5 Minute Crafts Magazine - March 2019

The Food Issue Tips on saving food to travel anywhere

March 2019 $5.99 (Canada) $3.99 (US)

DIY POT HOLDER & OVEN MITTS

03.2019

CONTENTS

"People want honest, flavourful food, not some show-off meal that takes days to prepare."

-Ted Allen, Food Network's Chopped

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MARCH 2019

CONTENTS

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45

style

home

CARE FOR THE SKIN Cosmetologists often outline the skin around the eyes as a separate area of care. Unlike the rest of the skin on the human body, it’s thinner, more sensitive, and has almost no sebaceous glands.

WASH & GO Cleaning a washing machine from time to time is essential if you want it to work properly and safely.

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16 CLOTHING RULES If you want to make your curves more visible, there are several dressing tricks that can help you create an illusion of a more curvaceous body. You just need to find the right color and fit and remember some rules when picking out your outfit.

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26 STAINLESS REMOVAL It’s one of the worst things that could happen when it comes to doing the laundry: dye transfer.

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features

food

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FOOD TRIP ADVENTURE Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals. There are many examples of how the use of this technique has contributed to career growth, helped people get rich, or reduced stress. One of the techniques that can help you visualize your dreams is to create a vision board.

PLANTAIN CHIPS You can make lots of dishes and snacks with green plantains.

Among the most popular ones are fried plantains, better known in Latin American cuisine as tostones. You can serve them with cheese, guacamole, or with any sauce you wish.

EDITOR'S LETTER

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COVER PHOTO © TED + CHELSEA CAVANAUGH

DIP IT GOOD Versatile, easy to make, and full of flavor, ranch dressing is a classic of American cuisine. It’s often used as an accompaniment to French fries or baked potatoes, and to dress salads of all kinds.

health

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RESIST OILY SKIN Your skin type depends on several factors: how moisturized it is, how much sebum it produces, and how sensitive it is to the environment.

living

49 HANDMADE KITCHEN A pot holder is an irreplaceable item in the kitchen. Not only will it protect your hands from hot dishes, but it also proves to be a great addition to any home’s interior.

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MARCH 2019

departments

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52 TRICKS & TIPS

54 CHILL & DRAW

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

COPY & OPERATIONS EDITORIAL OPERATIONS & ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER Olga Goncalves Costa COPY EDITOR Stephanie Zolis CONTRIBUTING COPY EDITORS Ruth Hanley, Debbie Madsen Villamere ASSISTANT EDITOR Teresa Sousa INTERNS William Dixon, Thalia Gamage, Natalie Wong

EDITORIAL DEPUTY EDITOR Jessica Pollack SENIOR EDITORS Ariel Brewster, Sadiya Dendar, Simone Olivero CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Claire Gagne ASSISTANT EDITOR Kevin John Siazon COPY EDITOR Kelly Jones PROOFREADER Janet Morassutti INTERNS Emily McDonald, Arisa Valyear

ART CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Colleen Nicholson IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHERS Carmen Cheung, Erik Putz

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

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

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

Visit us at 5minutecrafts.site

Rogers Media Inc. can be reached at One Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4Y 2Y5 or 1-800-268-9119

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 2019 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

A Big Thank You A

s the world has become more social, so has style. Most of us invite personalities into our lives on a regular basis. We follow chefs and lifestyle gurus on Instagram and blogs. We develop design crushes from Pinterest, or tweet the name of a great shop. We hone our personal style by trying new things—colors, recipes, a DIY project.

Then we share them with a snap of our phone.

We’ve added more content on entertaining, personal style, and innovation. Our food pages reflect your love for trying new flavors and fresh ingredients. And we’ve vastly expanded our digital and social media platforms so that any time you want a pop of inspiration, we’re here.

More good things are ahead. Next issue, you will meet a new editor in chief, who comes to 5 Minute Crafts Magazine with a great passion for this brand and its mission. After two incredibly rewarding years in this role, I look forward to a new direction, one that includes more time for adventure, family, and my pursuits. To the 5 Minute Crafts Magazine team that creates this beautiful magazine: Thank you for your incredible talent, hard work, and genuine commitment. Thank you for your support, understanding, and love. And to our readers: Thank you for allowing me to come into your lives as part of this loved brand. It has been a privilege and an honor.

I know that I’m leaving the magazine—and you—in very good hands.

The new editor in chief is Pilar Guzman, who had been leading the former team at Martha Stewart Living and Conde Nast Traveller. I am a great admirer of her work and can’t wait to see her sense of style and keen intelligence infuse the pages of 5MCM. I know you’ll enjoy getting to know her, too. I also hope you like the little eggshell basket, above. To me, it’s a perfect idea for spring—a time of new beginnings and freshly hatched plans.

I wish you the best,

TANYA WENMAN STEEL Editor In-Chief

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MARCH 2019

style

CARE FOR THE SKIN Cosmetologists often outline the skin around the eyes as a separate area of care. Unlike the rest of the skin on the human body, it’s thinner, more sensitive, and has almost no sebaceous glands. Therefore, this area of the skin needs additional moisture and is prone to the early appearance of wrinkles.

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MARCH 2019

STYLE MAKEUP REMOVAL

MASKS, PATCHES, AND COMPRESSES

If you wear makeup, it’s necessary to remove it with the help of a special remover. Make sure it’s hypoallergenic, ophthalmologically tested, and suitable for the sensitive skin around the eyes. If you use waterproof mascara, opt for a remover suitable for waterproof makeup.

Cream alone is oftentimes not enough when it comes to solving certain issues. That’s when masks or hydrogel patches and compresses boasting a special composition come to the rescue. They usually contain the same ingredients as eye creams but at a higher concentration.

Use special products only if necessary and no more than 2 times a week in order to avoid allergic reactions. Apply the chosen product according to the instructions provided on the packaging.

In order to remove makeup from the eyelids, take a cotton pad, soak it in the remover, close your eye, and apply the pad to it. Keep it there for 1-2 minutes, then gently remove the leftovers of the cosmetics with the help of the pad.

Repeat the same procedure with the other eye and rinse the face with clean water.

SUN PROTECTION

CARING FOR THE SKIN AROUND THE EYES

As a rule, regular cream is not suitable for the skin around the eyes. It’s too thick and contains an excess amount of active components. Using it can result in the appearance of puffiness and irritation under the eyes. In order to avoid unnecessary reactions, get a special cream designed for the skin around the eyes. It can be a simple moisturizing cream or a cream for helping with certain issues in this area. Some examples of these are: A light gel with caffeine or green tea to eliminate puffiness and dark circles A cream with vitamin C to strengthen blood vessels and prevent the first wrinkles A hyaluronic acid cream for deep hydration of dehydrated skin around the eyes A cream with retinol or peptides for deep wrinkle correction Eye cream should be applied in the morning and in the evening, 1-2 hours prior to sleep. First, remove any makeup, wash your face, squeeze some cream out onto your ring finger, and apply it along the orbital bone line with patting movements. Apply the cream to the upper lid if necessary.

Then wait for 1-2 minutes to let the cream or gel get absorbed by the skin and apply the appropriate cream to the rest of your face.

The skin around the eyes should be protected from ultraviolet rays during the summer and while you’re on vacation. It destroys collagen fibers and contributes to the appearance of wrinkles when delivered in large amounts.

In order to protect yourself from the sun, wear sunglasses with UV 400 protection and use a sunscreen with SPF no less than 30 along with the UVA/UVB marking. Such cream should be applied in a thick layer after basic care and before foundation. It’s recommended to do it no later than 1530 minutes prior to any sun exposure.

MASKING PENCILS AND CONCEALERS

You can use special cosmetic products (like a concealer) for correcting significant imperfections like puffiness, dark circles, and under-eye bags. However, they’re meant to be used on regular facial skin and can cause an allergic reaction if applied to the skin around the eyes. That’s why it’s best to buy a special masking product for the area around the eyes.

Apply masking products with a thin layer, blending them with a patting motion along the orbital bone. Decorative cosmetics should be used after all other stages of care, such as washing, applying the main cream, and putting on sunscreen, have taken place.

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MARCH 2019

STYLE

CLOTHING RULES If you want to make your curves more visible, there are several dressing tricks that can help you create an illusion of a more curvaceous body. You just need to find the right color and fit and remember some rules when picking out your outfit.

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MARCH 2019

STYLE WEAR OFF-THESHOULDER CLOTHES.

When you show bare skin on your body, you make this area more prominent and attract more attention to it. So if you want to make your waist appear smaller, creating a curvy figure and showing a contrast between your bust and your hips, go for clothes that show off your shoulders. This trick helps to draw a horizontal line across your upper body, drawing attention to this area and making your waist look smaller by comparison.

You can wear an off-the-shoulder top with a flared or Aline skirt to balance your look and create an hourglass body shape.

TRY COLOR BLOCKING.

Go for tops that have side panels that are aimed inward toward your waist.

You can also accentuate your waist by using different colors or prints for the areas both above your waist and below it.

TRY THE RIGHT KIND OF SHAPEWEAR.

OPT FOR WRAP DRESSES.

Wrap dresses are perfect for creating an hourglass figure and accentuating your waist. They’re more comfortable than bodycon dresses but are still a great option to show off your curves. Choose dresses with a V-neck to make your silhouette more elongated.

SHOW SOME SKIN ON YOUR WAIST.

Wearing crop tops with high-rise jeans or leggings and going for dress styles with cut-outs on the waist area are great ways to make your body appear curvier. This way, you accentuate the narrowest part of your waist, making it slimmer and creating curves.

GO FOR HIGHWAISTED BOTTOMS.

High-waisted clothing makes your legs appear longer and thinner and accentuates your buttocks and your waist at the same time. This way, you get to look both curvy and tall simultaneously. This style also goes well with crop tops if you want to show some skin on your waist area.

If you wear tight clothes that accentuate your body’s curves, pay attention to panty lines that might be visible and ruin the look. To avoid this problem, try wearing the right shapewear.

Shapewear is designed to help clothes fit better and accentuate your silhouette, making your body appear more toned. Its aim is not to transform your body into something it’s not, but rather, to add more definition and some extra contours to your body as well as smooth out any panty lines.

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CHOOSE CLOTHES WITH A LOWER NECKLINE.

It’s better to avoid high necklines if you want to accentuate your curves because they might make your body look boxy. Lower necklines are designed to show off your collarbones, neck, and chest area in a flattering way, highlighting your curves without revealing too much (no deep cleavage is needed).

As a bonus, lower necklines draw more attention to your face.

WEAR A BELT.

Belts help to accentuate the waist and create the right body proportions. It’s better to wear a belt on your waistline or slightly higher to attract attention to your curves. Don’t wear a belt on your hips to avoid making them look bigger and heavier.

Try on belts of different widths, both wide and narrow, to figure out what options work best for you. Make sure the belt doesn’t compress your stomach.

BE CAREFUL WITH LOOSE CLOTHING.

Oversized clothes tend to hide your natural curves instead of making them more prominent. That’s why it’s better to stick to designs with a good fit that accentuate your waist and attract attention to the areas you want to highlight.

For times when you want to wear a loose-fitting clothing item, make sure you’ve highlighted your silhouette first, and then use a loose clothing item, like a coat, for example, as a top layer.

home WASH & GO Cleaning a washing machine from time to time is essential if you want it to work properly and safely.

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HOME PREPARATION

Empty the drum of your washing machine. There should be no clothes inside it.

METHOD 1. USING BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR

METHOD 2. USING BLEACH

Household bleach

1. Add 2 fluid ounces of bleach to the detergent drawer of your washing machine.

2. Run your machine on a hot cycle and then set one more cycle to make sure that all the bleach gets flushed out.

Baking soda White vinegar Tea tree essential oil A sponge A microfiber cloth

METHOD 4: USING CITRIC ACID

1. Mix 2 parts baking soda and 1 part water to create a paste.

2. Take a sponge, dip it into the paste, and apply it to the inside of the drum. Rub the paste all over the drum.

3. Then take a microfiber cloth and wet it under running water.

4. Use the damp cloth to wipe away the soda paste from the drum.

5. After that, take a cup of white vinegar and add 10 drops of tea tree essential oil to it.

6. Pour the mixture into the detergent tray and set it to the hottest possible cycle.

Citric acid A kettle 1. Boil half a liter of water in a kettle and add 6 tablespoons (120 g) of citric acid powder to it.

2. Add the warm solution directly to the drum of your washing machine and pour some of it into the detergent tray as well.

3. Choose a 60-degree cycle and start the program.

METHOD 3. USING SODA CRYSTALS

Soda crystals 1. Pour 2 cups of soda crystals directly into the drum of your washing machine.

2. Set it to a hot cycle (preferably at 60 degrees).

FINISHING THE CLEANING

Once the washing cycle is over, open the door of the machine and let it air-dry completely.

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MARCH 2019

HOME

STAINLESS REMOVAL It’s one of the worst things that could happen when it comes to doing the laundry: dye transfer. But even if it seems that the widespread stain will be there forever, there are a few ways to try cleaning it, both for white and colored clothes.

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HOME MATERIALS

Non-chlorine bleach Oxygen bleach, preferably powder Laundry detergent Hairspray (or rubbing alcohol) White cloth

STEP 1. CHECK THE ENTIRE LOAD.

Once you find the culprit, take it out from the washer and set it aside so that you can wash it later with similar colored clothes.

Now, check each piece of laundry carefully to see if others have stains or discoloration.

Those with no stains can be transferred to a clothesline or a dryer.

STEP 2. REWASH THE STAINED LAUNDRY.

Put the dyed clothes in the washing machine.

Rewash them, but this time use a powdered oxygen bleach combined with regular detergent.

Once done, check again, if the dye hasn’t been removed, it’s time for the next step.

STEP 3. REMOVE DYE STAINS.

From white clothes: Fill a bathtub or a sink with cool water.

Add non-chlorine bleach, and let your clothes soak here for at least a few hours. However, make sure to use bleach carefully and always read the label before doing so.

After soaking, wash the laundry in the washing machine as usual.

If the dye is still there, repeat the process once more.

From colored clothes: Dampen a clean white cloth with hairspray, rubbing alcohol, or other solvents that are 90% alcohol.

Dap the dye stain repeatedly. The dye should keep transferring from the clothes onto the cloth.

After this, rinse the clothes with warm water.

And lastly, wash in the washing machine.

If the stain persists, you can repeat the process.

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MARCH 2019

health RESIST OILY SKIN Your skin type depends on several factors: how moisturized it is, how much sebum it produces, and how sensitive it is to the environment. There 4 skin types: normal, dry, oily, and combination.

The last 2 types have similar features.

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HEALTH OILY SKIN TYPE

COMBINATION SKIN TYPE

Enlarged pores Oily shine Thicker skin Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes

Your skin can be dry or normal in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin).

Pores that look larger than normal Oily shine, especially on the forehead Blackheads

EXFOLIATION

Don’t use scrubs, rough sponges, or loofas on your face.

They irritate the skin and stimulate oil production. If you have blemishes, they will spread all over your face and the healing process will slow down.

Exfoliate your skin 1-2 times a week with the help of facial masks with a clay base or mild acids such as glycolic or lactic.

WHEN YOU SHOULD TURN TO A SPECIALIST

MOISTURIZING

Oily and combination skin needs to be moisturized. If there isn’t enough moisture in the skin, it will produce more oil to make up for the lack of moisture.

Choose light moisturizers and fluids. Avoid cosmetic products that contain oils.

Aloe vera can be a great moisturizer for oily skin. It replenishes the moisture levels in the skin, makes the pores smaller, and heals breakouts.

WASHING

The reasons for an overproduction of sebum can be due to genetics, an unhealthy diet, bad skin care, or hormonal or digestive system disorders. Only a doctor can diagnose it and prescribe the proper treatment.

It’s also worth contacting a dermatologist if you have acne or other inflammations. The doctor will assess the condition of your skin and prescribe products that will be effective for you.

It’s never a bad idea to consult a specialist if you just have oily or combination skin. A dermatologist will determine your skin type and select the optimal skincare products.

SPECIAL PRODUCTS

If you plan to go outside and spend more than 15 minutes there, apply sunscreen after your regular skincare products. Contrary to popular belief, the sun doesn’t heal acne or make oily skin dryer, it only makes the situation worse.

If it’s hot outside and the skin produces more oil, use blotting papers. They remove excess sebum, cleansing the skin and pores.

Look for the word “noncomedogenic” on skincare products and cosmetics. This means it won’t clog pores or cause new breakouts.

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MARCH 2019

Wash your face in the morning, in the evening, and after physical activity. This way, you’ll cleanse your skin from any accumulated sebum.

Choose mild foams and gels that don’t contain aggressive substances or alcohol. They irritate the skin and make it dry, causing the production of even more oil.

That’s why you should only wash your face with warm water.

After washing, don’t rub your skin with a towel, just pat it gently.

If you’re prone to acne, consult a dermatologist and choose cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

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MARCH 2019

FOOD TRIP ADVENTURE For inexperienced tourists, buying food when they are traveling might be a real problem. In order to not go hungry and to avoid spending a fortune on your meals, you should plan what you will eat in advance.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TED + CHELSEA CAVANAUGH

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PLAN YOUR FOOD EXPENSES FOR EVERY DAY.

When we are on a trip, we usually spend more money than we want to, and food can be one of the biggest expenses.

Sometimes, we buy very expensive meals and order something we can’t even eat. In order to save some money, try to make a plan of the food expenses and calculate an approximate amount of money you want to spend on food every day.

TAKE YOUR SNACKS WITH YOU.

On a trip, especially when you are doing something active, you may find that you suddenly become hungry and thirsty unexpectedly. In order not to eat at the first cafe you see, make sure you always have a snack and a bottle of water with you. During the cold months of the year, you can also bring coffee or tea. Plus, you can always have a picnic outside if it’s warm enough.

COOK YOUR OWN FOOD WHEN YOU CAN.

If you are staying in a house or an apartment with a kitchen then it can be cheaper to cook your own meals. It will take some time, but you can save a lot of money.

IF YOU ARE STAYING AT A HOTEL, BUY BREAKFAST THERE.

Many hotels offer their guests the option to book a room with breakfast included, and usually, it’s quite cheap. A lot of hotels have all-you-can-eat buffets where you can really eat a lot of food if you want. Similar breakfasts in a regular cafe can be several times more expensive.

USE DISCOUNTS FOR PREPARED FOOD.

Bakeries, big supermarkets, and some cafes offer discounts for prepared food by the end of the day. You can have a nice meal and save a lot of money.

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DON’T NEGLECT FAST-FOOD.

BUY BUSINESS LUNCHES.

TRY THE LOCAL STREET FOOD.

Of course, this is not the healthiest food in the world but there are some advantages. Compared to ordinary cafes and restaurants, eating at a fast food place will be faster and much cheaper. Besides, you can always be sure about the quality because big fast-food chains have very good quality control.

In most countries, there are cafes that offer business lunches. They usually include soups, main courses, drinks, and even desserts. Just ask for lunch specials to save money and have a good meal.

Local street food is usually cheap, you can eat it while you’re on the move, and you’ll feel really full.

Important! Make sure you’re buying something fresh. It’s better if you can watch it being cooked right in front of your eyes.

Important! Remember that these offers are usually limited in time. So, it’s better to find out when exactly the cafes have the offer on.

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MARCH 2019

food PLANTAIN CHIPS You can make lots of dishes and snacks with green plantains. Among the most popular ones are fried plantains, better known in Latin American cuisine as tostones. You can serve them with cheese, guacamole, or with any sauce you wish. What’s more, they are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, so they can be a nourishing option to start your day with.

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MARCH 2019

FOOD

TOSTONES 3 green plantains 2-3 cups of vegetable oil (or coconut oil) Salt and pepper to taste 1. Slice off the ends of the plantain.

2. Turn on the faucet. Place the plantain under running water and cut its peel lengthwise.

3. Peel it off by gradually pushing it out with your fingers until it comes off.

4. It’s easier to get the peel off under running water.

5. Use some paper towels to dry each plantain. They should be completely dry before you fry them. If they are still moist, the oil may pop and spatter, and you might burn yourself.

6. Cut them in thick slices of approximately 0.7 in (2 cm) each. You can slice them crosswise or diagonally.

7. Heat the oil over medium heat. After a few minutes, turn the heat up to high and place the plantains in the skillet. There should be enough room between the slices that they can cook evenly.

8. Once they start turning golden, flip them. If you can easily puncture them with a fork, it means that they are cooked on both sides.

9. Carefully remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towellined plate to drain off the excess fat.

10. Gently squash them on a flat surface.

11. If you like them extra crispy, then they should be completely flat.

12. Once you finish doing this, fry them again. Remember to evenly space them. Wait for them to turn golden-brown on each side.

13. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

14. Serve them with some guacamole and diced tomato, or with any sauce of your choice.

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FOOD

DIP IT GOOD

Versatile, easy to make, and full of flavor, ranch dressing is a classic of American cuisine. It’s often used as an accompaniment to French fries or baked potatoes, and to dress salads of all kinds.

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MARCH 2019

FOOD

RANCH DRESSING ½ cup of whole or skim milk 2 tbsp lemon juice ⅓ cup mayonnaise 1 tbsp fresh parsley ½ tbsp onion 1 clove garlic Chives (optional) Black pepper Salt 1. Pour 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into the milk and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.

2. Use whole milk if you want the dressing to be creamier. Doing this is what gives ranch dressing its slightly sour flavor that is so distinctive.

3. Finely chop the onion, garlic, and parsley.

4. Remove the green part of the garlic for a milder flavor.

5. Add the milk to the onion, garlic, and parsley.

6. Then, pour in the mayonnaise and mix until you get a smoother consistency. If you want, you can use a food processor to blend the dressing. Blend it for just a few seconds so as to not chop the parsley too fine.

7. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir again and let stand for at least one hour in the refrigerator.

If you want to, you can top your ranch dressing with a few chopped chives and enjoy it with French fries, salads, or any other recipe of your choice.

Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. In any case, we recommend that you don’t eat it if you notice that it has a strange color or aroma.

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MARCH 2019

living

HANDMADE KITCHEN A pot holder is an irreplaceable item in the kitchen. Not only will it protect your hands from hot dishes, but it also proves to be a great addition to any home’s interior.

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LIVING

A POT HOLDER WITH EDGING Cotton fabric in 1 or 2 colors Cotton bias tape Sintepon Thread in the same color as the fabric Tailor chalk, a fabric marker, or a small soap remnant Tailor pins A ruler A sewing machine Scissors 1. Thoroughly press the fabric with an iron that has a steam function before making the cut. Not only will it help you to smoothen the fabric, but it will also help you to avoid any fabric shrinkage on the finished item.

2. Fold the fabric in 2, secure it with pins, and outline the contours of the future pot holder. For making our pot holder, we drew a square with its sides equal to 10 inches each.

3. Carefully cut the base of the pot holder along the border. You should now have 2 fabric squares.

4. Measure and cut out a layer in the same size as the fabric squares from the sintepon filler.

5. Place the layer between the squares and align the edges.

6. Carefully pin the edges of the pot holder or secure it with thread around the perimeter.

7. Get your sewing machine ready and sew the details by making stitches 5 mm to 7 mm from the edge.

8. Trim the edges with scissors and cut off any excess material, leaving out 2 mm to 3 mm of fabric after stitching.

9. Draw several diagonal lines on the pot holder with the help of a washable marker or tailor chalk. Start from the center in order to get straight lines: draw a line connecting 2 opposite corners. Then move back a few inches, up or down, and draw a line parallel to the center diagonal. Then, again, move back and draw one more line. In the end, you’ll get straight lines all over the pot holder.

10. Stitch the lines with a sewing machine.

11. Draw lines of the opposite diagonal and stitch them too. Remove any excess thread.

12. Take some cotton bias tape and place it on the edge of the pot holder so that it overlaps the front and the back sides of the item by several millimeters.

Stitch the tape along the perimeter of the pot holder by hand. Don’t cut off the rest of the tape completely — leave several inches for making a loop.

OVEN MITTS Cotton fabric in 1 or 2 colors Cotton bias tape Sintepon filler Thread in the same color as the fabric Tailor chalk, a fabric marker, or a small soap remnant Tailor pins A ruler A sewing machine Scissors 1. Thoroughly press the fabric with an iron that has a steam function before making the cut.

2. Fold the fabric in half and place it in front of you. Leave a few inches from the edge and place your left palm on the canvas. Use the chalk to trace its borders.

3. In order to understand the size of your future pot holder, add 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches to the drawn contour of your hand. Make the line more round, then cut out the glove that you get.

4. Attach the pattern to the fabric, circle it around, and cut out another piece.

Remember that the fabric should be folded in half. As a result, you should have 4 fabric mitts.

5. Draw around the fabric pattern on the sintepon filler twice. Cut out the layer along the lines.

6. Place each sintepon layer between the fabric layers and then join them together. Make sure that in each glove, the fabric layers touch the sintepon layers on the inner sides.

7. Align the edges of the mitt and secure them with pins.

8. Make a stitch at a distance of 5 mm to 7 mm from the edge with the help of the sewing machine, removing the pins as you stitch.

An important note: Keep in mind that you’ll need to stitch the oven mitt on 3 sides. It’s important to keep the place where you’ll insert your hand unstitched.

9. To make the seam more durable and avoid fabric fraying, you can overlock the edges of the oven mitt or make zigzag stitches next to the straight stitches.

10. Carefully trim the edges of the fabric and turn the oven mitt inside out.

11. Stitch the bottom edge of the mitt, leaving 5 mm at its base. Keep in mind that you don’t need to stitch the top and bottom parts of the mitt together.

12. Remove the excess thread and attach the bias tape to the mitt. It’s better to start doing it near one of the stitches.

13. Machine stitch the tape 1 mm to 2 mm from its edge. If necessary, form a loop out of the tape and sew it to the mitt.

Life hack: If you find it difficult to work with the bias tape, you can fold it in half and iron the fold. It will make it easier to place it along the edge of the pot holder.

13. Now stitch the tape with the sewing machine 1 mm to 2 mm from the edge.

Make sure to stitch the end of the tape left for the loop.

14. Make a loop from the stitched end of the tape with your hands and stitch its end to the pot holder with the help of the sewing machine.

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TIPS & TRICKS

HOW TO SEW A BUTTON Sewing on a button is a basic skill that will help you prolong the life of your favorite clothes. This process may seem easy at first, but you need to know the right techniques to make sure the button is properly secured.

TOOLS Buttons Thread: You can use any type of thread that matches your fabric, but going for a special button thread is likely to make your repair last longer.

A sewing needle: You can use any type of needle. Just make sure it’s sharp and thin enough so you can pull it through the buttonholes.

Scissors A toothpick A fabric marking pen 1. Thread a needle and pull the thread through the needle’s eye.

Make sure the thread is long enough.

If you’re sewing a 2-hole button or a shank button, you might want to double the thread to properly secure the button.

If you’re sewing a 4-hole button, you might want to quadruple the thread to make fewer stitches.

2. Cut the thread, bring its ends together, and tie a tight knot.

THE PROCESS FLAT BUTTONS 1. Take the item you’re going to sew a button on and smooth out the fabric. Mark a place for a new button with a fabric marking pen.

2. Note: This step is optional, but it’ll help you better secure the thread.

Pierce the fabric from the backside, pull the thread through, and make sure the knot on the end of the thread gets stopped by the fabric. Then make a small stitch, return to the backside, and repeat the process. Your goal is to create a small “X” at the center of the place where you’re going to sew the button.

3. Holding the button in place, pull a needle up through the backside of the fabric at the first buttonhole. Then bring the needle down through the other hole.

Note: If you’re sewing a 4-hole button, there are 2 options — you can either make your stitches parallel or form an “X” with them.

For the first option, bring the needle down through the hole located above or next to the hole you’ve already pulled the needle through. Then pierce the needle up through the third hole and down through the remaining one. This way, the stitches will be parallel.

For the second option, bring the needle down through the hole that is located diagonally from the first hole. Then pierce the needle up through the third hole and down through the remaining one. You should form an “X” with your stitches.

4. Take a toothpick and insert it into the space between the first stitch and the button. Alternatively, you can slide it between the fabric and the button. Be careful not to damage the fabric.

5. Keep sewing. You need to do about 8-10 stitches for a 2-hole button and 6-8 complete stitches for a 4-hole button.

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6. When you’re done, pull the needle through the last buttonhole but don’t pierce the fabric. Remove the toothpick, pull the button up a bit, and wrap the thread around the stitches between the fabric and the button 3 times.

7. Then pierce the fabric through one of the thread holes in the fabric. Make another small stitch but don’t pull the thread too tight — you should leave a small loop. Then come through this loop with a needle and tighten the stitch. Make another stitch and repeat the process. When you’re done, cut off the excess thread.

SHANK BUTTONS Pull the needle from the backside of the fabric through the shank and then return to the backside. Repeat the process 6-10 times.

When you finish, make a few stitches through the thread at the backside to secure it, tie a knot, and cut off the ends of the thread.

CHILL & DRAW

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