INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Squirt a quarter-sized amount of the mask into a small bowl. Dip a clean brush into the mixture and spread it evenly across your skin. You can apply it over your face or just on blemish-prone areas. Consider spreading it on your t-zone (between your nose and forehead) if you have acne or blackheads.  You can use a wide, flat foundation brush or one made specifically for applying masks. If you don't have a brush, you can use clean fingertips to apply the mask. Try to be as gentle as you can when you spread the charcoal mask on blemish-prone areas to avoid irritation. Because the skin around your eyes and lips is delicate, don't apply the charcoal mask to them. Apply the mask while you're standing in front of a mirror. This way you can see exactly where you're spreading the mask. The mask should dry completely and it will probably feel tight or itchy on your skin. If the mask begins to feel uncomfortable or painful, you should wash it off without waiting for the full 10 minutes to pass. Start at the bottom of the mask and slowly peel upwards towards the top of your face. If you only applied the mask to your t-zone, you can peel near the sides of your nose and pull up towards your forehead. You might notice small bits of the black charcoal mask left on your face. Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser and rinse it off with cool water. Apply a gentle moisturizer that won't clog your pores and let your skin air dry. To limit skin irritation, consider using the charcoal mask just when you have zits or blemishes. Because the charcoal mask will remove the topmost layer of skin and hair from your face, you should wait at least 2 weeks before doing another charcoal mask. If you have eczema or sensitive skin, avoid using charcoal masks, which could damage your skin.

SUMMARY: Spread the charcoal mask on your face. Avoid spreading the mask near your eyes and lips. Wait for 7 to 10 minutes. Peel off the charcoal mask. Wash and moisturize after you use the mask. Use a charcoal mask every 2 weeks or less.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: It is important to be consistent with your studying, so make a schedule you can reasonably stick to. If you just plan on studying every day, then you may struggle to actually find the time. Look over your daily obligations and find pockets of time when you can reasonably study.  Avoid cramming. You never want to end up cramming for a test at the last minute because you will not be able to cover everything you need to know in a short space of time. You won't remember as much information from cramming either. In the weeks leading up to the test, make time to study so you do not end up having to cram for the test. Look for free time during your day. Maybe you have a break between classes from noon to 3 each day. You could spend an hour during this time studying. Look at your weekends as well. If you like going out on weekend nights, maybe you could plan to study for a couple of hours every morning. Write up a schedule for yourself and stick to it. If you study a little each day, you won't be overwhelmed when the big test arrives. Studying for hours on end can make you burn out. Instead of large study sessions, break up sessions into manageable chunks.  Break up your study time into 20 to 50 minute sessions. Take short 5 to 10 minute breaks in between sessions. Set a timer for yourself and follow this routine strictly. If you study for long periods of time, you're much less likely to retain the information you've learned. You do not want to study one subject for an entire study session. If you plan to study for a few hours, move between different topics and materials during this time. For example, you might start your study session by re-reading a short story for a test in your English class and then read over your notes on a poem that will also be on the test.   On a test, you will never know what kind of materials you will be presented with. You may have to switch between one subject and another quickly. If you switch up what you study during study sessions, this closer matches the environment of an exam. It also prevents you from burning out on a certain subject. Do not neglect basic care when studying. People do better on exams if they are eating right, exercising, and getting adequate sleep.  Add exercise to your daily routine. Aerobic exercise may improve brain processing, so make time in your day to go for a walk, take a bike ride, or do a workout video. Make sure to get enough sleep each night. Studying when tired, or taking an exam when tired, can diminish your grades. Teens need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night, while young adults need 7 to 9.  Eat right in the weeks leading up to an exam. A diet in healthy fruits, vegetables, fats, and proteins will give your brain and body the fuel necessary for success.

SUMMARY: Create a schedule that's doable for you. Study in 20 to 50 minute increments. Target different material in each session. Keep up with other aspects of your daily schedule.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Preheat the oven at 375 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Let your pastry dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out each sheet of dough until it is a 10 inch (25.4 cm) by 12 inch rectangle. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of water. Brush the mixture along the surface of the dough. Sprinkle half the Parmesan cheese, Gruyère cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper on each piece of pastry. Use a rolling pin to gently press the ingredients into the dough. Cut each sheet on the short side into 11 or 12 small strips with a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Twist each strip and lay them on the baking sheets. You should have 22-24 straws when done. Cook the straws for 10 to 15 minutes. They should be lightly brown and puffy. Turn each straw over and cook for another 2 minutes. Take them out and let them cool. Serve at room temperature. Make sure you do not overcook these. The cheese will burn.

SUMMARY:
Preheat the oven. Shape the dough. Make the straws. Cook the straws.