the-sonny-stuff

[the-sonny-stuff]

Types of Kitchen and Dining Textiles You Can Buy

Cooking and baking can be messy tasks and can create a lot of untidiness in the kitchen. Needless to say, the dining table can also suffer from just as many spills and splatters, increasing the mess. Due to these reasons, having kitchen and dining textiles on hand is usually a good idea.

Kitchen textiles come in handy and save a lot of our work by absorbing spills or allowing us to clean up quickly while cooking. Similarly, dining textiles also save a lot of tedious work post meals by absorbing dirty spills during meals. Keeping that in mind, here are five basic kitchen and dining textiles that you should buy to make your work before and after meals an easy task.

1. Tea towels

Tea towels are one of the most important kitchen accessories. Whether there is a tiny spill, or you need to quickly wipe your crockery and utensils, a tea towel will always come in handy. You can always limit the use of tea towels to the kitchen so that they stay clean and hygienic, and are safe to wipe your dishes and cups with.

 2. Kitchen aprons

Whether you are a pro chef or not, cooking certain dishes can always get messy. Moreover, if you are frying something, there is always a risk of drops of hot oil spilling out and causing burns. For these reasons, wearing an apron when cooking is always a smart idea. Plus, if your hands get messy while you are cooking, a quick wipe on the apron will not hurt since they are really easy to clean.

3. Potholders and oven gloves

Oven gloves and potholders are also helpful kitchen accessories that can aid you during cooking. Handling hot vessels can be tough and using random pieces of cloth to handle them can be risky, as they might not provide enough heat resistance or grip. Since potholders and oven gloves are made with a combination of cotton and polyester, they provide a solid grip and a high level of heat resistance.

 4. Table cloth and dining mats

Dining tables can get a lot of splatters and spills during serving or eating, and if you have kids sitting at the table, the chances of spilling can increase. To protect the table-top from all the splatters and spills, it is wise to use two dining textiles to cover it - table cloths and dining mats. While table cloths can ensure that no spills reach the table surface, dining mats can provide extra protection. Dining mats also protect the table cloth from damage caused by piping hot dishes.

 5. Table napkins

This piece of dining textile is often needed to save the clothes of the person having the meal. A table napkin can be simply worn around the neck or placed on a lap to protect the dress from getting any spills. Apart from that, table napkins can also be used to wipe your hands quickly during meals.

Investing in these kitchen and dining textiles is important to maintain a certain level of hygiene and tidiness. Plus, you do not need to step out to buy these, as there are numerous online stores from where you can get high-quality kitchen and dining textiles. However, before making the purchase, make sure you go through the necessary details of the products, like their materials and washing instructions.

[the-sonny-stuff]

Abdul Latif Jameel Energy’s FRV inaugurates two solar plants, supplying 40,500 households & avoid the emission of more than 200,000 tons of CO2 per year in Jordan.  More info: https://bit.ly/33q4ip5

[the-sonny-stuff]

Get Rid of the Taboo Surrounding Menstruation Today!

Given that on any given day, 800 million women between the ages of 18 and 49 are menstruating globally, it seems surprising that there is so much misinformation about menstruation, not to mention derogatory slang. In fact according to a survey published by the International Women’s Health Coalition in March 2016, we might actually be able to create an entire dictionary out of the slang terms used worldwide for periods, not the least of which are things like “lady time,” “red tide” and “on the rag.” The survey, conducted on 90,000 women across 190 countries only goes to show that it isn’t only the GCC countries that put a taboo on all things menstrual.

In fact, the above survey revealed that only 12% of women in Saudi Arabia felt comfortable discussing period-related issues with men.

The Menstrual Taboo

Despite     over 800 million women across the world being on their period on any given     day, this is still the most neglected topic. There are around 5,000 “euphemisms”     for the topic, such as “Bloody Mary”, “Crimson Wave” and more.

In     schools, girls are disgraced and teased, if they get a blood stain on     their clothes. Boys often uses tags like “shameless girls” to offend their     female co-students.

Even     in cities, more than 75% of the women buy their sanitary pads wrapped in a     brown bag and never ask a male member of their family to buy them pads or     tampons.

In     most parts of the world, women lack clean water and sanitary pads. They     are still using old bedsheets and other strips of cloth to fulfill their     menstrual need, despite being aware of serious risks like vaginal     infections associated with the lack of hygiene.

In     a sanitary pad advertisements, the absorbency of a sanitary napkin is     demonstrated by pouring a blue liquid rather than red, so as to not offend     the viewer’s sensibilities!

Menstruation     is an avoided topic in movies. And if they do bring it up, more often than     not, it is not in a graceful manner. In the movie, Superbad, released in 2007, the actor reacts in disgust when     he discovers menstrual blood on his jeans.

Treat Menstruation as a Human Issue, Not Just a Women’s Issue

This is not about some social or economic problem, it is about women’s health. Men need to accept that women bleed naturally, not by choice. We respect her for her ability to give birth, but we are unable to give the same respect for the process that makes her fertile to conceive.

Girls     have the right of proper sanitation. However, this becomes especially     important during one’s periods, when hygiene takes on added importance.

We     need to talk about it. Every parent should be able to discuss menstruation     with not only their daughters, to prepare them for when the cycle begins,     but also their sons, so that an attitude of acceptance is inculcated early     in life.

Women     need to be educated properly about the best ways to deal with their     periods, how to maintain hygiene and cope with cramps and PMS. Even today,     in the 21st century, women are misinformed regarding their own     bodies and reproduction.

[the-sonny-stuff]

Perfect Incontinence Protection Products for Women

Urinary incontinence is a medical problem that involves the involuntary leakage of urine due to a weakness of the bladder. Since it affects 7%-8% of the total population of the world, incontinence has been officially termed as a disease by the World Health Organization (WHO).

When it comes to incontinence protection products, institutional care and homecare are the major end-users, constituting nearly 60% of the global market, while the remaining 40% is dominated by the retail market.

The problem is prevalent more in women than men. Child birth, hormonal changes, removal of the uterus, menopause, weak bladder muscles, nerve damage and overactive bladder muscles are some of the main causes for women facing this issue.

However, the good news is that it can be cured if one seeks medical help in time. However, if you procrastinate or delay diagnosis, it won’t go away on its own and the problem might just exacerbate with time. While treatment can take some time to bear fruit, control and security can occur right now! Thanks to all the reliable incontinence products, made especially for women.  

Products for Women

Some of the available products meant specifically for women include:

·         Panty Liners for minor bladder weakness

·         Ultra Thin Pads for mild bladder weakness

·         Lady Protective Underwear for mild to heavy bladder weakness

·         Overnight Underwear for heavy bladder weakness

·         Ultimate Underwear for mild to heavy bladder weakness

·         Lady Maxi Night for heavy bladder weakness

·         Lady Extra for mild bladder weakness

·         Lady Ultra Mini for minor bladder weakness

These highly useful incontinence protection products are specially designed for the female anatomy, making sure that your regular body movements are not compromised in any way. The level of absorbency also differs and therefore the product needs to be chosen based on the severity of leakage. The best part is that all these products come with odor control technology, which eradicates any kind of foul smell.

According to a survey conducted by Phoenix Physical Therapy, women, on an average, wait for 6 years from the first time they first encounter the symptoms till they finally get a diagnosis for incontinence. Due to this delay, the problem can get from bad to worse.  

Diagnosis for Incontinence in Women

So, once you have decided to consult a doctor and have your problem diagnosed, you need to know the entire process. The diagnosis may begin with a physical check-up, followed by an ultrasound, cystoscopy, urodynamic testing, or a bladder stress IO test. Your medical history will also be evaluated.

Incontinence in women is a common phenomenon, which is certainly curable. But that one step towards recovery will only begin when you decide to take corrective measures. In the meantime, don’t compromise on your daily activities and choose the best products for protection.

[the-sonny-stuff]

Preparing Yourself for Everyday Perfection

Did you know that in 2011, King Abdullah allowed women to vote and run in the 2015 local elections for the very first time, along with allowing the appointment of women in the Consultative Assembly? In a country like Saudi Arabia, where women are not allowed to move outdoors without their hijab and prohibited from driving, this was a major change. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia boasts a 91% female literacy rate, while the average age of first marriage for a woman is 25 years. With positive changes taking place that give women greater freedom of choice, Saudi Arabian women are all set to face life’s challenges head on. Of course, this also means that we need to look our best every day. Here’s a look at how you can do just that.

How to Kickstart Your Day

Preparing     yourself a day before

Taking out all the essentials you need for the next day on the night before can save a lot of your time. Even if it is a handbag, books or paperwork, it has been found that deciding upon something takes more time simply using it. After organizing your stuff, you need to hit the bed at a reasonable hour, allowing yourself a good 7-8 hours of sleep. If you are a woman whose body clocks doesn’t kick in and wake you up on time, invest in an alarm. Set a time to wake up that not only gives you enough time to get ready but to also have a good breakfast before leaving home.

Getting     ready without hurry

Waking up as soon as you hear the alarm is difficult but helpful. Brush your teeth and make sure that body hair removal is part of your grooming regimen. With the availability of depilatory sprays, this task has become much quicker and simpler. On the other hand, you could even try products like Veet® In Shower Hair Removal Cream, which can easily fit into a busy schedule and help you with hair removal while you shower.

Have     a healthy Breakfast

Not just women but men too need the energy to work. This is why breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. If you're a busy woman, eating breakfast in the car can save a lot of your time. However, it is always recommended that you keep aside enough time in the morning for a healthy meal that can help nourish your body and it energized through the day. Try an apple, a whole grain tortilla, a healthy smoothie. If you're minding your weight, use low fat milk instead. And don’t try to multi-task at this time, like using your depilatory spray with one hand while sipping your morning coffee with the other.

At the end, a woman is the most beautiful when she smiles. So, don't forget to carry your smile with you when you leave home.

[the-sonny-stuff]

Planning a Trip to Mecca? Don't Forget to Carry These!

Mecca or Makkah, a city situated about 70 km from the capital city of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, at a height of about 277 metres above sea level, is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. The birth place of the Prophet Muhammad, the city had a population of about 2 million people as of 2012 and the number of visitors accounted for three times that figure.

As of 2016, about 15 million Muslims visit the city of Mecca annually from all across the planet, of which most travel during the few days of the Hajj. This has turned the city into one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse cities of Saudi Arabia.

However, a greater number of people means more vulnerability to diseases. The journey itself is very demanding physically and being ill can make it even worse. So, here's what you need to carry if you are planning a trip to Mecca any time soon.

Hand Sanitizer

During the journey, you are likely to use public transportation and shake hands with a lot of people. It can lead to the spread of germs and bacteria, which can trigger throat infections and much more. So, keep a hand sanitizer with you and wash your hands thoroughly whenever soap is available.

Lozenges for a Sore Throat

Talking about throat infections, it can lead to many other issues like fever, the common cold and flu. Throat pain can distract you from your primary purpose of the visit, reducing the fun factor. Always carry lozenges that will give instant relief from the pain.

Oral Re-Hydration Solution

The sudden change in climate and food can lead to problems such as diarrhea, vomiting or sweat loss. Oral re-hydration solutions contain potassium, salt and carbohydrates, which can help in replacing the lost fluids from the body. They come in small packets and so are easy to carry and you can drink them by simply dissolving in water.

Sunscreen Lotion

Saudi Arabia is a fairly hot country. The average temperature during Hajj in 2016 was recorded at about 42o Celsius and there is every possibility that you are welcomed by a higher temperature.

The hot sun can lead to sunburns and sunstroke, and to tackle it, you'll need a sunscreen of superior quality and higher SPF. While choosing the lotion, opt for an SPF value of at least 15 and make sure it offers both UVA and UVB protection. Apply it at least 30 minutes before you are planning to go out and try to cover as much of the body as you can.

[the-sonny-stuff]

Tips to Prevent Bed Bug Infestation in Your House

Bed bugs are one of the most annoying creatures that can infest your home. They become a nightmare when trying to get a good night’s sleep. These creatures tend to feed on the warm blood of humans and their pets. The way they do so is by injecting an anti-coagulant substance into the blood stream, which prevents the blood from clotting, thereby allowing the bug to suck enough blood out of its prey’s body. Being a country with a naturally hot climate, Saudi Arabia offer the ideal weather to host these and other such insects. Bed bugs tend to live in dark places, like mattresses, bed frames, furniture, openings in the floor, etc. So, rather than wondering about how to kill bed bugs, the ideal thing to do is to prevent them from entering your home. Here are a few effective tips on preventing an infestation.

Tips to Stop Bed Bugs from Entering Your House

·         While buying any second hand item, be sure to inspect it for bugs. Be it a mattress, clothing or furniture, inspect every part of the item for any signs of infestation. Try to avoid buying anything that has once been infested because one even if a single bug gets into your house, chances are that it will spread its community before you can realize it.

·         It is advisable to wash all your clothing items if you suspect any sort of infestation on them. Wash them at the highest possible temperature that the clothes can tolerate. This would ensure that the bugs, their eggs and larvae are all destroyed.

·         Make sure to wash your clothes especially after you return from a trip. While staying at various hotels or other public places during your trip, there are chances that you bring these bugs back home. So, make sure to not keep your bags and suitcases on your bed when you get back home and before you inspect them. It is advisable to wash all your stuff from the trip as soon as you are back.

·         Clean up your home and the furniture inside. Make sure to take care of all the crevices and holes too. This would give less space for these insects to hide. Also, clear up any clutter in your house, so as to avoid offering breeding grounds and hideouts.

·         Oil of the Nimtree or Azadirachta indica can help in the fight against these pests. Although nimtree oil isn’t the best answer to how to kill bed bugs, but it sure can repel them. In case you suspect an infestation, it can be used as a temporary solution to help prevent the bugs from biting you. But don’t consider it as a permanent solution in case of an infestation.

[the-sonny-stuff]

Travel-Related Vaccines for Children

The last three decades have seen Saudi Arabia take tremendous strides in child vaccination. The vaccination program was carried out though the primary health care center network. By monitoring the children for three days post vaccination, it was found that there were no significant adverse effects of vaccination such as the common DTP vaccine.

Common Vaccines for Children

When it comes to travelers from abroad, Saudi Arabia requires that they have to take certain mandatory vaccines to prevent the spread of disease. These include rabies, malaria, yellow fever, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and diphtheria. Additionally, they might have to get polio tuberculosis and hepatitis B vaccines, if not present proof that they have been vaccinated less than six weeks before.

Here is a list of vaccinations stipulated by the Saudi Ministry of Health that are required by all Hajj and Umrah travelers:

Meningococcal     meningitis infection

Poliomyelitis

Yellow Fever

Measles and Rubella

Seasonal Influenza

However, not all travel-related vaccines are effective for children as a category. Vaccinating children requires careful assessment of the risks of contra-effects. While most vaccines for children are given at birth or in the first two years after birth, there are a few that require follow up at a later age. These include

Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (follow up at 4-6     years of age)

Varicella (VAR) vaccine (follow up at 7-18 years of     age)

Influenza vaccines (delayed in case of other issues     such as allergies and asthma, can be given up to the age of 9 years)

Hepatitis A vaccine (follow up at 13-18 years of age)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (follow up at     13-18 years of age)

Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and acellular     pertussis (Tdap) vaccine (follow up at the age of 7 years)

Important Considerations

While most vaccinations have a recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule, as far as possible, children should compete their vaccinations according to the normal schedule. There are problems with the immune system interfering with the effectiveness of the vaccines if they are delayed and the person develops immunity to the vaccine. Except for the hepatitis B vaccine, most vaccines are to be given to the child at the age of 6 weeks.

Additionally, there are variations between country to country on the recommendations and requirements for vaccinations. Therefore, it is best stick to the recommended immunization schedule as recommended by the local government authorities as these recommendations are also based on regional requirements and existing conditions.  

[the-sonny-stuff]

Go Where No Cleaning Has Gone Before

Everybody avoids touching what they know are the obviously dirty things. You will view public bathrooms, garbage cans and drains with extreme suspicion and caution but you will still live with more than a dozen dirty things that you would never suspect, let alone do something about.

Villain’s Gallery

Knobs, Buttons and Handles: Everywhere you go, you will find these handy germ collection points that have been conveniently placed for you to come in contact with. Opening a refrigerator, turning on a tap or faucet, cutting things, these seemingly innocuous actions place you in contact with surfaces where dirt and microbes accumulate and grow. According to a study titled Bacterial Contamination in the Kitchen: Could It Be Pathogenic? published in 2012, the top contaminated places in a kitchen are faucets, followed by stove, burner or oven knobs in second place, kitchen towels and the refrigerator handle taking third and fourth place in the villain's gallery.

Think about it for a moment, you get your hands dirty, what do you do? You wash them; but in the process of washing them, you have to turn on the faucet...get the picture? Now that you have read this, it would be a good idea to give the taps and faucets a good disinfectant wipe with Dettol Power & Pure Multi-Purpose Spray that is quite effective on the lime scale that builds up on taps and shiny metal surfaces.

The cracks and crannies in a cutting board or chopping block are ideal housing sites for germs. It is vital that cutting boards be disinfected. If is also a good idea to give them a final rinse with water in which Dettol Antiseptic Liquid has been added before leaving it to dry.  

Using Wipes Effectively

One way to clean kitchen contact surfaces is to spray them with a disinfectant liquid, rinse them in water in which disinfectant liquid has been added and making sure that your kitchen cleaning liquids are good enough to use in a hospital. Once you have identified your trouble areas, spray them with the liquid and leave it for a few minutes before wiping so that the disinfectant has some time to take effect. If you are short of time, keep some Dettol Power & Pure Multi-Purpose Kitchen Wipes handy. These disinfectant wipes are preloaded with disinfectant and can be used to go after surfaces such as salt and pepper shakers, light switches counter tops and knife and tool handles.

[the-sonny-stuff]

How to Choose the Perfect Sanitary Pad?

Sanitary pads are possibly our best friend during our periods. It not only provides reliable absorbency but also saves us from embarrassing moments, such as leakages. The best part is that they are easily available, in stores and online, and that too at reasonable prices. Most women find them comfortable and easy to wear.

However, choosing the right product is important. For example, in Saudi Arabia, where the temperature is generally on the higher side, the material used should be kept in mind while choosing, otherwise it could lead to rashes and nasty itches in your delicate areas.

Here are a few things you should keep in mind while choosing such products, especially if you are a first timer.

Absorbency Factor

The first thing that has to be considered while buying a sanitary pad is its ability to absorb large volumes of blood and tissue efficiently and quickly. It should also not allow any backflow of blood when pressure is applied on the pad. For example, when you sit down.

It should make you feel dry and comfortable for at least for 5 to 7 hours, without the need to change it, depending on the flow. If you feel there is leakage every few hours, it is better to look for a better product.

Length and Flow

The release of blood is comparatively high at the start of the cycle than during the last couple of days. The sanitary napkins are often classified as Day or Night napkins, with the length of the day pads being around 17cm to 25cm and the night pads being longer than 35cm.

The length determines the amount of blood the napkin can absorb. Night products also come with additional features like hip guards that help in preventing back flow. They fit the body contours to prevent side leakage during sleep.

Materials Used

Every woman has a different skin type and the material has to be selected keeping that in mind. An incorrect selection could lead to rashes and allergies. Mostly, sanitary pads are made of cotton or plastic netting. The breathability factor should also be considered, along with the thickness of the napkin.

The thickness usually ranges from panty liner size to ultra-thin, regular and super. If you have heavy blood flow, then super thick material should be used, while the ultra-thin variety can be used for the last days when the flow decreases. It is very important to understand your typical menstrual flow before opting for a product.

[the-sonny-stuff]

Visit the Best Botox Centers in Dubai and Get Rid of Eye Wrinkles and Excessive Sweating

The desire to look young and beautiful is unlikely to diminish among humankind all over the world. In fact, a February 2015 article in the Khaleej Times commented on how people in the UAE, as in the rest of the world, were preoccupied with achieving that “perfect 10” in terms of appearance. This claim was supported by the findings of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital, which conducted a review of aesthetic medicine trends in the Middle East for the first half of 2016. The study revealed that among the top 5 non-invasive cosmetic procedures popular in the region, Botox and Dermal Fillers took the #1 spot, registering year on year growth of 53%.  Botox has popularly been used in the UAE for the smoothening of facial wrinkles, as well as to control excessive underarm sweating, cervical dystonia, chronic migraine and even overactive bladders.

Botox is a convenient and effective way to treat a variety of conditions without undergoing the knife. Actors and famous celebrities are setting examples by using the latest treatments and luring men and women across the globe to use cosmetic procedures to attain their desired appearance. However, before you try Botox in Dubai, or anywhere else in the UAE, here are some important things you should know.

How Botox Works

Botox is essentially a Botulinum toxin injection, which is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. It works by preventing signals from the nerve cells reaching muscles or in other words by relaxing or paralyzing the muscles. The neurotoxin is injected in highly controlled doses to ensure that there are no side effects. The effects can last anywhere between three to 12 months and the good news is that there is next to no time needed for recovery. The results are almost instantaneous.

Popularity of Clinics

Dubai having an extremely hot climate means that its residents are more prone to skin related issues. This is where this non-invasive procedure comes to the rescue. Some of its major benefits are:

Reduction     of fine lines and wrinkles on the face formed by laughing, frowning and     hectic lifestyle.

Prevention     of fine lines and wrinkles from appearing.

Reduction     of wrinkles under the eyes.

Reduction     of excessive sweating, commonly known as 'Hyperhidrosis'. It is injected     in the underarms, face and head. It doesn't require anesthesia.

Alleviation     of the symptoms of migraines.

Visit Only the Best Botox Centres in Dubai

Since     you will be getting a neurotoxin injected into your skin, make sure to     choose only skilled and experienced clinics. Botox is a licensed substance     and is only used by qualified cosmetologists with the required     certifications from the relevant regulatory authorities. Don't let someone     inexperienced experiment with your skin.

Check     the track record of the clinic or the specialist before using their     services. You can also check client feedback on their website or use the     recommendation of someone who has tried the procedure.

Make     sure that the centre provides follow up services. Proper medical guidance     is required before, during and after the procedure.

With the growing popularity of Botox in Dubai, you might find a plethora of choices in terms of clinics. Make sure you do your background check well.

[the-sonny-stuff]

Skin Care Tips to Get Rid of Dark Eye Circles

Those dark circles around your eyes say a lot about your health and lifestyle. And why they occur quite commonly, there is no reason why you should live with them. People living in the Middle East tend to have higher concentrations of melanin under the eyes, resulting in dark circles.

In 2014, consumers in Saudi Arabia spent approximately $4.8 billion (Dh17.6 billion) on skin care products, according to Emirates 247. Some of the main reasons for the occurrence of dark circles are dry skin, aging, working for long hours, especially with a laptop or computer, heredity, , mental or physical stress, poor sleep patterns, lack of skin care, and, most importantly, an unhealthy diet.

Circles under the eyes might not be a serious health problem, but they do affect your overall appearance, making you look tired and ill. The good news is that there are some simple and effective home remedies that can help not only eliminate dark circles, but also contribute to better skin care.

Highly Effective Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Dark Eye Circles

·         Almond Oil – Almond Oil is an excellent option to alleviate dark circles under your eyes. It helps in lightening those patches and if combined with Vitamin E oil, you can bid farewell to those patches for good.

·         Tomato Juice – Applying tomato juice is a great way to get rid of dark eye circles and makes your skin soft and supple. To do so, just mix one teaspoon of tomato juice with a teaspoon of lemon juice and gently apply it under your eyes. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then wash it off with water.

·         Cucumber – This is one vegetable that feels good in the tummy and on the skin. It has skin-lightening and mild astringent properties, which help eliminate those raccoon eyes! Simply cut a fresh cucumber into thin, circular pieces and let it chill for about 40 minutes in the fridge. Place those slices on your dark circles for about 10-15 minutes and wash the area with clean water. Repeat the process twice a day for nearly a week to see positive results.

·         Rose Water – Rose water is like the secret weapon to eradicate dark circles! It not only rejuvenates the skin and helps in reducing dark circles, it also has a calming effect on tired eyes. Simply soak cotton eye pads in rose water for 3-4 minutes and place those pads on your closed eyelids. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes and make sure to consistently follow this technique twice a day for 3-4 weeks.

 So make sure you rely on natural techniques rather than harmful and cheap chemicals. It's your skin, treat it right!

[the-sonny-stuff]

5 ways to remove chocolate stains from your clothes

Love chocolate but hate the stains it leaves on your clothes? We present five easy ways to get rid of stains forever.

While chocolate is one of the loveliest foods in the world, what is not so lovely is how sticky and stubborn it can become on your clothes. Chocolate stains are some of the toughest ones to clean, because they leave an oily brown residue behind on the clothes. Once spilled chocolate is allowed to set on the clothes, it can become impossible to get the stain out.

The milk compounds, vegetable oil/butter, sugar and cocoa in the chocolate are processed together while casting each bar or square. The milk and cocoa generate oily compounds during this process. Also, ingredients to impart stickiness and elasticity are added so that the chocolate does not become brittle on drying. Together, they serve to make chocolate a stain-causing food product.

Here’s how you can remove chocolate stains:

1 If the stain is new and sticky, rinse it inside out and while still wet, add a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid to it. Rub the liquid into the stain in gentle circles till the chocolate is removed from the fabric. Now flush the area with running water to wash off all soap and chocolate.

2 If the above step does not remove the stain entirely, try this: add a few drops of ammonia to the stain and set aside for five minutes. Do this only for light coloured fabrics. Wash off with cold water. This trick works best with milk chocolate stains.

3 Add a few drops of white vinegar to a dark chocolate stain and let it rest for 10 minutes. You may even use undiluted hydrogen peroxide on the stain so that it is instantly lightened and any lingering remnants of chocolate are also removed. Now wash the garment with cold water and allow it to air dry.

4 If the stain is aggressive and dark, wet it slightly and cover it with dry Borax powder for 10 minutes. Now pour hot water directly on the stain till all traces of the Borax powder are washed off.

5 The best way to remove chocolate stains is to soak the stained clothing in a bucket of warm water and add a measure of stain removing powder to the water. Let it soak for at least one hour, to give the powder time to lift the stubborn chocolate stain out completely. Once soaked, add a measure of stain removing powder to your washing machine and wash as usual.

[the-sonny-stuff]

Everything you need to know about NBK capital trading practices

NBK Capital provides a wide gamut of trading services and practices, leveraging the power of the Internet for the best results.

Online trading can be done both informally and in a structured manner. In the latter, a financial advisory firm handles the trading processes, from trading and bartering to selling goods and services. The formal structure of trading is quite beneficial for serious individual investors or companies looking to create future wealth. Trading is often helped by timely business inputs offered by experienced financial analysts who are in the know on both the domestic and international market fronts.

However, the Internet has opened up a relatively new phenomenon in trading, where online stock trading has now become the reality of our times. Online stock trading is a process whereby an investor in a certain geographical area may trade on the stock markets of the same country or of another country, within set legal parameters. But to be truly successful on foreign stock markets, the investor must receive the full backing and expertise of well-informed, skilful financial managers. These can be found at NBK Capital.

Why choose NBK Capital?

Based in Kuwait, Dubai, Cairo and Istanbul, NBK Capital boasts of an impressive resume of companies it works with in the GCC region and beyond, as well as the best financial experts that you can find in the region.

An excellent track record in the financial markets and the best financial acumen on board translates into tremendous success for all of NBK Capital’s clients. It is perfectly suited to take charge of every private individual or company’s financial roadmap with its skilled handling and up-to-date knowledge of current market trends. Customised solutions and a bevy of cutting edge financial products are offered to investors as per requirement and fiscal goals. The financial experts also work closely with all investors at all levels to ensure maximum success.

Perhaps the biggest triumphs for NBK Capital have come from its online stock trading practices. The organisation is able to offer clients a seamless online interface and valuable access to stock exchanges located in the GCC, Egypt, the United States and other prominent global markets. Besides this, the actual online stock trading is offered in a transparent and efficient manner, spanning such functionalities as stock trading, portfolio viewing, statement of transactions and recording of history, advanced charting, mobile trading, real time prices and portfolio analysis. The digital medium facilitates the quick transfer of information and funds across geographical regions in real time, so trading can take place at any time during the stock market’s business hours.

NBK Capital offers expert analysis and a range of financial products in both the regional and international markets. It allows investors a range of investing opportunities in the Kuwait and GCC stock markets through one account that also has access to several mobile trading applications. Investors also get exposure to the US stock markets and emerging markets.

[the-sonny-stuff]

Suffering from urinary leakage? Here's a solution

Depend underwear takes away the embarrassment and stress arising out of urinary incontinence.

People who suffer from urinary incontinence end up withdrawing from society and staying at home. They are deeply mortified by their inadvertent episodes of urine leakage, especially in the company of others. Since they are afraid of wetting their clothes and ruining furniture (and everyone else’s mood) with their incontinence issue, they shun all outdoor activities and venture out only to those places that have easily accessible restrooms.

But science and modern technology have gone a long way in alleviating the distress and physical discomfort of involuntary urine leakage. Today, there are many reliable incontinence products that help people keep their condition out of the ambit of public knowledge.

One such incontinence product is the ‘depend underwear’. To be worn just like a normal underwear, it is an excellent option for those seeking complete dryness and total odour control despite a urine leakage episode. It is quite similar to an adult diaper in constitution, though it appears to be an underwear owing to its shape and structure. It can be worn easily under the clothing and it is quite thin – hence there are no tell-tale bulges and lines to give the wearer away!

Depend underwear is available for use for both men and women, and they can be slipped on quite easily by the person themselves. In cases where the person suffers from arthritis, frozen shoulder or is bed ridden, they may require assistance from a caregiver in wearing this product.

Depend underwear are easy to wear, use and dispose of. They soak leaked urine as soon as it comes in contact with the product – thus, the urine does not touch the person’s skin or clothes. Even after a leakage episode, the wearer is completely dry and comfortable without a wet, uncomfortable feeling. The best types of these underwear are fortified by rubber and lined with cotton for ultimate comfort and efficiency.  

[the-sonny-stuff]

Stem Cell Research: Your Key to Preventing Hair Loss

Do you know that hair is the second fastest growing tissue in the human body, second to only bone marrow? There are about 100,000 of them on the head of an average adult and each one grows at a speed of 1cm per month.

It typically grows faster in the summer and during the night. It is highly elastic and can be stretched up to 20% to 30% before its snaps.

Talking about snapping, if you are experiencing hair fall, you are not the only one. About 20% of the women between the ages of 40 and 50 experience heavy hair loss, while over 50% of men experience male pattern baldness by the time they turn 50. Little wonder then that there is a worldwide preoccupation with how to prevent hair loss!

What are the Reasons for this Loss?

Many factors like stress, climate, drugs, ageing, etc., can exacerbate the problem. However, some of the most common reasons globally include:

Universal Causes

Malnutrition:     People who don't follow a balance diet often suffer     from this problem. Lack of zinc, Vitamin B and C are the reasons for it.

Iron     Deficiency: This is more common in women,     especially vegans.

Chemicals:     Exposing your hair to aggressive chemicals damages their roots and     contributes to hair loss.

Environmental Factors

About     61% of the people in the UAE have varied hair types and 68% of them experience     natural hair fall.

In     the neighboring country, Saudi Arabia, desalinated water has been found to     be the main reason for hair fall. About 70% of the water in the country is     desalinated.

The     hot and humid climate in this part of the world also contributes to the loss     of hair.

How to Prevent Hair Loss?

While there are many surgical and home remedies available to reduce the shedding of hair, stem cell research has emerged as a blessing for those who are suffering with this problem.

This technique uses pluripotent stem cells that can be turned into any type of cell in the body. Dermal papilla cells are responsible for the growth of hair on the body. Studies have proven that pluripotent cells can be converted successfully into papilla cells and help in the regrowth of hair.

“The method is a marked improvement over current methods that rely on transplanting existing hair follicles from one part of the head to another,” said Alexey Terskikh, PhD, Associate Professor in the Development, Aging, and Regeneration Program at Sanford-Burnham, in the press release.

While not all of us need such radical treatment, a good idea is to visit a reliable and experienced clinic to learn some simple answers to your questions on how to prevent hair loss.

[the-sonny-stuff]

Causes of Acne and its Treatment

Did you know that approximately three quarters of people across the world between the ages of 11 and 30 years are likely to get acne? Do you know what acne actually is?

Medically known as Acne Vulgaris, this is a skin disease that is caused by the hyperactivity of the oil glands present at the base of hair follicles. It mostly occurs when an individual hits puberty. At this time, the glands are stimulated by the hormones produce by the adrenal glands.

The human skin has tiny pores that connect to the oil glands located under the skin. Now, due to this hormonal rush, the amount of oil produced increases and blocks the tiny pores, resulting in pimples, which are not considered dangerous in themselves but can leave scars.

The impact is usually greater in hot countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which is why learning about the best acne treatment is important in this region.

Causes

While there are multiple causes, you might not be able to control or prevent all of them but it is important to know what they are:

The     primary cause is considered to be the rise in androgen levels, a hormone     that sees increased production when a person reaches adolescence.

The     increase of this hormone leads to excessive production of oils that break     down the cellular walls in the pores of the skin, allowing bacteria to     grow.

Some     studies have also proven that acne can be genetic.

If     you are on medication that contains lithium and androgen, you might     experience frequent eruption of pimples.

The     temperature and environment around you can be another reason for the     problem.

You     clothing can also lead to acne. For example, if you are wearing material     that your skin is allergic to or does not let your skin breathe, it could     lead to zits.

Acne Treatment

Resorcinol:     This is a crystal phenol that comes from various     resins and helps in breaking down blackheads and whiteheads. It is also     used for getting rid of dandruff and eczema.

Benzoyl     Peroxide: This is known to kill bacteria     and slow down the production of oil by the glands. It is used for     bleaching and also works as a peeling agent, reducing the bacteria count     in the affected areas.

Salicylic     Acid: This is very effective in     treating inflammation and is also used for making aspirin, dyes and     perfumes. It reduces the shedding of skin cells that line the follicle of     the oil glands and is one of the most effective acne treatments.

Antibiotics:     They can be applied to the skin or taken orally, similar to medication for     other problems. They become more effective when combined with benzoyl     peroxide.