5 Minute Crafts Magazine - September 2020 by Lawrence Ambrocio

SERVING HAPPINESS TASTY SNACKS & MACRAME PROJECTS PLUS

Smart Ways To Declutter Everything

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

september 2020

CONTENTS

"A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people to whom it is easy to do good, and who are not accustomed to have it done to them; then work which one hopes may be of some use; then rest, nature, books, music, love for one’s neighbor — such is my idea of happiness." -Leo Tolstoy

SEPTEMBER 2020

CONTENTS

style

home

health

food

departments

FACIAL SOLUTIONS Excess oil or sebum on the skin can be due to various factors, such as environmental conditions or the use of unsuitable products for the type of skin you have. This can cause the face to look very shiny and feel oily every time you touch it, especially around the socalled T-zone. However, there are several natural and home remedies that can help alleviate this problem.

CHAIR REVAMPED It’s not out of the ordinary to have a favorite piece of furniture at home. But over time, it can deteriorate, which makes us wonder if we should buy a new piece or simply restore it. If you’d like to keep it, try upholstering it yourself. You can make this job your next personal project.

STRETCH UP Morning workouts have many positive effects. Exercising in the morning can help reduce your appetite during the day.

FUN SNACKS Sometimes, light appetizers can be served before the main course, and after the main course come the desserts and sweets. But very often, cooking the main course takes so long that there’s no time left for anything else.

EDITOR'S LETTER

NOURISH HAIR Dry hair can have multiple causes, such as chemical treatments, excessive use of flat irons or electric curling irons, and washing it more than necessary.

THE PAPER WORK Parchment and waxed paper are very helpful in the kitchen, so it hardly ever comes as a surprise to know that any house you go to is likely to have some. In general, it’s used to line different cake pans or to prevent food from sticking. But it also has other uses that can make various household tasks way easier.

features

ORGANIZE IS CLEAN If you own too much stuff and feel like your rooms and drawers are out of control, you’ve probably come to the right place. Besides finding things easier, getting rid of the items you no longer need can lead to different benefits, such as having less to clean and organize.

SEPTEMBER 2020

living

MACRAME PROJECTS Macramé is a kind of craft where you create textiles by making different knots in different combinations. By tying laces, yarn, or threads together, you can make clothes, accessories, and decor for your home!

TRICKS & TIPS

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

PILAR GUZMÁN Editor In-Chief

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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 2020 by St. Joseph Communications; may not be reprinted without written permission. Article proposals and manuscripts must be accompanied by self-addressed envelopes and sufficient postage; otherwise they will not be returned or acknowledged. While the publishers will take all reasonable care, they will not be responsible for the loss of any manuscript, drawing or photograph. ISSN 0009-1995. Single copy price: $4.99 + tax. Full subscription prices: Canada, 1 year (10 issues), $15 + tax. In U.S., 1 year, $45; foreign countries, $75. Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index. Printed in Canada by St. Joseph Communications, Print. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. 5 Minute Crafts receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. 5 Minute Crafts, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, republish, distribute, store and archive such unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. This statement does not apply to materials and/or pitches submitted by freelance writers, photographers or illustrators in accordance with known industry practices.

EDITOR'S NOTE

Ready For School Our nation's school boards are being unfairly pressured by their ministries to devise reopening plans in contravention of medical wisdom. Any reopening plan is the government's purview. Most educators use the summer to prepare for the upcoming year so the additional pressure they're facing is enormous. Ontario's Ministry of Education also demands a full reopening and that scenario begs another strike action by the teachers' unions. That and the fact children succumb quickly to illnesses and just as quickly pass them along to adults and other children. Approximately 18,000 Teachers told the Canadian Teachers Federation in survey responses they thought the idea rather dim; 74 per cent shot down the online education idea because they witnessed the mental distress the school closures caused students. Others felt the part-time schooling option was equally useless as it watered down the quality of education kids would receive. But few discussed alternatives. We don't need to reopen schools; it's better we don't. Corporations, places of worship, recreation centres, conference halls, could open their doors to accept one class of students in their local areas for the next school year. Church parish halls are large enough to accept 20 to 30 students, easily. The fewer bodies means the fewer sanitation staff needed to cleanse the buildings. Boards could save money by keeping the schools shut and renting space from corporations or local halls to become de facto temporary schools. Physical education could be carried out in parks during warmer months and local rec centres during colder months.

y sons do not learn this way. My youngest son took his health class online this summer. But in reality his mother was his teacher — not the teacher who was really more of an online proctor with the additional duty of grading papers. Teachers are being paid full-time wages for part-time work and providing minimal support to our children. Additionally, there is the harm you’re causing the hourly workers, such as kitchen and office staff, aides and paraprofessionals who can’t work because they’re paid hourly.

Only teachers and administration should be going into the schools to co-ordinate these satellite educational centres. We don't have to do this, of course, but expect students' mental health to suffer and more people dying of the disease.

Yes, this virus has its dangers to those with predispositions. Allow the parents of those children who want to stay at home doing online classes to do so. Let the rest of us sign a waiver and get our kids back to school. You had your time to “stem the curve,’’ now it’s time to get back to work. The Quebec Ministry of Education's wish to fully reopen schools is an equally foolish decision. This is why one American official lamented she couldn't escape to Canada, but frankly, who'd be stupid enough to let anyone pass those borders? Why does the Liberal government come to mind?

SEPTEMBER 2020

PILAR GUZMÁN Editor In-Chief

style FACIAL SOLUTIONS

Excess oil or sebum on the skin can be due to various factors, such as environmental conditions or the use of unsuitable products for the type of skin you have. This can cause the face to look very shiny and feel oily every time you touch it, especially around the so-called T-zone. However, there are several natural and home remedies that can help alleviate this problem. But, you should be cautious with using these masks if you experience skin irritation or have suffered allergic reactions in the past.

SEPTEMBER 2020

STYLE

Banana and lemon

Honey and oats

Egg whites and lemon

Almonds and honey

Tomato and sugar

Aloe vera

Your skin naturally produces oil as a means of protection and hydration. If that oil is produced in excess, it might build up in your pores and end up causing acne and inflammation of the skin in general. Lemon is known for helping clear clogged pores, but be careful to not be exposed to direct sunlight right after using the mask as lemon can stain your skin in that case. On the other hand, bananas can also absorb the oil. You can make a face mask to reduce this discomfort on your skin by following these steps: 1. Mash 1 banana with a fork. 2. Add 10 drops of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and mix until you obtain a homogeneous paste. 3. Apply to your face and leave on for 15 minutes. 4. Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat dry.

Almonds are a very common ingredient in beauty products. This is because they can help exfoliate your skin and absorb excess oil as well as get rid of certain impurities. In turn, honey serves as an excellent natural moisturizer, leaving your skin soft and hydrated. To prepare a mask with these ingredients you have to: 1. Grind 3 teaspoons of almonds in a blender or food processor into a paste. 2. Mix with 2 tablespoons of honey. 3. Apply to your face and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. 4. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.

Oatmeal is known for properties that allow it to absorb excess oil from the skin and help soothe inflammation. It also works as an exfoliant by removing dead skin, which makes it a great ingredient to add to your DIY face masks. Honey, on the other hand, has antiseptic and antiinflammatory properties that could come in handy as well. Use both natural ingredients by following these steps: 1. Mix ½ cup of ground oatmeal with ¼ cup of hot water until it forms a paste. 2. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and stir. 3. Massage your face with the mixture for 3 minutes or leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. 4. Then rinse with warm water and carefully pat your skin dry without scrubbing.

The acid found in tomatoes could help your skin absorb excess oils from the upper layers while at the same time unclogging pores. On the other hand, the texture of certain types of sugar could act as an exfoliant, which will leave your skin clean and smooth as long as you apply it correctly. Remember that you could also exfoliate your skin too much, and that will be counterproductive. If you want to make this mask, follow these steps: 1. Mix 1 teaspoon of sugar and the pulp of 1 tomato. 2. Apply on the skin with circular movements. 3. Leave on for 5 minutes. 4. Remove with warm water and pat dry with a towel.

Oatmeal and baking soda

Both ingredients contain compounds that help exfoliate your skin. This, in turn, removes dead skin cells and unclogs the excess oil or impurities from pores. To prepare a mask with these you have to: 1. Mix 2 teaspoons of oatmeal and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl. 2. Add a few drops of water to form a paste. 3. Gently massage the mixture onto your face and let it dry. 4. Rinse with warm water and finish with a moisturizer.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Egg whites and lemons can help tighten pores, meaning that pores that are very open could look smaller with the proper care. In turn, the acid found in some citrus fruits like lemons or limes can absorb excess oil from the skin, as we previously mentioned. There is also evidence pointing toward the idea that lemon actually has antibacterial properties, which can be beneficial for people with acne, for example. You can make a mask for your face using the following procedure: 1. Mix 1 egg white with 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. 2. Apply it on your face and let it dry. 3. Remove with warm water and dry carefully.

Aloe vera is commonly used to treat sunburns as well as various skin conditions that include but are not limited to excess oiliness. Its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antibacterial properties make it an excellent alternative to chemical treatments that alleviate acne in an efficient and natural way. Use this natural ingredient on your face, as follows: 1. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel before going to bed. 2. Leave it on overnight. 3. Remove it in the morning by rinsing with warm water. If you know you suffer from very sensitive skin, we recommend testing it on your forearm before applying it to your face.

STYLE

NOURISH HAIR Dry hair can have multiple causes, such as chemical treatments, excessive use of flat irons or electric curling irons, and washing it more than necessary.

SEPTEMBER 2020

STYLE Aloe vera and rose water

Not only does aloe vera help cleanse oil residue in your hair, but it can also condition damaged and dry hair, which improves its appearance. On the other hand, rose water prevents skin dehydration, which could be beneficial for your scalp. If you want to use both ingredients at the same time, follow these steps: 1. Mix equal parts of aloe vera gel and rose water in a spray bottle. 2. Spray it on your hair every day.

Rice water

Rice water contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that can help you alleviate inflammation on the scalp while, at the same time, treat dry hair. To use this rather special ingredient, you just have to follow these steps: 1. Wash 2 tablespoons of white or brown rice by placing them under the running tap to remove dirt and impurities. 2. Place the rice in a container or bowl that you can cover, and add 2 cups of clean water. Let it soak in there for at least 30 minutes. 3. Mix it well, then strain it through a sieve or a colander. Make sure to save the resulting water in a jar or bottle. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Remember to always shake or stir before using. 4. Apply it to wet hair after rinsing out your regular shampoo, massaging from the roots to the ends.

Natural oils

Because of compounds like vitamin E, fatty acids, and various antioxidants, some natural oils could help you treat the outermost layer of your skin. Most of these would actually help you to moisturize both your hair and scalp. If you want to use these as a hair treatment, do the following: 1. Apply almond, avocado, coconut oil, or argan oil once or twice a week. Make sure you apply it evenly to all your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes, then wash it out with a mild to gentle shampoo. 2. When it comes to applying coconut oil, you can leave it on overnight. However, make sure to use a handkerchief or an old T-shirt as a pillowcase to avoid stains on your pillow. 3. Wash your hair in the morning.

Avocado, aloe vera, and coconut oil

Avocado contains lots of mineral-rich oils that can help strengthen your hair. On the other hand, due to its molecular weight, coconut oil can penetrate your hair, reducing frizz and dryness. Get a nourishing and moisturizing mask by combining both of these ingredients together as the following steps show: 1. Mix 1 ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. 2. Apply to damp or dry hair, and leave it on for 30 minutes. 3. Rinse it out with warm water, then dry thoroughly.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Banana and olive oil

Not only are bananas rich in minerals and antioxidants, but they also have antimicrobial properties that can help fight common hair issues, such as a dry scalp. This is how you can make a moisturizing mask with this natural ingredient: 1. Mash a ripe banana with a fork. 2. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil and mix until you get a smooth paste. 3. Apply it to your hair, from the roots to the ends. 4. Finally, wash it out with a mild shampoo.

Natural yogurt and olive oil

If you’ve recently bleached or colored your hair, there are few things you can do to treat it. Follow these steps: 1. Mix a cup of plain yogurt and a tablespoon of olive oil. 2. Apply it all over your hair once a week and leave it on for 10 minutes. 3. Rinse with warm water. There is evidence that yogurt has been used in the Middle East as a treatment to promote hair growth and restoration.

ways to keep your hair from becoming dehydrated Dry it at a lower temperature.

If you already struggle with dry hair, it’s recommended that you choose lower temperatures instead of higher ones when using a hair dryer or flat iron, if you use these at all. This will prevent the hair from drying out even more.

Include more vitamins in your diet.

Vitamins A and C, biotin, and iron promote growth and healthy hair, and therefore, hydrated hair. Check with your doctor about the right amounts of vitamins you should take, or try to eat foods that are rich in these components.

Protect it from environmental factors.

Common things, such as sun exposure, wind, salt, and water — either from the sea or your tap, for example — can cause your hair to dry out. Therefore, it’s often recommended to use a cap, hat, or certain products to help protect your hair from these conditions.

Don’t wash it every day.

home CHAIR REVAMPED It’s not out of the ordinary to have a favorite piece of furniture at home. But over time, it can deteriorate, which makes us wonder if we should buy a new piece or simply restore it. If you’d like to keep it, try upholstering it yourself. You can make this job your next personal project.

SEPTEMBER 2020

HOME Materials

1 individual armchair 1 stationery knife (cutter) 1 pair of cut-resistant gloves 1 pair of clear glasses 1 metal fiber brush (electric) or sandpaper for wood Anti-rust spray paint Transparent glue Elastic latex tape Upholstery foam (measurements will depend on the size and shape of your furniture) Fabric to cover the armchair (in the material and color of your choice; measurements will depend on the size and shape of your furniture)

Instructions

Before you begin working, put on your protective gear. Wear gloves and goggles during the upholstery procedure. 1. Place the chair in a comfortable work area. Turn it upside down and remove its legs. If they’re in good condition, you can reuse them. Gently take out the upholstery fabric using a knife; if it has staples, extract them with a flat screwdriver. Set these pieces aside — you’ll need them later to create the fabric patterns. 2. While you separate the different layers that cover the furniture, pay attention to how the fabrics, elastics, and foams or sponges are set. 3. Once you remove all the fabric, you’ll notice the elastic is the only material that remains. Take a good look at how it’s placed to adjust the new elastic in the same location. Using a pair of scissors or a knife, cut it off and discard it. 4. If the frame is made of a metallic material, it’s important to sand and eliminate the rusty edges before painting it with a spray or brush. If it’s made of wood, check to see if it’s in good condition, sand it, and apply varnish and a coat of wood paint. 5. Put glue on the metal, fix one end of the elastic band, fold it, and sew it. Use multiple stitches to keep it tight and in place. Then, pass the elastic from top to bottom in a zigzag pattern. Try to recreate the same pattern it followed when you took it apart. The key point here is to make sure you cover the back. Do the same in the seat section, as if you were knitting; pass one line over the other. 6. Line the armchair with fabric to fill the furniture and fix it with glue. Do it on the sides, the back, and the seat.

7. Take the upholstery foam for the next layer to cover the furniture. Mold it according to the couch structure and fix it with plenty of glue. With the knife or scissors, cut off any leftovers that are out of place. Allow the material to dry for good adhesion. 8. Grab the pieces of fabric that you removed at the beginning of the project. Cut out the new fabric, according to your furniture’s pattern and model. Depending on the type of tapestry you pick, you could sew it or use staples to fix it to the chair. 9. Lay glue on the foam and paste the fabric to it. Make sure to stretch it out completely. 10. Do this in parts: first the backrest, then the arms, and finally, the seat. The important part here is that the fabric is wrinkle-free and well-adhered to the foam. 11. Once you’ve completed the furniture top restoration, allow the glue to dry for a couple of hours. If you use it right away, you could wrinkle it or detach the fabric from the foam. 12. In the meantime, take care of restoring the legs. If they’re in good condition, sand them down and put varnish or wood sealer on them. If the original legs are damaged, you can buy new ones or make them by cutting wood in a similar way to fit the frame. Paint them in the color that best matches your new chair.

SEPTEMBER 2020

HOME

APRIL 2020

HOME Dry a wet book

If you accidentally dropped your favorite book into water or it got wet for some other reason, there’s an easy way to try and fix the situation. Start by placing several pieces of parchment paper between the pages of the wet book. This will help absorb the moisture and keep the book pages from sticking together. Then place the book in the freezer and once it has frozen, let it air dry.

Prevent color bleeding

Wrap colored candles in a sheet of parchment paper before storing them. By doing this you prevent the color of the candles from staining everything else you want to keep there.

Clean your wood floors Remove dust

Place waxed paper or parchment paper in places in your home that tend to accumulate dust or grease: shelves, kitchen cabinets, window sills, etc. As the paper gets dirty, replace it with new paper. This way you will be able to remove dust effectively, in less time, and without using a duster.

Brighten stainless steel

It is difficult to polish stainless steel without leaving fingerprints or marks behind. A simple way to avoid doing that is to simply rub a piece of baking paper over all of the stainless steel surfaces (sinks, faucets, refrigerator, etc.). They will shine like they are brand new.

Rejuvenate wood

After washing and drying your wooden cookware, rub it with a piece of waxed paper. Much like with stainless steel, the wax on the paper helps to polish the wood and make it look shiny, as if it were brand new.

Preserve paint

Cut a circle of waxed paper and, before closing your half-used can of paint, place it over the paint can. This prevents a film from forming on the surface and you can then use the paint without wasting anything.

Wrap your mop with a sheet of waxed paper. Then use it to clean the floor. The wax on the paper helps collect dirt and dust from the wood.

Transfer icing patterns to a cake

Use your waxed paper to trace the design you want to put on the cake. Then, lay the paper on a flat surface and fill the design with icing in different colors. Wrap the design in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer until it hardens. Finally, place the design on the cake and carefully remove the paper. The design will transfer smoothly.

Write chocolate or caramel messages to decorate cupcakes.

You can give your cupcakes or cakes a special twist by decorating them with phrases written in caramel or chocolate. Cut out a piece of parchment or waxed paper and place it on a tray or plate. With a cake piping bag, write the words of your choice. Put the paper in the freezer until the chocolate or caramel hardens. Then, just carefully remove the paper and place the words on the cupcake or cake.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Un-stick a zipper

Rub a piece of waxed parchment paper against the teeth of the jammed zipper of your backpack, purse, or coat. Its wax acts as a lubricant, making it an easy way to unstick your zipper.

Clean gardening tools

Make a ball of waxed baking paper and rub it on the dirty surface of the garden tools that you need to clean. The wax on the paper makes the dirt easier to remove because it collects it. It also protects the metal from rusting.

health

STRETCH UP Morning workouts have many positive effects. Exercising in the morning can help reduce your appetite during the day, for example. Besides, your mental health can improve significantly, your selfesteem may increase, and even your anxiety might even go away.

SEPTEMBER 2020

HEALTH Squats

Side lunges

Forward lunges

1. Begin standing with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, with your toes turned slightly outward and your hands by your sides so your palms are facing inward. Pull your shoulders down and back. 2. As you inhale, tighten your abs, and as you exhale, begin to shift your hips backward then downward to create a hinge-like movement at your hips and knees simultaneously. Stretch your arms in front of you. Continue bending your knees until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Make sure that your knees remain aligned over your second toe. Pause, and return to the starting position. ⏱ Repeat 10 times.

1. Stand with your feet parallel, facing forward and hip-width apart. Position your hands where they are comfortable to help you maintain your balance during the exercise. Stiffen your torso by contracting your core and abdominal muscles. Transfer your body weight to your heels. 2. Inhale and gently take the weight off of your right leg, slowly stepping to the right while keeping your weight over your heels and both feet facing forward. Bend at the hips, pushing them back while simultaneously shifting your weight toward the right foot. Your left leg should be at full extension at the knee. 3. Exhale and push off firmly with your right leg, returning your body to your starting position. Repeat the movement on the opposite side. ⏱ Repeat 8 times on each side.

1. Stand with your feet together. Pull your shoulders down and back without arching your lower back, and engage your abdominal muscles to support your spine. 2. In preparation to step forward, slowly lift one foot off the floor, stabilizing your body on the supporting leg. Hold this position momentarily before stepping forward. The knee of your back leg should touch the floor. 3. Firmly push off with your front leg, activating both your thigh muscles and glutes to return to your upright, starting position. ⏱ Repeat 8 times on each leg.

Push-ups 1. Kneel on an exercise mat or on the floor and bring your feet together behind you. Slowly bend forward to place your palms flat on the mat, positioning your hands shoulder-width apart with your fingers facing forward or turned slightly inward. Slowly shift your weight forward until your shoulders are positioned directly over your hands. Align your head with your spine. 2. Slowly lower your body toward the floor while maintaining a rigid torso and keep your head aligned with your spine. Continue to lower yourself until your chest or chin touch the mat or floor. Stay in this position for a couple of seconds. 3. Press upward until your arms are fully extended at the elbows. ⏱ Repeat 10 times. Tip: If you find it difficult to do the exercise with your legs straight, put your knees on the floor. You can also place your hands a little wider. It will be easier to do the exercise this way.

Cobra exercise 1. Lie on your stomach with your hands by your sides, positioned directly under your shoulders, with your hands facing forward. Extend your legs and make your toes point away from your body. 2. Gently exhale, press your hips into the mat or floor, and pull your chest away from the ground while keeping your hips stable. This will arch your lower back and stretch the muscles in your chest and abdominal region. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. 3. Lower your upper body to rest back upon the mat or floor and inhale. ⏱ Repeat 10 times.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Limb raises 1. Lie on your stomach with your legs extended, toes pointing away from your shins, and your arms extended overhead with palms facing each other. Relax your head to align it with your spine. 2. Exhale, contract your abs to stabilize your spine, and slowly raise one leg a few inches off the floor while simultaneously raising the opposite arm a few inches off the floor. Hold this position briefly, avoiding any arching in your back or the raising of your head. 3. Inhale and return to your starting position. Repeat the exercise, alternating your arms and legs. ⏱ Repeat 8 times on each side.

HEALTH Plank

Crunches

1. Lie on your stomach with your elbows close to your sides and directly under your shoulders, palms down, and hands facing forward. Contract your quadriceps to extend your legs and pull your toes toward your shins. Inhale. 2. Exhale, slowly lift your entire torso off the floor, maintaining a stiff torso and legs. Avoid any arching in your lower back, hiking in your hips, or bending in your knees. Avoid shrugging your shoulders and keep your shoulders positioned directly over your elbows with your palms facing down. Continue to breathe while holding this position for a specified time (5+ seconds). Test your capabilities. 3. While maintaining a stiff torso and extended knees, gently lower your body back toward the floor before relaxing.

Glute bridge 1. Lie on your back in a bent-knee position with your feet flat on the floor. Gently contract your abdominal muscles to flatten your lower back into the floor. Keep your arms straight and close to your body. Inhale deeply. 2. Gently exhale and press your hips upward off the floor into extension by contracting your glutes. Maintaining your abdominal contraction helps avoid excessive arching in your lower back. Transfer your body weight to your heels. 3. Inhale and slowly lower yourself back toward your starting position. ⏱ Repeat 10 times. Tip: Over time, you can start lifting one leg off the floor and extending it when your hips are raised.

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent, your feet flat on the floor, and your heels 12 to 18 inches from your tailbone. Place your hands behind your head, pulling your elbows back without arching your lower back. 2. Inhale. While exhaling, contract your abs and flex your chin slightly toward your chest while slowly curling your torso toward your thighs. The movement should focus on pulling your rib cage toward your pelvis (the neck stays relaxed while the chin is tucked toward the neck). Continue curling up until your upper back is lifted off the floor. Hold this position for a few seconds. ⏱ Repeat 10 times.

Glute toning 1. Kneel on the floor, positioning your knees and feet hip-width apart. Position your palms directly under your shoulders at shoulder-width, with your fingers facing forward. Stiffen your core and abdominal muscles to position your spine in a neutral position, avoid any excessive sagging or arching. 2. Inhale. While exhaling, lift the left leg while maintaining your bent-knee position, allowing movement only from the left hip joint. 3. Return to the starting position and repeat the exercise with the same leg, without putting the knee on the floor. ⏱ Repeat 8 times on each leg. Tip: To increase the intensity of the exercise, place a dumbbell on the back of the knee.

SEPTEMBER 2020

July/August 35

APRIL 2020

ORGANIZE IS

CLEAN If you own too much stuff and feel like your rooms and drawers are out of control, you’ve probably come to the right place. Besides finding things easier, getting rid of the items you no longer need can lead to different benefits, such as having less to clean and organize.

SEPTEMBER 2020

1. Set your decluttering goals.

An excellent way to start this process is to look at your home as if you were a first-time visitor. As you do this, take notes on its cleanliness and organization. After that, make a plan for the areas that need to be cleaned up by using following these steps: 1. Write down all the rooms and set a scale from 1 to 3 according to the level of clutter. Provide each room a grade, giving a 3 to the most cluttered space. 2. Set deadlines for each cleaning stage. Remember to create timelines that are realistic to avoid frustration. Here you may want to start slow by devoting 30 minutes per day in the beginning. If you are looking for some extra motivation, take a photo of a small area, like your night table, and put items away. Then, take another picture to see the “before and after” result. This can help you realize what your home could look like and make it easier to start decluttering other areas.

2. Classify your clutter.

Before you start decluttering, get 5 large boxes or containers and label them as follows: Trash: items that cannot be recycled. Recycle: pieces that can be taken to a recycling bin. Donate: items that you don’t need and that can be useful to someone else. Relocate: things that don’t belong in the area that you’re decluttering. Needs fixing: items that require some repair. You can also just label 4 boxes as trash, give away, keep, and relocate. Whichever method you choose, make sure to put each object into one of the boxes, no matter how important you think it is. This will help you see how many items you have and know precisely what to do with them afterward.

3. Adopt easy decluttering techniques.

If you don’t know how to start decluttering your home, here you can find some creative and simple ways to do it: Start with 5 minutes per day, especially if you’re new to this process. Discard one item each day and increase this number to 2 items or more once it gets easy. Get a trash bag and fill it with things you can donate afterward. Try the 12-12-12 challenge by finding 12 items to give away, 12 things to toss into the trash can, and 12 to be relocated where they belong. Ask yourself how you feel about an item, and get rid of it if you don’t love it or haven’t used it for more than 6 months.

4. Clear out items you haven’t used in the last year.

During your decluttering process, it may be necessary to change your frame of mind about specific items, even if you think they can be useful in the future. Therefore, if you haven’t had the opportunity to use an object during the last 12 months, it’s time to make a decision about it. You can also limit this period to 6 months, especially with items you didn’t even remember owning. This may be a sign that you didn’t miss them enough to keep them.

SEPTEMBER 2020

5. Stick to the concept of sunken costs while decluttering.

In economics, sunk costs are all those costs you have paid for that can’t be recovered. Since it’s not common that an item’s value will increase as time goes by, it’s advisable to consider most of your items as a sunk cost. For example, it’s very unlikely that you’ll be able to sell a pair of shoes for a higher price after they’ve been purchased and worn. Furthermore, to help you decide whether to throw an item away or not, think about the value that it can add to your life in the time to come, reminding yourself that you may not be able to get back the amount of money you spent on it. Therefore, there might be no point in keeping that item.

6. Track the clothes you wear.

It’s believed that 80% of the time, people wear only 20% of the clothes they own. Therefore, it’s a good idea to track the pieces of clothing you actually wear over a few months and donate or get rid of those you no longer put on. The best way to do so is to hang them up with the hangers turned in the reverse direction. Some months later, take the items that remained unturned and ask yourself, “When was the last time I wore this?” or “Will I ever wear it again?”

7. Pay attention to duplicate items.

There could be times in which you forget about the items you have and buy a specific object again, or upgrade an item but still keep the lower-quality one. Therefore, it’s a good idea to discard all those unnecessary equivalents you have. Go through your clothes, accessories, and other belongings and decide which items are still good enough to be used. Remember to keep only the best ones and discard all the others.

SEPTEMBER 2020

food FUN SNACKS Sometimes, light appetizers can be served before the main course, and after the main course come the desserts and sweets. But very often, cooking the main course takes so long that there’s no time left for anything else.

SEPTEMBER 2020

FOOD

A mini-calzone with cheese and vegetables 1. Take some dough, roll it, and cover an ice tray with it. Push the dough into each hole with your finger. 2. In 1/3 of the holes, put pieces of feta cheese and a half of a cherry tomato, and in another 1/3, put some mozzarella and a leaf of basil. And in the rest, put a piece of salty salmon and a pinch of grated cheddar cheese. 3. Cover the dough containing the filling with another layer of dough. Make the layers stick to one another. 4. Put the dough into the oven before it looks done, and serve it with a sauce.

Quick sushi

Meat on sticks

1. Take an ice tray, and in 1/3 of the holes, put a piece of salmon; in the other 1/3, put a piece of avocado; and in the rest, put a piece of tuna. 2. Put 1 tsp of boiled rice into each hole. 3. Push the rice down a little bit to make small portions. 4. Turn the ice tray over and put the sushi on the plate along with some sesame seeds on top. Serve with soy sauce, marinated ginger, and wasabi.

1. Take an ice tray and put 8-10 slices of bacon over it. They should be really close to each other. 2. Push the bacon into the holes and put some onion and minced meat with spices inside. 3. Roll the top and the bottom edges of the bacon slices so that the filling is inside. 4. Put what you made into the oven to bake. Cut the cooked meat into pieces and add a toothpick to every piece.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Candy with coconut, nuts, and caramel 1. Take an ice tray and fill each cell about halfway with melted milk chocolate. Freeze the ice tray. 2. In some cells, put 0.5 tbsp of coconut, and in the other, 0.5 tbsp of liquid caramel and fried peanuts. 3. Add more milk chocolate to each cell, and freeze the ice tray again. 4. After that, push the candy out of the cells and serve.

FOOD

Candy with raspberries

Biscuit on a stick

1. Take an ice tray and pour melted chocolate into each cell. 2. Put 1 raspberry into each cell. 3. Take a toothpick and push each berry into the middle. 4. Put some ground nuts into the chocolate and put the tray into the freezer. Push the candy out and serve them.

1. Take molds for baking and put some cake leftovers into them. Freeze them. 2. Pierce them with wooden sticks. 3. Dip each biscuit into condensed milk or sweet milk sauce. 4. Put the dessert into the freezer. Serve it once it’s hardened.

SEPTEMBER 2020

FOOD Mini-cakes with strawberries 1. Take 2 cups of strawberries and cut each berry into 4 pieces. Put them into a bowl and add 2 tbsp of sugar. 2. Use a mixer to make a mass. 3. Get an ice tray ready. 4. As you put in the dough, make a rectangle shape and cover the ice tray. Push the dough into each cell with your finger. 5. Put the strawberry filling into each cell. 6. Cover the dough with another layer of dough. Make the layers stick to one another. 7. Turn the ice tray over and cut out the mini-cakes. 8. Put them into the oven, add some sugar on top, and bake them. Serve them while they’re hot.

MACRAME PROJECTS

living

Macramé is a kind of craft where you create textiles by making different knots in different combinations. By tying laces, yarn, or threads together, you can make clothes, accessories, and decor for your home!

SEPTEMBER 2020

LIVING

Technique № 1

Technique № 2

Technique № 3

Technique № 4

Step 1. Using tape, attach the end of your headphones to the desk. Step 2. Put a thread around the cord. Step 3. Start making a knot and put the left end under the cord and then above the loop of the future knot. Step 4. Tighten the knot. Step 5. Repeat, making more and more knots. When the thread becomes short, make a regular knot. You can also use a drop of glue if needed. Continue wrapping the cord. Step 6. Change the colors of the thread to make the result look more interesting.

Step 1. Fold a lace in half and attach it to the table using tape. This will be your base. Tie another lace to it. Put its right end under the base. Step 2. Put it around the left end. Step 3. Put it under the base and under the beginning of the right tip. Step 4. Tighten the knot. Step 5. Now take the left end of the lace and repeat. Step 6. Keep making new knots until the bracelet is long enough.

Step 1. Fold a lace in half and attach it to the table using tape. This will be your base. Tie another lace to it. Take its left end and make a loop. The right end should go above through the loop. Step 2. Put it under the base and through the loop. Step 3. You should have a knot like the picture above shows. Step 4. Tighten it and repeat. Once the bracelet is long enough, make a loop using the left end of the lace and use the other end to put around the base and through the loop. Now, tie the bracelet around your arm.

Step 1. Cut a thread long enough so when it’s folded in half, it’s a bit longer than the future bracelet. Step 2. Put around 10 beads on it. Make sure the thread is folded in half. Step 3. To one end of the double thread, tie another thread. Step 4. Make a few knots as we did using “Technique № 2.” Then, make another knot like this around the bead. Step 5. Make a few more knots without beads and then one with it. Keep going until the bracelet is long enough. If needed, you can add more beads. Step 6. Once the bracelet is done, put it on your wrist and secure it by putting the end through the loop.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Simple macramé earrings Step 1. Take a plastic bank card and wrap it with mouline thread. Step 2. Cut through the thread at the lower edge of the card. Step 3. Wrap the threads you have around a round earring. Tie it as the photo above shows. Cut off the loose ends. Step 4. Add more decorations like this to your earrings.

LIVING

Technique № 5

Technique № 6

Step 1. Using a paper clamp, attach it to a lace in the middle. This will be the base for your bracelet. Take another lace that you will work with. Put it around the left end of the base, as the photo above shows. Step 2. Fit the upper end of the second lace in the clamp. Using the free end, wrap the right end of the base. Put the loop up to the clamp. Step 3. Make another loop as the photo shows. Step 4. Repeat the same on the left and on the right. Once you reach the desired length, remove the clamp and tie the bracelet around your arm. Using the same technique but with 2 laces, you can make the bracelet look even more interesting.

Step 1. Take an old T-shirt, fold it in half vertically, and cut off the sides together with the sleeves. You should only have the middle with the neck. Step 2. Cut the T-shirt into strips and don’t touch the neck. Step 3. Put it on the floor so that the strips spread out from the neck. Tie them together to make the first row of knots. Step 4. Do the second row the same way. Step 5. Keep doing it along the entire length making more and more rows. Step 6. Don’t forget to leave some space for the arms. You can also add beads if you like.

SEPTEMBER 2020

TIPS & TRICKS

How to Write a Book

Writing a book is one of the greatest ways to express yourself and tell a story that the whole world can hear. However, actually sitting down and writing one can seem like a challenge, especially if you don’t know where to start.

1. Think about why you want to write a book. The first thing you want to do is be honest with yourself. Think about why you want to write a book. It could be because you want to become famous and rich, or maybe you need it to advance in your career. Perhaps your dream is to see your name on a book cover, or you simply have a story that you want the world to read about. ❗️ Remember that there is no right reason to write a book. However, finding your “why” will help you stay motivated during your journey. 4. Create the outline. For a great book, you need to construct your outline. This is a great step, especially if you will be writing your very first book. This will be helpful if you get stuck, as most writers do. Here is a simple way to create your outline: ✅ Choose a format that you like. There are many different outlines you can choose from: a character-based, rigorous chapter-and-scene outline; a free-flowing mind map; and so on. If one doesn’t work for you, try another. Any plan that works for you means it’s the right one. ✅ Think about the beginning, middle, and end. If you don’t have a strong idea of how you should start your book, you might end up with a gloomy middle and maybe even a non-existent ending. Don’t rush and take your time to connect them. Great books have endings that will feel “earned,” so it’s important to build it from the beginning. ✅ Focus on the conflict points. These points are the heart of the book. They will draw in readers’ emotions, and any tension can actually reflect the message or theme you want to share. This doesn’t mean that you must know where the conflict will surface, but you should have a grasp on how it will go throughout your book. ✅ Develop your characters. If you haven’t developed your character yet, you can do it during your outline process. Think about how your characters will interact in the story, how they will demonstrate their interactions, what matters to them, and who they are.

2. Find your idea. Finding your “big idea” about a book might seem like the most difficult step, however, it’s not. Keeping up with the writing will actually be your biggest hurdle. But still, without an idea, you won’t be able to finish the first page of your first draft. Whether you know what you want to write about or you don’t have a clue, there are a few questions you can ask yourself that will help you settle on an idea: ❓ What do I want to write about? ❓ What do I think is important to write about? ❓ Who will be my targeted audience? ❓ Will I be able to finish the idea effectively? 5. Name your characters. Giving your characters names can be a difficult process because there are a lot of things that can be taken into consideration. But to ease this process, you can follow these few tips: Consider: ✅ Think about the time period your story takes place in. ✅ Choose your character’s age. ✅ Pick a name that fits the character’s personality. ✅ Find out the name’s meaning, especially if you want to connect it with the story. ✅ Choose easy-to-pronounce names. Avoid: ⛔️Don’t use the names of famous people. ⛔️Repeat names of other fictional characters. ⛔️Don’t create characters with similar names since this can confuse your readers and make it hard to tell the characters in the book apart. ⛔️Choose names ending in “s.” At the very least, consider this rule for your main character because the possessive form can sound awkward. For example, “Travis” can be written like, “Travis’s brother.” 7. Find a productive place to write. One essential thing that goes with creating a story, aside from figuring out how to do it, is knowing “where” to write. If you want to be able to complete a whole book, you need to find the right space for you to work in. Here’s how your work space should look. ✅ You need a quiet place. You can even use noise-canceling headphones. ✅ You need a clean space, especially if clutter makes you delay your writing and encourages your procrastination. ✅ You must find a place where you won’t be distracted. Make sure there isn’t any fun stuff going on around you to take your focus away. If needed, turn off your phone too. ✅ Find a place that’s your own. Make a nice environment in your home with plants, posters, etc. Or you can even write in your favorite cafe.

SEPTEMBER 2020

3. Research your idea. Now, once you have your idea, the next task is to do your research. ✅ Find out more about the genre you will be working on. ✅ Check similar books. See how many chapters they have and how long they are in their structure. ✅ Do your research on best sellers. Find out what made people read that book and what made the book a best seller. 6. Focus on substance. A lot of authors believe that writing a cool book is all about choosing the right style — figurative language, elaborate sentences, impressive vocabulary, etc. However, while this is good to consider, there is one thing even more important: focusing on the substance. This can be seen in themes, conflict, and plot. Here is what you should focus on accordingly. ❗️ Each sentence must do one of 2 things: continue the action or reveal the character. ❗️ Be aware of your pacing. If you are delaying the action by getting into too many details, it means you are focusing on the style and not on the substance. ❗️ Use a writing tool. You can use the Hemingway app to get suggestions on how to make your text better. 8. Set a word count goal and start writing. Setting up word count goals will play an essential role in your writing process. It will make your work more effective and you’ll finish it in a set time frame. Set up word count goals per individual session weekly, or even per month. Here is the recommended word count: ✅ 500 to 750 words per day ✅ 1,500 to 2,500 words per week ✅ 6,000 to 10,000 words per month

CHILL & DRAW

SEPTEMBER 2020