What to do at home when it's -40 degrees outside

In the coming days, forecasters predict -40°F (-40°C) frosts will hit the Tomsk region. We understand this isn«t the most pleasant news ahead of the long-awaited weekend, so a journalist from NGS70.RU has put together a small selection of things to do at home.

For houseplant lovers

If you«re an avid plant lover, you can spend the entire weekend repotting your potted plants. We advise you to avoid store-bought soil and make your own. For this you will need:

• universal soil;

• perlite;

• sand;

• zeolite (slow-release fertilizer);

• diatomaceous earth (to protect your soil from mites and gnats).

All of this can be found at any hardware store that has a gardening section.

Pour all the ingredients into a basin or bucket in the proportion: 50% universal soil and 50% everything else. Mix thoroughly so they «get along,» and then pour into the flower pots.

This soil is universal, so it suits almost all houseplants — from moisture-loving monsteras to scheffleras, which cannot tolerate waterlogging.

For movie buffs

If flowers aren«t for you, then a universal way to pass the weekend at home is to binge-watch a series. Check out this selection of mini-series that you can finish in just a couple of days.

«The Pitt»

A dynamic American series about the emergency department of a Pittsburgh hospital. The first season has only 15 episodes. Each episode is an hour in the life of emergency doctors, where very little time is allotted to saving human lives.

At the center of the plot is Dr. Michael Robinoff (Noah Wyle) and his young interns, who will immerse the viewer in the hospital«s behind-the-scenes world, while also reattaching severed limbs and experiencing personal dramas.

This year, the series won a Golden Globe for best drama series, and the actor playing Dr. Robinoff won the award for best male actor on TV.

«Volunteer»s Playlist«

This domestic 8-episode show tells about the work of a search and rescue team. The narrative begins with Mikhail Shtapich (Ivan Yankovsky) joining the team. He has become completely disillusioned with life and unexpectedly finds a new calling — searching for people.

The series has a lot of good music, love drama, complicated searches, and talented actors.

«The Fawn»

A 2024 series that caused a media stir and raised the topic of female stalking.

Failed comedian Donny Dunn (Richard Gadd) works in a London bar and lives in his ex-girlfriend«s mother»s house. One evening, a 40-year-old woman (Martha Scott) sits at his bar. Donny politely buys her a drink, but Martha takes it as flirting, which escalates into stalking.

By the way, the series title refers to the affectionate nickname that Martha called Donny during their correspondence, phone calls, and personal meetings.

After the release of «The Fawn,» which is based on Richard Gadd«s real story, Fiona Harvey (the name of the woman who, according to Gadd, stalked him) gave an interview and stated that she would sue the series creators for defamation.

For food lovers

Time flies most imperceptibly if not while watching series, then while cooking. Check out this selection of simple recipes.

Lazy Lasagna

Many people don«t attempt to make classic layered lasagna because they think it»s difficult, time-consuming, and won«t turn out as tasty as in a restaurant. For such people, there»s a recipe for lazy lasagna, which doesn«t require an oven or béchamel sauce.

You will need:

• lasagna sheets — 2–3 pieces;

• any minced meat — 500 grams (about 1.1 lbs);

• tomato paste;

• mushrooms — 500 grams (about 1.1 lbs);

• any cheese — 200 grams (about 7 oz);

• onion — 1 piece;

• carrot — 1 piece;

• garlic — a couple of cloves;

• salt and your favorite spices.

Fry the onion, carrot, and mushrooms in a pan with vegetable oil. After a couple of minutes, add the minced meat, chopped garlic, salt, and your favorite spices. Stew the vegetables with the meat for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the lumps with a spatula.

Break the lasagna sheets into small pieces and place them on top of the fried meat and vegetables. Evenly pour tomato sauce over the lasagna sheets. Lightly salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick and strong in flavor, you can dilute it with a little water. Cover the pan and cook the lazy lasagna over low heat for 30 minutes.

While the lasagna is simmering, grate the cheese and 5 minutes before it«s done, generously sprinkle the dish with cheese. Cover again and leave for 3–5 minutes to melt the cheese. The finished lazy lasagna can be sprinkled with fresh herbs — dill or parsley.

No-bake condensed milk cake

Even a child can make this dessert, so you can «bake» it with the whole family.

You will need:

• fish-shaped crackers — 200 grams (about 7 oz);

• sour cream — 250 grams (about 8.8 oz);

• boiled condensed milk — 250 grams (about 8.8 oz);

• banana — 1 piece.

First, mix the sour cream and condensed milk well. The sour cream should not be too thick so that the crackers absorb it better.

Transfer the crackers to a deep bowl, pour the mixture over them, and mix well. Add the chopped banana. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This way the crackers will absorb the mixture better and won«t be dry.

In the morning, take out the finished cake, invert the mold onto a plate, and carefully place the dessert. You can decorate it with leftover bananas or grated chocolate.

If none of the above suits you, here are a few more leisure options:

• declutter your apartment: sort through clothes in the closet, organize food in the fridge and clean it, tidy up the spice rack or the bathroom;

• finish an old book or start a new one;

• catch up on sleep and do nothing;

• tidy up your digital space: delete all unnecessary photos on your phone or computer, erase unnecessary files, and sort everything into folders.