5 Minute Crafts Magazine - March 2021 by Lawrence Ambrocio

SPRING THINKING

BASIC CAKE DECORATING YUMMY SHAWARMA March 2021 $5.99 (Canada) $3.99 (US)

march 2021

CONTENTS

"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get." —Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump

MARCH 2021

CONTENTS

style

SKIN TYPES Not all skin types are the same, nor do they have the same needs. In order to maintain a healthy and glowing appearance, you need to learn how to identify your skin type and then treat it accordingly.

HAIR GROWTH Your lifestyle directly influences the state of your hair. And even if you take good care of it, some of your habits or food choices can make your hair appear thinner and less healthy.

home

BETTER PLACES If you are one of those people who like plants of all kinds and sizes and are always looking for decorative pots

SETUP A WASHING MACHINE Washing machines are easy to use and serve as efficient household appliances. If you’re planning to purchase one of these machines

health

FACE OF COVID-19 A face shield is a great, useful, and cheap thing you can make at home with almost no effort.

features

YOU'RE TIME TO UNDERSTAND Humanity took thousands of years to understand what time is and learn to measure it. So don’t be disappointed if it’s hard for your child to memorize what years, months, days of the week, hours, and minutes are. It’s better to learn all these concepts gradually.

food

MARCH 2021

CARAMEL GOODNESS Cornstarch caramel cookies, or “alfajores,” are a staple in Latin bakeries and pastry shops. They’re perfect as a dessert or to complement a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Kids can’t get enough of them, and making the cookies is so easy

living

CAKE MASTERS There is no need to be a professional confectioner to decorate cupcakes, cakes, and other desserts in an original manner. We’re offering you some great decorating ideas that won’t require special pastry equipment or rare ingredients.

departments

EDITOR'S LETTER

TRICKS & TIPS

CHILL & DRAW COVER PHOTO © 5-MINUTE CRAFTS / YOUTUBE

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

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

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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 2021 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

Best of DIY's O

ne of TheSoul Publishing’s top channels, and the most-watched DIY digital brand in the world, 5-Minute Crafts is celebrating its fifth anniversary with the release of a collectible VHS boxed set. The five video cassettes will showcase the best of 5-Minute Crafts’ acclaimed DIY projects including ”Simple camping ideas for your awesome time in the wild”, “Easy growing plant hacks for your inner gardener” and 2020 crowd favorite “Golden butterfly made from bolt & nut.” The boxed set will be available in 19 languages. “TheSoul Publishing is a forward thinking content creator always on the lookout for new content and viewership trends. Our research department used state-of-the-art data forecasting models and their conclusions were definitive: VHS distribution is the next big opportunity for digital media studios,” said Victor Potrel, TheSoul Publishing’s VP of Platform Partnerships. “5-Minute Crafts has been busy creating fun and light-hearted content for a cross-platform audience for the last five years and with this launch we further cement the brand position as the most innovative and #1 digital DIY brand.” Since its inception in April 2016 with a video on painting flower pots, TheSoul Publishing’s 5-Minute Crafts’ popularity has enabled the brand to secure its spot as the number one DIY channel across the world with more than 200 million followers across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and Snap. This pivot to VHS will ensure continuing viewership growth for the brand across a key consumer segment. A VHS boxed set for one of TheSoul’s other most popular channels, Brightside, is already in the works and planned for release in Q3 2021.

PILAR GUZMÁN Editor In-Chief

5-Minute Crafts Celebrates 5th Anniversary With VHS Boxed Set

MARCH 2021

SKIN TYPES

style

Not all skin types are the same, nor do they have the same needs. In order to maintain a healthy and glowing appearance, you need to learn how to identify your skin type and then treat it accordingly. This is the only way you can really take care of it properly.

MARCH 2021

STYLE

Normal skin

Oily skin

If when you look at yourself in the mirror, you see smooth, firm yet flexible skin with good blood circulation, small pores, and a pinkish hue, then it’s very likely that your skin type is what’s often referred to as normal. To make sure it always stays healthy, hydration and protection are key. Tips for taking care of normal skin: Keep it moisturized by applying a cream designed for normal skin. Apply the facial cream with gentle massaging motions to stimulate blood circulation at all times. Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with a gentle product to get rid of dead skin cells and impurities that might affect your skin.

If you’ve noticed that your face looks sort of shiny and produces more sebum than other skin types, you have oily skin. It’s a skin type that often also comes with open pores, which may or may not produce pimples or blackheads at some point.

Dry skin

If your skin feels rough and flaky to the touch, then you are likely suffering from dry skin. Most often, this happens because of a lack of hydration and lipids (oil). This type of skin is often tight and tends to become itchy, especially in climates that are also dry. That’s why it’s said that it’s also sensitive to external agents, such as temperature and wind. Tips for dry skin: Use products enriched with natural oils to soothe and soften your skin. Apply a daily moisturizing day cream with sun protection. Promote the health of your skin by eating a healthy diet and drinking 2 liters of water, daily. These can have a great impact on it.

MARCH 2021

Tips for oily skin: Cleanse the skin twice a day with astringent and antibacterial products. For daily cleansing, use lukewarm water instead of hot or cold water. Apply only non-comedogenic skincare products. Use the type of makeup that doesn’t clog pores.

STYLE Find out what your skin type is with these tests.

With this simple home test, you can find out what your skin type is. It’s as simple as observing its condition after cleansing. First, wash your face with a neutral cleanser, then gently pat it dry, as we mentioned previously in this article. If after 30 minutes you notice that your skin is shiny, it’s very likely that you have oily skin. If it feels tight and flaky, you probably have dry skin. If you see that the skin is shiny only on your forehead, nose, and chin (the “T” zone), you may have combination skin. If your skin feels comfortable and moisturized but not oily, it means your skin type is normal.

Combination skin

If you notice that parts of your skin, like around your cheeks or neck, for example, are normal or even dry, but the so-called “T” zone, which consists of your forehead, nose, and chin, are actually shiny and have pimples or blackheads like oily skin, you have combination skin. Tips for combination skin: Use products that are specifically designed for combination skin. Cleanse your skin thoroughly before using any types of facial care products or applying any makeup. Use lukewarm water to cleanse your face, and make sure it’s neither too hot nor too cold. Apply moisturizer for combination skin regularly.

Sensitive skin

If your face feels sort of tight, red, and itchy, as if someone was pulling your skin all the time, you may have sensitive skin. This type of skin is more susceptible to external factors, such as dry weather, extreme temperatures, or UV rays. Tips for sensitive skin: After finishing your cleansing routine, dry your face gently with a towel and make sure you never rub vigorously, but instead, pat it dry with a towel. Use a protective cream to battle harmful environmental factors. Don’t use perfumed products to avoid irritating your skin. Don’t eat spicy foods.

MARCH 2021

There’s a different way to test your skin type at home. This one makes it easier to spot oily skin by using absorbent paper towels. After washing your face with a mild cleanser, pat it dry and wait for 30 minutes. After that time, press the paper towel over the entire face and then expose it to direct light to check for oily spots. If the paper shows a lot of oil on all areas of your face, it means your skin is oily. If it absorbed little or no oil, you may have dry skin. If the sheet only shows a small amount of oil in the “T” zone (forehead, nose, and chin), then your skin is considered combination. If you only see a small amount of oil on all areas of your face, you probably have normal skin.

STYLE

HAIR GROWTH

Your lifestyle directly influences the state of your hair. And even if you take good care of it, some of your habits or food choices can make your hair appear thinner and less healthy.

MARCH 2021

STYLE

Keep a balanced diet

The first step to healthy and thick hair is to eat enough healthy nutrients and minerals. Not giving yourself enough fuel and vitamins can make your hair thinner or even lead to hair loss. Ensure that you add these products to your diet: Go for any protein you like: eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, dairy products, legumes, nuts Omega-3: salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel, avocado, pumpkin seeds, walnuts Iron: broccoli, kale, green salads, lentils, red meat, chicken, fish Vitamin A: carrot, pumpkin, sweet potatoes Vitamin C: blueberries, strawberries, black currants, kiwi, oranges, broccoli, sweet potatoes Biotin: whole grains, liver, egg yolk, yeast

Try an egg treatment

Applying an egg mask regularly on your hair can help you to improve its thickness and strength. Step 1: Mix 1-2 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 2 tablespoons water in a bowl. Step 2: Apply the mask onto your scalp and dry hair. Leave for 15 minutes. Step 3: Wash your hair with warm water and mild shampoo. Use this mask 1-2 times a week for several weeks.

MARCH 2021

STYLE Make an avocado hair mask

Natural oils and fats in avocados can bring benefits to your hair, and also make it stronger and thicker.

Brush your hair the right way

It is not recommended to brush your hair starting from the roots. This way, you risk knotting your hair even more and end up damaging it. Instead, start brushing your hair from the ends, slowly making your way up to the top of your head.

Step 1: In a bowl, mash 1 avocado, 1/4 cup (1.15 oz or 60 ml) olive oil, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Step 2: Apply the mask onto your scalp and hair. Your hair can be wet or dry. Leave the mask on for a while. Step 3: Wash your hair with warm water.

Massage your scalp

By massaging your scalp you stretch the hair follicles and stimulate blood vessels beneath the skin. This can encourage hair growth and help to increase hair thickness. Move your fingertips in small circles around your scalp, applying light pressure to it. Go across your scalp, covering every area with your fingers. Do this every day for at least 5 minutes.

Minimize stress

Being constantly worried can lead to hair loss and make it appear thinner. Every day try to find some time for yourself and relax. Activities like sports, stretching, warm baths, massages, breathing exercises, or hobbies can help you get your stress under control. By improving your mental state you improve the state of your body and hair too.

Mix bananas and coconuts

Bananas and coconuts are great for hair as they can moisturize it and also help in treating damaged hair follicles. Step 1: Mash 1-2 ripe bananas and 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a bowl. Step 2: Apply the mask onto your scalp and hair. Leave for 10-15 minutes. Step 3: Wash your hair with warm water.

Add some green tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and can be used for many purposes. One of them — it can help you to prevent hair loss and give you thicker hair. Shampoo or conditioner: opt for shampoos that contain green tea or its extract. When washing your hair, apply most of the product to your scalp and hair roots. Hair rinse: boil some water and add 1-2 green tea bags to it. Allow it to steep for 5 minutes, then remove the bags and let the water cool down. Apply it to your wet hair after you take a shower.

MARCH 2021

home BETTER PLACES If you are one of those people who like plants of all kinds and sizes and are always looking for decorative pots

MARCH 2021

HOME

With a watermelon With plastic rind containers 1. You can use the rind of a watermelon cut in half. Use a whole half, and place a cement mixture on its surface, making sure that the amount is about less than an inch (1 to 2 centimeters) thick. Join it with the other half sliced on one side, as shown in the picture. 2. Add cement to the shell. With the help of a brush, spread the mixture so that it adheres completely and takes its shape. Let it dry for 24 hours. 3. Now decorate it as you like. On one side, you can place succulents, and on the other, you can create a small aquarium.

With a cup or a glass

1. You can reuse empty plastic deodorant containers. Remove the top lid and make sure they are completely clean. Paint them in various colors. 2. After the paint has dried, place a small magnet with double-sided tape and stick it in the center of one of the sides. 3. Add some soil and plant a succulent in each container. 4. You can stick them to your refrigerator door or place them on a metal surface.

1. If you have broken cups or glasses, you can give them a second life by turning them into small flowerpots. With liquid glue, attach colored decorative stones to their surface, and make sure they are separated, as shown in the image. Allow the glue to dry. 2. Then cover the entire cup with white clay, especially in the spaces between the glued stones. 3. Immediately wipe each colorful piece with a damp cloth to avoid getting them covered with clay. 4. Place some soil inside and transplant a small succulent or mini cactus. You will get a pot full of colors, and you can decorate it as you like.

MARCH 2021

With a chair 1. If you have a chair that you no longer use, you can repurpose it for your plants. Remove the seat and place a plastic container that fits snugly in the seat space. 2. Paint it your favorite color. You can use one or several colors and patterns. Decorate it to your liking. 3. Let the paint dry thoroughly before filling the container with soil and planting your favorite flowers or plants.

HOME

With a hanging shoe organizer 1. Aromatic herbs shouldn’t ever be missing from your kitchen. Get a hanging shoe organizer and secure it to the wall with a hammer and nails. Then place soil in each pocket. 2. Transplant herbs, such as parsley, rosemary, and oregano, in the slots. 3. When it’s time to prepare a dish, you’ll have these herbs on hand, and they’ll add a pleasant aroma to your space.

With chopsticks 1. Using liquid glue, attach 3 plastic or cardboard cups to their sides. 2. Then attach the chopsticks to the cups. One underneath them and the others on each side, as shown in the picture. Use liquid glue on each end to hold them in place. 3. Add a 12 or 16-inch (30 or 40 cm) piece of rope to each top end of the chopsticks. Knot it tightly or attach it with glue. Use these small pots for your plants, and hang them in your room or garden.

With tin cans and clothespins 1. Recycle empty cans and clothespins that you no longer use. Disassemble them and glue each piece around the cans. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly. 2. Attach a piece of rope or string around them, as shown in the picture. You can also paint them if you wish. 3. These small planters are ideal for decorative plants, succulents, and cacti.

MARCH 2021

HOME

SETUP A WASHING MACHINE

Washing machines are easy to use and serve as efficient household appliances. If you’re planning to purchase one of these machines

MARCH 2021

HOME

Basic requirements for installing a washing machine

Before buying a washing machine, make sure you have the right area to put it in for it to work correctly. ⛔ Don’t install it on a patio that doesn’t have a shed — the appliance will get direct sunlight, which would affect its plastic components. Also, if it’s exposed to rain, the water may cause a short circuit that can damage the appliance and/or become a hazard. ✅ Put it in a room that has been previously designed for the installation of a washing machine. It must have an electrical outlet, hot and cold water supply, and a drain. The floor must be flat and resistant to vibrations.

Step 1: Unpack the product.

Place the appliance near where it will be connected. Remove it from its packaging and make sure it has no dents or scratches and that it’s in good condition. You should find the installation kit inside the machine (hot/cold water hoses, the product manual, filters, and other parts and tools).

Step 2: Level the front legs.

Read the instructions of your washing machine design carefully. Screw in the leveling feet located in the corners underneath the appliance. Adjust each one’s height depending on the surface where the washing machine is placed in order for it to be as level as possible.

Step 3: Assemble the water supply tubes.

Close the water supply to your house to carry out the next step. Identify in the instruction manual where each connection goes. Typically, you would find 2 tubes, each with distinctive colors: blue for cold water and red for hot water. Connect both tubes from the washing machine to the corresponding tap. If you’re only going to use the cold water supply, you must seal or close the faucet you don’t plan to use. Open the general water supply to your house along with the hot and cold water supplies. ⛔ There should be no water leaks either from the area where the connectors are fixed or from the taps. If you notice leaks or droplets, call a plumber to perform an inspection and proper specialized maintenance before proceeding with the installation.

Recommended Picks

1.LG 4.5-Cubic-Foot Front-Load Washing Machine 2.Samsung WF45T6000AW 4.5-Cubic-Foot Front-Load Washing Machine $849 3.Bosch 300 Series Washing Machine $1,099.00 4.Samsung 6.0-Cubic-Foot FlexWash Washing Machine $1,299

Step 4: Attach the drain tube.

Follow the manual instructions to install the end of the drain hose attached to the back of the appliance. Then put the other end into a drain pipe or inside a sink. Some washing machine designs have a plastic accessory that allows you to keep the hose bent down. Use it so that when draining the water, the hose remains firm and does not splash water.

Step 5: Plug the unit into the outlet.

⛔ Do not use extensions or multiple electrical connection plugs. When connecting various types of equipment, there may be electricity fluctuation problems that could generate a short circuit. ✅ Connect the washing machine directly to the electrical outlet.

MARCH 2021

Step 6: Do a wash test.

When the washing machine is connected, turn it on and program a quick wash cycle; don’t put clothes in the drum or use detergent. Monitor the process. Check around, under, and behind the device. If you see any water leaks, tighten the connections. If it continues to leak, turn off the washer and call a plumber so they can inspect and fix the problem. Read the instruction manual to determine the proper wash cycle. You can use this appliance to wash most of your clothes; just be sure to check the labels first for specific recommendations.

health FACE OF COVID-19 A face shield is a great, useful, and cheap thing you can make at home with almost no effort.

MARCH 2021

HEALTH How to Make a Face Shield A standard sheet of A4 paper An A4 PVC sheet Glasses A small jar lid Scissors A razor A pen

Step 1 Get an A4 sheet of paper. With the help of a small jar lid, make the 4 edges of the paper round by marking them with a pen. Step 2 Put an A4 PVC sheet on top of the paper and join the round edges. Make sure not to fold the paper completely to avoid creasing. Step 3 Cut the edges with scissors so that they’re round. Step 4 Next, take the normal sheet of paper and align it horizontally. Measure 2 inches down and one inch in, starting at the end of any upper round edge. Mark that spot with a dot. Then create 2 lines on each side of the dot — the space left in the middle should be big enough to fit the temples of the glasses. Do it to both sides of the paper. You only need to do this on 2 of the edges, not on all 4 of them. Step 5 With a razor, cut the 4 lines so that the glasses’ temples can fit through it. Make sure the PVC paper is now underneath the standard paper one. Step 6 Now, take the PVC paper and insert the left temple of the glasses through the 2 lines on the left side. Repeat the same thing with the right temple. You should end up with the glasses behind the PVC sheet. Make sure the PVC parts between the lines stay on the inside of the temples. Your face shield is now ready to use!

MARCH 2021

March 37

MARCH 2021

YOUR BUSINESS K YOUR TIME TO UNDERSTAND PEOPLE EADING A BOOK ATCHING NEWS NJOYING FOOD NING TO RADIO Humanity took thousands of years to understand what time is and learn to measure it. So don’t be disappointed if it’s hard for your child to memorize what years, months, days of the week, hours, and minutes are. It’s better to learn all these concepts gradually.

The concept of time, years, seasons, and months

In our everyday lives, we use time to measure and compare the duration of some events, the intervals between them, and even the sequence of events. For example, winter is before spring, spring is before summer, fall is after summer, and winter is after fall. These are seasons that, together, make 1 year. Every season has its own characteristics and each lasts 3 months. Take a sheet of paper, draw a big circle on it and cut it out. Fold it in half and then fold it in half again. Open it: the fold lines will split the circle into 4 equal parts — one for each season. Now, together with your child, write down the names of the seasons and paint them. Separate each of the 4 sections into 3 even parts — they will be the months that seasons consist of. Write down the names in the correct order. Talk to your child and find out what they can remember about certain months (events and processes). For example, in December we celebrate Christmas, in April we have flowers, and in July we eat watermelons. For each month, draw a picture of what the child can say about it. This will help them memorize the cycles and the order of the months. Suggest that your child marks the months when their relatives and friends have birthdays: add writing, funny stickers, and photos of family members. Put the calendar somewhere the child can see it. Also, at the beginning of each month, you can ask your child to mark their name in the calendar and add new stickers and drawings.

What months, weeks, and days consist of When your child understands what 1 year is (4 seasons and 12 months), take a regular calendar where each month is on its separate sheet.

Show it to your child and draw their attention to these things: 1 year is always 12 different months. Any month is 4 full weeks. But it might have a different number of days: from 28 to 31. Any week is 7 different days. Each day of the week has its own name. In order to better imagine these periods of time, find a calendar page of the current month. Together, count the number of days in the month. Say the names of the weekdays in the correct order. Also, explain that holidays and weekends are different from weekdays because the font is red. Using stickers and markers, suggest that your child marks some significant events in the current month, like, for example, going to the pizza place, seeing a soccer game, celebrating someone’s birthday, and so on. When marking a certain day, say its name and state its position relative to the present moment, like, for example, “Next Wednesday, we’re going to the pizza place,” or “Last Saturday, you played with your friends.” Throughout the month, add new stickers with new events. At the beginning of the next month, go to the next page and mark the events that have already been planned and then add new ones. If you want, you can suggest your child mark days with a circle. This way, the child will learn to use the calendar, compare months, learn the days of the week, plan events, and compare the past events with the upcoming ones.

MARCH 2021

Useful exercises

Teach your child to count. In order to read a clock, children should know all the numbers up to 60 and count them in the correct order. They should also be able to understand how to imagine 1 hour as 5-minute periods or 1 minute as 5-second periods. Try counting to 60 in fives: 60: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60. Introduce your child to the concepts of day and night. Discuss what your child usually does in the morning, during the day, in the evening, and at night to connect different times of the day with their activities.

What days consist of, and what 1 hour and 1 minute are

1 part of every 24 hours is during the day and the other is during the night. It’s connected with the appearance of the sun and the moon. But day and night last quite a long time and can be filled with different events, so every day is divided into shorter periods of time. Together with your child, look at the picture above. It’s 1 day in different formats: In 24 hours, every hour has a unique number from 0 to 24. In 12 hours, specifically in this case, we divide 1 day into 2 cycles, 12 hours each. When you say the name of the hour, you need to state which part of the day you mean: 6 AM or 6 PM.

Most of the time, digital clocks show a 24-hour format and analog clocks — 12 hours. You can find clocks that have 24 hours on them. So it’s important to learn to read a regular analog clock.

MARCH 2021

Show the picture of the clock above. You can see not only the hours but also the minutes. And there are hints of what we call a half-hour and a quarter-hour.

Exercise № 1. To make it easier to memorize, take a sheet of paper, draw a big circle, and cut it out. Fold it in half and fold it again. Unfold it: the folds will divide the circle into 4 equal parts. Now divide each of the 4 parts into 3 equal parts, making marks with a pencil. So there should be 12 equal parts. After that, write down the marks and the numbers. Cut out 2 strips, a short one and a longer one, for the hands.

Explain to your child what each of the hands point at, what direction they go in, and how fast. Make it clear that the hour hand points at the number for hours and the minute hand points at the same number but it means other numbers. For example: The hour hand pointing at 2 tells us it’s 2 o’clock. The minute hand pointing at 2 tells us it’s 10 minutes past some hour. Explain how the hour hand points at each hour during the day. After that, explain the minute hand. The child might need some time to memorize the numbers for minutes.

Now on small pieces of paper, write down different times and ask your children to place the pieces on the clock correctly. ✅ Tip. Explain the duration of 1 hour. As soon as the small hand points to 10, until it reaches 11, it will be 10 full hours and a certain number of minutes. If you want, you can teach your children to read Roman numerals. Use the picture above for help. On some clocks, 4 can be written as IIII instead of IV, and 9 as VIIII instead of IX.

Exercise № 2. Make another clock but use Roman numbers. Like in exercise № 1, ask your child to put the hands correctly depending on the time they see on a piece of paper. Don’t expect your child to do everything correctly from the first attempt. Practice bit by bit every day until it stops being a problem.

MARCH 2021

food

MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE BURRITOS Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish made from pieces of fried meat, vegetables, and lettuce, seasoned with a sauce boasting numerous spices, and wrapped in pita or any other kind of flatbread. The original recipe is prepared from meat cooked on a vertical skewer, but in home conditions, it can also be prepared on a regular grill or roasted in the oven on a wire rack.

MARCH 2021

FOOD

Shawarma Meat and marinade: 500 g of chicken fillet 8 tbsp of non-sweet yogurt 1/2 medium-sized onions 1 tsp of salt 1 tsp of ground black pepper 2 tsp of ground chili pepper 1/2 tsp of chili pepper flakes 1 tsp of cumin 1/2 tsp of turmeric 3-4 pressed cloves of garlic 1 tsp of ground coriander 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon 1-2 tsp of lemon juice 1 tsp of olive oil Sauce: 2 tbsp of sesame seeds 4-5 pressed garlic cloves 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp of lemon juice 8 tbsp of mayo 1/4 tsp of salt 1/4 tsp of ground black pepper 1/4 tsp of oregano 1-2 tbsp of olive oil Add-ons: 2-3 bell peppers 1 onion Several leaves of lettuce or Napa cabbage 5-6 pickled cucumbers 3.3 fluid oz of chili sauce 1/2 of a pressed garlic clove (optional) Some olive oil 6-7 pieces of any type of flatbread that you’d like to wrap your shawarma in (pita, laffa, etc.)

MARCH 2021

1. Cut the raw chicken into thin slices. 2. Combine all the ingredients for the marinade in a ceramic or glass bowl, and mix well. Properly rub each piece of meat with the marinade so that it evenly covers the chicken. Cover the bowl with plastic film or aluminum foil, and put it in the fridge for 2-3 hours. 3. Mix all the ingredients for the sauce. Make it smooth, using a blender. Put the prepared sauce aside. If you don’t have any blender on hand, you can use about 1 tbsp of tahini instead of sesame seeds and mix it manually with other ingredients until smooth. 4. Cut up some onion and bell pepper. Add a bit of olive oil to the surface of the grill and fry the vegetables on it for a couple of minutes so that they become a bit softer and juicier. If you don’t have a grill, you can fry them on a regular frying pan. 5. Wash the lettuce leaves well and dry them with a clean towel. After that, cut them into thin strips. You can choose to sprinkle them with lemon juice if you’d like. Cut some pickled cucumbers into circles. 6. Brush the surface of the grill with olive oil. Remove the meat from the marinade and grill at 390°F-430°F until golden brown. Cut the cooked meat into small strips.

Collecting Shawarma 1. Take a piece of flatbread. Hold it a bit between wet towels if it’s dry and breakable. Mix the ready-made chili sauce with half of a pressed garlic clove. Apply some of this mixture onto the flatbread. Apply the same amount of the mayo-based sauce. If you’re using pita, make sure to first apply the sauce to the inside, then start putting the stuffing on one of its inside parts in the order described below. 2. Put on the lettuce leaves, followed by the mixture of fried vegetables. 3. After this, place the pickled cucumbers cut in circles. Finally, add the meat pieces. Pour a bit of the mayo-based sauce on top of the mixture. 4. After this, wrap the flatbread with the stuffing inside, slightly grill the shawarma from both sides, and wrap it with aluminum foil. It’s ready! If you’re cooking your shawarma in pita bread, grill it on both sides after filling it with stuffing. There is no need to wrap it with foil. Bon appétit!

FOOD

CARAMEL GOODNESS

Cornstarch caramel cookies, or “alfajores,” are a staple in Latin bakeries and pastry shops. They’re perfect as a dessert or to complement a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Kids can’t get enough of them, and making the cookies is so easy, that if they’re ever bored on a dull afternoon, performing this recipe could be the perfect solution — and they’ll get to try something new.

MARCH 2021

FOOD

Alfajores 200 grams of flour 300 grams of cornstarch ½ tsp of baking soda 2 tsp of baking powder 200 grams of butter (at room temperature) 150 grams of sugar icing 3 egg yolks 1 tbsp of vanilla essence 1 tsp of lemon zest “Dulce de leche” or milk caramel spread Grated coconut 1. Sift the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder. 2. In a large bowl, pour in the butter and sugar. Beat until smooth — you should get a light-colored cream. 3. Add the yolks one by one to combine them properly. 4. Add the lemon zest and vanilla essence, and mix all the ingredients thoroughly one more time. 5. Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the bowl that you mixed the butter and sugar in. 6. Make the dough by bringing together all the ingredients without kneading too much to avoid transferring heat from your hands to the butter. Then wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes. 7. When the dough is firmer, use the rolling pin to create a 4-5 mm thickness. The easiest way to work this type of dough is by using plastic wrap. Place the dough between 2 sheets of plastic wrap before stretching it. 8. Using a round cutter, cut the “alfajores.” You can also use a glass or small cup. 9. Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C). Place the “alfajores” on a baking sheet with wax paper and pop the tray into the oven for 10 minutes. 10. Don’t wait until they’re brown on top to take them out of the oven. When they get a golden color on the bottom, take them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. 11. Once the “alfajores” are cool, place a generous amount of dulce de leche on one cookie and press it against another one. To make them look neater, use a pastry bag. 12. Roll the edges through some grated coconut.

MARCH 2021

CAKE MASTERS

living

There is no need to be a professional confectioner to decorate cupcakes, cakes, and other desserts in an original manner. We’re offering you some great decorating ideas that won’t require special pastry equipment or rare ingredients.

MARCH 2021

LIVING

Idea #1: with the help of white chocolate

Idea #2: with the help of marshmallows

Idea #3: with the help of dark chocolate

1. Take several pieces of white chocolate. 2. Melt them in a water bath. 3. Add food coloring to the melted chocolate. 4. Stir until the color is smooth. 5. Line a baking sheet with baking paper. Apply 2 tsp of chocolate to some parchment. 6. Spread the chocolate into a wide strip with a brush over the parchment. 7. Let the chocolate dry at room temperature and separate it from the parchment. 8. and 9. Decorate the dessert with colorful chocolate strips.

1. Make a cake with cream-coated biscuits. 2. and 3. Take a dome-shaped glass bowl and press it into the cake. It’s best if the bowl has thin edges. 4. The bowl should reach the very bottom. Remove the edges that were cut by the bowl and slowly take the bowl off the cake. 5. Spread cream on the dome on all sides. 6. Make an entrance to your future igloo with the help of little marshmallows. 7. Cover the cake with marshmallows from all sides, placing them one next to another. Marshmallows can also be joined together with the help of cake cream. If you want, you can sprinkle the dessert with powdered sugar.

1. Fill tablespoons with melted dark chocolate, squeezing it out of a pastry cone. 2. Place the chocolate spoons on a hard surface lined with parchment paper. Cool them down for 10 minutes. 3. Afterward, move the chocolate forward, having separated it from the spoons. 4. Decorate the dessert with the chocolate petals that you’ve created.

MARCH 2021

Idea #4: with the help of dark chocolate and water 1. Take a jar of cold drinking water and melted dark chocolate in a pastry bottle with a cone. 2. Make chaotic spiral movements with your hand as you squeeze out the chocolate. 3. Take the chocolate spiral out of the water with the help of a fork. Dry it on a paper towel. 4. Decorate the dessert with the chocolate spiral.

LIVING

Idea #5: with the help of whipped cream

Idea #6: with the help of an apple cutter

Idea #7: with the help of caramel and strawberries

Idea #8: with the help of red caramel

1. Take a clean, empty chip can and make a hole in its bottom with the help of a corkscrew. 2. Fill the can with cream. 3. Immerse an apple into it. 4. and 5. Press the apple with a spoon with a long handle in order to squeeze out the cream onto the tart cake. Fill the entire tart with the cream. 6. Place several strawberries in the center of the tart with cream. Sprinkle coarsely grated chocolate around the strawberries.

1. Make a cupcake or muffin coated with a glaze that has not completely cooled down yet. 2. Place an apple cutter on top. 3. Use a teaspoon to add different confectionery sprinkles to each section of the apple cutter. 4. Place candy in the center, like a dragée. 5. Bon appétit!

1. Remove the strawberry from the stem. Place it on a toothpick and dip it completely in the red caramel. 2. Take the strawberry out of the caramel and keep holding the berry upside down until the caramel dries completely. 3. and 4. Using a toothpick, stick the strawberry into the cake. Make 3 caramelized strawberries to decorate your dessert.

1. Pour red caramel on a silicone mat for baking. 2. Hang the mat so that the caramel pours down and freezes in such a position. For this, you can use the back of a chair, for example, but you’d better cover the chair with something to keep it from getting dirty. The caramel should drain on both sides of the mat, with even space between the 2 sides at about 1.5 inches. 3. Pour the same caramel on the cake. Place the stiff caramel decoration on the cake — it should resemble a flame.

An important note: To avoid possible trauma, make sure to remove the toothpicks from the dessert before serving it.

MARCH 2021

LIVING

Idea #9

Idea #10

Idea #12

1. With the help of a confectionery cone, squeeze out some cream (which is colored red with the help of some food dye), on a circleshaped cake. 2. and 3. Make movements inside the circle with the help of a cutlery knife to make the cream look like a scarlet poppy flower (see the photo). 4. Pour poppy seeds in the center of the flower. Squeeze out some green cream in several places next to the flower in the shape of big dots. 5. Turn the green dots into leaves with the help of the knife. 6. Decorate your cake with numerous similar poppy flowers of different sizes.

1. Take sweet straws and place them on the side of a cake — they will be the future stalks of flowers. Make green leaves from gummies. 2. and 3. Squeeze cream from a confectionery cone in the shape of a flower on top of the sweet straws. 4. Bon appétit!

1. Pour the cocoa powder onto a plate. 2. Dip a fork in the cocoa powder. 3. and 4. Press a fork against the sides of the cake to create horizontal and vertical stripes. 5. Bon appétit!

Idea #11 1. and 2. Take a hard-boiled egg and immerse one of its sides onto melted white chocolate. Do the same thing with several other eggs. 3. Place the eggs in white chocolate into the fridge. 4. After the chocolate freezes, carefully remove it from the eggs. 5. and 6. Make an elegant lotus flower from the petals that you made on top of the cake.

MARCH 2021

Idea #13: with the help of a chocolate biscuit 1. Get a chocolate biscuit and a bowl. 2. Cut out a circle from the biscuit with the help of a cup. 3. Place the biscuit circle into a cupcake cut in half. 4. Pour yellow cream from a pastry cone onto the bisquit. The yellow cream should resemble a piece of cheese. 5. After this, pour some red cream on top. It should look like ketchup. 6. Squeeze some thick green cream from a confectionery cone on top of all this. 7. Then put on the second half of the cupcake and brush it with honey. 8. Sprinkle with brown sugar. 9. Your sweet “hamburger” is ready!

TIPS & TRICKS

What Kinds of Vinegar There Are

Vinegar is an important part of salad dressings and marinades for meat dishes. There are several types of this product available in stores: from regular distilled white to balsamic vinegar. The difference is not that obvious but, in fact, each type of vinegar has its own unique taste and culinary mission.

Distilled white vinegar

How it is produced: By combining 510% acetic acid and 90-95% water What taste it has: fresh, neutral, highly acidic How to use it: It’s a universal type of vinegar that can be used for all dishes. It is especially good for marinades, homemade pickles, ketchup, etc.

Red wine vinegar

How it is produced: From fermented red wine What taste it has: sharp, tangy with smoky notes How to use it: Red wine vinegar is denser than white and gives dishes a slight pink hue. It serves as a good add-on to fried meat, steaks, and savory snacks like marinated onions. Also, this vinegar is used for cooking bright sauces, salad dressings, and marinades.

Apple cider vinegar

How it is produced: From fermented apple juice What taste it has: tart, sweet, fruity, and moderately acidic How to use it: Due to its mild taste, apple cider vinegar is perfect for marinating chicken and fish. It can also be added to sauces, salads, and vegetable garnishes. You can make flavored vinegar by adding herbs and spices. However, keep in mind that if you do this, it should be stored in the fridge, not on a kitchen shelf like regular vinegar.

Rice vinegar

How it is produced: From fermented rice wine What taste it has: sweet, mild, with low acidity How to use it: Rice vinegar is widely used in the dishes of Asian cuisine. For example, it is added to sushi rice and it is an ideal dressing for Soba Noodle Salad. It is also used for cooking stirfry, vegetable dishes, and soft marinades. The color of rice vinegar can vary from transparent to brown, red, and even black. The latter types can affect the color of the dish.

White wine vinegar

How it is produced: From fermented white wine What taste it has: subtle, neutral, slightly fruity. Its taste is milder than the taste of distilled white and apple cider vinegar. How to use it: For making light salad dressings, hollandaise, and béarnaise sauces, and dishes made with chicken and fish, as well as light marinades.

Balsamic vinegar

How it is produced: By aging pressed grape juice in oak barrels, which thickens and concentrates over time. The longer it is stored in barrels, the darker color, the sweeter taste, and the thicker consistency it will have. What taste it has: sweet, resembles a syrup How to use it: Balsamic vinegar is used as a sauce for various dishes. Its rich sweet taste makes it a good addition to both desserts and meat dishes. Usually, it is used for slightly drizzling over ice cream, fruit, and vegetable salads, side dishes, or grilled meats. It can also be combined with olive oil to get a light salad dressing. Apart from balsamic vinegar with a dark hue, there is a more rare white type of balsamic vinegar. It is made from white Trebbiano grape must.

MARCH 2021

Cleaning and industrial types of vinegar

There are special solutions that are made for domestic and industrial use based on vinegar essence and acetic acid. Cleaning vinegar solutions are used as a natural product for cleaning different surfaces at home. They are more acidic than distilled white vinegar and are unsafe for culinary purposes. Industrial vinegar solutions contain 2030% of acetic acid and are used for various purposes — from cleaning surfaces in commercial buildings to killing weeds. It’s dangerous to use them for eating. Due to these specifics, it’s recommended to store cleaning and industrial vinegar solutions separate from food products and in a place that is unreachable for kids.

CHILL & DRAW

MARCH 2021