.

APRIL 2019

TIPS & TRICKS

HOW TO LEARN TO SLEEP ON YOUR BACK Sleeping on your back provides a lot of benefits — it keeps your spine properly aligned, prevents headaches, and even reduces sleep wrinkles on your face.

❗ Avoid sleeping on your back if you’re pregnant, if you have sleep apnea, or if you tend to snore.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATTRESS. ⛔ Don’t sleep on a mattress that’s too soft. Otherwise, your hips and lower back might sink into the bed and you’ll get uncomfortable. ✅ Instead, always choose a firm mattress that supports the natural curve of your spine and makes you feel comfortable. SUPPORT YOUR KNEES. ✅ Put a pillow under your knees to support the natural curve in your lower back and reduce pressure and stress on your spine. ✅ Instead of a pillow, you can also use a rolled-up towel. BUILD A PILLOW FORTRESS. ✅ Add a couple of pillows to both sides of your body, in addition to the pillows under your head and knees, and rest your arms on them. This will prevent you from rolling over to the side. USE A WEIGHTED BLANKET. ✅ Replace your ordinary blanket with a weighted one. It will make tossing and turning more difficult and prevent you from turning on your side or stomach.

GET THE RIGHT PILLOW. ⛔ Your pillow shouldn’t be too low or too high. Otherwise, it will put unnecessary stress on your neck. ✅ Your pillow should support your head, the natural curve of your neck, and your shoulders. It should be thick enough to keep your skull at the same level as your body. ✅ For the best support, try to use 2 pillows — put a small rounded pillow under your neck and a flatter pillow under your head. ✅ Instead of a neck pillow, you can also use a rolled-up towel. SPREAD OUT YOUR ARMS AND LEGS. ⛔ Don’t try to keep your muscles stiff and your arms and legs straight during the entire night. ✅ On the contrary, relax your arms and legs and spread them out to the sides in a starfish position. This will help you to distribute your weight evenly and release pressure from your joints. ✅ You can also raise your arms above your head in a goal post position.

APRIL 2019

CHILL & DRAW

APRIL 2019