5 Minute Crafts Magazine - June 2018

Guide to your workspace on your office PLUS Easy dress to make at home Simple Milkshake

June 2018 $5.99 (Canada) $3.99 (US)

06.2018

CONTENTS

"Don’t let the waves of others drown your ocean song. Hold your heart as though it was a seashell. And listen to it.” ― Lady Gaga

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CONTENTS

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55

style

home

health

food

departments

WATCH IT! A good watch will complete your outfit and improve your style. A person that wears a watch seems more dependable and reliable, but it is important to choose the right shape, size, and mechanics because a watch that is too big or too small for your wrist will not look good.

OFFICE SPACE There are many chairs for your home office on the market these days. However, figuring out which one may be ideal for working, gaming, and other activities is overwhelming at best.

TOILET ALERT It’s impossible to imagine the life of a modern person without toilet paper. It can be found in any toilet. But lately, information has started to appear that it might actually be bad for our health.

EDITOR'S LETTER

features

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GET BLENDED A milkshake is a refreshing drink made from milk and ice cream.

But the best thing about this drink is that it comes in a wide variety of flavors, allowing you to choose the one you like most. In addition, it’s possible to prepare one by adding other ingredients, such as fruit, cookies, or your favorite toppings.

TILE GUIDE When it comes to choosing tiles and renovating your place, you face a lot of options, like shapes, colors, styles, textures, and a lot more. And sometimes we simply make a hasty or uninformed choice just to get the project done.

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LOVE LIPS Your lip skin is more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your body. This means it’s more vulnerable and requires special care. No makeup can help you create the desired effect if your lips are not healthy.

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42 SPRING BLOOMS Early bloomers are the plants that bloom in late winter through early spring. They bloom even before trees sprout their leaves.

This way, they get the maximum amount of natural light and attract pollinating insects better.

After nature wakes up and the trees leaf out, early bloomers go dormant until the next year.

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living

55 THE SUN DRESS While it might seem like a very complicated thing to do, basic dressmaking is actually not too difficult, and it’s a great way to learn different sewing techniques. Also, a handmade dress is a special garment that you can use to surprise someone special with or give as a gift.

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57 TRICKS & TIPS

58 CHILL & DRAW COVER PHOTO © DEPOSITPHOTOS

TANYA WENMAN STEEL 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

MARKETING SERVICES & CREATIVE SOLUTIONS GENERAL SALES MANAGER Caroline K. Breton CREATIVE BRAND DIRECTOR Laura Denton CONTENT DIRECTOR Kim Alison Fraser MANAGING EDITOR Renée Sylvestre-Williams MANAGER, STRATEGY AND IDEATION Stevie Gorrie STRATEGISTS Sarah Drake, Jessica Lee, Marcela Perez ART DIRECTORS Susan Jackson, Suzanne LaCorte, Peter Robertson JUNIOR COPY WRITER Victoria DiPlacibo SENIOR DIRECTOR, CLIENT DELIVERY Stefany Pierce CAMPAIGN MANAGERS Melissa Carmichael, Ivan McBurney, Rob Stephenson, Inga Terzopoulos PRODUCTION PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD Carol Zephyrine RESEARCH SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST Eva Chau MARKETING , COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS SENIOR DIRECTOR Tracy Finkelstein MANAGER Silvana Sciortino SENIOR SPECIALIST Erin Quinn SPECIALISTS Carlie McGhee, Summer Varty, Alyson Young SENIOR DESIGNER Colin Elliott CONSUMER MARKETING GROUP VICE-PRESIDENT, CONSUMER MARKETING Christopher Purcell GROUP CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Doris Chan PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGERS Yen Duong, Amanda Stone DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Jason Patterson DIRECTOR, NEWSSTAND SALES Pat Strangis

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

BUSINESS BUSINESS MANAGER Nancy Baker DIGITAL SOLUTIONS GROUP GENERAL MANAGER, NATIONAL PORTALS Ray Ostor ROGERS MEDIA, INC. SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF DIGITAL PRODUCT CONTENT & PUBLISHING Steve Maich VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT John Intini SENIOR DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Sean McCluskey SENIOR DIRECTOR, DIGITAL AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Sarah Trimble DIRECTOR, BUSINESS PLANNING Chris Johnston CREATIVE DIRECTOR, CUSTOM CONTENT Christopher London DIRECTOR, DIGITAL MONETIZATION Andrew Myers VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCT & INNOVATION Scott MacMillan EXECUTIVE EDITOR, CUSTOM PROJECTS Stefanie Di Verdi

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. 5 Minute Crafts is published monthly except January/February and July/August by Rogers Media, Inc. One Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4Y 2Y5 or 1-800-268-9119. Contents Copyright 2018 by Rogers Media, Inc. may not be reprinted without written permission. Article proposals and manuscripts must be accompanied by self-addressed envelopes and sufficient postage; otherwise they will not be returned or acknowledged. While the publishers will take all reasonable care, they will not be responsible for the loss of any manuscript, drawing or photograph. ISSN 0128-1839. Single copy price $5.99 + tax. Full subscription prices: Canada, 1 year (10 issues), $15 + tax. In the U.S., 1 year $45 + tax; Other countries $75 + tax, Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index. Printed in Canada. 5 Minute Crafts, it's affiliate and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, distribute, store and archive such as unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensate of any sort.

EDITOR'S NOTE

My plans for a vacation

S

ummer is one long memory factory. File back through childhood highlights, and many if not most are tied to summer: last day of school, sleep-away or day camps, the swim club or your neighbor’s backyard pool, the ice cream truck, Fourth of July fireworks, Reds games, family vacations.

We were one of those families that did the same vacation every summer. We’d pile into the station wagon and head to a small beach town nearby—and kept going there even after we moved 800 miles away. Those gatherings with aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins were as anticipated each year (and cherished in hindsight) as Halloween and Christmas.

When I got married and started my own family, I defaulted to this familiar vacation approach and formed a tight rotation of usual destinations, including that same small beach town. One day my young daughter asked, “Can we go on a vacation where we don’t just visit family?” She was angling for Disney World, which we never did visit, but she got us to open our horizons and break routines. A subsequent trip to the Grand Canyon remains one of my favorite vacations ever.

Here’s a great way to start your summer vacation planning: Would you rather go some place you’ve always wanted to see or revisit a favorite destination to explore deeper? The question has led to heated arguments and surprisingly philosophical discussions in my household. The correct answer, of course, is “both.”

TANYA WENMAN STEEL Editor In-Chief

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style WATCH IT! A good watch will complete your outfit and improve your style. A person that wears a watch seems more dependable and reliable, but it is important to choose the right shape, size, and mechanics because a watch that is too big or too small for your wrist will not look good.

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STYLE STEP 1: MEASURE YOUR WRIST. When choosing a watch, it is important to know your wrist size. Grab some tailor’s tape and open the palm that you will be measuring. Wrap the tape around your wrist bone on the hand that you are planning to wear the watch, which usually is your non-dominant one. If you don’t have any tailor’s tape, use a string the same way, then measure the string with a ruler or measuring tape.

STEP 4: CHOOSE A WATCH STYLE. A dress watch is a simple and elegant accessory. It looks best when combined with a suit and has a slim, minimalistic body with leather straps.

The field watch has a high contrast face. It is usually black with white numbers. It has a larger case with nylon straps. It is a durable, robust timepiece that pairs well with a T-shirt and dark denim jeans.

Dive watches, as the name suggests, are made for diving and are waterproof to a minimum of 300 feet. They have rubber or metal straps with a rotating bezel, and the numbers glow in the dark.

STEP 2: GET FAMILIAR WITH THE WATCH. When you are picking a watch, it is good to consider its features. These are the case, bezel, dial, glass, bracelet, and more.

The case is the body of the watch containing all the important parts inside. They are made of plastic or stainless steel, and some of them are made from wood.

The bezel is the ring that is around the dial and the glass.

It can have some functions as a tachymeter. It can be made of ceramic or metal.

The dial is the surface underneath the glass. On it are the dial watch, logo, and numbers.

The glass is the material that is above the dial. It can either be flat or curved and is typically made from mineral sapphire crystal or acrylic.

The bracelet is a strap that wraps around your hand. It is usually made from metal.

The crown is located at the 3 o’clock position. It is used for winding, adjusting the time, or other functions on the watch.

STEP 5: CHOSE THE WATCH SIZE. The most common watch case size is 38 mm to 46 mm. If your wrist size is between 5 inches and 7 inches, the smaller to medium size watches will suit you the best, ranging from 38 mm to 40 mm. If your wrist is bigger than 7 inches, watches above 44 mm will be a good choice.

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STEP 3: CHOSE WATCH MOVEMENT. There are many watch movements to choose from, but the most common are quartz, automatic, and mechanical.

A quartz watch is a solar or battery-powered cell, and the time is regulated by a quartz crystal.

This type of watch is good for people who want a watch that does not need winding and has cheap maintenance costs. It is more resistant to vibration and movements compared to other watches.

Automatic watches have a mechanical, self-winding mechanism. It is powered by energy that is created by wearing it. This type of watch is more susceptible to damage, but it will outlast any watch if taken care of properly and can be passed on to the next generation.

Mechanical watches have a similar mechanism to automatic ones, but they need to be manually winded every day. This type of watch is also prone to damage and may lose or gain a couple of seconds a day.

Mechanical watches are for people that look for fine craftsmanship and aesthetics.

Digital watches have a display and numbers on a face that is usually made from plastic and rubber. They may have a couple of features, like a stopwatch, calendar, and dual time. These watches are good choices for kids because they are durable and inexpensive.

Smartwatches are basically like having a phone on your wrist. They can be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth and send notifications from your phone to the watch. Smartwatches have a lot of different features, like heart rate monitors, blood pressure monitors, sleep monitors, activity trackers, and more.

STYLE

LOVE LIPS Your lip skin is more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your body. This means it’s more vulnerable and requires special care. No makeup can help you create the desired effect if your lips are not healthy.

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STYLE WHY LIPS REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE First of all, you should know that lip sensitivity is related to the fact that lips have a poor barrier function and low moisture capacity. Moreover, they do not contain oil glands.

This makes them vulnerable to dry wind and sunlight, which cause dryness and lip damage.

These are the most common lip issues: Chapping usually occurs in winter due to cold windy weather and dry heated air inside.

Splitting is a condition that can be caused by various factors, like sun damage, lip injury, dehydration, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and more.

Lipstick bleeding is a common consequence of aging and unhealthy habits.

Cold sores are a result of viral infections and can have painful symptoms as bad as blisters filled with fluid.

3. USE SUN PROTECTION. Lips tend to be a common spot for skin cancer because they get a lot of sun exposure. This is why sun protection is essential in lip care. ❗ While outdoors, use a lip product with a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. ❗ Reapply it once every 2 hours, especially after a meal or a drink.

6. MASSAGE YOUR LIPS. Your lips will get the needed boost in blood circulation and look pinker if you massage them on a daily basis. If you do it with nourishing oils, like coconut oil, they will also get the needed nutrients. Doing it once a day is just enough.

1. HYDRATE PROPERLY AND REGULARLY. Hydration is a must when it comes to lip care.

Whenever you feel your lips are dry, make sure you apply lip balm. Do not miss the corners of your lips.

Ideally, lip balm should be reapplied 2-4 times a day.

If you sleep in a dry room, you should apply lip balm before bed to keep your lips hydrated and try using an air humidifier.

Drink lots of water, as your lips need inner hydration as well, just like your skin. ✅ Carry a hydrating lip balm in your purse at all times and keep one in different places, like at your desk and in the bathroom, so it’s always at your fingertips.

Licking your lips might give you an instant feeling of hydration, but it actually leads to the opposite effect and can even lead to painful inflammation.

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4. REMOVE MAKEUP BEFORE BEDTIME. To allow your lips to breathe, do not forget to remove your lipstick or lip gloss before going to sleep. Wipe them using a damp cotton ball.

7. USE LIPSTICK. We have already mentioned that lips have no sebaceous glands, which means they have no natural protection. For this reason, wearing lipstick when you’re outside adds a protective layer to your lips and can actually help protect them from dirt, sun, and dry air.

2. EXFOLIATE. Most of the aforementioned skin issues can be resolved and prevented by regular exfoliation, which means eliminating dry and flaky skin cells from your lips. Here’s how it’s done: 1. Use your fingertips to apply a small amount of scrub to your lips.

2. Rub it gently over your lips in circular movements for 30 seconds, at most.

3. Allow the lips to soak the nutrients from the scrub for 10 minutes.

4. Rinse your lips with warm water.

5. Use a clean towel to pat your lips dry.

6. Apply a soothing lip balm.

Excessive and harsh exfoliation of your lips can cause damage to their barrier function, so make sure you don’t overdo it.

Avoid picking and biting your lips.

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5. CUT DOWN ON CAFFEINE. Due to caffeine content, coffee consumption can cause the disappearance of the natural pink lip color and lead to the blackening of your lips, so cutting back on it is a good idea if you want to ensure healthy lips.

8. MAKE YOUR OWN LIP SCRUBS AT HOME. Homemade natural lip scrubs are easy to make.

Just combine 2 teaspoons of sugar or salt with 1 tablespoon of a natural ingredient that nourishes your lips. That can be coconut oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, shea butter, beeswax, or pure petrolatum.

However, there are ingredients that may potentially damage your lips and cause more dryness. Make sure you avoid cinnamon, eucalyptus oil, menthol, peppermint oil, camphor, or a fragrance of synthetic origin.

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home OFFICE SPACE There are many chairs for your home office on the market these days. However, figuring out which one may be ideal for working, gaming, and other activities is overwhelming at best.

Thankfully, 5-Minute Crafts Magazine has you covered since we shortlisted the top 8 office chairs that can make working from home a comfortable experience for you.

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HOME

1. SIHOO ERGONOMIC OFFICE CHAIR FOR SWEATFREE WORK

2. COMHOMA OFFICE DESK CHAIR FOR THE MOST COMFORTABLE SEATING

https://amzn.to/37u1TBZ This chair, which was named Amazon’s Choice, is made of metal, mesh, and plastic, and one of its top qualities is that it can support up to 330 lb (150 kg).

And you can adjust the lumbar support, height, headrest, and some other features with the SIHOO ergonomic chair. Plus, its breathability will make you more comfortable since it provides a sweat-free working experience. Finally, the manufacturer offers you a 30-day trial, during which, you can return the chair and ask for a refund if you find it unsatisfactory in any way.

Review: “I bought the slightly more expensive version that comes with a mesh seat as well as a mesh back. It’s easy to assemble and took about 15-20 minutes.

Just a few screws to attach the few pre-assembled pieces together. A screwdriver tool, screws, and washers are provided. Simple and clear instructions. Literally, everything needed was in the package.

The seat is very comfortable and feels solid. Very similar feel to much more expensive mesh office chairs I’ve used at work. No squeaks or rattles. Can’t fault it.” Paul

https://amzn.to/3wekoCz One of the COMHOMA home office chair’s premium qualities is its comfortable seat, which consists of a high-density sponge and breathable mesh fabric.

Moreover, you’ll feel even more comfortable thanks to its lumbar support and curved backrest that aligns well with the body. And besides working, sitting in this ergonomic chair is ideal for computer gaming, watching a film, or simply resting. Plus, it comes in black and white colors for you to choose from to match your home office.

Review: “I’m really pleased with this chair. I always struggle to get comfy at the office as I’m quite small and have neck and back issues, but this is so good!

Really comfy and supportive and good for smaller people, as the seat pan isn’t too deep. So good, especially for the price!” KV

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HOME

3. JAJALUYA OFFICE AND COMPUTER CHAIR WITH EASY ASSEMBLY

4. BASETBL ERGONOMIC CHAIR THAT’S BEST FOR LUMBAR SUPPORT

https://amzn.to/3M1kwMq If your back tends to hurt you during prolonged sitting, the JAJALUYA desk chair should be one of the shortlisted candidates for your home office. Its design provides premium support for your body, and the ventilation system improves heat dissipation and prevents sweating. Furthermore, durable alloy steel grants long durability since parts aren’t easily deformed, and you can adjust the height of the chair to match your body shape. Last but not least, you can assemble the chair with ease — all it takes is fixing 4 screws, according to one of the reviews.

Review: “Good choice, I found this chair easy to assemble and very comfortable without it taking up too much space. This chair is very comfortable for me. I like that its back has mesh rather than fake leather or even fabric so I don’t wind up all sweaty if I’m using it for any length of time. The arms are able to lift up, allowing me to push the chair all the way under a desk, which is an excellent feature. I love this chair!” Cindy

https://amzn.to/3yqefWT If you like to feel like sitting on a sofa while working, then look no further than the BASETBL ergonomic executive office chair. You’ll enjoy a touch of luxury since the backrest features an elastic sponge and the chair boasts thick padding. Also, the PU leather that covers the chair is dirt-repelling and easy to clean, while the maximum weight it supports is 330 lb (150 kg). Finally, sitting in this thick chair should relieve tension in your hips and improve blood circulation in your legs.

Review: “This is ideal for my usage. It goes low enough to fit under the desk, has great lumbar support, and moves freely around on the carpet.

I spent 2 days researching a high back chair and came back to this one. Pleased I did, it’s a good value for the money and I would recommend it.” J Bug

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HOME

5. AMAZON BRAND UMI FOR PREMIUM WEIGHT https://amzn.to/37sO3zA The UMI chair’s premium quality relieves back and shoulder pain thanks to its backrest support and adjustable lumbar pillow. Moreover, a high-quality polyester mesh of which the backrest and the headrest are made will keep you cool and comfortable. Furthermore, the cushion for sitting is foam-filled, so it won’t deform even after prolonged sitting and working. Also, you can adjust the headrest and armrests to your needs for additional comfort. Finally, this Amazon brand’s chair boasts premium weight support for up to 330 lb (150 kg) and a 360° rotation.

Review: “The parcel arrived in time, safely packaged, and was delivered to the door. The chair was easy to assemble, using the manual provided. The office chair is very good quality and it looks very stylish. The color is just like it is in the seller’s pictures and it suits my home office perfectly. The chair can be used with or without head support. It’s very comfortable and all works well. Perfect for me, thank you!” Lisa J

6. HBADA OFFICE CHAIR FOR GREAT LOWER-BACK SUPPORT https://amzn.to/3FudX2w The Hbada desk chair boasts an ergonomic backrest, fitting the natural curve of the lower back, which eliminates pain. Also, you should strongly consider snagging this item if your study area is small since you can flip the chair’s arms and put it somewhere to save space when not working. Plus, the chair has wheels for silent rolling, breathable high-density mesh, and height adjustment if you need to rest in a half-lying position. Lastly, the product comes in 2 versions, one with a white frame, and the other with a black one.

Review: “This chair is compact yet very comfortable. It has easy height adjustments and convenient foldable armrests. I bought this chair because it is white, whereas most office chairs are black, and it looks sleek and fits my room’s style. I find it extremely easy to assemble — it only took me 10 minutes, the material of the seat is a breathable fabric and the seat is soft and comfy.

Delivery is efficient during this difficult time, which is a plus. I would highly recommend this chair to anyone.” diedya

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7. EXOFCER ERGONOMIC OFFICE CHAIR FOR BEST STABILITY https://amzn.to/39Px9vZ The Exofcer office chair boasts a metal star frame that provides you great stability while working. Still, keep in mind that the maximum weight it supports is 250 lb (113 kg). Furthermore, the chair features a breathable mesh that’s comfortable to lean on, an ergonomic design, a gas-lift cylinder, and a pneumatic seat height adjustment. Last but not least, if any problems occur with the chair in the first 30 days following the purchase, you will get a refund or a free replacement.

Review: “Brilliant for the price. The L-shaped chair tilts back while maintaining its shape. The 5-star metal legs were very sturdy and better than plastic ones. It’s comfy to sit in all day, I have several times. It supports my shoulders when sitting back. Customer service was fabulous when I had an issue with the gas lift not working. Highly recommend.” Allsopian

8. SONGMICS EXECUTIVE SWIVEL CHAIR WITH ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT SUPPORT https://amzn.to/37uEWyp The SONGMICS office executive chair features an ergonomic design and organic polymer foam. While sitting in it, you can adjust the backrest height and overall height to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Wheels made of PU materials allow you to roll the chair without damaging the floor and remaining silent. Also, the seat is wide, and the maximum supported weight is 330 lb (150 kg).

Review: “I’ve bought similar cheaper chairs made in the far east that only last a couple of years or so before problems start. It may be twice the price but the build quality, comfort, and style well justify the price. I should add that (sadly) I’m a 20+ stone bloke and it copes well with me. The chair even comes with a couple of spare wheels, just in case.” Bill Blogs

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HOME

TILE GUIDE When it comes to choosing tiles and renovating your place, you face a lot of options, like shapes, colors, styles, textures, and a lot more. And sometimes we simply make a hasty or uninformed choice just to get the project done.

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HOME SUBWAY

DIAMOND

These tiles bear simple, versatile, and elegant features. As they have a glossy and glazed finish, subway tiles are very easy to maintain, stain-proof, and reflect light well.

Ideal for: kitchen and bathroom backsplashes Available in: ceramic, stone, glass, and marble too

Diamond tiles can be easily placed alongside each other to conceal the space and end up with unique design options. Out of the diamond shape, so many tile patterns are possible, such as cube, chevron, or star. These patterns make a geometric layout and suit every design. If you’re looking for a modern and minimal look, focus on a single color only.

Ideal for: a statement wall in your shower, bathroom floor, or kitchen backsplash

ROUND

FISH SCALE

Round ceramic tiles include patterns like bubbles and penny rounds. The latter is called penny rounds because its size is similar to pennies. They are available in lots of materials, colors, and finishes. These tiles come in sheets to make circle mosaics and they’re ideal for curved walls.

Bubble mosaics are made of differently shaped circles bearing rings and offset piercings to end up creating an amazing look. Such tiles are versatile and let you experiment with any color combination.

These tiles bear an S-like curve that seems like fish scales. This exceptional style was founded in the eighth century. Fish scale tiles are most commonly installed as backsplashes or in bathrooms. You can experiment with lots of patterns to create new looks. For example, place these tiles side by side to make rows, or you can also mismatch them and join them on the flat ends. Another variation is to create a circular pattern or fan them out.

Ideal for: backsplashes and bathrooms

HEXAGON

CRAFTSMAN

Hexagon tiles can be arranged in such a way that they can create a cohesive look. These tiles originated in the nineteenth century and are available in both small and big sizes, where the former is used for mosaic designs and the latter makes the room look bigger.

Hexagon tiles are charming and classic and leave an elegant vibe in your space.

You can experiment with this style by mixing it with diamond tiles to create an exceptional look.

Ideal for: floors and walls

These tiles are made up of both squares and rectangles. This pattern emerged in Roman times and is still deemed classic.

Ideal for: homes that follow craftsman-style vibes

BASKET WEAVE

MOD MOSAICS

If you’re seeking a classic, Grecian, or Mediterranean style with tiles, then the basket weave pattern is best. This style also uses squares and rectangles but in a way that looks like a woven basket.

Ideal for: small areas, like shower flooring

If you love to experiment with different shapes, like squares, rectangles, and circles, this style is the best. The tiles in Mod mosaics are installed in such a way that it gives away a clean and unified look. Combining neat lines and curvy colors that pop also casts eye-pleasing geometry that enhances the entire space. You can also think of it as a modern retro dream.

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health TOILET ALERT It’s impossible to imagine the life of a modern person without toilet paper. It can be found in any toilet. But lately, information has started to appear that it might actually be bad for our health.

The toilet paper we know today has been sold since 1890. In 1942, the first soft 2-layered toilet paper appeared. And in the 1960, the world saw paper of different colors.

Of course, toilet paper has been a very useful and comfortable invention. But today, experts often say that it’s harmful. Let’s take a closer look at the problem.

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HEALTH WHAT TOILET PAPER IS MADE FROM Toilet paper is either made from wood or recycled paper. In the first case the following products are used: Hardwood. Toilet paper is 70% hardwood (oak, maple) with short fibers making the paper soft.

Softwood. Toilet paper is 30% softwood (Douglas fir, Southern pine) containing long fibers. They make the paper durable.

Chemicals are used to extract the wood into the fibers usable in the industrial production.

Bleaches. Virgin-paper manufacturers use chlorine dioxide (chlorine-based bleaches).

Water soaks the mixture and connects all the ingredients.

When toilet paper is made from recycled paper, these products are used: Paper. Newspaper and office paper.

Water Bleaches. To bleach the materials, ozone, oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium hydroxide are used.

Chemicals

THE DANGERS OF TOILET PAPER As it turns out, the toilet paper we all know may be bad for our health. A lot of chemicals are used in its production. Some of them may be dangerous.

Phthalates. The presence of phthalates may have a negative impact on the endocrine system and reproductive function. There’s information that they might also impact the health of children.

Chlorine. To make the paper white, Semivolatile chlorinated organic compounds (SVCOCs) are used.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon may cause allergic reactions and endocrine system disruptions.

Formaldehyde and its derivatives are used to make the paper from waterresistant. But it’s a cancer-causing agent and may cause skin irritation.

Toilet paper from recycled products may contain Bisphenol A (BPA). It has a negative reaction on the endocrine system and may cause reproductive problems, early puberty, and breast cancer.

The colorants in toilet paper may cause a local contact dermatitis (allergy).

Scientists conducted a study proving that some types of toilet paper had elevated levels of PAHs, phthalates, and SVCOCs. They believe it may be the cause of an increase risk of getting cancer.

But, even here, the potential dangers of toilet paper don’t end there: Scented toilet paper may irritate the urethra and cause urinary tract infections in some women.

Using toilet paper may also worsen the problems with sensitivity around the anus. People with defecation problems, itching, and intestinal issues are not recommended to use toilet paper. Soft water is a good replacement here.

WHAT TOILET PAPER CAN BE REPLACED WITH A bidet is a great alternative to toilet paper. Experts talk about the following advantages: Hygiene. Using water and soap is more hygienic than wiping with paper.

Lowering the risk of hemorrhoids. Using medium or low water streams may decrease the pressure on the anus, lowering the risk of hemorrhoids.

Less harm for the environment. Toilet paper is toxic for the environment. It leaves a carbon footprint and drains our forests.

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June 41

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Spring Blooms Early bloomers are the plants that bloom in late winter through early spring. They bloom even before trees sprout their leaves. This way, they get the maximum amount of natural light and attract pollinating insects better. After nature wakes up and the trees leaf out, early bloomers go dormant until the next year.

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SNOWDROPS (LAT. GALÁNTHUS) Snowdrops are frost resistant. Thanks to this, they are among the earliest bloomers and begin to flower even before snow melts. Their delicate leaves and white flowers have become a symbol of the rebirth of nature after a long, cold winter.

Snowdrops have white, bell-shaped flowers that hang from the stems. The tips of the inner segments have green markings.

Optimal conditions: full sun or partial shade, moist soil but well-drained at the same time Size: On average, up to 6 inches, while the leaves tend to grow up to 8 inches tall after blooming.

Color of flowers: white with green markings

SCILLA These small plants, along with snowdrops, are associated with the coming of spring. They bloom with small starshaped flowers. They are native to woodlands, subalpine meadows, and sea coasts, and they are easy to grow in gardens and flower beds. They are often used in landscape design, as they tend to cover large areas over time and hide landscape flaws.

Scillas are good companions for other early bloomers, such as crocus and Muscari.

Optimal conditions: full sun or part shade, well-drained soil Size: individual species, from 2 inches to 2 feet Color of flowers: shades of blue, white, or pink

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CROCUS Crocuses are easy-to-grow spring flowers. They tolerate cold weather, so they can bloom before the snow melts.

They are attractive to first pollinators.

Crocuses reproduce easily and quickly, covering large areas over time. They don’t require special care. Crocuses have natural enemies, like rodents, hungry for fresh greens, who like to eat their buds.

Optimal conditions: bright sun and loose, well-drained soil Size: up to 6 inches tall Color of flowers: shades of purple, yellow, orange, pink, and white

TULIP Tulips are relatively easy to care for and loved by many gardeners. These flowers have a rich history. There is evidence that people began to cultivate them in the tenth century because of their bright neat flowers, pleasant delicate aroma, and rich green leaves.

Over time, interest in tulips became even greater: numerous varieties have been bred with flowers of various shapes and shades. Tulips also differ in frost resistance and blooming time. Depending on the variety, tulips can bloom throughout the entire spring season.

Optimal conditions: full sun and well-drained soil Size: up to 23 inches depending on the variety Color of flowers: They come in a wide range of shades, from pure white through all shades of yellow and red to brown, deep purple, and almost black — the only pure color that can’t be found in tulips is blue.

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HELLEBORE In warm climates, hellebores may bloom in late winter. They are known for their ability to bloom for 1 to 1.5 months, which is why it’s often used in landscape design. The evergreen leaves of the plant, unlike most early bloomers, don’t dry out after blooming.

Hellebores grow well indoors too. They can decorate a house with bright flowers when the nature outside the window just begins to wake up.

Optimal conditions: Part shade or shade — hellebores grow best in the shade of tree crowns or large shrubs in moist soil.

Size: up to 12 inches Color of flowers: white, yellow, apricot, maroon, blue, and green

ANEMONE There are over 100 varieties of anemones. Depending on the variety, they bloom from early spring to fall. The large flowers of early anemones look like poppies.

The anemone is also called a windflower. The flower got its name because of the delicate petals that open and flutter in the wind. Gusts of wind also blow away the dead petals.

Optimal conditions: Anemones are easy to care for and like regular water in well-drained soil.

Size: The biggest varieties reach 3 feet in height.

Color of flowers: white, blue, red, and yellow

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MUSCARI Muscari is a small plant that bears clusters of small, bellshaped flowers that look like beads.

In floriculture, Muscari should be treated with caution: these easy-to-grow plants reproduce very quickly and are able to cover a large area.

Optimal conditions: They grow both in full sun and shade, but the flowers last longer in partial shade.

Size: up to 8 inches tall Color of flowers: shades of blue, purple, pink, and white

DAFFODIL This is one of the most widely known spring flowers thanks to its bright color and aroma. Depending on the species, daffodils begin to bloom in early to mid-spring. Blooming can last several weeks. There are many hybrids that have different flower shapes and sizes.

Optimal conditions: full sun or part shade, rich organic soil Size: up to 1 foot tall Color of flower: It’s best known for its “classic” yellow color, but there are also many color variations in white, pink, orange, and red, or in combinations of 2 colors.

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PRIMROSE The most diverse flowers of this article are primroses.

According to various estimates, there are up to 600 species of these plants. All its varieties look similar: they have low rosettes of leaves with additional, colorful flowers in the center.

Unlike many other early bloomers, primroses continue to bloom throughout summer and even fall if the weather permits.

Optimal conditions: part shade, moist, well-drained soil Size: up to 20 inches Color of flowers: red, pink, purple, blue, white, and yellow

HYACINTH Hyacinths are easy to distinguish from other spring flowers due to their bright colors and strong fragrance. Their shape is also very well-known: their flower spikes are made up of dozens of small florets packed together.

Hyacinths bloom at the same time as daffodils and early varieties of tulips. They grow well in groups, contributing to each other’s beauty.

Optimal conditions: full sun or part shade Size: up to 12 inches Color of flowers: anything from blue to red, along with white or pink

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food

GET BLENDED A milkshake is a refreshing drink made from milk and ice cream. But the best thing about this drink is that it comes in a wide variety of flavors, allowing you to choose the one you like most. In addition, it’s possible to prepare one by adding other ingredients, such as fruit, cookies, or your favorite toppings.

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FOOD

MILKSHAKE Ingredients 4 scoops of ice cream in the flavor of your choice 1 cup of cow’s milk Whipped cream Your favorite toppings (cookies, fruit, chocolate, etc.)

Ice cubes (optional) 1. Place the ice cream scoops in the blender.

2. Add your favorite topping.

3. Pour in the cow’s milk. If this kind of milk isn’t to your liking, you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other milk you prefer.

4. Add a couple of ice cubes (optional).

5. Blend for a couple of minutes.

6. Serve and garnish with whipped cream and a little bit of your favorite topping.

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living

THE SUN DRESS While it might seem like a very complicated thing to do, basic dressmaking is actually not too difficult, and it’s a great way to learn different sewing techniques. Also, a handmade dress is a special garment that you can use to surprise someone special with or give as a gift.

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LIVING

HOW TO MAKE A DRESS AT HOME Materials A sewing machine 5.5 yards of blue fabric that are 1 to 1.5 yards wide 15 inches of an elastic band A skein of white thread A set of tailor pins A safety pin Tailor scissors Tailor chalk An iron A T-shirt in your size 1. Take 2 pieces of fabric that are 24 inches wide and 20 inches long, respectively, and place them on top of each other before folding them in half.

2. Find a T-shirt in your size. Fold it in half and place it on the fabric in such a way that it’s 4 inches away from the pleat you made in the previous step and 2 inches away from the top of the folded fabric.

3. Use your tailor chalk to outline the T-shirt on the right side.

4. Move the T-shirt away and use your scissors to cut off the excess fabric. Keep in mind that you should leave a bit less than half an inch to the right of the line you made with the chalk.

5. Unfold the fabric to see the pattern you just outlined with the chalk. Pin both pieces of fabric together along the upper part of the line to hold them together, but make sure you leave a margin of about 1/2 of an inch.

6. Place pins along the chalk lines on the right and left sides of the pattern too, excluding the shoulder area.

7. Sew the sides of the pattern along the chalk lines with a sewing machine.

8. Set the stitch type to “zigzag” and sew the edges of the pattern.

9. Turn the sewn pattern over. Fold back the top front.

10. Take about 1/4 of an inch from the edge of the shoulder fabric, fold it twice, and secure it with a pin.

11. Form these folds around the edge of the shoulder area on both sides and secure the pins.

12. Sew the folds with the sewing machine.

13. Cut 2 pieces of fabric that are about 2 yards long and 1/4 of a yard wide.

14. Put them together.

15. Sew the short sides of the segments, keeping about 1/2 of an inch away from the edges.

16. Sew the edges of the seams with a zigzag stitch.

17. Unfold the pattern. Take the fabric 1/2 of an inch from the bottom edge, fold it, and iron it. Then fold another centimeter and iron it again. Fold the edge of the entire length of the pattern.

18. Sew the folds with the sewing machine.

19. Unfold the top pattern and insert the middle pattern into it so that the top edges of both pieces form a line.

20. Unfold the front of the top middle.

21. Pin the top edges of both patterns.

22. Sew them with the sewing machine, joining the patterns along their entire length with a zigzag stitch.

23. Take 1/2 of an inch from the top edge of the fabric, fold it, and iron it. Fold the entire length of the sewn patterns.

24. Sew the folds with the sewing machine along the entire length, leaving about 1/2 of an inch free.

25. Take a safety pin. Fix it to the edge of the elastic and pass it through the fold that’s loose and seamless.

26. Stretch the elastic along the entire top of the dress, tie the ends, cut them off, and remove the pin.

27. Cut a piece of cloth 2.5 yards long and 0.5 yards wide. Fold 1/2 of an inch of the fabric twice from the bottom and sew it. Then fold the fabric in half. Leave 1 cm from the top edge and mark 2 parallel seams 1/2 of an inch apart with tailor chalk.

28. Set the maximum stitch length on the machine and sew both seams of the fabric. Leave about 4 inches of loose thread at the end.

29. Pull the loose threads and start fan-folding the fabric.

30. Pull the upper edges of the fabric completely down, tie the ends of the threads, and cut them.

31. Unfold the upper and lower patterns and pin them together from the inside.

32. Sew both parts of the dress using your sewing machine.

33. Cut any excess thread with a pair of scissors, check the quality of the seams, and sew anything over again if necessary. Then turn over the finished dress. It’s ready to be worn!

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TIPS & TRICKS

HOW TO CONVERT CELSIUS DEGREES INTO GAS STOVE MARKS OR FAHRENHEIT DEGREES There are situations that require us to read a recipe with temperature recommendations in values we don’t fully understand. This may happen when you’re cooking on a gas stove and the handle with the temperature may not tell you the degrees but, instead, gives numbers from 1 to 6 or to 9. Or maybe the author of the recipe gives you degrees in Fahrenheit, but you don’t want to do the conversion in your head.

HOW STOVE MARKS CAN BE CONVERTED INTO DEGREES This chart will help if you need to cook a certain meal in the oven. If you look closely, you can see approximate conversions of Celsius into Fahrenheit.

To convert degrees exactly, you need to use the following formulas: Subtract 32 from Fahrenheit degrees and divide the result by 1.8 and you will have the Celsius degrees.

If you multiply Celsius degrees by 1.8 and add 32, you will get Fahrenheit degrees.

Important: Many gas stoves start from 1, not from 1/2 or 1/4, which might make it hard to cook if you are making meringue or a different meal that needs to be slowly dried at a lot temperature. And vice versa: some gas stoves have a limit of 6 or 7, which may be a problem for making bread.

WHAT ELSE IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW BEFORE COOKING IN AN OVEN Before cooking a meal, heat up the oven to the necessary temperature (unless the recipe gives you other instructions). The recipe requirements are there due to certain chemical reactions that guarantee the meal will be cooked properly and have a certain taste, smell, and texture. And things might not go as planned if you put the meal into the oven before the temperature in there reaches a necessary mark.

When baking in “convection” mode, the temperature should be reduced by 15-20 degrees and the time of cooking should be reduced too. This is because the air in the oven in this mode is constantly moving and distributing the heat evenly.

Use a deep metal tray to make the humidity in the oven higher and create steam. It helps make the crust on pastries and influences how the dough acts. Very often, thanks to the steam in the oven, tasty bread is made. Put the tray inside the oven, let it heat up, and then pour a glass of boiling water into it and close the oven. The water will start to evaporate very quickly.

CHILL & DRAW

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