| How to Make Cat Eyes With Eyeliner Posted: 05 May 2019 05:00 PM PDT Cat eyes give you a dramatic, glamorous look that's both classic and trendy. When you first start doing a cat eye, it's easy to smudge your eyeliner or make it uneven, but you can master the technique with practice. If you're ready to try out a cat eye, you have two options for drawing it on. You can use a makeup brush to help create an easy outline for your cat eye or use tape as a guide. For cat eyes, liquid eyeliner is queen, but you can try to layer pencil eyeliner if that's all you have. EditCreating an Outline with a Makeup Brush - Apply neutral or light eyeshadow from your lash line up to your crease. Dip your brush into a neutral, nude, or light eyeshadow, then brush it across your lid, working from your lashline to the crease. The eyeshadow will prime your lid and allow for a smoother application of eyeliner. It will also give the eyeliner something to cling to, so it will stay put and won't smudge or rub off.[1]
- Because cat eyes are so dramatic, darker eyeshadow colors can look overdone. Instead, consider using a color that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter.
- Don't use a cream eyeshadow. The eyeliner won't stick to it, and both the liner and eyeshadow could easily wipe off.[2]
- Angle a brush from your nose to your outer brow to find your end point. Hold a slim makeup brush against the side of your nose and angle it until it points to the end of your eyebrow—this is the line you want your wing to follow.[3] You want your wings to be as identical as possible—different lengths, widths, and angles will look off.[4]
- If your eyelids are hooded, make the angle less upward and more horizontally straight. This will extend your lash line and open up your eyes.[5]
- Use eyeliner to make a dot just above your crease to mark the tip of your wing. The higher you make your dot, the thicker and more dramatic your cat eye will be. Make sure the dots are at the same angle and height on both eyes before moving on.[6] It's much easier to erase a dot and move it than to erase an entire wing.
- For cat eyes, it's best to use liquid, felt tip, or gel eyeliner for best results. If you use pencil eyeliner, you'll need to draw on several layers to make a cat eye, and the final result won't look as smooth.
- If you aren't happy with the placement of your dot, use a cotton swab dipped in eye makeup remover, primer, or moisturizer to wipe it away. Then, lightly dab your foundation onto the clean spot and try again.
- Draw a line connecting the dot to the outer corner of your eye. Don't pull on your skin while drawing the wing. Instead, tilt your head back slightly and lower your gaze so that you can see your lash line. This will help you see what you're doing as you create your cat eyes.[7]
- Although pulling your skin taut may make it easier to draw your line, when you release the skin, your wing will change shape and it may look sloppy.
- Draw a line connecting the dot to the middle of your upper lash line. Gently pull your eyeliner from the corner of your eye to the middle of your lid. Position your line as high as you want your cat eye to go. It's okay if you have eyeshadow peeking out below the line, as you will fill it in later.[8]
- If you have a round eye, try a thicker wing and line. For instance, you might make your line about 2-3 mm thick.[9]
- If you want to extend your lash line and make your eyes look bigger, draw a curved line instead of a straight one. Make sure that the line is curving downwards.[10]
- Fill in the outline you have made, if necessary. Depending on how you angled your initial lines, and how thick you drew them, you may or may not need to fill the outline in. Use your eyeliner to fill in any areas where eyeshadow is peeking through.[11]
- If you drew your top line right at your lash line, then you may not need to add any filler.
- If you're using pencil eyeliner, make several layers to fill in your cat eye.
- Clean up any mistakes with a pointed cotton swab. The pointed tip will allow you to get into corners and clean along lines without accidentally smudging the eyeliner.[12] You can also dip the cotton swab in primer or eye cream and use that to gently remove any excess eyeliner.
- Avoid using makeup remover. It might do the job too well and remove any eyeshadow that you put on earlier.[13]
- Draw a line to connect the inner corner of your eye with your cat eye. Position your eyeliner at the corner of your eye, then slowly pull the liner toward the cat eye. Continue across your eye until you reach the outer corner of your lid. This will make the top of your cat eye look even.[14]
- Try your best to do this in a single, fluid motion. Otherwise, the line may look jerky and uneven.[15]
- Again, avoid pulling on your eyelid. Instead, tilt your head back slightly and lower your gaze so that you can see your lash line.
- You can try tightlining your eyelid, which means you get the liner between your lashes and up against your waterline, but this can be difficult to do and may irritate your eye.
- Thicken the line as it gets closer toward the outer corner of your eye. Try resting your pinkie on your cheekbone while you do this. It will stabilize your hand and make it easier to get a smooth, straight line instead of a shaky one.[16]
- If you are using a felt-tip liner, hold it closer to the middle of the tube so you have more control.[17]
- Finish with mascara. First, apply 1 layer of mascara to your bottom lashes. Then, make several sweeps across your top lashes with your mascara wand.[18]
EditUsing Tape as a Guide - Sweep neutral or light eyeshadow from your lash line up to your crease. Use an eyeshadow brush to apply a neutral, nude, or light shade of eyeshadow across your entire lid. The powder will smooth out your lid and help the eyeliner go on smoother. Because cat eyes are so dramatic, consider using a color that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter instead of a darker color, which can look overdone.
- Avoid using a cream-based eyeshadow. The eyeliner won't stick to that very well, so it could slide right off.
- Avoid putting on under-eye concealer just yet because the tape will take it off. Also, the tape may remove any eyeshadow in that area.[19]
- Take a short piece of clear tape and tap it onto your hand. Stick it to your hand and pull it up several times to remove some of the adhesive. This will make the tape less tacky and gentler on the delicate skin around your eye.[20]
- Tapping the tape on the back of your hand before applying it to your skin will also make it less likely to cause discomfort when you remove it.
- Position the tape along the outer corner of your eye. Place the tape just beneath your lower lashes, and angle the top towards your temple. Then, use the pad of your finger to lightly tap it down so that your eyeliner doesn't bleed under the tape.[21]
- For a more dramatic look, angle the tape towards the end of your eyebrow instead. This will result in a thicker line.
- If your eyelids are hooded, position the tape at less of an upward angle and closer to a horizontally straight line.[22]
- Draw a line from the inner corner of your eye to the outer corner. Apply your liquid, felt tip, or gel eyeliner as you normally would, but make the line thicker as it goes towards the outer corner of your eye. However, don't draw past the corner or onto the tape just yet.[23]
- If you are having trouble applying the eyeliner smoothly, don't tug on the outer corner of your eye. Instead, tilt your head back slightly and lower your gaze to see your lash line. Alternatively, rest your pinkie finger against your cheek to steady your hand as you draw.
- When you're doing cat eyes, it's best to use liquid, felt tip, or gel eyeliner. If you only have pencil eyeliner, you can layer it to create a similar result, but it won't look as smooth.
- Use the tape as a guide to extend the line past the corner of your eye. Slowly pull your eyeliner across your skin just above the tape. As you reach the end of the tape, taper the line to a thin point. Follow the tape line as smoothly as possible, and don't worry if you get some eyeliner onto the tape.[24]
- You can make the "flick" of your cat eye as long or as short as you want. The longer it is, the more dramatic your cat eye will be. When you first start doing a cat eye, it's easiest to make a very short flick by extending your eyeliner slightly past your eye, over your crease.
- Remove the tape carefully and make any touch-ups, if necessary. Grasp the tape by the lower edge, then slowly and gently peel it off of your skin. When you pull the tape off, you will see a nice, crisp line.[25]
- If the tape removed any eyeshadow, carefully patch it up with more eyeshadow.
- If you usually apply any under eye concealer, you can do so now.
- If you used a pencil eyeliner, you may need to do several layers of eyeliner to get a cat eye look.
- Finish off with mascara or false lashes. Apply a few coats on your upper lashes and a single coat on your bottom lashes. For a more glamorous, evening look, curl your lashes or pop on a pair of false lashes.
- The thicker you make your wing, the more retro it will look.
- Experiment with the length and the angle of the wing to figure out what looks best on you.
- If you struggle to apply liquid eyeliner, felt-tip and gel eyeliners are a great option. Felt tip eyeliners work just like a pen or marker, so they're easy to use and offer a great amount of control. Similarly, gel eyeliners are available in pencils, making them easy to use.
- If you're using a pencil liner, try to get it as sharp as possible. Also, you may need to layer it in order to get that dark look.
- If you have not yet styled your hair, consider pinning it back. This will keep your face clear of any stray hairs. If you have already styled your hair, consider lightly clipping it back instead.
- If you're having troubles making a straight line, try using a credit card or business card. For a curved line, try using a spoon.[26]
EditThings You'll Need EditCreating an Outline with a Makeup Brush - Eyeshadow
- Eyeshadow brush
- Eyeliner (liquid is recommended)
- A mirror
- Mascara
EditUsing Tape as a Guide - Eyeshadow
- Eyeshadow brush
- Clear tape
- Eyeliner (liquid is recommended)
- A mirror
- Mascara
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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| How to Hang String Lights in a Backyard Without Trees Posted: 05 May 2019 09:00 AM PDT There's just something about sitting beneath hanging lights on a nice summer evening that creates an ethereal ambiance. In addition to being beautiful, hanging string lights provide ample backyard lighting at nighttime and are actually pretty simple to install. Even if your backyard does not have any trees, it's no problem! With just a little time and a few extra supplies, you'll soon be sitting beneath the glow of your own hanging lights. EditHanging Lights along a Fence - Lay your string lights out along the fence where you want to hang them. This will give you an idea of how much length you will need and how many support posts you will need to install. You can lay them on the ground along your fence line or have a friend hold up one end while you hold the other to mimic how the lights will hang. Mark on your fence with a pencil or tape where you will need support posts.[1]
- You want to leave a little bit of slack so that the lights can hang and move a little bit.
- Check for an external outlet or decide where you will keep your extension cord as a power source for your lights.
- Select wooden posts that can support your lights. Depending on the weight of your string lights, and your desired aesthetic, choose wooden posts that will be able to hold them up and are strong enough to withstand the outside elements. Be sure you get posts that are the same size, shape, and length.[2]
- You always have the option of painting your posts to your desired color as well!
- Attach metal mounting hooks or cup hooks onto the wooden posts. These hooks will hold your string lights so you want to be sure that you secure them firmly. Screw your mounting hooks or cup hooks into the wooden posts at one end.[3]
- Install the posts onto your fence to support your lights. Using a hammer and nails or a drill and screws, attach your wooden posts securely to your fence. Use a tape measure to measure the height of your posts so that they are mounted at the same level and your lights will hang evenly.[4] Make sure they are spaced out far enough to support your lights.
- Hang the lights along the fence using the hooks to support them. Now that you have installed the support for your lights, it's time to hang them! First, plug the lights into the outlet or extension cord and place the first bulb next to the mounting hardware to check the spacing. Then, unplug the lights to hang the rest of the string with no power connected. Work your way along the fence to hang the lights on the supports.[5]
- If you want to hang your lights directly onto your fence, you can simply attach metal mounting hooks or cup hooks onto your fence and suspend your lights from them!
EditHanging String Lights above an Open Space - Identify any existing supports you can use to hang your string lights. If you plan to hang your lights above your deck or patio, you should first check for sturdy places that already exist that you can use to mount them. Places like a roof, a deck, a railing, a fence, pergola, or the eaves of your house make great supports for you lights! [6]
- If these natural supports have different heights, make sure your lights will reach from point to point!
- Mark with tape where you will to need create your own supports. If you have a gap where this is no support or don't have any natural supports around at all, you will need to make your own supports for your hanging lights. You can use tape to mark where you will need to create a support.[7]
- Get tall metal poles or wooden posts to use as supports for your lights. Because you are covering an open area, you will need to get poles or posts that are tall enough to hang your lights so people can walk or sit beneath them.[8] Metal poles are the strongest option but wooden posts can look more visually appealing and may be strong enough to support your lights, depending on how large of an area you are covering.
- Use deep, heavy planters or buckets to support a post or pole. This is one solution to making your own support that you can suspend your lights from.[9] You can arrange the planters around the perimeter of the space you want to hang your lights over, insert a pole or post with a hook on it into the center, and fill them with heavy materials like gravel or concrete. Be sure that the pole or post is secure and doesn't wobble around.
- Place the planters or buckets where you want them before you fill them as they will be very heavy!
- Drive stakes into the ground and slide hollow metal poles onto them. This is an easy and inexpensive way to create very strong supports that you can attach your lights to. Use 18-inch-long rebar stakes and hammer them halfway into the ground, then slide the hollow metal pole onto it. Instead of hooks, you can use cable ties or zip ties to attach your string lights.[10]
- Hang your lights between the posts or poles using hooks or cable ties. With the planters, buckets, or poles positioned around the perimeter of the area you want to hang your lights over, it's time to string the lights between them! Weave the lights from one pole to another. If you attached hooks to the posts or poles, you can attach the lights there. If you do not have hooks attached, you can secure the string lights to the ends of the poles using cable ties or zip ties for a strong connection.[11]
- Be sure to hang the lights a little loosely to allow a little bit of give, especially if your backyard gets a fair amount of wind.
- Be careful when using power tools as they can cause serious injury.
EditThings You'll Need EditHanging Lights along a Fence - Tape measure
- Pencil or tape
- Hammer or drill
- Nails or screws
- Metal mounting hooks or cup hooks
- Wooden posts
- Outdoor extension cord, if needed
EditHanging String Lights above an Open Space - Tall metal poles or wooden posts
- Heavy planters or buckets
- 18-inch-long rebar stakes, if needed
- Tall, hollow metal poles, if using stakes
- Mounting hooks, cup hooks, zip ties, or cable ties
- Hammer or drill
EditReferences
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| How to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo Posted: 05 May 2019 01:00 AM PDT On May 5, 1862, the Mexican Army, against all odds, defeated the French forces in the Battle of Puebla. On Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for the 5th of May), many Mexicans around the world celebrate their Mexican ancestry and people of all backgrounds can take the time to appreciate Latin culture. There are many ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, such as decorating your home, listening to Latin music, and cooking traditional Mexican food. Make sure to be respectful of these traditions by treating Cinco de Mayo as a day to learn and appreciate an important day in Mexican history, rather than as just a time for revelry and dress-up. EditGetting in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo - Learn about the significance of Cinco de Mayo. Many people think it is Mexico's Independence Day, but that is on September 16. Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The Battle of Puebla was not a turning point in the Mexican and French conflict, as the French invasion succeeded the following year. Mexico was the underdog of the Battle of Puebla.[1][2]
- The French Army was considered the greatest military force on the globe, having remained undefeated for 50 years. The Mexican forces were outnumbered (4,500 vs. 6,040) yet after being attacked, they suffered far fewer losses (83 Mexicans died, 462 French died).
- The victory in battle is the primary reason for celebration in Mexico, while Cinco de Mayo in the United States has come to be a time to celebrate Mexican culture.
- Cinco de Mayo is also a great opportunity to talk to some of the more elder Hispanic members of your community. Ask them where they immigrated from, what they do for a living, and what their Mexican heritage means to them.
- Dress up for the holiday. You can incorporate the colors green, white, and red (the colors of the Mexican flag) into your outfit. Draping the Mexican flag around your shoulders is also another easy way to bring the Cinco de Mayo spirit to a party. You can also wear clothes inspired by Mexican traditions, or actually designed by Mexican clothing designers.[3][4][5]
- Instruments, such as a guitar, or maracas can liven up any chosen costume.
- Try to stay away from purchasing or making a typical Americanized version of a Cinco de Mayo costume. These costumes tend to promote cultural insensitivity, and can make others feel very uncomfortable.
- Play Mexican style music. The best Cinco de Mayo party idea is to hire a mariachi band. This is a group of traditionally dressed Mexicans who will play music that accompanies the holiday. If you have some spare money to use for the party, feel free to visit websites to hire a mariachi band near you.
- If, however, you do not have a lot of money to spend, you can always create your own Mexican themed playlist for your Cinco de Mayo party. Search on Google for the "top billboard songs in Mexico" or "top billboard songs in Spanish." This will allow you to search for songs that are popular today.
- You can always learn how to play guitar, or the maracas yourself. See either How to Make Maracas or How to Play Guitar.
- Put up Mexican-style decorations. This might mean red, white and green streamers (colors of the Mexican flag). Purchase a Mexican flag at your nearest department, or party prop store to hang around your room. Brightly colored tableware can also be purchased to serve food on.
- Making a piñata is another great option to add to any Cinco de Mayo party. You can use it as decoration or as a fun activity for the kids. Piñatas can be bought at most party stores, especially around the time of the Cinco de Mayo holiday. For more information on how to make your own piñata, visit: How to Make a Piñata.
- Use the colors of the Mexican flag (green, white and red) on your clothing, accessories, or anywhere else you may find relevant.
- Luminaries are also another great traditional option. These are tin candle-holders with punched holes in them to create the effect of a starry night. Visit How to Make Luminaries for more information.
- Dance around with friends and family. The best known Cinco de Mayo themed dance is the Mexican Hat Dance. However, there are other Latin-style dances such as the salsa, rumba, or folk-lorico. You can hire a professional to teach the partygoers multiple Mexican style dances. There are also numerous videos on YouTube which will teach you some simple Latin dance routines.[6][7]
EditMaking Appetizers, Side Dishes and Margaritas - Mix up some guacamole. Grind together 3 tablespoons of chopped white onion, 2 tablespoons of cilantro, 4 chiles serranos, and 1 teaspoon of salt together in a medium-sized bowl. Do so until the consistency is that of a paste.[8]
- Cut 3 avocados in half longways using a sharp knife. Remove the pits but do not throw them away. Remove the flesh of the avocado with your knife, and toss it into the original mixture. Mash the flesh in with the mixture, and stir with a spoon until the ingredients are consistent.
- Chop up 2/3 cup of finely chopped (not peeled) tomatoes. Toss these into the bowl as well, and mix with the other ingredients.
- Place your guacamole in a serving bowl. Sprinkle extra onion and tomato overtop of the guacamole. You can add the pits on top for an added visual effect. Serve immediately with a fresh flour tortilla.
- For more information on how to make different types of guacamole, see: How to Make Guacamole.
- Cook Mexican flan. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Get out a 9-inch round cake pan. In a blender, combine 8 eggs (whites and yolks), one 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these together until the ingredients become smooth.[9][10]
 - In a medium sauce pan, place 1 cup of white sugar. Place the pan on the stove and continuously stir until the sugar liquifies. Remove from heat when it begins to turn light brown, and place it in the waiting 9 inch cake pan. Pour egg mixture overtop the liquified sugar.
- Place your cake pan inside of a roasting pan. Pill your roasting pan up with water, till the point where the water goes about half-way up the side of the cake pan. Then take the roasting pan and put it in the oven.
- Cook the flan for about an hour. You can periodically check when the time is almost expired with a knife. Simply stick the knife into the flan. If it does not stick, the flan is done.
- Serve the flan. Simply take the pan out and rest it safely for about an hour. When you are ready to serve, place a plate upside-down overtop of the cake pan. Then flip the cake pan over, holding the plate against it. You might have to shake the cake pan slightly, or use a knife to get the flan to come out.
- For more information on how to make flan, visit: How to Make Flan
- Serve some fresh salsa verde. Purchase about 6-8 medium-sized tomatillos. Take the husk off by hand, and rinse the flesh with some warm water. In a blender or a food processor, combine the tomatillos with 1 jalapeño, 5-6 springs of cilantro (finely chopped), and 1/4 cup of water. Process the ingredients until they have the consistency of a puree (almost a liquid, but not quite). Pour the ingredients into a serving dish.[11]
- Finely chop a white onion. You will want about a 1/4 cup. Place the onion in a strainer and run water over them. Shake the strainer to make sure the water coats all of the onion. Take the onion and pour it directly into the serving dish, along with the salsa verde.
- Stir in about 1/4 teaspoon of salt into the salsa verde. It is now ready to be served.
- For more information on making salsa verde, please see: How to Make a Salsa Verde.
- Make Mexican grilled corn. First, you will need to purchase 4 ears of corn. De-husk them by hand, but leave on the core ends so that you have something to grab them with. Preheat your grill or stove to medium-high heat. While your stove or grill is warming up, make the mixture which will be lathered onto the corn.[12]
- The mixture includes: 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 and 1/2 cups of sour cream, and 1/4 cup of freshly chopped cilantro. Mix those together in a bowl, either by hand or with a stirring spoon. After you have completed making this mixture, place your corn on the heat.
- Make sure to turn the corn continuously so that it heats on all sides. Take your corn off after it starts to turn slightly brown around the edges.
- Lather on the mayonnaise mixture while the corn is still hot. Grate Parmesan cheese onto the corn. Lastly, squeeze a lime wedge overtop the corn. For more information about this specific recipe, see: How to Make Parmesan Lime Grilled Corn.
- Mix together the perfect margarita. The most important thing to buy is the tequila. The best tequila is 100% agave. A good bottle of tequila will cost anywhere between 30-50 dollars. You will also need to purchase Cointreau, a type of triple sec (orange flavored liqueur). Cointreau does not leave an aftertaste like other brands of triple sec do.[13]
- Mix together, in a margarita mixing cup, the following ingredients: 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of Cointreau, 1 ounce lime juice. Pour in some crushed ice, and shake well.
- Take a cocktail glass and sprinkle lime juice over the rim. Dip the rim of the glass into salt poured out onto a plate.
- Finally, pour the mixed ingredients into the glass. Garnish with either a lime wedge, umbrella, etc. For information regarding other types of margaritas to make, see: How to Make a Margarita.
EditServing a Cinco de Mayo Themed Main Course - Make some traditional Sopes. Combine 3 cups of all purpose flour, 2 cups of warm water, and 1 tablespoon of salt into a mixing bowl. Mix with your hands until a dough begins to form. If the dough seems to dry, add warm water by the teaspoon to the dough until it becomes soft.[14]
- Lightly flour a table or surface. Place your dough on the surface, and knead until all of the ingredients are well mixed (about 5 minutes). See: How to Knead Dough
- Roll small balls of dough out. Each of them are traditionally 2 inches wide. Once you have all of your balls rolled out, press on each of them by hand until they are about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat 1/4 inch oil in a frying pan on your stove at medium to medium-high heat. Fry on both sides until golden brown. You can use tongs or a spatula to flip them (make sure to flip them only once to avoid over-frying them).
- Sopes go with almost any dish. You can serve them with cooked vegetables, shredded beef, carnitas, beans, cheese, etc. For more information on cooking sopes, please see: How to Make Sopes
- Grill some chicken fajitas. Mix together in a bowl the following ingredients: 1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 cloves minced garlic, 5 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Next, take 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them on a flat surface. Pound them with a mallet until they are 1/2 inch thick.[15]
 - Place the chicken breasts in a plastic bag, and pour the mixed ingredients in along with the chicken. Seal the bag, and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to marinade.
- If you use a grill to cook the chicken, turn the heat to high. If you are using stovetop, place a pan on one of the burners. Place a touch of olive oil in the pan, turning the heat to medium-high heat. Place the chicken either on the grill or in the pan. Cook 3-5 minutes on each side, flipping once with either a fork, spatula, or tongs.
- Check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally. Once the meat has been properly cooked, take it off the heat, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken into 1/2 inch thick strips.
- Next, Slice 1 red pepper, 1 green pepper, and 1 white onion. Place them on the same grill or pan, and cook them until they begin to turn soft. Stir them continuously so that all three ingredients become heated.
- Place your chicken slices over multiple flour tortillas. Take the onions and peppers directly off of the heat and put them overtop of the chicken. Serve with a dollop of sour cream. For more information on cooking fajitas, visit: How to Make Chicken Fajitas.
- Serve the perfect chalupa. Begin by taking out a skillet. Place it on the stove, and turn the heat to medium-high. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, or other cooking oil. Once your pan is hot, add in 1/4 cup of diced white onion. Stir with a spoon or spatula until the onions start to become translucent (a minute or two). Then add to the onions, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon of hot paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne. Stir the onion and spice mixture.[16]
 - Once you have cooked your spices and onions together for a minute, dump in 1 pound of ground beef. Reduce the heat of your stove to medium, and allow your meat to cook. Continuously stir until your meat is brown.
- While your meat is simmering, get out another frying pan, and place it on the stovetop. Pour in about 1/4 inch frying oil. Turn the heat up to medium-high, and wait for your oil to heat up. Then take soft, round taco shells, one at a time, and dip them in the hot oil. As each of the shells is frying, take two forks and lift up each side of the shell as it is frying. Hold the sides up, so that the shell curls and remains that way.
- Take out each of your shells once they are golden brown. Place them on a paper towel to soak up any excess grease. Take your meat mixture off the heat as well and set it aside to cool.
- To serve, you simply take a shell and pour in some of the meat with a spoon into the curled shell. Then top it off with traditional taco toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, lettuce, and shredded cheese. For more information on how to make the perfect chalupa, visit: How to Make a Taco Bell Beef Chalupa Supreme
- Make enchiladas. Place a pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Put in about a tablespoon of cooking oil, and allow the oil to heat up. Then add in 1 and 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Each side of the chicken breast should get seven minutes. When the chicken is nearly done cooking, sprinkle on top of the chicken 2 teaspoons of cumin powder, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of Mexican spice blend. Once the chicken is done cooking, take it out of the pan and place it aside to cool.[17]
- In the same pan you just cooked your chicken, saute 1 chopped red onion, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook until tender. Then add in 1 cup of thawed, frozen corn, 5 whole green chiles (seeded and finely chopped), and 4 chipotle chiles (seeded and finely chopped). Stir until well combined. Then add in one 28 ounce can of stewed tomatoes. Saute for one final minute.
- Pour 1 and 1/2 cups of canned enchilada sauce into a bowl. Dip each of your round, soft tortillas into the enchilada sauce. Spoon about 1/4 cup of meat mixture into each tortilla. Wrap the tortilla around the mixture, and place each of them face down in a baking pan, seam down. Top with a little extra enchilada sauce and shredded Mexican cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes in a preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven. Once they are done, take them out. Serve with a garnish of sour cream and chopped tomatoes. For more information regarding how to make enchiladas, visit: How to Make Enchiladas.
- Cook the best black bean burritos. First, wrap two flour, 10 inch tortillas (or however many tortillas you plan to serve) in tinfoil. Place each of the wrapped tortillas in a preheated, 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, put a skillet on your stovetop and turn the heat to medium-high. Place about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the pan, and allow it to heat up.[18]
- Once your oil is heated, add in: 1 small white, chopped onion, 1/2 chopped red bell pepper, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño peppers. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then pour one 15 ounce can of black beans (rinsed and drained) into the pan as well. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Dish out 3 ounces of cream cheese. Cut it into small cubes using a knife. Add the cream cheese to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt. Make sure the cream cheese is spread out. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. You can stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro if you like as well.
- Spoon mixture of black beans into the middle of each flour tortilla. Serve immediately. If you would like some more information on black bean burritos, visit: How to Make Burritos.
- Don't confuse Cinco de Mayo with Mexican Independence Day (September 16).
- An excellent idea to celebrate the holiday with your community would be to organize a Cinco de Mayo themed parade in your area. Or, you could always ask your community members to add a Cinco de Mayo themed float to your next parade.
- Try to remain culturally sensitive. While Americans might have an idea of what Cinco de Mayo is, people whom have emigrated from Mexico might be sensitive to the misappropriation of culture and ideas.
- If you are going to a Mexican party and plan to drink, choose a designated driver for going home.
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