5 Minute Crafts Magazine - November 2021

GOOD THINGS TO DO Make Beads for the Cellphone Take Pictures with Trips Cook Chicken with Mushrooms

November 2021 $5.99 (Canada) $3.99 (US)

november 2021

CONTENTS

“After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations.”

-Oscar Wilde

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NOVEMBER 2021

CONTENTS

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style

home

EXPIRED MAKEUP To find out the shelf life of cosmetics after opening them, all you need to do is to look at the packaging and find a small image of an open jar with the numbers 6, 12, 24, or 36.

OFFICE WORKSPACE Surroundings have a certain amount of influence over the decisions we make and our mood, which is why it’s so important to find the right location to work from, especially if you’re spending a lot of time there.

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14

EYE MAKES UP It’s great to know which color of eye shadows to choose.

But if you also know what makeup is best for your eye shape, you can call yourself a professional.

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PESTS CONTROL Fleas and ticks are the most common pests that can stalk our home. Not only could your pet bring them home, they can also stick to your clothes and your body after a walk on trails or green areas with lots of vegetation.

health

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PURE RETINOL Retinol is one of the most popular ingredients in antiaging skin care products. It’s believed to be effective against wrinkles and other skin imperfections, like acne.

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features

living

departments

TRIP SHOTS Urban photography is a great way of capturing the essence of a trip you took or simply of a city you love. The single most important thing when it comes to portraying a city is finding elements that are unique to it.

COLORFUL BEADS Beads are very popular and in fashion. You can see them in the fashion collections of famous designers, and internet users publish many master classes where they show how to make DIY straps, charms, keychains, and other accessories from colorful beads.

EDITOR'S LETTER

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food

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COMFORT FOOD Chefs from all over the world know the word “julienne” as a term indicating the method of cutting products into long thin strips. But most people from outside of the topculinary world have not heard of this.

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AFTER THANKSGIVING Cranberry juice is a tasty drink that is good for your health, because cranberry is rich in minerals and vitamins, like C, E, K, and B. Because the drink has fresh juice in it, most of the vitamins are still there.

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TRICKS & TIPS

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CHILL & DRAW COVER PHOTO © 5-MINUTE CRAFTS

JES WATSON Editor In-Chief

FOOD DIRECTOR Annabelle Waugh FASHION & BEAUTY DIRECTOR Julia McEwen HOME & GARDEN DIRECTOR Brett Walther MANAGING EDITOR Day Helesic TEST KITCHEN SENIOR FOOD SPECIALIST Irene Fong FOOD SPECIALISTS Jennifer Bartoli, Amanda Barnier ARTICLES EDITOR, FOOD Gilean Watts INTERN Jessica Bronstein ART CONSULTING DESIGN DIRECTOR Brendan Fisher ACTING ART DIRECTOR June F. Anderson SENIOR ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Henrietta Poon CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTORS Lisa de Nikolits, Leanne Gilbert FEATURES HEALTH EDITOR Kate Daley CONTRIBUTING HEALTH EDITOR Tralee Pearce SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR Jill Buchner ASSOCIATE EDITOR, FASHION & BEAUTY Andrea Karr CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Jacqueline Kovacs

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

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

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

MARKETING SERVICES & CREATIVE SOLUTIONS General Sales Manager CAROLINE K. BRETON Creative Brand Director LAURA DENTON CONTENT DIRECTOR Kim Alison Fraser MANAGING EDITOR Renée Sylvestre-Williams MANAGER, STRATEGY AND IDEATION Stevie Gorrie STRATEGISTS Sarah Drake, Jessica Lee, Marcela Perez ART DIRECTORS Susan Jackson, Suzanne LaCorte, Peter Robertson JUNIOR COPY WRITER Victoria DiPlacibo SENIOR DIRECTOR, CLIENT DELIVERY Stefany Pierce CAMPAIGN MANAGERS Melissa Carmichael, Ivan McBurney, Rob Stephenson, Inga Terzopoulos

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD Carol Zephyrine RESEARCH SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST Eva Chau MARKETING , COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS SENIOR DIRECTOR Tracy Finkelstein MANAGER Silvana Sciortino SENIOR SPECIALIST Erin Quinn SPECIALISTS Carlie McGhee, Summer Varty, Alyson Young SENIOR DESIGNER Colin Elliott CONSUMER MARKETING GROUP VICE-PRESIDENT, CONSUMER MARKETING Christopher Purcell GROUP CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Doris Chan PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGERS Yen Duong, Amanda Stone DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Jason Patterson DIRECTOR, NEWSSTAND SALES Pat Strangis

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

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER Pat Danaher DIGITAL COLOUR SPECIALIST Nicole Duplantis (on leave), Katarina Marinic

ST. JOSEPH COMMUNICATIONS CHAIRMAN + CEO Tony Gagliano VICE-CHAIRMAN John Gagliano PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER, SJC MEDIA Ken Hunt SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, REVENUE Lynn Chambers VICE-PRESIDENT, CONTENT & CREATIVE Maryam Sanati MANAGING DIRECTOR, CONSUMER REVENUE Allan Yue MANAGING DIRECTOR, RESEARCH & CONSUMER INSIGHTS Clarence Poirier MANAGING DIRECTOR, MARKETING Nadine Silverthorne DIRECTOR, CUSTOMER SUCCESS Terry Smith DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION Maria Mendes MANAGING DIRECTOR, Branded Content Sasha Emmons HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jason Maghanoy DIRECTOR, MARKETING SPONSORSHIPS Jessika Fink

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5 Minute Crafts is published by St. Joseph Communications, 15 Benton Road, Toronto M6M 3G2. Montreal office: 249, rue Saint-Jacques, Bureau 201, Montréal H2Y 1M6. Vancouver advertising office: 180 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver V5Y 3T9. Contents copyright 2021 by St. Joseph Communications; may not be reprinted without written permission. Article proposals and manuscripts must be accompanied by self-addressed envelopes and sufficient postage; otherwise they will not be returned or acknowledged. While the publishers will take all reasonable care, they will not be responsible for the loss of any manuscript, drawing or photograph. ISSN 0009-1995. Single copy price: $4.99 + tax. Full subscription prices: Canada, 1 year (10 issues), $15 + tax. In U.S., 1 year, $45; foreign countries, $75. Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index. Printed in Canada by St. Joseph Communications, Print. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. 5 Minute Crafts receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. 5 Minute Crafts, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, republish, distribute, store and archive such unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. This statement does not apply to materials and/or pitches submitted by freelance writers, photographers or illustrators in accordance with known industry practices.

The following video might feature activity performed by our actors within controlled environment- please use judgment, care, and precaution if you plan to replicate.

All product and company names shown in the video are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

EDITOR'S NOTE

What's New? I

’m the new girl here at 5 Minute Crafts Magazine, so let me tell you a little bit about the fun things I’ve been up to so far. As you can imagine, we have a large team of passionate journalists, editors, chefs, art directors, photographers and graphic designers, and lots of space for desks, fashion and beauty samples that come in and out, craft supplies, and piles and piles of books and magazines. But the jewel of our office is certainly The Test Kitchen. On my first day, I walked into this gigantic room with more appliances and counter space than you could ever imagine, and I was blown away by the beauty of the space and warmed by the liveliness and energy that radiated from it.

On my second day, I visited the kitchen to find Food specialist Amanda Barnier working on the gluten-free baking story you enjoyed in this issue. I had a bite of her strawberry rhubarb pie (my favourite kind!) and really enjoyed it, but Annabelle Waugh, our food guru, knew it could be better. So it was back to the drawing board to try it all over again. And then again. I just happened to be walking into the kitchen when the fifth version of the pie came out of the oven (OK, I could smell it from my office and made a calculated trip).

As you can tell, I love food. And you may be thinking you’ve seen me before. Maybe you know me from the two years I spent at Canadian Living magazine.

I’m a mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a pet lover, a feminist, a pretty good cook, a half-marathon runner, a ball hockey player, an on-again-off again CrossFitter, a shoe lover, a nature lover, an adventurer and, most days, just an all-around goofball. I am a proud Canadian, and I am over-the moon excited to be sitting in the editor-in-chief seat at 5 Minute Crafts Magazine.

(Pinch me!)

I hope you like what you see. We have lots of fun planned for the next few issues and are dreaming up fresh ideas every day. What’s most exciting is that we’re just getting started!

JES WATSON Editor In-Chief

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NOVEMBER 2021

style EXPIRED MAKEUP To find out the shelf life of cosmetics after opening them, all you need to do is to look at the packaging and find a small image of an open jar with the numbers 6, 12, 24, or 36. This is the number of months during which you can use the product after opening the package. If you can’t find this information, don’t worry — in our article, we will tell you about everything in detail.

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STYLE Why it’s important

Makeup artist Ashley Rebecca says, “Skin irritations like rashes, bumps, and burning sensations can occur when using expired products. If you use mascara or eyeliner that’s past its expiration date, you can experience swelling, itchiness, or redness. It’s always best to see a dermatologist immediately if you experience any kind of reaction.”

The issue is in the fact that the expiration date of cosmetic products depends on the 1st day you use them, not on the date of purchase. And we oftentimes fail to pay attention to this date.

Makeup artist Britty Whitfield says, “If you’re ever stuck wondering, all products have a small symbol that looks like a jar with a number/letter on the inside, ex: 12M. This means, usually, that a product has a 12month shelf life upon opening. For makeup, I always follow what the time frame is in the symbol. The worst possible thing would be to use an old, oxidized foundation.”

Eyeliner

The shelf life varies from 3 months to 3 years: Liquid eyeliner: 3–6 months depending on how often you use it Eye pencil: up to 36 months The best way to store: If you use liquid eyeliner, cleanse its tip after each usage. If you use an eye pencil, disinfect the pencil sharpener regularly.

How to understand if the product has gone bad: The same applies to the liquid eyeliner as to the mascara — if you detect a change in smell. For eye pencils, it’s the appearance of a white layer that is impossible to remove.

Concealers or makeup foundation The expiration date will depend on its composition: Water base: 12 months Oil base: up to 18 months

The best way to store: Store the product in a cool place and shake the tube regularly.

How to understand if the product has gone bad: Regardless of the expiration date, if you notice that your cosmetics have stratified, it is better not to use this product.

Mascara

Due to the damp consistency, which is a pleasant environment for the development of bacteria, mascara must be changed quite often. Its shelf life is: If used regularly: 3 months If used irregularly: 6 months The best way to store: Try to keep the mascara open for as little time as possible to prevent it from drying out.

How to understand if the product has gone bad: If you notice that the smell has changed dramatically, and the popping sound has disappeared when you pull the brush out of the tube, you’d better get rid of this mascara.

Makeup brushes

One should be very attentive when it comes to the cleanness of makeup brushes because they can store a lot of bacteria. Dr. Jennifer MacGregor says the following about using makeup brushes, “It would be like rubbing a dirty washcloth or sponge on your skin, causing acne, infection, and irritation.”

The best way to store: Clean the brushes weekly and, ideally, store them in a drawer where they have no contact with air.

MacGregor recommends spraying alcohol or diluted vinegar on the brushes after each use. Even with weekly cleaning, the brushes should be replaced every few years.

How to understand when it’s time to change the brushes: If the bristles start to fall out and if the brushes are several years old.

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Blush, bronzer and face powder

The shelf life of powder products is 18 months. Due to the fact that these cosmetics don’t contain water, it is more difficult for bacteria to multiply. However, liquid can get onto your bronzer or blush from a brush that you use to touch your face with foundation on.

The best way to store: Make sure to close the lid tightly after using the product. If possible, don’t use oily concealer before applying a bronzer, blush, or face powder.

Make sure to clean the brush that you use for applying cosmetics before each usage.

How to understand if the product has gone bad: If you see that a hard rim has appeared on the powder, this means that the minerals have mixed with sebum.

Lipstick and lip gloss

The composition of the lipstick and gloss doesn’t contribute to the growth of bacteria, so they can be used for about 12 to 18 months.

The best way to store: Store them in the fridge and don’t apply hem right after eating.

How to understand if the product has gone bad: Drops of moisture on the surface of the lipstick, an unpleasant smell, and the appearance of a chalky texture.

General recommendations Wash your hands before applying makeup and after you finish.

Write the date of purchase on duct tape and stick it to the bottle so you know when to dispose of the product.

Clean your cosmetic bag regularly.

Store cosmetics in a cool and dry place.

Make sure they don’t get exposed to sun rays and make sure to always tightly close the lid after using each product.

STYLE

EYE MAKES UP

It’s great to know which color of eye shadows to choose. But if you also know what makeup is best for your eye shape, you can call yourself a professional.

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NOVEMBER 2021

STYLE Almond eyes

This eye shape can be called universal.

Experts recommend to wing out the eyeshadow at the outer corners of the eyes which will visually lift the face.

Method 1: Try applying a bright color to the crease of the eyelid, and apply the eyeshadows of deeper colors to the outer corner of the eye and wing it out toward the temple.

Method 2: Use an eyeshadow in the same shade along the entire length of the eye, from the crease of the eyelid to the temple. Then apply a deeper shade to the outer third of the eye, from above and below.

Round eyes

If you want to make your eyes more visually elongated, experts recommend focusing the most intense color on the top lash line only.

Avoid applying the same color to the upper and lower lash lines, as this will emphasize the round shape.

For the lower lash line, use a lighter shade of eyeshadow or just mascara. You can just draw a blurry line using eyeshadow or a pencil in a lighter shade of the same color as on your upper eyelid.

Monolid eyes

With this shape of the eye, the eyelid itself either doesn’t have a crease, or the existing crease isn’t strongly defined. Use dark eyeshadows to define the upper and lower lash lines. Blend them slightly to visually lengthen the eyelid. You can also follow other tips from our article, for example, for downturned eyes.

Upturned eyes

This shape can be round or almond, but with pronounced upturned outer corners. Experts recommend emphasizing the natural beauty of this shape with cat eye makeup, and to wing out eyeshadows or eyeliner closer to the temple, as if extending the upturned eyelid line.

How to do cat eye makeup: Use a concealer or eyeshadow primer under your eyes and on the eyelids to create a smooth, even base for your makeup.

Apply eyeshadow on top if you use it. If not, skip this point.

Using a pencil or eyeliner, draw a short, thin line from the outer corner of the eye to the tip of the eyebrow at a 45° angle.

With liquid eyeliner, draw a thin line along the upper eyelid, following the natural curve of the upper lash line from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner. Do the same on the lower eyelid.

Connect the upper and lower lashes with a smooth, curved line. Fill in any gaps with the eyeliner.

Close-set eyes

These eyes can be of any shape — both round and almond, downturned and upturned. In this case, all this doesn’t really matter, the main thing is to create the illusion that your eyes are a little further apart than they really are.

Experts recommend applying lighter shades to the inner part of the eye, and darker shades closer to the outer corners. You can also add extra shimmer to the inner corner and focus your mascara on the outer edges of the eyes.

Downturned eyes

In order to make this shape more balanced, you need to visually lift the outer corner of the eye. This can be done using a combination of light and dark eyeshadows.

Apply a lighter shade all over the lid and a darker shade over the crease. Apply dark eyeshadow with a thin brush from the middle of the upper eyelid along the lash line, as if lifting the outer corner of the eye. Eyeshadows can be blended to create a smoky effect.

Brush your eyebrows upward.

Protruding eyes

If you want to make your eyes look visually less protruding, it’s best to use the darkest and most matte shades in your eyeshadow palette, applying them as shown in the picture above. Use a black eyeliner or pencil for the upper and lower lash lines to enhance this effect.

Wide-set eyes

These eyes sit a bit further from the bridge of the nose than average. To make facial features more balanced, makeup artists suggest using bright, dark, and shimmery shadows on the interior eye and lighter colors on the exterior. You can also clearly define the inner corners of your eyes with a liquid eyeliner or pencil.

Hooded eyes

If you have hooded eyes, you should go for matte eyeshadows. Makeup artist Bryan Cantor says, “For hooded eyes, I like to create a true smoky eye using the deepest shade near the lash line and on the lid, blending it into a mid-tone in the crease, and saving the lightest shades for the inner corner of the eye.

Another option is to apply a matte mid-tone from the lash line up into the crease almost to the browbone. This creates the illusion of depth, which is what hooded eyes lack.”

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OFFICE WORKSPACE Surroundings have a certain amount of influence over the decisions we make and our mood, which is why it’s so important to find the right location to work from, especially if you’re spending a lot of time there.

home

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NOVEMBER 2021

HOME

If you have a spare room

If you don’t have a spare room

If you do have a spare room, you’re in an ideal situation, but you might still need to decide on what the best location for your setup is.

🟢 Your best shot for a stationary workplace is a spare corner. It’s the least expensive way to set up a home workspace, but it also comes with some disadvantages, like if you don’t live alone, having to deal with noise and a lack of privacy.

Having a separate room for a singular purpose can make you more focused. This is because it helps your brain not to have to work against your environment to get things done. Additionally, other family members won’t draw your attention away with their activities.

🟢 Your best option is to use an extra bedroom that you can turn into an office. Here, you can truly create the full office experience or use as much or as little space as you need. In addition, since this is a dedicated workspace, you can decorate it as you like and take care of all functional needs.

In this case, you’ll likely have to think creatively and do the best with what you’ve got. But you can turn any place in your home into a workspace provided that the Internet, electricity, and other utilities are made available there.

🟠 Basement: While increasingly popular, basements can have moisture, especially at certain times of the year, which is bad for your health, and if you plan to store documents or computer equipment that can be affected by heat, cold, or dampness, this may not be the ideal spot.

If you prefer a moving office, you might be able to choose amongst these options: 🟢 Dining room: This is one of the most popular options because it’s cheap, quick, and often used only on occasion. Depending on your needs, it could be ideal, like if you need to spread out paperwork on a large table. 🟡 Kitchen: This is also a popular option, since the lighting is probably appropriate and the atmosphere is often cheery. But it works best for part-time workers that live alone since the kitchen is a busy room and you might be tempted to snack. You can use a foldout desk with a filing cabinet below and a hutch above.

Note: Resetting your office after every meal may not appeal to you, but remember that once you’re done for the day, putting away your stuff can force you to disengage from work and relax.

❌ Attic: Most attics are shaped oddly, with low or slanted roofs that can reduce the use of much of the space, and they’re also subject to great changes in temperature, as well as pests (bats, squirrels, mice, bugs, etc.).

❌ Avoid using your bedroom as an office: If you don’t, you might find it hard to separate work from home. If you don’t have another option, you might want to consider adding a privacy divider to your home office setup.

Less suitable options include: 🟡 A converted garage: This can be a great place to work at but it might require a large investment for it to become a fully functioning home workspace, plus you may need to park your car outside.

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In any case

Try setting up by a window: If possible, position your workspace near a window so you can catch some sun and relax your strained eyes at times by looking at the landscape. Doing this might make you feel more awake while helping maintain a sense of connection to the outdoors.

Also, natural light could improve productivity and boost your mood. After all, bright, natural light is best for working on a computer or reading.

If you can’t set up by a window: Try sitting as close to one as possible since it’s also important for air circulation.

Find a room with proper air circulation: Your workspace should have openings and ventilation. If necessary, install an air conditioner to cool down the workspace area.

Maximize your storage options: Home offices tend to be tiny, even when you have a dedicated room, so don’t just think side-to-side in terms of storage, think vertically too. A hutch, tall bookcases, or even floating shelves can give you more storage without taking up precious floor space.

If you’re the type of person that needs to focus while you work, you could leave the surroundings of your workspace plain without any decor.

HOME

PESTS CONTROL

Fleas and ticks are the most common pests that can stalk our home. Not only could your pet bring them home, they can also stick to your clothes and your body after a walk on trails or green areas with lots of vegetation.

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NOVEMBER 2021

HOME If you have pets: bathe them and consult a veterinarian.

If you have noticed fleas or ticks crawling around, chances are your pet has them on its fur and has brought them inside your home. ✅ Bathe your dog or cat with a medicated shampoo or liquid dish detergent. Fleas do not cling to the root of the animal’s hair, they will fall into the water and drown. ⛔ Do not apply solutions, ointments or any other product directly near or in the animal’s eyes, this could irritate them. ✅ Take your pet to the veterinarian. The specialist will be able to determine the best preventive treatment against fleas and ticks. In addition, it is important to examine your pet and rule out diseases or infections caused by insect bites. ⛔ Never use a dog flea product on your cat. They contain permethrin, an active ingredient that is extremely toxic to your cat.

Mow lawns and remove yard waste.

Mow your lawn and remove dead leaves and weeds from your garden. As long as your green areas are clean and receive sunlight, these insects are less likely to spread. Also check your landscaping for piles of wet or rotting wood debris.

Place cedar chips around your home, where your pet frequents and over flower beds. The smell of cedar is a natural flea repellent.

Vacuum the inside of your home.

The most important thing is to do a thorough cleaning of every corner of the house.

Vacuum all carpets, rugs, furniture, and cushions. In this way, you will absorb fleas, eggs, and larvae.

Repeat this procedure once or twice a week.

If you have dogs or cats, be sure to vacuum the spaces where they usually feed and nap.

Once you’ve finished cleaning, remove the vacuum bag and place it directly into a garbage can outside your home.

Then, mop the smooth floors with a disinfectant of your choice. Clean cracks and corners thoroughly, as well as under the bed and behind electrical appliances.

Apply certified pest control products.

Purchase a flea and tick control spray or fogger and apply it indoors, mainly on your carpets, rugs, furniture, and cushions. Try to reach dark places; this is usually where larvae proliferate.

Only the person who performs this action should remain inside the house, the rest of the inhabitants and animals should remain outside according to the instructions of the pesticide.

In the same way, do it outside the house, spray the product directly on the lawn and bushes. If these insects live in your garden, use it frequently according to the product’s instructions to keep pests under control.

Wash all your clothes in hot water.

While thoroughly cleaning all areas of your home, carefully pick up your clothing, as fleas and ticks may be attached to the fabrics. Wash bed linens, sheets, towels, blankets, and curtains in hot water.

In case you have pets, manually clean their dishes, toys, and blankets in the same way.

If you use the washing machine, set its washing cycles to the highest temperature (above 50 °C).

Also, when using the dryer, set it on maximum power for at least 1 hour. This will kill these parasites and their larvae.

Buy flea repellent plants.

There are certain plants that not only perfume the environment, but also repel insects and pests naturally. So you can keep your home free of fleas and ticks.

These plants are not harmful to your pets, you can place them indoors and outdoors: catnip basil oregano lemon balm eucalyptus rue lavender peppermint citronella rosemary sage

How to make your own flea remedies Spray

4 l of white vinegar 2 l of water 500 ml lemon juice 250 ml of witch hazel water

1. Mix all ingredients in a large plastic bucket.

2. Using a funnel, pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Close and shake well.

3. Spray this natural spray on your carpets, furniture, pet bedding, cracks, crevices, and floors. Allow the liquid to dry and soak into the applied areas.

Repellent

236 ml of water 5-10 drops of lavender oil

1. You can prevent fleas and ticks from reentering your home by making your own natural repellent.

2. Put the 2 ingredients in into a spray bottle. Close and shake well.

3. You can start by spraying the coat of your dog with it, since it isn’t toxic. Then, you can apply it on your home furniture and you own clothes as well.

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health PURE RETINOL

Retinol is one of the most popular ingredients in anti-aging skin care products. It’s believed to be effective against wrinkles and other skin imperfections, like acne. However, a product label doesn’t always say exactly what retinol is and what properties it has that provide that effect.

1. Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream, $28.00, Sephora 2. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream, $22.77, Amazon 3. SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream, $88.00, Dermstore 4. StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Intensive Night Moisturizer, $112.00, Shoppers Drug Mart ❗ The information in this article is for reference only. We recommend that you consult a dermatologist before choosing a product with retinol to avoid negative side effects.

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HEALTH What retinol is

Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A, one of which is retinol.

In skin care, 4 retinoids are used, which provide effects that have different intensities. The weakest is retinyl palmitate which is the ester of vitamin A and palmitic acid. Next, in increasing order of effectiveness, are retinol, retinaldehyde, and tretinoin.

The first 3 retinoids must be converted to tretinoin, the active form of retinoic acid, to be effective. The chain of conversions is as follows: retinyl palmitate => retinol => retinaldehyde => tretinoin. The effectiveness depends on the number of conversion steps. Retinyl palmitate takes 3 steps to take action, retinol takes 2 steps, retinaldehyde takes just one, and tretinoin starts working immediately.

It seems logical to use tretinoin in skin care products.

However, the more effective a retinoid is, the more it dries and irritates the skin. Therefore, tretinoin can only be prescribed by a doctor. The rest of the retinoids are available in a variety of skin care products.

Retinol is so popular because its effectiveness is somewhere in the middle. It doesn’t cause as much irritation as the more active forms of retinoids, and it is quite gentle to the skin. However, it’s still effective.

But you have to wait a while — up to 12 weeks — to see the results.

How retinol works

With age, the body begins to produce less collagen and elastin. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and less firm. This leads to the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and other skin imperfections.

Retinol helps combat these problems by: making skin cells renew faster. stimulating collagen production and inhibiting the breakdown of collagen. increasing the production of hyaluronic acid, which makes the skin smoother and more hydrated. making the deeper layers of the skin thicker and increasing its ability to retain water. reducing the function of the sebaceous glands if they are overactive, which helps fight acne.

Benefits of using retinol

It rejuvenates the skin. Retinol makes the skin firmer and more elastic, and also reduces the number and the deepness of wrinkles. For example, The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that a product containing 0.1% retinol reduced the appearance of wrinkles on the cheeks by 63.74% and around the eyes by 38.74%. The effect is achieved after 12 weeks of using the product.

It improves skin texture. Retinol accelerates the renewal of skin cells, helps to smooth your skin, and removes dead particles from the surface of the stratum corneum.

It evens out skin tone. When used regularly, retinol makes age spots lighter, reduces dullness, and makes skin glow.

It acts as an antioxidant and helps to repair sun damaged skin.

It fights acne. Retinol normalizes the function of the sebaceous glands, cleanses and tightens pores, and prevents breakouts. In addition, it enhances the effectiveness of other acne treatments and speeds up the healing process.

Side effects

It may cause irritation. The stronger the concentration of retinol, the more likely it is to cause redness, burning, dryness, and scaling of the skin. Negative side effects become stronger if you use products with more concentrated retinoids, like retinaldehyde and tretinoin.

However, with the gradual introduction of retinol products, the skin quickly adapts, and after a while the irritation disappears.

It increases the sensitivity of the skin to the sun.

It’s paradoxical, but despite the fact that retinol is an effective antioxidant, at the same time it makes the top layer of the skin thinner and increases sun sensitivity. Therefore, when using products with retinol, you must use sunscreen.

It aggravates some skin conditions. If you have eczema or rosacea, retinol can aggravate them and increase inflammation. However, retinol can still be used for these conditions, but not more often than once a week and after consulting a doctor. At the same time, you should prepare your skin beforehand and apply moisturizer.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use retinol.

How to choose skin care products containing retinol When choosing a product, take the type and concentration of retinol into account.

For oily skin prone to acne, choose a light gel. For combination skin, choose a lotion or serum, and for dry skin, choose a cream. Besides, weather can also influence the choice of product. For example, in cold weather it will be more comfortable to use a cream, and in warm and damp weather, a light gel or serum will be a better choice.

Most OTC products contain retinol in a concentration of 0.025 to 0.1%. It is advisable to start with a product containing retinol that has a low concentration to see how your skin reacts. If irritation is minimal, you can try a product with a higher concentration after a while.

Also keep in mind that retinol is sensitive to light and air. This means that the product will quickly lose its effectiveness if it’s packaged in a transparent jar or container. Therefore, make sure your retinol product is sealed and has an opaque package.

How to use skin care products containing retinol

It’s best to use retinol containing products in the evening, before going to bed. Introduce the product into your daily skin care routine gradually. First apply it every 3 days, after a couple of weeks apply it every 2 days, and then use it every day. This is what you should do: 1. Wash up, pat your face dry with a towel, and apply eye cream. It will help protect the delicate skin around the eyes from irritation.

2. Wait a few minutes until the skin is completely dry. If it’s wet, the retinol will penetrate deeper into the skin and cause irritation.

3. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of retinol containing product from the tube. Starting at the chin, spread it over your face in an upward motion.

4. In the end, apply a moisturizer.

5. Be sure to apply sunscreen the following morning to avoid sun sensitivity.

How to avoid the negative side effects of retinol

If your skin reacts with severe irritation, try applying a moisturizer before using it. This will minimize the negative effects and will not affect the effectiveness of retinol.

Stop using retinol containing products at least one week before chemical facial peels, laser treatments, waxing, and vacation, which often involves prolonged sun exposure.

Don’t combine retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and heavy scrubs. This can aggravate the skin causing irritation and dryness.

At the same time, retinol works well with moisturizers and skin repair products like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.

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November 31

NOVEMBER 2021

TRIP SHOTS

Urban photography is a great way of capturing the essence of a trip you took or simply of a city you love. The single most important thing when it comes to portraying a city is finding elements that are unique to it. These can be geography or architecture, and even people when captured in a candid image.

1. Capture buildings with content.

2. Frame your pictures with archways.

Use the city’s architecture to your advantage by finding arches to frame your pictures. You can also look for interesting shadows that the sunshine generates through the arches.

About the example: This is another shot of the Collegiate Church of San Isidro as seen from Madrid’s Plaza Mayor. The picture captures an impressive view that’s hiding in plain sight when you walk around the city.

While it’s true that compositions should be strong and uncluttered, it’s also important to have a depth of content in a single image.

Focusing on the typical architectural style of the city you’re in can be a great way to tell its story and history.

Tip: Famous landmarks are not the only kind of interesting architecture you can find. Look around for shops, train stations, modern corporate buildings, and so on.

About the example: Above, you can find a picture of the Plaza de la Puerta Cerrada that captures the rich history of Madrid. This plaza is one of the last places to hold parts of the ancient Christian Walls as well as the typical ultramontanist crosses that could be found all over Madrid before they were removed back in the eighteenth century. To the right, you see the Collegiate Church of San Isidro and in the back, a trompe-l’œil painted by Spanish contemporary artist Alberto Corazón.

3. Focus on local food.

Dining is a big part of experiencing the city you’re visiting or live in. Cuisine and dining traditions are some of the most emblematic ways of understanding the local culture. They’re tangible and make a city distinguishable from another.

About the example: In the picture above, you can find pork-cured legs, known as jamón ibérico, hanging in a cafeteria. This is a typical sight in Spain when entering a popular cafeteria or restaurant.

4. Shoot night scenes.

Consider shooting some night photos that show off the lights of the city, especially showcasing buildings that feature unique lighting. Most city centers become great light shows at night. They give an array of colors, from buildings to lights of passing cars. Some cities even look better or simply just different after the sun has set.

5. Focus on details.

About the example: This typical Madrilenian café is located in a back alley of the city center. The steep inclination of the street gives the already peculiar building a dramatic effect that, when combined with the neon red lights, makes for an almost film noir-like still shot.

Buildings are nice and easy to spot, but you should also be on the lookout for interesting details that can be found all around the city. Sometimes those can be very revealing of a city’s character. Look into empty courtyards or abandoned streets where you may find a hidden gem.

About the example: In the picture above, you can see one of the crossing lights installed in Madrid as a celebration of its inclusive and gender-equal character. It features a same-sex couple.

6. Use color to your advantage.

Make the most of vibrant bursts of color throughout your urban environment. Colors are everywhere. Look for matching colors in the city or anything that can reveal the character of the place you’re capturing.

About the example: This is a shot from Lavapiés, Madrid’s most “typical” neighborhood, while at the same time, still humble and somewhat neglected. It’s known for its large immigrant population that has given it an exotic, cosmopolitan flavor. The colors of the buildings in this picture can be understood as a metaphor for the diversity of the neighborhood.

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NOVEMBER 2021

food COMFORT FOOD Chefs from all over the world know the word “julienne” as a term indicating the method of cutting products into long thin strips. But most people from outside of the top-culinary world have not heard of this. However, many of us know julienne as an aromatic dish made from mushrooms with a sauce and a thick cheese crust.

It is so tender that every piece melts in your mouth.

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FOOD

Chicken and Mushroom Julienne Ingredients 350–400 g of white mushrooms 1 chicken breast 2 onions 150 g of solid cheese 150 g of butter 2 tbsp of oil 50 g of flour 500 ml of milk 1/2 tsp of nutmeg salt and black pepper, to your taste 1. Cut the mushrooms into thin slices. Chop the onions. Cut the chicken into small pieces.

2. Fry the onions in the oil until they turn transparent. Afterward, add the chicken and mushrooms to it and fry until they are half-done.

3. Cook the sauce. For this, melt butter on the stovetop or in the microwave oven, add flour to it, and mix well. Then, pour the milk into the sauce, constantly stirring the mass with a whisk or with a fork. Then add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

4. Pour the sauce into the frying pan that already has the chicken, mushrooms, and onion in it. Keep heating the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.

5. Grate the cheese using a coarse grater or cut it into small cubes with a knife.

6. Place the contents of the frying pan into the baking dish and sprinkle the cheese on top.

7. Put the dish into an oven that has been pre-heated to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until a cheesy crust appears.

Another option: Depending on the recipe, the main ingredients can also be roasted in cream, sour cream, or béchamel sauce. You can try all 3 options for the sauce to find out which of them you like the most. This dish can be decorated with fresh greenery before serving, if you wish.

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NOVEMBER 2021

FOOD

AFTER THANKSGIVING

Cranberry juice is a tasty drink that is good for your health, because cranberry is rich in minerals and vitamins, like C, E, K, and B. Because the drink has fresh juice in it, most of the vitamins are still there.

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NOVEMBER 2021

FOOD

Cranberry Juice Ingredients 500 grams of cranberries 2 liters of water sugar or honey 1. Prepare the berries. If you are using frozen berries, take them out of the freezer in advance and let them thaw. Check that you are using only good berries, wash them, and let them dry.

2. Mash the berries in a bowl.

3. Put the mashed berries into a cheesecloth and press the juice out.

4. Put the mashed berries, that are still in the cheesecloth, into a pot.

Add water and make it boil. Boil the berries for 4-5 minutes.

5. Strain the drink through the cheesecloth and let it cool down.

6. Add sugar or honey if needed.

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living

COLORFUL BEADS Beads are very popular and in fashion. You can see them in the fashion collections of famous designers, and internet users publish many master classes where they show how to make DIY straps, charms, keychains, and other accessories from colorful beads.

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LIVING

MATERIALS

Beads of any size Thin fishing line (for example, 0.15 mm thick) Thin copper beading wire A beading needle or an ordinary thin needle (a threaded needle should be able to pass through a bead hole easily) Beading thread (we recommend durable silk thread) Scissors A lighter (if you’re going to work with fishing line) Different rings and spring hooks for keychains (optional) ✅ You may need extra laces, thread, or mini rubber bands to attach a charm to your phone case. You can also purchase a special suction cup holder with a ring for your phone.

Simple charm strap

To make a simple charm strap, take fishing line or a needle and thread that is about 8 inches long. Put on the first bead. Lower it along the thread or line to the very end. Pass the fishing line or the needle and thread through the bead to form a loop as shown in the picture above: this way you will secure the position of the bead.

Additionally, you can tie a knot on the thread or use a lighter to gently burn the end that is sticking out of the fishing line (do this slowly so that the line forms a ball from the heat that sticks to the bead).

Simple charm strap with letters

This charm strap is similar to the previous one, except beads with letters and a heart are added to the plain beads. If they are difficult to find, you can make them yourself from modeling clay.

To do this, roll out small balls of clay. Poke holes in them with a toothpick and let the clay dry so that the beads become hard. Then apply clear nail polish to them to protect them from water.

Write necessary letters on the beads with a black permanent marker, then string these beads along with the other beads. Thus, you can make any beads of any shape from modeling clay.

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LIVING

Flower Watermelon Pear charm strap slice For this charm strap, it’s better to use thread (10 inches long) so that the beading stays smooth and has more regular and neat shapes. Secure the first green bead at the end of the string, then string 2 more green beads, and 7 red ones. Pass the thread through the beads as shown in the diagram above. Use yellow beads for the centerpiece of the flower.

Important: You may need more or fewer red beads to make the flower, depending on their size. To figure out the correct number of beads, create the first flower and see if it looks good: you may need to add or remove some petal beads.

Look at the photo above: the shape and size of the beads, as well as the bead through which you pull the thread, attaching the yellow bead inside the flower, can affect how smooth and round the whole flower appears.

Therefore, when making the first 2 flowers, don’t be afraid to experiment to get the desired result. Also try to select beads that are the same size for the flowers.

Now make a circle out of the finished craft and fasten the ends together.

Attach the strap to a spring hook or ring, or tie it to your phone case.

Take a wire (12 inches long) and string 13 green beads and 11 pink ones on its left end. Pass the right end of the wire through 11 pink beads toward the left end and pull it all the way down, while lowering the beads to the middle of the wire. So you’ll get 2 bottom rows: the green watermelon rind and its pink pulp.

Now string 9 beads on the left end: 7 of them should be red and 2 should be black. Pass the right end of the wire through them in the same way. You’ll get a 3rd row — the watermelon pulp.

Continue to weave other rows, referring to the picture above. At the very end, after stringing the last bead, you can tighten it like the previous row, or immediately pull the edges of the wire through it.

You can also weave in the opposite direction from top to bottom, or change the colors and order of the seed beads.

Pay attention to the photo above: in this craft, the beads were arranged in a different order. Also, for the row of the watermelon rind, beads of 2 colors and different sizes were used, which is why we had to add a fourteenth bead to make the edge of the rind look correct.

Take a wire (16 inches long), string 13 green beads on it, and move them to the middle. Connect the ends of the wire so that the green beads are gathered in a loop, and string 4 brown beads on the ends. Bring them down to the green beads. The ends of the wire in your hands should be the same length.

Now string a yellow bead on the left end, and pass the right end of the wire through the opposite side of the bead. If done correctly, the ends of the wire will stick out from different sides of the bead.

Moving on, the weaving of a pear is not much different than creating a watermelon slice. Follow the weaving pattern shown above until you get to the bottom. After finishing the last row, pass one end of the wire through the row above again and pull it out where the second end is. Then secure them together, cut them, and hide them inside the last row.

You can attach a wire loop to the pear leaf to turn the pear into a pendant.

The finished watermelon slice can be attached to a spring hook, or a ring, or tied directly to the phone case.

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NOVEMBER 2021

Emoji

Take a piece of fishing line (20 inches long). Make right angle weave stich from yellow and black beads according to the pattern shown above. Pay attention to the following steps: 1. There are 3 beads strung on the left end of the fishing line, and the right one only passes through the last of them, due to which the weaving turns to the right.

2. After that, string 4 beads on the left end. Then pass the same end though the opposite side of the first of the 4 beads. This way one end of the line forms a cross.

3. Continue to weave, by passing the first end of the fishing line through the already secured beads, and adding 2 new beads on the second end.

4. Again, string 3 beads on the left end to turn in the direction of the weaving.

5-6. Weave the next 2 rows in the same way.

7. Form a new row, but after reaching the last cross, weave it on one thread (string 3 beads on any end of the fishing line and pass it through the bead of the previous cross).

8. Pass the ends of the line through the previous cross and bring it out to the side to complete the last row.

9. Having finished it, pass the ends through the crosses of the previous rows, closer to the center, and then secure them by tying a knot and lighting them.

Take your time to make sure that the pattern is right. As a result, you’ll get a smile emoji when this is done with a right angle weave stitch. You’ll just have to attach it to a ring or a lace, and then attach it to your phone case.

LIVING

Lemon Heart

Take fishing line (approximately 40 inches). Weave red and burgundy beads according to the pattern shown above. The numbers indicate the sequence of the crosses, and the different colors of the thread indicate different ends. Take your time and make sure that you get the correct pattern as a result of the weaving. Please note that at some places a cross is made with just one thread.

Important: First, make a red heart with burgundy edges, while the second half you weave not separately, but as if connecting these burgundy edges. Therefore, in the picture above, the gray beads correspond to the burgundy beads found on the piece on the left.

Finally, pass the ends of the line through a few finished crosses close to the center of the heart. After that, tie a knot and light the ends. Attach a ring or a lace to the middle or the edge of the heart, and attach it to the phone case.

Take fishing line (approximately 5 feet) and secure a white bead with a loop at the edge of one of its ends, then light the fishing line.

1. Now string 6 more beads and pass the long (working) end of the line through the very first white bead. You will have a white beaded ring and the first row of the lemon slice.

2. Take 1 yellow bead, lower it to the white bead, and pass the working end of the line through the adjacent white bead. Repeat with 6 other yellow beads to make the second yellow row. Finish it by passing the end of the line through the very first yellow bead, thus starting the third row.

3. Weave the third row using white beads in the same way. When finished, pull the end of the line out through the very first bead of this row.

4. On the next row, add 2 yellow beads in between the white beads in the same way, creating a fourth row. To complete a row, pass the line through the first 2 yellow beads in this row. This way, you’ll understand the basic principle of the weaving.

Alternate the beads in the fifth row: add 1 white bead between 2 yellow beads, and 1 yellow bead between 2 yellow beads of the previous row. Then pass the end of the line through the first white bead.

In the sixth row, add 1 yellow bead in the gaps between the beads. Then pass the end of the line through 1 white bead and 3 yellow ones to start to the next row.

Alternate the beads. In the seventh row again: place 1 white bead over the white beads, and place 2 yellow beads in the remaining gaps. To complete the row, pass the line through the very first white bead in that row.

In the 8th row, add yellow beads: one for each gap. Then pass the end of the line through 5 yellow beads (3 from the current row and 2 from the previous one).

Weave the remaining rows following the same principle, gradually alternating colors. The size of the finished lemon slice will depend on the number of rows.

A lot depends on the size of the beads too. If you want, you can slightly change the weaving pattern by adding or removing beads in one row or another, so that the pattern looks smoother or, conversely, more chaotic, like in a real lemon.

Fold the ready-made lemon slice in half, connect its edges with the fishing line, or sew them together with a thread. If you take beads of a different color, you can make an orange slice, a watermelon slice, or a kiwi slice following the same pattern.

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NOVEMBER 2021

TIPS & TRICKS

Different Kinds of Pears: Explained

A pear is the fruit of a pear tree. It’s easy to recognize thanks to its shape that looks like a bell. In the northern hemisphere, pears are harvested from the end of summer until October. At about the same time, you can see lots of them in the supermarkets.

Conference

Packham

Santa Maria

Forelle

Appearance: average-sized fruits, elongated shape. The skin is thick and brown-green. The pulp is white and juicy, with a soft texture. When they are ripe, the skin and the pulp are pale yellow.

Appearance: the size varies from medium to big. The lower part of the fruit is wide going up into a round top. The skin is green which gets yellow with small orange spots when it’s ripe. The pulp is white, juicy, and sweet.

Appearance: the fruits are averagesized, they have an elongated shape. The skin is smooth, thin, yellow-green with small green spots. The sides might be pinkish.

The pulp is white, crunchy, and a little watery.

Taste: sweet, creamy

Taste: sweet, tart

Appearance: the fruits are small, symmetrical, with a round bellshaped bottom. The smooth skin changes color from green to yellow and then gets covered with a red shade and spots. The pulp is dense, crunchy and might be white or creamy.

Alexander Lucas

Williams

Abate Fetel

Anjou

Appearance: the fruits are big and round. The skin is thick and quite smooth. The color goes from green to yellow. The pulp is crunchy, white, and a bit watery.

Appearance: the fruits are average or big. The skin becomes thicker and lighter as the pear gets ripe. The pulp is sweet and has a good smell, and the color varies from creamy to ivory.

Appearance: the fruits are long, thin, a bit curved. The skin is usually green-yellow with brown spots. The pulp is white and juicy, velvety.

Appearance: the fruits are averagesized, egg-shaped. The skin is bright green, smooth, covered in brown spots. As it ripens, the side that gets more sunlight becomes pink. The pulp can be white or creamy, oily.

Country of origin: Great Britain

Taste: sweet, rich

Country of origin: France

Taste: sweet, rich, a bit sour

Country of origin: Australia

Country of origin: Italy

Country of origin: Great Britain

Country of origin: France

Taste: sweet, rich, honey-like

Taste: sweet, rich

Country of origin: Germany

Taste: sweet, spicy, cinnamon-like

Country of origin: France

Taste: elegant, sweet, lime and lemon

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TIPS & TRICKS

Beurre Bosc

Country of origin: Belgium (according to one of the versions) Appearance: the fruits vary from big to medium, with an elongated shape and a round bottom. The skin is thick and golden tan with brown spots. The pulp can be ivory or creamy, thick, crunchy, with a strong honey flavor.

Taste: sweet, rich

Asian

Country of origin: China and Japan Appearance: the fruits are round to oval, they have green skin and red-brown spots. All the kinds have rough skin with a thick texture, and a crunchy, watery pulp, the color can be white or ivory.

Taste: sweet, a bit sour, and flowery

CHILL & DRAW

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