5 Minute Crafts Magazine - May 2022 by Lawrence Ambrocio

REAL BEAUTY SECRETS Keep Private on Facebook Perfect Amount of Chocolate Chip Cookies

May 2022 $5.99 (Canada) $3.99 (US)

may 2022

CONTENTS

“A mother is clothed with strength and dignity, laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks her words are wise and she gives instructions with kindness.” —Proverbs

MAY 2022

CONTENTS

20 features

THE NEXT GENERATION OF FACEBOOK With Facebook being the most used social media website in the world with almost 3 million users, it’s important to know how to keep your profile and information safe and private.

WATCH TV The screen size of most electronic devices is measured in inches. For example, this refers to the size of smartphones, laptops, and TVs.

departments

EDITOR'S LETTER

TRICKS & TIPS

DRAW IT!

MAY 2022

COVER PHOTO GENTIL & HYERS

CONTENTS

style

home

health

food

crafts

BEAUTY TOOLS GUIDE Cosmetic stores have a huge range of various tools and makeup appliances. Brushes and sponges alone account for several dozens. It might not be clear at first sight what this diversity of tools is for. That’s why we decided to have a closer look at the most popular ones and find out their purpose.

A KIND OF SOFA The range of sofas in any modern furniture store can surprise even the most sophisticated buyers. And if you don’t know how to choose a sofa, this article is for you.

BOOST YOUR METABOLISM Men tend to burn more calories than women, even while resting. But metabolism is also affected by genetics, temperature, and some other factors.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BASICS If you approach baking from a scientific point of view, you can find simple explanations for common mistakes. Moreover, by understanding the problem, you can easily determine the conditions under which the cookie will always be perfect. And you can also use this knowledge when cooking other foods.

WHAT'S IN A JAR? Almost every product we buy at the store comes in a jar, bottle, or plastic wrapping. Glass jars are the perfect way to store seasonings, homemade pickles, or jams, but aside from canning, there are more creative and useful things you can do with them.

WHAT WOMEN WANT Choosing what to wear can be a difficult task for many women, especially when you want to achieve a specific goal, such as appearing thinner. However, there are certain tricks you can try to get this look and boost your confidence through your outfit. Visit us at 5minutecrafts.site

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 2022 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. The following video might feature activity performed by our actors within controlled environment- please use judgment, care, and precaution if you plan to replicate. All product and company names shown in the video are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

MAY 2022

JES WATSON 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

Flowers

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

• Bicolor Lavender Roses • Light Pink Carnations • Pink Wax flower • Clear Glass Vase • Pretty Pink Bow 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

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

MAY 2022

EDITOR'S LETTER

Beautiful Ways For Moms I

n honor of Mother's Day, want to celebrate mom as an essential worker. She has been there through all of this — making more meals than usual, managing a variety of Zoom conference calls, and even taking on class projects and math homework she hasn't thought about in (possibly) decades. Out of all the chaos, though, there have been some real heroes among us — people who have taken on unexpected risk and emotional weight just to make sure the rest of us have what we need. They have been deemed "essential workers": people including first responders, grocery workers, teachers, and social workers. They have helped guide us through these strange times, when many of us just feel lost. In times of uncertainty, we tend to look to what is essential: food, shelter, and, of course, care. And as this unimaginable moment has expanded from a minor inconvenience to a full-blown life change, we've come to realize what really matters and what counts as essential. In fact, many things we took for granted before have become worth their weight in gold. Let's just say I never thought I'd have to visit a janitorial supply store to find coveted-yet-elusive toilet paper. That would have been a hilarious thought only three months ago. We know that because of all this, Mother's Day will look a little different this year. Most of us will be at home, sheltering in place, perhaps trying to find a bit of alone time in close quarters. We will also try to find ways to connect with grandmas who might be on their own but still so eager to see or hear from their kids and grandkids. There are also the new moms, who are either about to give birth or are in the process — and doing so alone in hospitals or with limited visitors. We see all of you, and we are with you in spirit. We are your champions. Stay safe, be well — we'll get through this together. Happy Mother's Day!

JES WATSON Editor In-Chief

MAY 2022

style BEAUTY TOOLS GUIDE Cosmetic stores have a huge range of various tools and makeup appliances. Brushes and sponges alone account for several dozens. It might not be clear at first sight what this diversity of tools is for. That’s why we decided to have a closer look at the most popular ones and find out their purpose.

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STYLE 2. Curler

1. Eyeshadow applicator

For the best definition, it is better to use a crayon lip liner than a liner with a pointy tip. Crayon lip liners have a rounded, soft tip. Sharp pencils will make tight, intense lines that won’t give you the optimal look. Round-tipped pencils will give your lips a velvety, creamy finish. These crayon-type liners are convenient and quick to use, and they are multifunctional — you can use them as lipstick too.

Single-sponge or dual-sponged tip applicators are used for applying eyeshadow.

The big tip is designed for applying shimmering and matte eyeshadow as well as for mixing different shades of a cosmetic product. It’s better to have at least 2 applicators with a big tip — one for dark colors and the other one for light colors. The small tip is good for applying eyeshadow near the eye line. It can help get a brighter and more saturated eye makeup look. Also, this tip is used for shading the eyeliner and applying eyeshadow to the lower lash line.

3. Makeup brushes

There are many types of makeup brushes that perform different functions. Here are the main ones: 1. Foundation brush: It is used for applying liquid makeup foundation. It helps to smoothly apply the foundation to the skin and gives a more natural look. 2. Powder brush: It’s convenient to pick up loose powder with the help of this soft and fluffy brush and evenly distribute it over the face. Also, this brush can be used for blending and dusting off the extra powder. 3. Blusher brush: This brush is firmer than a powder brush and eases the application of blush and helps create a more saturated makeup shade. 4. Angled brush: This is perfect for contouring and sculpting, shading, and structuring the face. 5. Fan-shaped brush: This brush has flat, fan-shaped bristles that are great for blending and shaking off excess powder. It is used for applying powder highlighters and removing any excess from cheeks and under-eye areas. 6. Concealer brush: The flat and short brush helps to precisely apply concealer and hide uneven skin, pimples, and dark circles under the eyes. 7. Brow brush: This brush with angled bristles is used for attaining the perfect shape and color of the eyebrows as well as for applying eyeliner. 8. Lip brush: This brush helps to color the lips better, outline the contour, and evenly distribute the lipstick. As a result, makeup will look much more natural.

MAY 2022

4. Sponges

Various makeup sponges help to evenly apply foundation, concealer, BB cream, and other cosmetic products to the face. Sponges are good at blending on large areas of skin and make the surface smoother and more natural. Here are several examples of such sponges: 1. Beauty blender: This teardrop-shaped sponge is used for applying a makeup base, concealer, BB cream, serum, and moisturizing products. It absorbs only water, not the cosmetic product, which is why any cosmetic product will stay on your face even longer. 2. Wedge-shaped sponge: This has flat edges that let it get to every corner of your face. That’s why it is used to work over small areas such as the nose and the areas around the eyes or brows. 3. Pretty puff makeup sponge: This combines the properties of the beauty blender and the wedge-shaped sponge. On the one hand, it is convenient to apply makeup on the entire surface of the face with its help, and on the other hand, it helps to get to hard-to-reach areas. 4. Silicone sponge: This is most often flat with rounded edges. It is used only for applying liquid or cream foundation and is not suitable for powder foundation. The silicone in the composition of the sponge doesn’t absorb makeup products, which means that you will avoid, albeit insignificant, loss of cosmetics.

MAY 2022

STYLE 5. Tweezers

The flat and curved tweezers are perfect for correcting eyebrows. Use the tool the following way: 1. Take a hot shower to open the spores. 2. Take the tweezers and carefully remove excess hair along their growth line, giving your eyebrows the necessary shape. 3. Soak the brows with cold water at the end of the procedure to close the pores.

6. Cotton powder puff

Cotton powder puffs are used for applying loose powder. It lets you spend less time applying the product and cover the larger areas of the face. Usually, cotton powder puffs are made from organic cotton fibers, which is why they retain powder well and are good for people with sensitive skin.

7. Brow and lash brush

The brow and lash brush has 2 sides: The flexible side is a brush with bristles that shapes and styles brow hair, creating the effect of volume and thickness. It can also be used to blend applied brow products or prepare them for gel application. The firm side that looks like a comb helps split eyelashes and remove any clumps of mascara. It can also be used for brows to give them a more neat look.

MAY 2022

STYLE

WHAT WOMEN WANT

Choosing what to wear can be a difficult task for many women, especially when you want to achieve a specific goal, such as appearing thinner. However, there are certain tricks you can try to get this look and boost your confidence through your outfit.

MAY 2022

STYLE 1. Stick to dark colors.

✅ Although black may be well-known for giving you a slimmer appearance, you can also choose other dark colors that can create the same effect. For instance, you can also try dark gray, red, green, and navy blue. ❗ Ditch light-colored pants or jeans, as these can make your legs appear thicker, especially if you have big thighs.

2. Opt for a V-neck or a bardot neckline.

✅ Both necklines can add length to your neck and make your collarbone visible, drawing attention to a slim area of your body.

3. Avoid horizontal stripes.

✅ Instead, go for vertical stripes that can make you look thinner and taller by creating a long line.

4. Stay away from cap sleeves.

✅ Cap sleeves highlight the widest area of your arms. Instead, choose 3/4-length sleeves or long sleeves that go to the cuff. These will create the illusion of slender arms by elongating them. ✅ Flutter sleeves can be another option since they end after the widest portion of the arms. Moreover, they may add movement and draw attention to the slim part of your arms.

5. Choose smaller patterns.

✅ Instead of large prints, opt for smaller patterns, such as small polka dots or thin stripes. Keep in mind that the smaller the print, the smaller you may appear.

6. Remember that layering colors can also help. ✅ Wearing a light-colored top under a dark fitted cardigan can make you appear taller and thinner due to the vertical line this look will create.

7. Go for pointed-toe shoes.

✅ These can make your legs look longer. ❗On the contrary, rounded-pointed shoes may create the illusion of short and stubby legs.

8. Switch to pencil skirts.

✅ A pencil skirt can make you appear thinner and give you a neat look. Simply wear it along with a chiffon or well-fitted top, making sure that it’s not too loose or tight. ❗ Stay away from pleated skirts, as they may add width to your figure when they open up.

MAY 2022

9. Try cropped jackets and crop tops.

✅ Both options can help make your legs appear long and create the illusion of a small upper body. 💡If you want to avoid showing your stomach, you can pair these garments with high-waisted pants.

10. Swap low-rise pants for high-rise ones.

❗Low-rise pants can make your torso look larger and your legs shorter. Moreover, they can give your stomach a more prominent appearance. 💡Tuck in your shirts to define your waist. You can also try a french tuck, which is basically tucking the front part of an oversized top into your higher rise pants.

home A KIND OF SOFA The range of sofas in any modern furniture store can surprise even the most sophisticated buyers. And if you don’t know how to choose a sofa, this article is for you.

MAY 2022

HOME How to choose a sofa

If you are looking for a sofa for your home right now, then you have to take a few important things into account before visiting a store: Consider your lifestyle. This simple question may surprise you. However, a lot depends on your answer. If you live alone or with a partner, you’ll hardly need a big sofa. If you often hold house parties, then it would be nice to have a sofa that can accommodate all your guests. Or maybe you are planning to use a sofa as a bed. If you have children or animals, then you should think about the upholstery material. Measure your room carefully. It’s better to double-check all the parameters several times in advance before making a purchase. Make sure you know exactly what length, height, and width the future couch should be. Also, don’t forget to measure doorways and corridors. It will be a shame if the components of the sofa don’t fit through them. Choose the color and style in advance. Furniture stores are full of various models of sofas. It would be wise if you decided on the required style in advance. This will make your task much easier since you will know what to look for. Classic models are suitable for a traditional style, contemporary ones for a modern style, etc. It’s much easier to choose the color because it depends on your personal preferences. But remember that the color should be one that you won’t grow tired of, as we usually buy a sofa to serve us for a number of years.

Lawson

Lawson sofas are the very definition of classic. The feature of this sofa is the combination of a soft back with extra cushions. This feature makes the sofa incredibly soft and comfortable. By moving the pillows, you can create a comfortable space for yourself. Another key feature of this type of sofa is the combination of a high back with low armrests. Your body fits naturally into the seat structure for maximum comfort. Lawson-style sofas can easily go with almost any interior.

Tuxedo

A tuxedo sofa is a stylish and strict model. The recognizable feature of this sofa is its almost perfect rectangular shape. This sofa has high armrests that are at the same level as the straight back and connected to it at an angle of 90.̊ It may seem that this type of sofa is not very comfortable, but this is not so. This sofa has a deep seat, so you will definitely feel comfortable. And if you don’t want your sofa to look as formal, just add some cushions.

Sectional sofa

A sectional or modular sofa is a good option for a large family. This model consists of several sofa units that can be combined in any convenient way. As a rule, this sofa consists of 3-5 sections. A sectional sofa has many advantages, from more seating space to the possibility of placing sections non-linearly and filling hard-to-reach places. The 2 most common configurations are an L-shape and U-shape. Some companies make rounded pieces so you can have a curved sofa.

Bridgewater

Bridgewater sofas are simple and comfortable. Despite the fact that this model was invented a long time ago, it’s quite versatile and able to fit into any interior. Bridgewater sofas are characterized by a soft rounded back, low rounded armrests, soft loose cushions and a distinctive “skirt” that hides the legs. However, some modern manufacturers leave the legs exposed. If you want your sofa look more unique, you can add some bright cushions and blankets.

Chesterfield

A Chesterfield sofa is easy to recognize thanks to the quilted back. In this model, the armrests are at the same level as the backrest. However, unlike tuxedo sofas, these are slightly rounded. Also, a Chesterfield sofa has a low seat and exposed legs. In the classic version, the upholstery is made of genuine leather, but nowadays, you can find upholstery made of tweed or cotton. Please note that this model is large in size, so it’s definitely not suitable for a small space.

MAY 2022

Loveseat

A loveseat sofa is a medium-sized upholstered sofa that fits 2 adults. Due to its rather small size, this model is often sold in sets with larger couches. However, it can also be purchased separately. Loveseats are suitable for small rooms and will be a comfortable place for 2 people who want to relax or watch a movie. Nowadays, loveseats can be found in almost any style and color, with exposed or hidden legs. Therefore, if you opt for this model, you will definitely be able to find a suitable option. A curious fact: despite the name, these sofas were not originally intended for couples in love. They were oversized chairs for ladies with large skirts.

Mid-century modern

The name of this model speaks for itself. If your interior is decorated with a modern style, this sofa is what you need. It fits perfectly into a minimalistic design. The main features of this sofa are clear lines, a rectangular shape, a quilted back, and cushions as seats. Nowadays, you can find contemporary versions of this model. They can use nontraditional materials for decoration, as well as the legs and buttons.

Cabriole

Cabriole sofas are modeled in a French style. These sofas have beautiful curved lines, so you will immediately recognize them in stores. Another characteristic feature of this sofa is its exposed wood frame with many carved details. However, nowadays, you can find contemporary cabriole sofas without the wood trim. To have this model, you don’t have to live in an eighteenth-century castle. This classic cabriole sofa will perfectly complement any eclectic interior.

health BOOST YOUR METABOLISM Men tend to burn more calories than women, even while resting. But metabolism is also affected by genetics, temperature, and some other factors.

MAY 2022

HEALTH

What is metabolism?

Metabolism is the ability of the body to convert calories into energy needed for the body’s normal functioning. The name of this process is derived from the word which means “to change.” In ancient times, metabolism was compared to fire because scientists described this process as the transformation of food into heat. The first recorded experiments were published in 1614. But the study of metabolism experienced the greatest development strides at the beginning of the 20th century.

How does it work?

Briefly, the process of metabolism can be described as follows: calories from food, when combined with oxygen, release energy. The amount of energy that the body uses for its needs, like breathing, growing and repairing cells, circulating blood, and adjusting hormone levels, is the basal metabolic rate. This ability of the body includes 2 more processes: catabolism is responsible for the breakdown of nutrients that come from food into simpler units anabolism is responsible for building up and restoring the body’s cells Energy expenditure is continuous, but its rate can vary. For example, it’s usually lower in the morning.

What does the speed of metabolism depend on?

The metabolic rate of each person is unique and depends on several factors. Age. Usually, the amount of muscle tissue tends to decrease with age, while fat tissue tends to increase, so the process of burning calories slows down. For most people, metabolism steadily slows after age 40. Gender. Most often, men burn more calories than women of a similar age and weight, because the male body has less fat tissue and more muscle. Body composition. Usually, people who are larger tend to burn more calories even while resting. At the same time, muscle tissue burns more kilojoules than fat tissue. Physical activity. It may not necessarily be working out, but any movement, whether it’s walking to the store or fidgeting in a chair. Food digestion. The body uses energy to digest, absorb, and transport nutrients. The more often we eat, the more energy we use. Genetic predisposition. The metabolic rate partly depends on your genes. Environmental temperature. If it’s low, the body tends to spend more energy maintaining its temperature.

How to boost metabolism?

So, the metabolic rate often depends on genetic predisposition, gender, and age, and these factors can’t be controlled, as well as the amount of energy that is necessary for the functioning of all body systems. However, some tricks can still help boost metabolism. Physical activity. The more we move, the more energy is required. And the more intense the workout is, the longer the metabolic rate will remain high. Building muscle mass. Every pound of muscle burns about 6 calories, even at rest. Therefore, after strength training, the muscles of the whole body are activated and the average daily metabolic rate increases. Mandatory breakfast. Don’t skip your first meal of the day. A balanced breakfast containing protein and complex carbs will boost your energy levels and, with it, your metabolism. More water. Water is necessary to process calories, so it’s recommended to drink 1 glass of water before each meal. Also, you can snack on fruits or vegetables which contain a lot of water. Spicy food. Spicy food can temporarily boost your metabolism thanks to the natural chemicals it contains. Those who like to eat spicy food regularly may be able to notice a more lasting and noticeable effect. Eating more protein. The body spends much more energy on its absorption than on the digestion of carbs or fats. Therefore, it’s recommended to eat high-protein foods like turkey, fish, chicken, tofu, nuts, beans, eggs, and lean beef. No strict diets. They slow down the metabolic rate in order to conserve energy. Also when losing weight due to a calorie deficit, not only fat but also muscle mass can decrease. The number of meals. Small meals eaten every 3-4 hours can speed your metabolism, while large meals with long breaks in between, on the contrary, slow it down. Coffee. When consumed in moderation, this invigorating drink can also increase the metabolic rate, but only for a short time. Green tea. Thanks to the catechins it contains, this drink stimulates the body to burn more calories. Sleeping at least 7 hours. If you don’t get enough sleep or feel tired, your level of activity can decrease, and your metabolic rate with it.

MAY 2022

may

MAY 2022

THE NEXT

GENERATION OF

With Facebook being the most used social media website in the world with almost 3 million users, it’s important to know how to keep your profile and information safe and private.

MAY 2022

1. Make your profile fully private.

4. Avoid clicking suspicious links.

Making your Facebook profile private is one of the most basic things you can do to improve your privacy. Do the following: 1. Click the arrow button in the top right corner. 2. Then, Settings & Privacy, and Settings again. 3. On the left side column, select Privacy. 4. Next to “Your Activity,” look for “Who can see your future posts?” and pick “Friends” or “Only me.”

While scrolling through your Facebook feed, it’s important to think twice before clicking any links you don’t recognize, especially if they come from people you don’t know. This includes downloading weird files or strange apps. Make sure to report these types of posts and messages if you come across any.

5. Hide your friends’ list.

2. Enable login alerts.

Controlling who has access to your friends’ list is another useful tip that improves personal privacy. To do this: 1. On the top right corner, click the arrow button. 2. Next, click Settings & Privacy, and then Settings. 3. Select Privacy in the left side column. 4. Look for “Who can see your friends list?” and pick “Only me.”

Login alerts are a feature anyone can enable under the Security section of Facebook. It’s recommended because when someone attempts to log in to your account from a new or different device, you are immediately notified via e-mail.

3. Manage your privacy settings.

If you browse through the Privacy settings on Facebook, you can get a better sense of who can actually see your profile and what you post. A lot of the time, those settings are unknowingly set to public. Here are a few steps you can take to make your profile safer: Control who can contact you, who can look you up, and who can see your posts. Create lists of friends so only they can see what you share. Regularly check the Activity log. Use the “View As” option to see how others are actually seeing your profile.

MAY 2022

Watch TV The screen size of most electronic devices is measured in inches. For example, this refers to the size of smartphones, laptops, and TVs.

1. Small TV sets (form 19 to 32 inches)

2. Medium TV sets (from 33 to 43 inches)

The most popular sizes in this category are 24, 28, and 32 inches.

The most popular size in this category is 42 inches.

TV sets with a screen size of 19-32 inches are considered small ones. They are good for kitchens, bedrooms, and other small areas. Moreover, it is recommended to buy such TVs if the distance from a person to the TV screen doesn’t exceed 5 feet.

TV sets with a screen size ranging from 33 to 43 inches are considered midsized. They are good for the everyday watching of TV and movies in most living rooms. It is recommended to buy such TVs if the distance from a person to the screen is anywhere from 5 to 7 feet.

MAY 2022

3. Large TV sets (from 44 to 50 inches)

4. Very large TV sets (from 55 inches)

The most popular size in this category is 48 inches.

The most popular sizes in this category are 55 and 65 inches.

TV sets with a screen size ranging from 44 to 50 inches are considered largesized. They are good for spacious rooms and for those who like to play video games and watch shows and movies in high definition and on the big screen. It is recommended to buy such TVs if the distance from a person to the screen is anywhere from 8 to 10 feet.

TV sets with a screen size of 55 inches or more are considered very big. They are good for very spacious areas and also for those who like to watch movies and TV in a very high resolution and on a very big screen. Moreover, it is recommended to buy such TVs if the distance from a person to the screen is 10 feet or more.

MAY 2022

food CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BASICS

If you approach baking from a scientific point of view, you can find simple explanations for common mistakes. Moreover, by understanding the problem, you can easily determine the conditions under which the cookie will always be perfect. And you can also use this knowledge when cooking other foods.

MAY 2022

FOOD

Bake the Perfect Cookie Let’s take the recipe for chocolate chip cookies. You can replace chocolate with dried cranberries if you’d like. Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of butter at room temperature 1/4 cup of brown sugar 1 egg yolk 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda 1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips The baking process: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking pan with parchment. Stir the butter with sugar in a bowl until creamy. Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla until combined. Stir in the flour and baking soda. Then stir in the chocolate chips. Form cookies out of the batter and put them on the baking pan apart from each other. Bake for about 10 minutes. Take out the pan and let the cookies cool just slightly, for about 2 minutes.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them Mistake 1: You used butter taken right out of the refrigerator or, conversely, it stayed on the table for a long time and became soft.

Most recipes recommend using room temperature butter. It has the right consistency to retain air trapped inside when beating. Later, the air under the influence of high temperatures begins to expand, making the baked good fluffy. Room temperature is about 65°F. If you press room temperature butter, your finger will make an indent. Your finger will slide on cold butter, and sink in butter that is too warm. It is important to do the following: If you use butter that’s too warm, the cookies will overspread on the baking sheet. If you use cold butter, while trying to achieve the desired plasticity of the dough, you will most likely add too little flour and grind the sugar poorly. As a result, the cookies will also overspread and burn. ✅ Tip: It is enough to take the butter out of the refrigerator and leave it on the table for about an hour. If you don’t want to wait, pour 2 cups of water into a bowl, put it in the microwave, and heat for 2 minutes. Then take the bowl out of the microwave and put the butter on the plate in the microwave. Close the door, don’t turn it on, and wait 10 minutes. This will be enough for the radiant heat to soften the butter. Mistake 2: You added too much flour to the dough. This might happen if you use butter that’s too soft or warm, and in an attempt to make the dough less sticky and more elastic, you added too much flour. As a result, the cookies will be hard and dry with a hard crust. To avoid this situation, follow the instructions in the recipe. Mistake 3: You replaced white sugar with brown sugar or vice versa but didn’t take their specific features into account. In our recipe, it’s recommended to use brown sugar, but it can be replaced with white sugar. It’s worth knowing their differences: Brown sugar gives cookies a richer flavor and a yellowish-golden hue, which can cause you to accidentally undercook it, thinking that a dark crust is a sign of readiness. It’s great for recipes that include baking soda, helping it produce carbon dioxide. The cookie will have a porous and moist base due to the molasses that brown sugar contains. This cookie is unlikely to rise much, but it will spread a little. Cookies with white sugar will be more brittle and milky white with a golden hue, possibly rising a little in the oven. But after you take it out, the color may darken as a result of the caramelization process. ✅ Tip: Be sure to mix sugar with butter until the mass is as smooth as possible and sugar crystals are almost invisible in it. During baking, be guided by the recommended time, then remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 1015 minutes — they will darken slightly and harden on the inside.

MAY 2022

Mistake 4: You added too much baking soda or baking powder. Baking soda, when exposed to heat, begins to release carbon dioxide, due to which, the dough becomes porous and expands. This happens faster than the crust bakes, resulting in small cracks on the surface of the cookies. Baking powder consists of soda (sodium bicarbonate) and citric acid (or another product that acts as an acidity regulator). Therefore, it can replace baking soda in the recipe. But in both cases, you should adhere to the recommended dosage: if you add too much baking powder, cookies will be covered with large cracks. ✅ Tip: Baking soda needs an acid to not give the dough an unpleasant taste. This acid can be vinegar or lemon juice. Mistake 5: You didn’t put the dough into the fridge. It’s enough to put the finished dough into the fridge for 30 minutes. Thanks to this, it will be saturated with moisture. As a result, the cookie will brown better, spread less, and develop a richer chewy texture. ✅ Tip: Before putting it into the fridge, wrap the dough in cling film or put it into a container and close the lid. Mistake 6: You used regular chocolate. It’s best to use heat-resistant chocolate: it doesn’t melt and retains its texture even at high temperatures. Ordinary chocolate begins to melt and spread at a temperature of 93°F. ✅ Tip: Heat-resistant chocolate drops (as shown in the photo above) are perfect for baking. But you can replace them with pieces of good bittersweet chocolate (which contains about 60% cocoa). Mistake 7: You baked the cookie for too long or didn’t follow temperature recommendations. The longer you keep the cookie in the oven, the drier it will be inside. It is also important to monitor the temperature: focus on 350°F. This will give the butter enough time to melt and cause the cookie to spread out a little. Too high temperatures can cause the cookies to come out dry or even burn. Temperatures that are too low won’t start the Maillard reaction and the caramelization process. ✅ Tip: If your oven isn’t a new model, with sensors that don’t correctly reflect the temperature inside, it’s good to have an oven thermometer. Wrong temperatures can ruin the cookies. For the same reason, you shouldn’t open the door and check out what’s happening in there. It’s enough just to follow the time indicated in the recipe. If you use a convection oven, reduce the recommended temperature by about 25°F and shorten the baking time slightly. ❗Attention: The recommendations given above are universal, but the final result may be affected by the current condition of your oven, atmospheric pressure, the quality of local foods, and many other factors. We recommend you try to repeat our experiment at home to figure out your own formula for the perfect cookie.

crafts WHAT'S IN A JAR?

Almost every product we buy at the store comes in a jar, bottle, or plastic wrapping. Glass jars are the perfect way to store seasonings, homemade pickles, or jams, but aside from canning, there are more creative and useful things you can do with them.

MAY 2022

CRAFTS Jar chandelier

Vase

Jar terrarium

Bird feeder

Materials A jar A marker Wire A power drill/screwdriver Pliers Hex nuts A metal nipple A keyless socket holder A light bulb

Materials Masking tape Salt crystals White glue An empty glass jar Clear gloss spray

Materials A glass jar Gravel/small rocks Active charcoal Moss Plants

Materials A Mason Jar Twine A small round chicken feeder

1. Draw a hole on the lid with a marker and use a drill or screwdriver to punch a hole in it. Measure the cut according to the metal nipple. Measure how much you will need and cut off the metal lid. 2. Place the metal nipple inside the hole on the lid, leaving equal length on each side of the lid, and secure it with hex nuts on both sides. 3. Put the cable inside the metal nipple and wire the keyless socket. Strip the wire covering with the wire cutters and wire the 2 screws on the socket. 4. Screw the keyless light socket onto the side of the metal nipple that goes into the jar. 5. Screw a bulb into the socket and then screw the jar back to the lid. It’s up to you whether and how you can decorate the rest of it. You can hang them in the kitchen or make a couple of them screwed into a piece of wood, and, with help of a professional, install them on the ceiling.

Candle jars Materials A small jar Glue A wick A wooden stick Old candles/wax 2 containers

1. Take an empty glass jar and clean it. Once it’s dry, put masking tape to cover the opening of the jar and apply white glue to the unmarked area. 2. Fill a container with salt crystals and roll the jar in it until it’s fully covered. 3. Once it’s dried, remove the masking tape and fill the jar with flowers. Bonus: You can use smaller jars to make candle holders.

Soap dispensers Materials A drill/screwdriver A Mason jar A soap pump Hot glue

1. Put gravel or small rocks at the bottom of the jar, which will represent the drainage layer. This will keep the water away from plant roots. The second layer should be with active charcoal. The third layer will be moss, and this will keep the soil from mixing with the previous 2 layers. 2. Add soil to the jar. 3. Pick terrarium plants. Shake the soil from the plants and use a spoon or your fingers to dig a hole into the soil. Place the plants in their holes and pat the soil to avoid air pockets. Use a spray bottle to water terrarium plants.

Photo magnets

1. Use the large drill bit to punch a hole in the top of the lid, or try it by using a screwdriver. Measure how much you will need to cut off the metal lid according to the pump size. Cut off the edges very carefully. 2. Make sure that the hole you made is big enough to fit the soap pump but small enough so that the actual pump stays on the top. 3. Use silicone or hot glue to secure the pump and then add the metal ring to it. 4. Fill the jar with soap, then the soap dispenser is ready.

Materials A glass jar lid Photo Scissors Glue Magnet 1. Take a glass jar lid and trace it on the backside of the photo. 2. Cut out the circle using scissors. 3. Glue the picture on the inside of the lid using glue. 4. Attach a magnet to the backside of the lid.

1. Grab a jar and glue one wick in it. Wrap the top of the wick around a wooden stick. 2. Put the wax into a container and place it in boiling water. Stir it and pour a few drops of essential oil to add aroma. 3. Once the wax is melted, pour it into the glass jar. 4. Let the wax harden before cutting the excess wick.

MAY 2022

1. Start with wrapping one layer of string under the rim and tying it off. Secure the layer with a hot glue gun. 2. Tie another piece of twine around the middle in a few layers. 3. Run the twine about halfway down the jar and repeat the first step. 4. Fill the feeder with seeds. 5. Screw the jar on. 6. Place the bird feeder in the garden and enjoy it every time you get a chance to. Are you planning to do some of these? Share your opinions below if you have other ideas aside from these.

TIPS & TRICKS How to Hold a Pen

Our hands are one of the main tools with muscles that we use in almost every stage of our daily lives, from using cutlery while eating to tying shoelaces, brushing our teeth, holding pencils, and more. Although there are plenty of methods out there, knowing how to correctly hold a pen or pencil is essential to writing and drawing in a better way.

Understand your hand.

There are 2 sides to the hand: the “mobile” and the “stable” side. While the mobile side is used for writing with the help of the thumb, index, and middle fingers, the stable side includes the ring and pinky fingers, and is generally closed and rests on the table during writing. The open area between the thumb and the index finger, where the pencil rests during writing, is named ’’web space." If the web space is too closed with little space, it’ll cause us to hold the pen too tightly and it’ll lead to fatigue.

Sit with proper posture.

To avoid pain while writing, it’s important to sit in the right posture and position. In doing so, ensure your spine and shoulders stay at a certain angle and your elbow at 90 or more degrees. The size of the pen or pencil you use may also cause pain. For example, large-sized pens are okay during infancy, yet not okay afterward. It’s useful to use golf-sized pencils or pens at younger ages. The thumb, index, and middle fingers are used for comfortable and beautiful writing. To hold it right, keep the pen between the soft tips of your thumb and index fingers, and support it with your middle finger. Make sure your thumb and index finger are in close contact with each other. It is a good idea to use a small pen whose tip should point forward. There are 4 common ways or grips of holding a pen, named accordingly, whether the pen is resting on the middle or ring finger, or if you put your thumb over your ring finger, etc.

I. Common grips

Way 1: dynamic tripod grip ’’The tripod grip,’’ or dynamic tripod, is a writing grip with one of the correct ways of holding the pen or pencil for steady handwriting. You hold your pen with your thumb and index (also known as pointer or forefinger) fingers while resting it on your middle (tall) finger. Here, the middle finger acts as a support. Way 2: lateral tripod grip The lateral tripod is similar to the dynamic tripod. Your thumb goes over the pen while resting on the index (forefinger) finger. Oftentimes, the thumb wraps over the index finger too. Way 3: dynamic quadrupod grip ’’The quadrupod grip’’ is also known as the dynamic quadruped writing grip. You hold the pen with your thumb, index, and middle fingers while keeping it resting on the ring finger. Way 4: lateral quadrupod grip This grip is similar to the dynamic quadrupod. Your thumb rests on top of the ring finger to hold the pen while the rest of your fingers direct it.

II. Incorrect or poor grips, plus tips to improve

If holding a pen or pencil causes discomfort, fatigue, or arm and hand issues, your grip is considered poor. This happens when: The thumb is wrapped around the index finger or kept on top of the index finger. It may also occur when your thumb stays under the index finger. Solution: Ask the person to hold something with their little finger and ring finger; squeeze a softball (or a piece of paper or tissue rolled into a ball) with his or her hands. Playing with Lego toys, playdough, opening/closing the jar lids or zippers, and such games may help. A problem occurs when fisted (atypical) grips are used to hold the pencil with all of the fingers extended to curl around the pencil or when fingers are splayed out. Solution: You can give the person an extremely short pencil. Also, using small pieces of chalk or crayon may help during Pre-K or kindergarten while teaching the correct pencil holding. When the pencil stays straight (vertical) up in the air, then the person starts to have an unusual wrist position. Solution: Try the rubber band method. To do so, place the wrist into a rubber band, then put the pen inside the band. Allowing for some rotation, attach the pen to the rubber band.

MAY 2022

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MAY 2022