5 Minute Crafts Magazine - December 2020 by Lawrence Ambrocio

FESTIVE HOLIDAYS Celebrate this Christmas this Year

December 2020 $5.99 (Canada) $3.99 (US)

december 2020

CONTENTS

"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." ― Pablo Picasso

DECEMBER 2020

CONTENTS

style

home

health

food

living

GETTING BALD Shaving your head is a bold act of confidence. The look is easy to maintain, it’s timeless, and in addition to saving you money on hair products, it also means spending less on haircuts since it’s something you can do yourself.

FRESH CLEANING If you love cooking and do it regularly, you’d better clean and disinfect your utensils to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of microbes on the surfaces of your kitchen.

WINTER ROUTINES Thanks to Nordic walking, you can turn a regular walk into a full-fledged workout, activating about 80%-90% of your muscles. This kind of sport makes the body stronger, improves posture, makes it easier to lose weight, and puts all the muscle groups to work, unlike regular walking where only the leg muscles get used.

CHICKEN FLAVOUR Hot adobo chicken wings are very easy to make; they’re the perfect twist to classic buffalo wings. You can make them at home, and you don’t even need to put them in the oven to make them delicious and crispy.

THE JOLLY DAYS Christmas time smells of oranges, cinnamon, and chocolate and shines with colorful lights. To make your space more festive and bright, decorate it with Christmas accents.

SKIN GENERATIONS Your skin regenerates approximately every 30 days — new cells, which push the old ones to the surface, are formed in the middle layer. However, sometimes dead cells are not removed completely and accumulate together.

MATTRESS MAINTENANCE With time, our mattresses will inevitably get dirty or stained if we don’t clean them frequently. This way, you’ll extend its life and prevent it from accumulating bacteria that could affect your health.

holidays

2020 GIFT GUIDE This gift guide under $50 includes gifts for everyone – friends, family, him, her, hostess gifts – all of the above!

features

DECEMBER 2020

COLORFUL POPCORN We’d like to show you how to make colorful popcorn quickly and easily with just 3 ingredients and in 4 steps. Surprise your friends with this sweet idea the next time you get together with them.

departments

EDITOR'S LETTER

TRICKS & TIPS

CHILL & DRAW COVER PHOTO © NADIAONTHERUN / INSTAGRAM

PILAR GUZMAN 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

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD Carol Zephyrine RESEARCH SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST Eva Chau MARKETING , COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS SENIOR DIRECTOR Tracy Finkelstein MANAGER Silvana Sciortino SENIOR SPECIALIST Erin Quinn SPECIALISTS Carlie McGhee, Summer Varty, Alyson Young SENIOR DESIGNER Colin Elliott CONSUMER MARKETING GROUP VICE-PRESIDENT, CONSUMER MARKETING Christopher Purcell GROUP CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Doris Chan PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGERS Yen Duong, Amanda Stone DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Jason Patterson DIRECTOR, NEWSSTAND SALES Pat Strangis

BUSINESS BUSINESS MANAGER Nancy Baker DIGITAL SOLUTIONS GROUP GENERAL MANAGER, NATIONAL PORTALS Ray Ostor

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER Pat Danaher DIGITAL COLOUR SPECIALIST Nicole Duplantis (on leave), Katarina Marinic

ST. JOSEPH COMMUNICATIONS CHAIRMAN + CEO Tony Gagliano VICE-CHAIRMAN John Gagliano PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER, SJC MEDIA Ken Hunt SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, REVENUE Lynn Chambers VICE-PRESIDENT, CONTENT & CREATIVE Maryam Sanati MANAGING DIRECTOR, CONSUMER REVENUE Allan Yue MANAGING DIRECTOR, RESEARCH & CONSUMER INSIGHTS Clarence Poirier MANAGING DIRECTOR, MARKETING Nadine Silverthorne DIRECTOR, CUSTOMER SUCCESS Terry Smith DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION Maria Mendes MANAGING DIRECTOR, Branded Content Sasha Emmons HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jason Maghanoy DIRECTOR, MARKETING SPONSORSHIPS Jessika Fink

Visit us at 5minutecrafts.site

St. Joseph Communications can be reached at 15 Benton Road, Toronto, M6M 3G2

5 Minute Crafts is published by St. Joseph Communications, 15 Benton Road, Toronto M6M 3G2. Montreal office: 249, rue Saint-Jacques, Bureau 201, Montréal H2Y 1M6. Vancouver advertising office: 180 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver V5Y 3T9. Contents copyright 2020 by St. Joseph Communications; 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 0009-1995. Single copy price: $4.99 + tax. Full subscription prices: Canada, 1 year (10 issues), $15 + tax. In U.S., 1 year, $45; foreign countries, $75. Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index. Printed in Canada by St. Joseph Communications, Print. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. 5 Minute Crafts receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. 5 Minute Crafts, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, republish, distribute, store and archive such unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. This statement does not apply to materials and/or pitches submitted by freelance writers, photographers or illustrators in accordance with known industry practices.

EDITOR'S NOTE

The Year of Giving A

s we entered the production cycle for the December issue, I was grappling with the thought, “How can it possibly be the end of the year already?” 2020 reminds me of how they used to illustrate the passing of time in old movies, with pages rapidly flying off the calendar. Adweek shared findings from our recent survey across the U.S. on surging viewer interest in feel-good short-form content this year. Our survey shows that 69% of U.S. consumers spend 30 minutes to three hours a day watching these types of videos -- "proving to be an effective mood booster and digital distraction." Short-form content, which is less than 10 minutes long, has proven to be an effective mood booster and digital distraction: 69% of U.S. consumers spend 30 minutes to three hours watching these videos each day, according to a study by media company TheSoul Publishing. “It’s interesting to see that it’s not just any short-form video that’s resonating with the American audience right now. It’s really positive content that has taken the spotlight, becoming the popular form of escapism and a welcome source of entertainment,” Victor Potrel, vp of platform partnerships at TheSoul Publishing, said. People don’t view these videos as a guilty pleasure, but as a necessary part of their wellness routines. According to TheSoul, more than one in three Americans consider consuming this content to be a healthy part of their lifestyles. This trend is reflected in the recent success of TheSoul’s most popular platform, 5-Minute Crafts, a DIY-style YouTube channel that offers everything from wacky prank ideas, unique dessert recipes and “life hacks” that reveal hidden uses for everyday items. As the year comes to a close, we’d like to thank our millions of fans all around the world. 2020 has been an unprecedented year and we hope our fun content brought some smiles and good vibes. From TheSoul Publishing, Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a wonderful New Year to all! And don't forget to check out our holiday tips to celebrate the Christmas season!

PILAR GUZMÁN Editor In-Chief

DECEMBER 2020

style GETTING BALD Shaving your head is a bold act of confidence. The look is easy to maintain, it’s timeless, and in addition to saving you money on hair products, it also means spending less on haircuts since it’s something you can do yourself.

DECEMBER 2020

STYLE You’ll need:

A pair of scissors A pair of clippers A clipper guard Pre-shaving oil Shaving cream/gel A razor Post-shaving cream

Step 1: Remove the bulk.

Start by using scissors first if your hair is too long. After that, use warm water in your hair to soften it and help prevent the buzzer from catching onto the hair. Check your head for bumps or moles and be careful around those areas. Move on to the clipper guard and buzz down the back and sides. Stop here if all you want is to trim down your sides. Then buzz the rest of the hair off the top of your head.

Step 2: Use the clipper with no guard. Remove the clipper guard. Take your hair down to stubble — it will minimize resistance when using a razor. Note: You can also use the smallest clipper guard so there’s still some visible hair, as it will be easier to notice a spot you might have missed when shaving your hair later.

Step 3: Wash your head with warm water.

Wash your hair with warm water to relax your skin, soften your hair, and open the pores. Note: This will minimize resistance even more as well as clean hair clippings that might clog up the razor.

Step 4: Apply oil to your lather.

Apply a pre-shaving oil to allow your blade to glide more easily on the skin. Take a shaving cream or gel and lather it up with your hands. Warm it up with your hands. Afterward, apply the lather with force to your scalp.

Note: The pre-shaving oil also creates a protective barrier between the blade and the skin.

Step 5: Start shaving with the razor.

Use the help of a mirror. First, start with the sides and back of your head, and make short, slow strokes downward in the direction of your hair growth. Then move on to the top. Start at the cowlick spot (the whorl) at the back of your head and shave toward your forehead. Repeat step 4 (apply oil and lather it to your head). Do the same thing you did to the back and sides as well as the top of your head, but against the grain this time.

Step 6: Apply post-shave.

Apply a post-shave to your head. Then cover your head with an ice-cold towel.

Note: The ice-cold towel closes pores and prevents razor burn.

DECEMBER 2020

STYLE

SKIN GENERATIONS

Your skin regenerates approximately every 30 days — new cells, which push the old ones to the surface, are formed in the middle layer. However, sometimes dead cells are not removed completely and accumulate together. This leads to flaky skin, dry spots, and clogged pores. The good thing is that peeling helps remove dead cells from the skin’s surface. For that, you can use mechanical or chemical products.

DECEMBER 2020

STYLE Brushes, sponges, and gloves for peels

Brushes, sponges, and gloves for peels related to mechanical peeling products: A brush is made of soft bristles that help remove dead skin cells from the face and body. Exfoliation with a brush can be done either dry or with a cleansing product, such as foam or gel. A sponge is basically softer than a brush and is suitable for gentle exfoliation of the skin. A foam or a gel is normally applied to the sponge, and the skin is gently rubbed with it. Gloves are most often used for body peels. But you can also use them to exfoliate the facial skin if, for some reason, a brush or a sponge turned out to be inconvenient for you. A cleansing agent is applied to the gloves and the skin is gently rubbed with it. ✅ This is suitable for normal, oily, and combination skin. ❌ This is not recommended for dry and sensitive skin.

Scrubs

A scrub is a liquid cosmetic product with a grainy texture. It is achieved with the help of solid particles in its composition that exfoliate the skin. When applied to the skin, it removes dead cells and makes the skin’s surface smoother. Be careful when choosing scrubs and avoid ones that contain rough solid particles, such as coarse salt, sugar, crushed apricot pits, and other ground grains. Instead, give preference to scrubs with soft, round granules. They softly exfoliate the skin and help you to avoid irritation. ✅ This is suitable for normal, oily, and combination skin. ❌ This is not recommended for dry and sensitive skin.

Acid peels (BHA-acids)

Just like AHA-acids, beta hydroxy acids (BHA) relate to the products of chemical peels. Salicylic acid is the most popular for cosmetic purposes. It deeply exfoliates the skin, dissolves sebum, and unclogs clogged pores. It helps to reduce inflammation common in oily to combination skin. ✅ This is suitable for oily and combination skin. ❌ This is not recommended for normal, dry, and sensitive skin.

Enzyme peels

Enzyme peels also relate to chemical ones and contain fruit enzymes that gently remove dead skin cells. Unlike acids, enzymes don’t stimulate cell renewal and, therefore, are suitable for those with sensitive skin. Enzyme peels use papaya and pineapple ferments. They are indicated in the composition of these products under the names papain and bromelain, respectively. ✅ This is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.

The frequency of use

The frequency of peels depends on the type of the skin: For sensitive skin, it’s optimal to do peels 1-2 times a week. For normal and combination skin, peels can be used up to 3 times a week. For oily skin, use peels up to 5 times a week. For dry skin, use peels no more than once a week. These are conditional recommendations. Make your decision based on the condition of your skin after the procedures. If it still looks dull and your pores are clogged, it may be worth increasing the frequency of exfoliation. But, on the contrary, if you see clear changes, stick to the recommended frequency or reduce it.

Acid peels (AHA-acids)

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are plant-based ingredients that dissolve dead cells and remove them from the surface of the skin. Acids are related to the products of chemical peels, which can be used both at home or in a salon. Acids, such as glycolic, citric, malic, and lactic, are a part of the AHA-acid group. They possess a mild exfoliating effect, while the lactic acid is also moisturizing. That’s why they’re recommended for dry and normal skin types. AHA-acids can be used separately or in a complex. However, it’s recommended to start with products that contain only one AHA-acid in order to understand how your skin reacts to this product. If everything is good, you can try a complex of AHAacids. ✅ This is suitable for dry and normal skin.

DECEMBER 2020

Safety measures

Apply the products carefully, and strictly follow the instructions on the package. Don’t press or rub your skin too hard, especially if you’re using mechanical peel products. Don’t use exfoliators if you have open wounds or burned skin. Peeling can dry your skin, which is why you should make sure to apply moisturizing cream after each procedure to keep things healthy and moisturized. Peeling increases the sensitivity of the skin, so it’s recommended to use sunscreen afterward. Use peeling products very carefully if you have acne, rosacea, or other skin conditions. Ideally, consult a dermatologist and test any product for possible allergic reactions before using it. To do this, apply a small amount to the skin at the inside bend of the elbow. Stop using a peel if you notice that your skin turns red, gets inflamed, starts to peel off, or gets irritated. Refuse a peel if you’re taking medicine or are using a treatment for acne, such as retinol or benzoyl peroxide. This can worsen the skin’s condition and lead to rashes.

home FRESH CLEANING If you love cooking and do it regularly, you’d better clean and disinfect your utensils to prevent crosscontamination and the spread of microbes on the surfaces of your kitchen.

DECEMBER 2020

HOME Method 1: sea salt + lemon

This natural and chemical-free way to disinfect your board only requires 2 ingredients: lemon and sea salt. The high level of acidity in this fruit transforms the pH of the bacteria, thus creating an acidic environment not apt for microbes. 1. Sprinkle some salt over your cutting board. How much you use will depend on its size. Make sure you spread a large quantity over the areas that have stains on them. 2. Squeeze half a lemon over the salt or pour lemon juice directly over it. 3. Get half a lemon and rub it vigorously on the board. Wait for at least 5 minutes. Then wipe it clean with a dry cloth. 4. Your board is now bacteria-free and it should smell nice. Store it in a dry place since microorganisms grow in humid places.

Method 2: baking soda + lemon

If your cutting board has stains on it, despite how often you wash it with water and soap, you can remove them by using baking soda. This is a simple method to get rid of mold and prevent moisture from appearing on the surface of kitchen utensils. 1. Spread some baking soda over your cutting board, covering the entire surface. 2. Rub half a lemon on the board. You’ll notice an effervescent effect when it comes into contact with the baking soda. Wait for 5 minutes and then repeat the procedure on the other side of the cutting board. 3. Both sides should be completely dry before storing it away in a dry place.

Method 3: white vinegar + hot water

Cutting boards, especially those made of wood or bamboo, easily absorb the smell and color of the food you’ve placed on top of them. The best way to remove or prevent bad odors is by using white vinegar — its smell doesn’t last long, it disinfects surfaces, and it doesn’t ruin the material of the utensil. 1. Heat a cup of water and mix it with a couple of spoonfuls of white vinegar. The quantity depends on the size of the cutting board. 2. Dampen a cloth or paper towel and rub it over the wood on both sides of the board. 3. Finish off by pouring hot water over the board. Wait for it to dry, then put it away.

DECEMBER 2020

HOME

MATTRESS MAINTENANCE

With time, our mattresses will inevitably get dirty or stained if we don’t clean them frequently. This way, you’ll extend its life and prevent it from accumulating bacteria that could affect your health.

DECEMBER 2020

HOME Get rid of bad odors. With baking soda To get rid of the foul smell impregnated in your mattress, remove the bedding and spread baking soda all over its surface. Allow the product to work on the mattress for a couple of hours. Next, remove the baking soda with the help of a vacuum cleaner. Repeat this process by turning the mattress over and applying the product to the other side’s surface. If you’d like to add a pleasant aroma, you can add a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender or vanilla) at the end of this step. With vinegar If your mattress has an unpleasant odor or smells musty, white vinegar will help remove the mold that expels the bad smell. First, remove the bedding and vacuum the mattress. Then sprinkle white vinegar over its whole surface. Repeat this process on the other side of the mattress. Leave it uncovered for at least 4 hours in a well-ventilated room until it dries completely.

Let it ventilate and give it a sun bath. To keep your mattress cool and prevent unpleasant odors, remove the covers, sheets, and pillows. If your bedroom has windows, open them and allow fresh air in and the sun’s rays to shine directly on the mattress. This will help to naturally remove odors and bring freshness to your bedding. If you have a terrace or patio at home, take it outside and leave it outdoors for at least 12 hours.

Recommendations Once your mattress is clean, odor-free, and dry, cover it using a mattress protector under the bedding. This product will help protect it and make the cleaning process more manageable. You’ll just have to remove the protector and wash it by hand or in the washing machine. Try to clean your mattress with baking soda or vinegar every 15 days. Perform a deep cleaning every 6 months so that you’ll extend its life. It’s also important that you keep your pillows clean. We’ll show you how to do it here.

Remove dry stains with hydrogen peroxide. It’s essential that you read the manufacturer’s instruction manual or check the label on your mattress before applying liquids or chemicals directly to it. To remove dry stains from the surface of your mattress, mix 2 parts hydrogen peroxide with one part liquid soap. Make sure it doesn’t contain any coloring or oil. Whisk the mixture well until it produces foam. Get some of the foam on a clean toothbrush. Rub it gently over the affected area of the mattress. If there are several spots, repeat the same method on each of them. When you finish, wipe the surface with a clean cloth slightly dampened with water. Allow the mattress to dry thoroughly, preferably in a ventilated room.

DECEMBER 2020

holidays 2020 GIFT GUIDE This gift guide under $50 includes gifts for everyone – friends, family, him, her, hostess gifts – all of the above! Sharing some of my favorite gifts of the year here! Jessica Merchant of How Sweet Eats presenting gifts to them

DECEMBER 2020

USB Candle Lighter. This is perhaps the single best gift I gave people last year. It was the biggest hit! Everyone loves these. It’s a great hostess gift too. Moonlight Pajamas. My all-time favorite pajamas. Nothing compares! Pilo Fabric Shaver. This is fantastic for sweaters in the fall and winter. Slipper Socks. Nothing beats a huge thick pair of socks, cuddled up by the tree. Hotel Robe. I have a few different robes but am absolutely in love with this one. The tie dye on the edges is so cute without being obnoxious too. Spiked Hoop Earrings. I live for a spike and hoop! Barefoot Dreams Throw. Another huge huge winner for gifts. I gift one of these every year (though I think I’ve given everyone I know one by now). They are the softest, most wonderful blankets. Wonder Woman Bingo. Super fun game to play with your girlfriends! Vintage Bookshelf Board Games. I also LOVE these games. My classic favorites but in this cute bookshelf style. I might even get Eddie one of these too. Polartech Half Snap Fleece. I’ve had this fleece for two years now and adore it. It’s so easy to throw on and super warm. I love the red with pink detail, but there are multiple colors. Gold Frasier Fir Candle. This candle is perfect for the entire winter season. It smells wonderful and but it’s pretty too. Dudley Stephens Fleece. Another winner here – this super warm fleece turtleneck is weirdly flattering and so comfortable. Leopard Suede Slippers. I get a version of these slippers every year. They are so cozy and comfy. Stars Above Sweatshirt. This is the softest, most comfortable sweatshirt ever. It also has pocket! I bought one for my mom last year and we both love it. Card Case with Strap. I have the smaller card case version of this. I love the rainbow colors and that this one can carry just a bit more while still being compact. Waterproof Wedge Boot. You’re probably sick of hearing me talk about these boots. They are amazing – cute, functional if you live in cold weather and so comfortable. Lululemon Align Leggings. Best leggings on the planet. Period. Bala Bangles. If you don’t mind getting or gifting workout gear (I don’t), then you have to get these bala bangles. I love ‘em! Passion Planner. This is my go-to planner. It’s sleep and the pages and perfectly for daily planning.

Faux Leather Foldover Clutch. The cutest black clutch from one of my favorite brands. Keurig Cafe Coffee Maker. Going on two years, I still ADORE this coffee maker. You can make lattes and cappuccinos and obviously the flavors are endless. Sticky Note Folio. If you know a pen and paper lover (hi! me!), this sticky note folio is perfect. Large Notepad. So it this large notepad. And cute too.

Himalayan Salt Lamp. The salt lamp is one of my favorite things. It gives the coziest, warm glow to any room. I use them in my kids’ room and mine. I love them.

Weekly Meal Planner. Also this meal planner is awesome. Love that it’s a giant note pad.

Ember Smart Mug. This mug is a splurge but has a bluetooth hot plate to keep your coffee hot. NEEDED!

2021 Garden Calendar. This is my yearly calendar. I look forward to it all year. MZ Wallace Small Sutton Bag. MZ Wallace makes the best bags and this year I fell in love with the small sutton. You can fit SO much in it, it’s still a crossbody – it’s so so good. Also very easy to clean. Airpods case. A cute way to store airpods – and maybe lose them less? There’s also an airpods pro case. Adidas Ultraboosts. These are my FAVORITE sneakers ever – I’ve worn them almost exclusively for 3 years. Now my mom loves them too. They are so supportive and cushiony. The best!

DECEMBER 2020

Magnatiles. This has been one of the best toys we’ve had – as long as we’ve had kids. Max still loves playing with these at 6 years old and Emilia loves them too. They build together and play separately. Straw Constructor Set. This quaratine find has been gold. This keeps the kids entertained for house. And while it can kind of be a mess when playing, it packs up nicely into this box. Aquabeads. Max really got into aquabeads this year. Emilia is too young to do these on her own, but we love doing this as a family, or Max does them on his own. They are really fun. Melissa and Doug One Stop Shop. Another item that we bought years ago for Christmas – both kids still love this. There is tons of imaginary play that goes on in our toy room, and this shop is a huge part of it. Melissa and Doug Pizza Counter. We also have tons of play food, but the pizza set is definitely a favorite! LCD Writing Tablets. I love these writing tablets for the kids. They are incredible for travel, but since no one is doing that right now, the kids spend some time on them in the afternoons too. They love to draw things and then have us guess what they are. Jumbo Coloring Pads. These coloring pads are another huge win. We do a ton of art and these are fantastic. One of these sheets per kid gives us 30ish minutes of entertainment, at least. They use crayons, markers or paint with these. Scoop and Learn Ice Cream Truck. Emilia got this gift last year for her birthday and it’s been a favorite this year. Both kids push this around and make their own ice cream truck. It is super fun. Construction Plate and Utensils. We love these plates! Max is a little too old for them now and Emilia is slowly getting over them (especially the utensils), but these are SO fun for young eaters that I had to include them again. We loved these. Connect 4. We’ve entered the years of playing games now with Max and connect 4 is definitely his favorite. Hanna Andersson Pajamas. I’ve raved about these PJs for years. The quality is incredible. I also exclusively buy Hanna pajamas! They are a wonderful gift. Kid’s Sorel Boots. If you live in a cold/snowy climate, I can’t recommend the kid’s sorel boots enough. They are SO warm. I can get two seasons out of them with Max, and then I save them for Emilia as she grows into them. The quality is so good. Mini Melissa Mary Janes. On the same shoe note, Emilia lives in mini Melissas! These are the shoes she has worn for about two years now. They smell like candy (really), are great for play or cute to wear with something nice. We love these. Hungry Hungry Hippos. Max is also very into hungry hungry hippos! This is a fun one because Emilia can easily play too.

Zara Basic Puffer. For years I have been a lover of Patagonia sweater coats for my kids. They last two seasons and I can pass Max’s down. However! This Zara puffer is incredible – so warm, so cute and an amazing price. Emilia had one last year, and this year I got Max one too! There is a pink version is here. Kid’s Whale Slippers. I got these for the kids to match – they LOVE matching. Fun slippers are always a good choice. My Big Wilmmelbooks. We love books in this house, but these are the ones my kids can get stuck in for a good while. It’s almost like a where’s waldo, but with scenes. We have every version, we always travel with them on road trips and they are really fun! 1000 Things to Eat. Another book we LOVE is this 100 Things to Eat. We have all the versions of this too. Max especially loves this one right now. Jump Rocket Launcher. We got this over the summer and oh my, it gives you tons of entertainment. It’s definitely an outdoor toy, and it’s so light and easy that you can take it anywhere. Dominoes. We fell in love with dominoes this year too. Max will meticulously set them up only for Emilia to knock one down. I swear it’s super fun. Fleece Robe. Every other year I love to do robes for the kids on Christmas too. Robes and slippers for life! Melissa and Doug Wooden Puzzle Set. We’ve got a ton of use out of these puzzles – my mom also has multiple versions at her house and the kids love them. Emilia is really into them, but Max still enjoys them now too!

DECEMBER 2020

Cloud Oversize Scarf. I have this scarf and absolutely love it. It’s like a cozy blanket. Artisan Bread Making Kit. If you know someone who fell in love with sourdough/bread baking during this time, this is the kit for you. Freezable Beer Glasses. Kind of genius! Matcha Whisk. I use this to froth all milk. It’s wonderful. Hair Tie Bracelet. Um, can you even believe this exists?! I have had a black hair tie on my wrist for 30 years. Reversible Faux Leather Tote. Absolutely in love love love with this! Nest Holiday Candle. One of my favorite scents of all time. This candle is such a classic wonderful gift. It’s also a great winter scent, to use after the holidays. 24 oz Hydroflask. I love this size of hydroflask because it fits in car holders and the peloton bike. Insulated Stainless Steel Mug. Another fave right here, if you’re an iced coffee drinker! Mini Cooler Backpack. This is brilliant, and I want to get one for trips to the park with the kids in the summer.

Shower Steamers. I love this gift for anyone. Not as messy as a bath bomb and so relaxing. Hollywood Picture Frame. I do picture frames with the kids in them for multiple family members every year. These ones are so beautiful. Match Cloche. This reminds me of something my grandma had. It’s so beautiful. Marbled Cheese Board. I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a cheese board!

Courtly Check Mug. My love of courtly check knows no bounds. Gemstone Sensor Night Lights. Ever since having kids, we are a night light house. We have them in every room. I love them!

Rifle Paper Desk Tackle Box. If you know a pen and paper freak like me, this would be the most incredible gift.

Lustered Cocktail Shaker. I have a similar one to this and get so many compliments on it. It’s beautiful on a bar cart or buffet stand. Cheese Knives. This is my mom’s signature gift. She also breaks some of these apart and gives them to friends. Floating Bluetooth Speaker. I am obsessed with the fact that this FLOATS. That is incredible. Jewelry Stand. I have one of these stands on my dresser. It’s wonderful for delicate necklaces. It looks pretty too.

Serving Platter. Such a gorgeous serving platter. I can’t get enough. Vanity Organizer. I got this last year for christmas to organize my skincare and I adore it. Paint By Number Kit. Something to do with your hands other than play with your phone!!

Glass Candy Stripe Bowl. This is such a statement piece. I would leave it out all year Patissier Bread Box. On the same note as bread baking, I love this bread box! It’s beautiful.

DECEMBER 2020

Grand Band Money Band. For the guy who doesn’t want to carry a wallet anymore! Wooden Fractal Puzzle. This year we are allll about the games since we are staying at home more. Obsessed with this puzzle that would drive me mad. Bubble wrap calendar. This would probably be Eddie’s dream calendar. Paper Plane Launcher. Every year I like to get Eddie a “fun” gift – nothing fancy, but something that makes him feel like a kid again. This is it this year! Cashmere Scarf. Then something like this to make him feel like a fancy guy. Ha. Gratitude Card Set. I love these gratitude card sets and think they are perfect for anyone! Wooden Foot Massager. Love this for under desks!

Neck Massager. This is the best neck and back massager you will find. It is life changing!

Retro Patagonia Vest. We are a big puffer/fleece vest family. It’s perfect for our weather. I love this retro Pataognia version. Desktop Skee Ball. My ultimate favorite arcade game. I might buy this for Eddie and then put it on my own desk!

La Colombe Coffee. Best.coffee.ever. Stance Socks. These are Eddie’s favorite socks by far. We always get him a few pairs of fun socks! Yeti Backpack Cooler. Yeti products are one of the best things we have ever bought. They are pricey but worth it. I can’t even tell you how much use we have got out of this cooler.

Allbirds Wool Runners. A few years ago I got Eddie Allbirds and he fell in love. They are now his favorite shoe and he has multiple different versions!

Charcuterie Slicer. This charcuterie slicer is perfect! Yeti Rambler. This is the most used cup in our house. We both have two, so we can rotate when one is in the dishwasher. It’s great because it fits in your cup holder too. Popcorn Seasoning Set. I’ve gifted this so many times and it is always a huge hit. Belgian Waffle Maker. We have this waffle maker and while it’s a splurge, we also have gone through about 10 waffle makers since we got marrier. This is by far the best we’ve ever had. Cocktail Party Bundle. Gaby’s set has drink mixes and seasonings. I love it! Dad Jokes. I couldn’t help it. This is such a fun stocking stuffer. Theragun Mini. I bought Eddie this for his birthday this year. It’s perfect if you have a runner or someone who loves to work out (and is therefore, sometimes sore!). Cryosphere. We have one of these and it is incredible. It can massage out any knot and is great for back and neck tension. Kiehls Skincare Set. Every year I get Eddie a skincare set and it is one of his favorite gifts! Chess and Checkers Set. More board games, in a fun pattern! Momofuku Chili Crunch. Can’t say no to spicy chili crunch.You can put it on everything.

Magnetic Collar Stays. Eddie has collar stays all over the house. He needs these more than anything.

DECEMBER 2020

health WINTER ROUTINES Thanks to Nordic walking, you can turn a regular walk into a full-fledged workout, activating about 80%-90% of your muscles. This kind of sport makes the body stronger, improves posture, makes it easier to lose weight, and puts all the muscle groups to work, unlike regular walking where only the leg muscles get used. Additionally, you can do Nordic walking anywhere, anytime, and at almost any age. It’s important to note that just like any other athletic activity, before you start doing it, it’s best to consult your doctor.

DECEMBER 2020

HEALTH What kind of poles you need and how long they should be

On the handle of a Nordic walking pole, there should be a wrist strap. Thanks to this piece, you won’t accidentally drop the pole when you open the palm in the last phase of the step if you have the right technique. If there’s no wrist strap on the handle, these poles are not for Nordic walking, they’re for hiking. There are poles that have a fixed length and ones that you can adjust to your height. The latter is a better option. To adjust the length of the poles according to your height, multiply your height in centimeters by 0.68. So, if your height is 175 cm, the length of the poles should be 119 cm. At the end of Nordic walking poles, you’ll see a sharp metal tip. You can use this if you’re walking on slippery surfaces, like ice. The tip will stick into the ice and make it easier to walk. If you are walking on asphalt, there should be a rubber “shoe.” This shape will help you keep a right angle with the pole, which is about 45°.

How to warm up your body before Nordic walking

To prepare your body for the workout, do a 10 to 15-minute warm-up. It’s necessary to warm up the muscles and reduce the risk of injury. Here are some exercises you can do to warm up your body: Exercise 1: Take both poles and put them above your head horizontally. Do 3-4 bends to the left and right. Exercise 2: Put the arms with the poles behind you. The ends should be on the ground. Squat 15 times. Exercise 3: Lean on the poles with your right arm, bend the left leg in the knee, and grab the ankle with your left hand. Try pulling the ankle to the buttocks. Keep the position for 10-15 seconds. Repeat with the other leg. Exercise 4: Put the poles in front of you at shoulder width. Put one leg forward and put on the heel. Make the tip of the foot face upward. Bend the other leg in the knee and bend forward. Keep the back straight. Keep the position for 15 seconds and then repeat it with the other leg facing forward. Exercise 5: Bend forward and lean on the sticks with your arms straight out. Repeat the exercise several times.

Nordic walking technique

While walking, you need to wave with your right arm and take a step with your right leg and vice versa. If you start to lose pace and get lost in the movements, try dragging the poles behind you for some time — you will notice that when you walk, you do it in accordance with Nordic walking. Don’t analyze your movements and let the body walk freely. When your movements are natural, use the poles. While walking, the arm going back should be totally unbent and the palm should be open. The pole should be held with the wrist strap only. The walking consists of 3 stages: press, push, and relaxing the arm in the back. The more you push, the more the load on your body is. Start every step with the heel, gradually rolling on the tip of the foot. Watch the amplitude of your movements — the arms should go forward and behind your back to about 45°. The poles will always follow your body. The entire arm should be in motion — from the forearm to the wrist. Keep the back straight and lean the body forward. Relax the shoulders. Look straight ahead. Draw an imaginary line going perpendicular to your chest. Move all the body parts (arms with the poles, legs, and shoulders) along this imaginary line. Inhale through the nose, and exhale through the mouth. Gradually increase the walking speed from medium to fast.

The biggest mistakes in Nordic walking

Mistake: The leg and arm on the same side do the same motion at the same time (as the left photo shows). Mistake: The arm is bent at the elbows (as the right photo shows). A person is just walking and moving the poles. The right way is to move the entire arm, barely bending at the elbows at all. Mistake: You move the poles too close or too far from each other. In Nordic walking, the poles should be parallel to each other. Mistake: You imitate the push or don’t push with the poles at all. You have to move the weight of the body to the poles and push with them. When you make a wave with your right arm, you should lean on the poles. Mistake: You squeeze the handle too much. The right way is to push with the open palm and let the pole hang in the strap. Mistake: You reduce the amplitude. The arms should move fully!

DECEMBER 2020

December 45

DECEMBER 2020

FEBRUARY 14: Valentines Day

HOLIDAY TREE LOOKS Many people consider decorating the Christmas tree as one of the happiest moments of the year. However, when the day comes to take it down, that joy turns into sadness and emptiness. That is what happened to Nadia Colucci, from San Diego, California. In order not to have to say goodbye to the Christmas symbol, she came up with HoliTrees, a way to leave the Christmas tree at home throughout the year, but decorating it with different themes according to each holiday: Valentine’s Day, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, among others.

DECEMBER 2020

FEBRUARY 16: Mardi Gras

MARCH 17: St. Patrick's Day

APRIL 12: Easter

JULY 4: Independence Day

OCTOBER 31: Halloween

NOVEMBER 26: Thanksgiving

DECEMBER 25: Christmas

food

DECEMBER 2020

FOOD

Hot Adobo Chicken Wings Ingredients 15 chicken wings 6 guajillo chilies 1 cup orange juice 1 tbsp honey ¼ cup apple cider vinegar ¼ stick achiote ¼ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp onion powder Salt to taste Pepper to taste 2 cups (500 ml) of frying oil 1. Boil the chilies and clean them by removing the stem, seeds, and veins. 2. Place them in the blender along with the achiote paste, vinegar, honey, and orange juice. If you can’t find achiote, you can replace it with a combination of paprika, white vinegar, oregano, cumin, and garlic. 3. Season with garlic, onion, salt, and pepper to taste and blend. 4. Precook the chicken wings by boiling them in water for a while. 5. Then place them together with the marinade in a deep bowl. 6. Stir until all the wings are well coated. 7. Refrigerate for half an hour while still in the marinade. 8. Place a skillet on the stove over medium heat and add the oil. Wait for it to be hot, then fry the wings. Don’t fry them all at the same time, do it in batches. 9. Brown the wings on both sides. 10. Take them out and place them on paper towels. 11. Serve with carrot sticks or French fries.

DECEMBER 2020

FOOD

COLORFUL POPCORN

We’d like to show you how to make colorful popcorn quickly and easily with just 3 ingredients and in 4 steps. Surprise your friends with this sweet idea the next time you get together with them.

DECEMBER 2020

FOOD

Colored Popcorn Ingredients ½ cup corn kernels (about 100 g) 1 tbsp of vegetable oil 2 packages of colored candies (about 100 g) 1. Heat a skillet on the cooktop over a low flame. Add the oil and the candies. Any colorful candies like Skittles will do. Allow them to heat up for a few minutes, maintaining the same temperature during this time. However, make sure they don’t melt. 2. Add the corn kernels to the skillet and use a spatula to mix everything well. You can also use a wooden spoon. Make sure that both ingredients are distributed evenly over the skillet, so that they cook evenly. 3. Cover the pan with a tempered glass lid that covers the whole skillet. In a couple of minutes, you will hear and see that the corn is starting to pop. 4. Keep the pan covered for 4 to 6 minutes. Then, turn off the stove and remove from the heat. Before removing the lid, wait for the popcorn to stop popping. 5. Before serving, let the popcorn cool for a few minutes. 6. You can serve it with your favorite beverage.

DECEMBER 2020

living THE JOLLY DAYS Christmas time smells of oranges, cinnamon, and chocolate and shines with colorful lights. To make your space more festive and bright, decorate it with Christmas accents. You can make Christmas candle holders, for example, and spend the night by candlelight.

DECEMBER 2020

LIVING

A glass candle holder

A candle holder on a circular base

Materials A small candle A glass or a small glass jar A hot glue gun with sticks Scissors White acrylic paint A sponge Binder twine White snow spray or spray paint Artificial conifer branches, small cones, and berries

Materials A thick candle about 4 to 5 inches tall Linen fabric or sackcloth A piece of thick cardboard Scissors A pencil or a pen A hot glue gun with sticks Binder twine Cones, berries, or an artificial conifer branch (or any other decorative objects)

1. Spray white paint on the upper part of the glass and let it dry. 2. Cover the conifer branches with white paint, slightly. To do this, apply acrylic paint to the sponge and touch the needles lightly to it. 3. Do the same thing with the cones. 4. With the help of a glue gun, glue one branch and then another to the upper part of the glass. Place the branches at an angle to each other, and make sure that their bottom ends overlap. 5. Attach the cones by gluing them to the base of the branches. 6. Take a few decorative berries on stems, join the stems together, and wrap them around with the binder twine. Tie a bow at the end of the twine and secure it with a drop of glue. 7. Attach the berries to the base of the conifer branches with the help of a hot glue gun. 8. Put the candle inside the glass, and your candle holder is done!

1. Cut out a circle about 8 to 10 inches in diameter. 2. Put the circle on the fabric and make sure there are about 4 to 5 inches of fabric around it. Make small cuts on the sides leaving about 0.5 inches between the cut and the circle. 3. Glue the fabric to the cardboard in a circle by using the hot glue gun. Try to avoid sharp corners by adjusting the depth and number of cuts in the fabric. 4. Glue the candle to the center of the composition. 5. Glue the conifer branches, one by one, around the candle. Overlap the branches slightly as if they were to enwrap the candle. 6. Add decorative elements between the branches and glue them. Alternate cones and berries and make sure that these details are placed on different levels. This way, the composition will look more dynamic. 7. Add more conifer branches in the spaces that were not filled with decorative elements. 8. Decorate the candle with the binder twine by tying a small bow. Secure the bow with a drop of glue.

DECEMBER 2020

TIPS & TRICKS

How to Remove Paint Stains From Clothes

There’s no need to throw away a garment when we’ve stained it with paint. While the best solution is to wear old clothes when handling paint, there are a few effective ways to remove paint stains from clothes. Keep in mind that choosing the best technique will depend on the type of paint your clothes were stained with. Also, make sure you take the necessary precautions when handling paint thinner and read the label on the garment to avoid damaging it.

ACRYLIC PAINT (DRY STAIN)

OIL-BASED PAINT (DRY STAIN)

IF THE PAINT HAS ALREADY DRIED ON THE GARMENT YOU’RE TRYING TO CLEAN, IT WILL BE A LITTLE MORE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE.

THIS IS THE MOST COMPLICATED STAIN TO GET OUT. YOU’LL HAVE TO USE PAINT THINNER. READ THE LABEL TO KNOW ALL THE SAFETY INFORMATION WHEN WORKING WITH THIS SOLVENT.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: A metal spoon A jar of cold water Rubbing alcohol Washing machine Detergent

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: A metal spoon Paint thinner Rubbing alcohol A bottle of cold water Sponge Detergent Washing machine

1. Pour rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain. The alcohol will help break up the dry paint a bit and make it easier to remove it. 2. Scrape carefully with the metal spoon. Repeat on all visible stains. 3. Soak the garment in cold water for approximately 15 minutes. 4. Wash the garment with detergent.

1. Perform the procedure to remove dried acrylic paint stains, as we mentioned before, in point 1. 2. Place the garment on a cloth and add thinner to the stain; make sure it’s well spread and rub with a sponge. 3. Soak the garment in soapy water made with detergent and leave it for approximately 8 hours.

ACRYLIC PAINT (FRESH STAIN) OIL-BASED PAINT (FRESH STAIN)

A STAIN MADE WITH WATER-BASED OR ACRYLIC PAINT IS THE EASIEST TYPE OF STAIN TO CLEAN AS LONG AS THE PAINT IS STILL FRESH.

TO REMOVE THESE TYPES OF STAINS, YOU ALSO NEED TO USE THINNER. MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN A PROPERLY VENTILATED AREA BEFORE STARTING THE PROCEDURE.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Warm water Clothes brush 1 cup ammonia 1 cup white vinegar 1 handful of salt Detergent Washing machine

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Paint thinner A metal spoon A towel Detergent Washing machine 1. Place a towel under the garment. 2. Carefully apply the thinner so that it covers the paint stain. 3. With a metal spoon, gently scrape it off. 4. Wash the garment to remove what’s left of the paint.

1. Place the garment under the running faucet with warm water. 2. Mix ammonia, white vinegar, and salt in a large enough container. Then place some of the mix on the stain and rub using a clothes brush. However, be careful to use the mix only in the area where the stains are. That’s to avoid the stains from getting bigger. 3. Put the clothes in the washing machine with detergent to remove what’s left of the paint. This should be enough to clean the garment thoroughly.

DECEMBER 2020

CHILL & DRAW

DECEMBER 2020