DRAB TO FAB

HAMPERS 'R' US

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 11:00:00 +0000

This post is long due. Should have posted two weeks back, events just kept taking over. Am glad i finally got the opportunity to today and it comes at the perfect time.

I digress, back to blog topic of the day.

Hampers, gift packs, gift baskets, the term gets coined day in day out.

What are they? Where did they originate from?

According to Wikipedia "A hamper is a primarily British term for a wicker basket, usually large, that is used for the transport of items, often food" while A gift basket, or fruit basket is typically a gift delivered to the recipient at their home or workplace. A variety of gift baskets exist: some contain fruit; while others might contain dry or canned foods such as tea, crackers and jam; or the basket might include a combination of fruit and dried good items. Gourmet gift baskets typically include exotic fruit, and often include quality cheese and wine, as well as other non-food items. (source: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift_basket)

While growing up, i recall that my dad received loads of hampers from clients, friends, colleagues and the contents always got me excited. My sister was after chocolate bars , goodies. I was after keep sakes and unique items such as fancy diaries, pens and the likes. My mum? She was content with food items she usually used to recreate recipes.

The history of hampers

Hampers have a long and illustrious history, dating as far back as the time of William the Conqueror.

The concept of hampers originally started in France and the baskets full of treats were introduced to England back in the 11th century.

But it was not until the Victorian era that giving such gifts became a popular choice.

The massive development of the railways in the 1800s made it much easier to send perishable goods in hampers to friends and family around the country - and it became something of a tradition to send hampers at Christmas. Employers also used to present their staff with a basket of goodies at this time of year to ensure that they had a wonderful Christmas with plenty of festive food and drink to enjoy.

Nowadays, you don't just have to wait for December to send hampers - you can give them as gifts all year round.

And with a wider selection of items to include in your basket than ever before, you can find one that perfectly suits the recipient - or even choose the exact contents yourself. (Source: http://www.highlandfayre.co.uk/The-History-of-Hampers/)

You wondering what the fuss is about gift baskets?

Well, if you give someone a book, it's a gift. But imagine giving someone adding a compiled CD of the receiver's favourite songs, other books (maybe ~~e-books~~ or a kindle), beverages etc, you give a mood altering experience. The excitement on the person's face. OMG!!! It's priceless. That what sets a giving a gift apart from receiving a gift.

Back in the University, i had an obsession for getting the perfect gift for my then boyfriend. Ironic when i think about it now, how ladies hardly go the extra mile to get the special gift for that special person.

I would go window shopping for hours just to get a gift that was not only special but rare and unique in all aspects. I didn't mind spending my savings (after all it was probably once or twice a year) either his birthday, valentine's day or our so called anniversary. lol. Things we do for love.

That routine soon developed into not only a habit but passion and i gradually started scouting for presents for a couple of friends and my hamper business started on a rather small scale.

That was ten years ago, though i continued to scout for gifts after graduation for people who knew i had that talent, i never considered it a business venture till a week to Valentine's day of 2011 when a friend asked i do something special for his girlfriend then (now his wife) and deliver it.

My first gift basket 2011 (before)

After (not bad for a first try)

After that i got another call two days to Valentine that same week for another delivery this time with fresh flowers

Pardon the picture quality am still battling with photography and most times i take a quick picture with my phone before delivery.

After three more deliveries i felt it was best to learn more about the art of gift basket aka hamper making. I bought the book by Shirley Fraser " THE GIFT BASKET DESIGN BOOK" , need i say its like my gift basket bible and i decided to include gift baskets to services DRAB TO FAB provides.

Ramadan fruit basket

Before (ramadan fruit basket 2)

after

A photographer friend of mine helped with this picture.
Spot the difference right.

My sewing machine i inherited from my mum peeping from behind.

Gift don't always have to come in baskets or boxes. Like the picture above, it was an order for a duvet and cute throw pillows. I enjoyed sewing them. I simply topped it with an organza bow and a personalized note inside the duvet neatly rolled up.

I have had clients who don't open the baskets at the fear of ruining the beauty. I have others who have enjoyed every item in the basket. It turns out beautiful but its not always fun all the way.

I had a client once who wasn't happy with the contents of her basket, i almost gave up on hampers. Like they say you win some, you loose some. I must confess that event helped me get better at gift baskets.

An impromptu delivery. I enjoyed the rush.

Fast forward a few years and a cup full of fun and inspiration with loads of love of creating something creative and beautiful with your hands and what do you get? A gorgeous gift everyone will remember and treasure forever.

Baskets for all occasions Baby showers, Get-well soon, Birthdays, Valentine, Festive season, for him, for her to mention a few. Hampers are an excellent way to show your appreciation for someone's hard work, say thank you or celebrate any occasion.

One of the best things about hampers is that they are great for sharing, making them perfect for any celebration or gathering.

I am excited this year because i now have a blog and can reach a wider audience than ever before, with a lot of referrals too.

So are you looking to gift someone or an organization that unique gift?

Drab To Fab has just the hamper for you. With our range of hampers, there is something for everyone. We cater for individuals as well as Corporate organizations. What's more its pocket friendly.

Our range of hampers include but are not limited to:

Needs and treat baskets
Fruit baskets
Gadget lovers basket
Gourmet baskets
Chocolate haven baskets
Personalized/Customized baskets

Which come in 4 categories

* Jadeite

* Alexandrite

* Peridot
* Diamond

10% discount on Bulk hampers. For bookings, further details or delivery details, please call 08037000709.

This was delivered today.

LIVING IT UP

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 18:29:00 +0000

Some days back @NaijaWife asked me

So armed with guilt of neglecting my blog for so long, i felt it was high time i put up a post.

Today’s post is about one of my favourite spaces in the home.... The Living Room. I must admit i had a few challenges while trying to come up with this post. Thanks to twitter, i got encouragement from @Kitchnbutterfly ‏ . You should follow these two women on twitter and their blogs. Haaa-mazing i must say.

There is that common saying, first impression counts. I believe that applies to all aspects especially our homes. Since the living room is the first point of contact especially with guests, family and everyone else who visits our home. It essential we treat it right.

Palour, salon, front room, best room, lounge, and reception room.... the variety of names given to living rooms reflects the variety of approaches. The room could be divided into 2 distinct types namely a) formal b) informal.

There are many ways to achieve a stylish living area that can be used comfortably on a day-to day basis and also double as the settings for parties and gatherings.

The living room is actually a focus for leisure activities in the home, whether you like to spend time relaxing in the evenings, need a play space for your children. Careful planning is required to create a space that can adapt easily to a variety of functions.

Before making major decisions or purchases, consider these essential points.

Activities: What is the primary function of your living room? The living area is usually a focus for leisure activities in the home, whether you like to spend relaxing evenings in front of the television, need a play space for children or a room for entertaining. Whatever the activities comfortable seating must be a priority. Careful planning is required to create a space that can adapt easily to a variety of functions and ensure that different activities do not conflict.

Flow: Consider how you move around the room and plan the layout so that the main door, window, furniture, lights are easily accessible. A real living room, unlike photographs of interiors in glossy magazines and brochures is NEVER static, and changes as it responds to a family's changing needs. Flow patterns alter too as furniture, appliances are rearranged. Flexibility is key, know when a flow pattern isn’t working and change it.

Features: Every year designers hold fashion shows but with the ever changing trend, the stick to timeless outfits. Just like fashion, interior design is ever changing. Your living room too can benefit most if you spend time and money on fundamental pieces. Do you a large window, a mirror, an attractive wall TV unit or a collectible? Make it a focal point by arranging your furniture dramatically around it. Consider how well they can be seen from different parts of the room.

HOW CAN THE SPACE WORK FOR YOU?
Whatever the shape of your living room, ensure that its layout and design will adapt easily to your leisure activities. Ask yourself questions like:
·        Is the room spacious enough for different activities to take place at the same time?
·        Would modular sofas and chairs better suit changing needs by offering more flexible seating arrangements than a standard there piece suite?
·        Would one or two adjustable tables be adequate for your needs or do you require a range of different tables or units for books, trays, lamps and entertaining?
·        Do you prefer to sink into a soft capacious sofa or to sit well supported by firm upholstery?
·        Do you have pets? Will they be allowed to sit on the furniture? How do you intend to care for the seating cover?
·        Do you need to choose a floor covering that children can play on safely, that can also be cleaned easily and can be walked on barefoot in comfort?
·        Does your flooring have to cope with a lot of wear and tear?
·        Can you organize the living room to fully utilize natural daylight?
·        Do you prefer curtains or blinds?

ASSESS YOUR NEEDS
Certain features in a living room will make the space comfortable and attractive to those who use it. There are though no hard and fast rules, and a successful formular for one family might turn out to be a failure for the next because requirements and aspirations differ.
Still most living rooms share a common purpose and the following guidelines set out the basics for planning a room that functions well.

FURNITURE - The first essential is seating and like the room itself, the seating has to meet many needs – working, relaxing, and entertaining even dining. Living rooms once again are becoming places for living: for relaxing and even for more game nights (with EPL, La liga etc arrrrrgh) i must admit though, it’s a good way to experiment with recipes i find on-line for “him” and his friends. Lord knows i need that Blendertec badly.

The most important lesson for me however, is the masculine effect you can give your home. Rather than having modular seating which is not only heavy to move around, you can have two seater sofas, single arm chairs and a reclining chair just for him. As well as adding bold colors such as Navy blue through bean bags. Men like to be comfortable so think comfort.

Sectional seating. Image courtesy: Drab to Fab

Remember a well designed sofa will be a pleasure to use but try to find out what is beneath the fabric to ensure the frame and filling meet your expectations. Run your hand over the sofa. At no point should you feel frame, springs or nails be detectable to avoid area of wear and tear.

Bean bags are great additions to living room seating.
They are comfortable and easy to toss around,
great for watching tv, playing games and cuddling.

TABLES – should be on hand, possibly stacked away when not in use. Unless you have a small living area, try to include at least two types of occasional tables in the room to facilitate entertainment and relaxation. Choose tables of different heights to carry essential lighting and accessories. Examples coffee tables, chest, trolley, lamp tables, sofa tables, storage table, tray table, nest of tables.

Round storage coffee table ; courtesy google images.

I particularly like this storage table, because it doubles as a coffee table and reminds me of an ottoman.

Round lamp table; courtesy google images

Tray tables; great for holding glasses and cognac.
Image courtesy: google images

REMEMBER

· Choose tables that can be maintained easily and can cope with expected amount of wear and tear.

· Avoid coffee tables with sharp corners to prevent accidents while walked into or against.

· Glass tables are best made of tampered glass; they shatter into tiny pieces on impact

Nest tables are very convenient because they are stackable and an easy way to add a pop of colour to a space

STORAGE: is inevitable, whether for books, DVDs or even glasses. I love ottomans with hidden space, they are quick solutions for storing toys, and magazines even pillows. Storage should be treated as a positive element not some afterthought. If you don’t want your TV permanently displayed or you are not allowed to nail or drill holes in your wall as the case may be for rented apartments invest (I hope to do a post on designing rented apartments in the nearest future) in an armoire. It also creates a focal point in absence of one.

It can take up space but its worth the initial investment

With an open shelve accessories can be arranged with care and consideration – rows of books provide flashes of colour and punctuations can be added in form of cut flowers in vases, clocks or collections of favourite objects.

An example of storage using an armoire.
Image courtesy: www.houzz.com

A small room should consider dual-purpose furniture such as a sofa bed, foldable chairs.

Never hesitate to give away the old bulky piece of furniture, try converting that dinner table into a coffee table. Bottom line, clutter can make your living room look over crowded.

For DIY fans having a small scale plan of your living room drawn out on a graph paper with all the doors, windows, shelves and permanent features marked on it is a great way to organize your room. To take the measurements, start from the door and work clockwise around the room. Take the overall measurements, adding on the skirting depths. Make sure that you keep the tape completely taut while you are measuring or have some one else hold the tape at the other end so that the dimensions are accurate. Work on one wall at a time, so you don't get overwhelmed.

There are also tricks of the trade useful in sorting out some common living room problems. A large mirror placed at right angles to a window reflects light imitating the feeling of space and openness.If you are considering renovating your home soon, a single alteration that would make the most difference would be to lower the window sills. Don’t worry, it won’t affect anything structurally. (I see you heave a sigh of relief, lol).Another improvement which is quick and virtually cost free is to hang paintings, posters, at eye level. Rather than disperse your pictures around your wall, group them in a fanciful cluster.

BUDGET
Lack of finance brings with it a discipline that is always helpful to good design. Trust me; I know that for a fact as long as priorities are right. Remember, good design isn’t necessarily expensive.

Hide a comfortable sofa in ugly fabric with a nice blanket or have it re-upholstered. Re-spray your old wood table to a bright colour to have it blend in with other colours in the room.Cant afford good paintings? Why not hang your family photos. If you cannot immediately afford to have the curtains of your choice why not try paper blinds until you can afford your desired curtains.

Watch out for seasonal sales, but watch out for “sale fever”. Try yard sales, i recently came across a yard sale the European union community holds in Abuja Nigeria just around January/February though its not constant.Small scale object – candles, flowers, lamps, cushions and curious of all sorts add life and personality to a room provided they don’t clutter. Live plants in terracotta pots add life in a real sense as many go on for years.

Next post, hopefully i should blog about entertainment and collections as regards to Living rooms.

Stay fabulous and Live it Up!!!.

Social media

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 10:41:00 +0000

Hey fabbies.

Trust you have all stayed "fabulous" as always? Not getting any comments lately? Does that mean the blog is rather boring?

Would really love to read your thoughts and possibly get down to write a post on several comments made.

Today isn't about interior design but rather about social media with emphasis on twitter.

Image courtsey by Lisa McTigue via google

So we all know twitter is amazeballs , wonder why i didn't learn to use it effectively earlier but like they say, better late than never. So i signed up on twitter in 2009 but never got so much benefit from it like i do now.

I have attended various seminars, workshops and fairs thanks to the buzz on twitter, some of which include #adoptatweep #entrepreneursmeet

Courtesy Google images

Also started following twitter chats like #kbtribe chat (professionals discussing about kitchens and bathrooms, whats in, safety etc) Tuesdays 6pm EST , #intDesignerChat Wednesdays 2pm EST, #blogchat and one i co-host with a friend and mentor #DecorWars Saturdays 10am GMT (bi-weekly)

Through these chats i have also met amazing people, increased my number of followers a bit and having fun while networking.

I had a tough time deciding if i needed a business twitter account apart from the one i used. The verdict? Yes, i do. So i opened one.

Courtesy Google images

@lillshorty and @DRAB2FAB_

Are you on twitter? How has it helped you generally especially networking? Would love to hear from you.

Pillow Talk

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 13:15:00 +0000

Hey fabbies!

How have you all been? I have been really busy with Ramadan and of course business as usual.

What have you been up to? Anyone tried the tips shared on this blog so far? Would love to read your feedback. Now back to today's topic.

Pillows are accessories one can never go wrong with while decorating one's space. For me, its like having plenty of chips with chicken. I will blog more in the future about pillows but for today, i decided to reblog this piece from http://designremixinc.com/blog/

Pillows are a major part of our home décor. Whether you are staging your home for sale or looking for a trendy and refreshing update, pillows are the answer for your design needs and dollar!
These days, even the most diehard constant re-decorators and home stagers are looking for ways to keep their interiors constantly fresh without breaking the bank. Paint, of course, is one inexpensive way to inexpensively overhaul a space – but it’s not the only option.

If you’re in desperate need of a new look, but just don’t have much of a budget, consider focusing on your pillows. They’re fairly inexpensive and, in a pinch, pretty easy to make on your own. Go with wild patterns, bright colors or flat-out trendy styles to give your home an updated look.
Sometimes pillows really are practical. We’ve sat on one too many hard-but-pretty chairs – these throw pillows don’t just add color, they also protect the tush! When the softness of the foam and the beautiful designs with bright colors of the covers is combined together, it surely makes a comfortable pillow!
Pillows add the desired looks to your beds, sofas or even a simple wooden chair. They’re not a big commitment like furniture or lighting; you don’t have to be afraid to change them often. In fact, you’ll want to – that’s the point!

Here are some creative tips to WOW that couch, bed or chair – - take a look!
Rule of Thumb
There are two types of combinations you can use to adorn your chairs or couches. When the cushions are plain, the pillows should be decorative and when the cushions are heavily patterned, the pillows should be plain. These ideas definitely add the elements of style and elegance to the rooms in which these pillows are displayed.
Pillow Covers
Update the look of your home seasonally with new pillow covers. It’s the quickest way to give your home a makeover. They are inexpensive and washable. Most pillow covers have zipper closures, so you can put lighter-colored pillow covers on your existing pillows for a fresh look. Just store your fall and winter pillow covers flat in the linen closet. Choose lighter weight silks with a slight sheen to capture the light and add sparkle to your room. Have fun with textured covers such as faux fur that convey so much warmth.

What’s Hot Now!

The hottest new pillows are the versatile rectangular shape, referred as “lumbar” pillows. They can be used in so many ways, to add back support to children and petite people, to add a pop of color to a chair, or placed against each arm of your couch. Layer them in front of larger, square pillows in the corner of your sectional, banquet seating or daybed. Add one in front of pillow shams to give your beds different dimension and decorative look.

Mix Fabrics Like a Pro
Designers combine different fabrics, shapes and sizes for a layered look. You can achieve this yourself by mixing florals, stripes, textures and solid-colored pillows. Traditional themes feature pairs, balance and symmetry, but modern and contemporary décor is known for odd numbers and more eclectic look. Steer away from the “matchy-matchy” syndrome, and build a collection of different fabrics to add color personality to your home. Pull colors from artwork, or wall color and unify your décor with fabrics that reflect them.

Pillow Number & Placement
When decorating with throw pillows, the 2-2-1 ratio works fabulous. This concept accomplishes sensational results. Start with two square pillows of one size and pattern on the ends, two smaller pillows in a different pattern next to them and finally one jazzy rectangular pillow for the center. The graduated sizing creates height drama, while the contrasting patterns and colors add whimsy. It’s especially effective when one fabric sets the stage and the others are chosen with its color palette in mind. This styling secret will spruce up your sofa or bed quickly, easily and affordably.

Shape & Size
Vary the shape and size of throw pillows. Squares should be 18 to 24 inches across, large enough to showcase a solid color or pattern. Oblongs are a nice mix and are less expected. Add a contrasting shape or size into a pillow arrangement for added drama. Large pillows can make a statement in a space, choose one with fringe or trim and create a wow factor!

Storage
Put a decorative basket or bin in the room for holding accent pillows when not in use. For example, set a wicker basket behind the couch to toss pillows in while entertaining. Or hide pillows when not needed and place underneath the bed. The storage area keeps pillows fresh and clean.

You can also make some for your self using old fabrics you have. Here are some i made personally. Pardon the quality of the pictures, took them with my phone.

What are you waiting for? Grab your wallet, credit card, car keys and go shopping.

Don't forget to send in your comments and follow us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/DRAB-to-FAB/342115402552119?ref=hl

RAMADAN HOUSE CLEANING

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 17:57:00 +0000

The Blessed month of Ramadan is here again. Are you ready? Is your home in shape for the holy month?

Here are a few tips from what i usually do to help you get started.

Clean before Ramadan: It is highly advisable to clean your house thoroughly and completely right before the start of Ramadan as you should be welcoming this month with freshness and cleanliness. If you didn't do it before the starting of the month, now is a good time. Launder curtains, bed linens etc.
Clean kitchen thoroughly, (you will be doing a lot of cooking and hosting)
Arrange your pantry
Morning hours are best to clean your home. In Ramadan mornings your mind is not occupied with the thoughts to prepare lunch. So you are free to clean your home.
Ask the men and woman of the family to got through their wardrobes and donate the clothes they no longer wish to wear. One persons cast offs are a poor persons treasure.
For more cleaning tips http://thetealtadjine.blogspot.com/2013/06/ramadan-ready-series-4-ramadan-cleaning.html

And to make your housework easier during Ramadan, write up a general housework list and even assign jobs to people in your family.

Finally, don't get all caught up with cleaning and forget your last minute shopping. Don't forget to stock up on groceries and items you use regularly

RAMADAN AND YOGHURT

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 12:59:00 +0000

Its less than five days to Ramadan and Muslim faithfuls around the world are preparing for the holy month and the blessings abound in it.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan during which the Muslim faithful observe their month-long fast. It is one of the five pillars of Islam.

And we at Adila Yoghurt intend to make the month a rewarding one. We shall share yoghurt recipes, benefits of yoghurt, and some fun things to do during Ramadan.

Today, its about Probiotics.

What are probiotics?

There are very few people who have not heard about the "new" health miracles called probiotics. They claim to help with health problems, ranging from constipation to diarrhea, and prevent colds or fight them once you already have one. Probiotics are showing up in foods, beverages, and supplements. What exactly are they, do they work, and are they safe for us to be consuming?

Let's start with the facts behind what probiotics are. The root of the word probiotic comes from the Greek word pro, meaning "promoting" and biotic, meaning "life." There is some debate about how to define probiotics. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines probiotics as "live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." The largest group of probiotic bacteria in the intestine is lactic acid bacteria, of which Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in yogurt with live cultures, is the best known. Yeast is also a probiotic substance. Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements. Read more about probiotics here

When you’re healthy, your intestinal tract hosts over 100 trillion friendly bacteria. (That’s 10 times more than the number of cells in your body!)

These good germs spend their days aiding digestion, boosting the immune system, and consuming bad bacteria. They manufacture key nutrients and limit the growth of yeast and unhealthy bacteria – and in their spare time, probiotics help inhibit bouts of lactose intolerance, poor digestion and diarrhea.

When your “good” bacteria levels are optimal, they outnumber the bad guys by roughly 5 to 1, but take a few gastro-intestinal wrong-turns and the bad bacteria can quickly overwhelm the good, triggering a host of gut problems.

So how to keep your gut functioning at its best?

Get to know the probiotic basics to help your belly – and its 100 trillion good bacteria – flourish!

An unbalanced belly is a sick one

About 70% of our immune system is housed in our gut, so keeping it in good working order is our #1 Job. In a healthy gut, parasites and yeast may be present in small numbers, but don’t cause any problems.

However, when enough of the beneficial bacteria are killed (e.g. with antibiotics), the bad guys (parasites, yeast and bad bacteria) gain the upper hand, causing an imbalance that can manifest itself in a variety of unpleasant ways, including:

Numerous digestive problems (constipation, colitis, IBS)
Skin problems (eczema)
Joint problems (arthritis)
Altered behavior patterns and brain function

Know the enemy

Without enough good bacteria keeping things in check, your gut will act and feel like a bacterial battleground, with the bad guys running rampant and stirring up debilitating gut troubles such as the ones mentioned above.

And while aging does contribute to declining levels of good bacteria, there are a number of other factors that can wipe out the good guys (no matter your age) and create the perfect environment for the bad bacteria to flourish.

Among the most common killers of our good bacteria:

Antibiotics – they’re Kryptonite to both good and bad bacteria
Chlorine, found in almost all tap and bottled drinking water
Virtually all non-organic meat, chicken and dairy, because they’re loaded with antibiotics
A diet high in meats or fats, which the body is slow to break down, which in turn promotes the growth of harmful bacteria
Constipation, which allows harmful bacteria to remain in the gut too long and multiply
Cigarettes, alcohol, junk food and stress
Radiation and chemotherapy

Enjoy a bowlful of probiotics

For a tasty and easy way to optimize good bacteria, simply increase your intake of fermented foods. Why? Because they contain and deliver a wide variety of good bacteria to the gut, versus processed foods, which have the opposite effect. Yoghurt. Miso, tempeh, kim chi, sauerkraut and kefir, are great sources.
Equally, in Nigeria, there are various fermented food products ranging from “ogi” (fermented maize gruel); “ogi-baba” (fermented millet gruel), “fufu” (fermented cassava products) and “wara” (fermented milk product) etc from which lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which display probiotic properties, have been isolated. Ogi is called akamu among the Igbo.

But what about yogurt?

Many people eat yogurt because they've been told that it’s a good source of friendly bacteria. However, this is not necessarily true. The bacteria used to make most yogurt (L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus) are not the key beneficial bacteria. Some brands add a small amount of acidophilus just so they can say so on the label.

Plus, much of the yogurt you buy in the store is pasteurized after it is made. This is done to increase the shelf life, but pasteurization destroys all the benefits of the yogurt. So, if you do chose yogurt in the store, make sure the label says “live, active cultures.” And of course, you want to make sure your dairy products have not been produced with antibiotics or hormones.

Send in the probiotic cavalry

To restore your “friendly” bacteria, in addition to eating the fermented foods mentioned above, probiotic supplementation is an extremely effective way to repopulate your gut quickly and return it to a healthy, balanced state.

The two most well researched and commonly used types of healthy bacteria are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.

Bottom line ….

What I love about quality probiotics, is their almost miraculous ability to transform sick people into healthy ones simply, quickly and effectively, without drugs, negative side-effects or, dare I say it, much extra effort.

What’s more, regular consumption of dairy-based probiotic formulations are associated with a 20 per cent reduction in the risk of pre-eclampsia, a complication in pregnancy. More importantly, researchers suggested in the American Journal of Epidemiology that daily intake of dairy-based probiotics such as yogurt was associated with a 39 per cent reduction in risk of severe pre-eclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia, affecting two to three per cent of all pregnancies, occurs when a mother’s blood pressure rises to the hypertensive range, and excretion of protein in the urine becomes too high. It is estimated to be responsible for about 60,000 deaths worldwide.

Just a few inexpensive capsules, homemade yoghurt and foods taken with meals can help prevent and correct debilitating digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Probiotics produce immunity-boosting chemicals and kill off invading pathogens. They help protect against stomach ulcers, food poisoning, lactose intolerance, yeast overgrowth, yeast infections, harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi.

They even help improve your skin’s health and appearance. How many things can do all that? In short, probiotics offer a massive bang for your health buck – so do all you can to help them flourish!

Culled from: http://www.onhealth.com/probiotics/article.htm, http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9166/probiotic-power-why-the-secret-to-a-healthy-belly-is-paved-with-good-bacteria.html

Have Probiotics worked for you? Please share in your comments.

Finally, we found a link for useful apps during the fasting period. The list covers all the mobile phone platforms that are popular around these parts, but it is by no means exhaustive. So if you find an app, that’s not here even if it’s on another platform, please share in the comments and we would add it. http://www.techsuplex.com/2013/07/01/apps-for-ramadan-2013/?utm_content=buffer4c914&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer

Here is also a link to making yoghurt at home http://www.tacticalintelligence.net/blog/how-to-make-yogurt-from-powdered-milk.htm

Ramadan Mubarak!

WAYS TO EAT YOGHURT

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 06:06:00 +0000

Yoghurt is a nutritious source of calcium and protein as well as probiotics for digestive health, but its bland flavor isn't always a favorite. Fortunately, eating the yogurt straight from the carton isn't the only way to include the food in your diet. The mild taste of the yogurt pairs well with many other ingredients to help you create tasty and healthy meals and snacks. Yogurt is also a good substitute for some other foods that are less nutritious.

As A Snack

Cut an apple into slices and top them with plain yogurt and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Mix low-sodium tomato salsa into yogurt and use the mixture as a dip for low-fat, baked tortilla chips. Add chopped nuts and honey to a carton of plain yogurt for another nutritious snack. It could be taken after workout, mid-day snack, anytime.

As Part Of A Meal

Plain yogurt is a healthy base for a light breakfast, lunch or even dinner. Make a breakfast parfait with plain yogurt, your favorite fresh fruits and whole-wheat breakfast cereal or granola. Use plain yogurt in place of milk on your favorite whole-grain breakfast cereal. Make a nutritious lunch by seasoning a carton of plain yogurt with dried herbs and spices such as dill, cayenne pepper or turmeric. Use it as a dip for whole-wheat bread, whole grain tortillas or raw vegetables. In a blender, combine plain yogurt, fresh fruit and 100-percent fruit juice and puree until smooth. Enjoy the smoothie for any meal during the day.

As A Substitution

Use plain yogurt in place of less nutritious ingredients in a variety of your favorite recipes. Replace the mayonnaise with plain yogurt to make homemade salad dressing. Use plain yogurt instead of fatty mayonnaise when you make tuna or chicken salad. Top a baked potato or nachos with plain yogurt instead of sour cream. Plain yogurt may also be used to replace sour cream for tacos, burritos and enchiladas. Instead of heavy cream, stir plain yogurt into soup. Though yogurt is much lower in saturated fat and has more calcium and protein, it will create a similar consistency as heavy cream.

Here is bland picture of yoghurt i had some days back. I had mixed fruits, dessicated coconut and strawberry syrup added to mine. How do you like yours? Would love to see a picture.

What's tasty and has a lot of health benefits?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 08:01:00 +0000

What's tasty and has a lot of health benefits?

The answer... Yoghurt. Yes yoghurt. You might be wondering how?

Yogurt is a thick, custard or pudding-like food, made by the natural bacterial fermentation of milk. Many people enjoy it plain or flavored with breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, and it's also an ingredient in a number of other dishes.

Your body needs to have a healthy amount of ''good'' bacteria in the digestive tract, and many yogurts are made using active, good bacteria. One of the words you’ll be hearing more of in relation to yogurt is ''probiotics.'' Probiotic, which literally means ''for life,'' refers to living organisms that can result in a health benefit when eaten in adequate amounts.

Yoghurt is rich in potassium, calcium, protein and B vitamins, including B-12.

Research shows yoghurt strengthens and stabilizes the immune system.

The lactobacillus in yoghurt feeds the intestines, maximizes nutrients you can absorb into your body, insures the digestive system stays healthy, and stabilizes the immune system.

The lactic acid of yoghurt is a perfect medium to maximize calcium absorption.

In yoghurt the process of growth from milk into yoghurt involves the conversion of lactose into lactic acid. Lactic acid helps digest lactose. In other words, yoghurt provides the enzyme needed to digest milk products. Calcium, which is found in dairy products, needs to enter the body in an acid matrix or your body will not absorb it. So the lactic acid of yoghurt is a perfect medium to maximize calcium absorption. Eight ounces of yoghurt will equal 400 mg of calcium, 25% more calcium than you would get out of a glass of milk.

When someone is HIV positive and has a CD4 count under 200 their production of hydrochloric acid (HCL) slows down. HCL is normally produced by your stomach to help with the digestion of food. When you have less HCL and digestive enzymes digestion becomes incomplete, food moves too quickly along the digestive tract. Your body doesn't get enough calcium and other minerals. Difficulty sleeping and mal-absorption are common end results. Yoghurt is one of those foods that you can eat to enhance your HCL production thus improving your digestion, vitamin and mineral absorption, and your bodies general well being.

Yoghurt can be used as an effective douche.

Research shows women who eat 4 cups of yoghurt/week have less vaginal and bladder infections.

Have you experienced the irritating vaginal itch, usually accompanied by a discharge? As women we can get yeast overgrowth in our vaginas. Living with HIV makes women even more vulnerable to these kinds of infections. Taking antibiotics has the unwanted effect of wiping out normal flora in our bodies. Antibiotics or antifungals (just another type of antibiotic) tips the balance of good and bad yeast. Candida will grow in abundance when other bacteria and yeasts are depleted. Candida is trying to solve the problem of the imbalance. It is vital to keep a healthy diet of a wide variety of foods that contain natural bacteria and yeasts.* Yoghurt is just such a food. It can be used internally and externally, and it is a prime good yeast replacer for our vaginal and intestinal flora. If you've ever used the applicators to insert antifungals into your vagina save them -- they can be filled with yoghurt instead!

Yogurt is loaded with vitamins.

One serving is a significant source of potassium, phosphorous, riboflavin, iodine, zinc, and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Yogurt also contains B12, which maintains red blood cells and helps keep your nervous system functioning properly. "Vitamin B12 is found mostly in animal products, such as chicken and fish, so strict vegetarians can easily fall short. Eating more yogurt can help close the nutrient gap: An eight-ounce serving contains 1.4 micrograms of the vitamin, about 60 percent of what adult women need daily.

For fitness freaks: A cup of yogurt a day can help you recover faster after a workout.

With the right ratio of protein to carbohydrates, yogurt, particularly high-protein Greek yogurt, makes an excellent post-sweat-session snack. "The perfect time to grab a container is within 60 minutes of exercise," says Keri Gans, RD, a nutritionist in New York City. The protein provides the amino acids your muscles need to repair themselves, Gans explains, and the carbohydrates replace your muscles' energy stores, which are depleted after a hard workout. It's a bonus if you drink a bottle of water along with it: The protein in yogurt may also help increase the amount of water absorbed by the intestines, improving hydration.

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/nutrition/health-benefits-of-yogurt/?page=2

Yogurt may prevent high blood pressure.

Every day 70 percent of us consume more than twice the recommended amount of salt; over time that can lead to hypertension and kidney and heart disease. The potassium in yogurt, almost 600 milligrams per eight ounces, may help flush some of the excess sodium out of your body.

Face saver

No need for pricey derm treatments to perfect your complexion. "Yogurt contains lactic acid, which is a component in some in-office chemical peels," says dermatologist Hema Sundaram, MD. "It gently exfoliates the top layers of the epidermis, which can clear up blemishes and discolorations, and may even reduce fine wrinkles."

Try this DIY mask: Mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 2 to 3 drops of almond or olive oil and a tablespoon of honey; apply to face, leave on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. Result: more radiant skin

So say YES to yoghurt.

Invisible dangers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:41:00 +0000

While we all love our homes in their elegant, clean and sometimes sophisticated and top class mode. There are some hidden dangers we ought to beware of.

I personally have had to deal with solving mold problems from a past client and it got me thinking.... Someone out there might be dealing with this issue too, but i never got round to blog about it till i read a post yesterday from Freshhome.com. The author simply took the words right out of my mouth but did a better job than i would have.

We’d never think that our homes could potentially be hazardous – We do the best to ensure that our family and loved ones are safe and sound at all times, but often the dangers are not visible and lurk where we cannot see them. Some of what you are about to read may be of no surprise to you at all, but I’ll bet you will discover things in your own home that you had no idea were even remotely dangerous. As I walk you through potential dangers, I will also offer suggestions as to how they can be remedied.

Paint

While the paint on our walls can transform a blah space into one that is nothing short of spectacular, we must advise you that your spectacular space could potentially be harmful to your health, and more specifically to the health of your children. If you live in an older home (built or painted before the 1970s) there is likely to be lead-based paint lurking in your walls. Lead, a highly toxic substance when ingested, was banned from paint in 1978 when it became apparent that children were suffering from lead poisoning which gravely affects brain development. There are still, today, a high number of cases of toxic lead poisoning in young children. The preeminent cause is household paint.
Paint, over time, whether naturally or from general wear and tear, chips and peels from walls. These paint chips and particles infiltrate the air and land on surfaces where children walk, play and crawl. These particles or chips end up on little hands and fingers which always end up in children’s mouths. Lead poisoning is a serious matter. If you do live in an older home it is best to test your paint – even through layers, a professional or a home testing kit which is available at your local hardware store – will indicate whether lead paint is present. If it is, please do not take matters into your own hands. Hire a qualified professional to remove all the paint in your home. This is a laborious and time intensive project, but it is a critical one.
When repainting your home, whether or not your home does indeed contain lead based paint, do opt for a low or no VOC paint. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compound) as described by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) “are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.” It is therefore imperative that we eliminate VOCs wherever we can. And this includes paint. All top paint manufacturers currently make a no or low VOC paint.

Mold

Mold can lurk anywhere especially in those rooms that tend to harbor moisture and humidity such as bathrooms and basements. Mold can cause serious health problems such as allergies and asthma, and when present in a building too long, can cause “sick building syndrome.” The best thing to do is to try to prevent mold from forming by eliminating the moisture in the air. In the bathroom always run a fan or turn on the overhead vent to keep the room as dry as possible.
If needed purchase a dehumidifier and keep one in the basement. Check for leaks in plumbing, air ducts and in the roof. Even the smallest amount of water can cause mold to form and grow in the most unexpected of places. You may want to hire a professional to check your roof and ducts regularly. Bleach kills and prevents the growth of mold spores, so should you see mold start to grow inside your home, in your bathroom or basement, you can easily treat it yourself.

Water

Despite the Clean Water Act, toxins still infiltrate our water systems with everything from discarded pharmaceuticals to radioactive toxins! Older homes may have lead based pipes. The solution to this is not all that difficult. A water filtration system can be added to your water tank or your faucet. You can purchase free-standing models or a pitcher for your refrigerator. Another way to rid the toxins from your water is to run your faucet for 1 minute prior to using the water. The EPA suggests that you flush your pipes before drinking, and only use cold water for cooking and drinking. The longer your water has been sitting in your home’s pipes, the more lead it may contain. They also suggest to flush your cold water pipes if your faucet has not been used for six hours or longer. While we want to rid our water of these chemicals and toxins, we still need to conserve our water.
Showering, running the dishwasher or the washing machine will also flush the pipes. After this type of heavy water use, make sure you also flush the tap that you will use for drinking or cooking by running the water to clear the rest of the home plumbing to that tap. Furthermore it is important to use only water from the cold-water tap for drinking, cooking, and especially for making baby formula as hot water is likely to contain higher levels of lead. If you opt to use bottled water for drinking water, it is important that you also increase your fluoride intake. Tap water is high in fluoride while bottled water has none. Among children who drank mostly or predominantly bottled water, there was a significant increase in tooth decay compared to those children who drank filtered tap water.

Carpet

Not only can carpets be a tripping hazard, when not properly tacked down, but they are saturated with chemicals. I bet you never really paid attention to that. Carpets are also havens to dust mites, dander and dirt. It’s important to clean your carpet regularly with a high efficiency vacuum or have it professionally cleaned by an environmentally-friendly cleaning service to ensure that no additional chemicals and toxins are deposited onto your rug. If you plan on replacing your old carpeting, think about replacing it with one made from natural fibers and toxin-free glue. Hardwood floors are a better option but they are not ideal for families with the very young or the elderly.

Refrigerator

In the US alone there are over 76 million cases of food borne illnesses a year. These occur mostly because foods are not stored or handled properly. It is imperative that you clean your refrigerator regularly. Make sure all your items are well organized and well marked. Check for expiration dates, bruising and other signs of aged food often. A well organized fridge is a safe one. Keep all raw meats well sealed in plastic and away from produce and cooked meat. Make sure that all your fruits and vegetables are well washed before consumption, not only to eliminate pesticides but to remove any traces of e-coli or salmonella. Make sure your refrigerator is cold enough so that food doesn’t turn and know that a full fridge is actually a more energy efficient one.

Furniture

Flame retardant chemicals are added to material used on furniture and are highly toxic. These toxins will rub off onto skin and clothing and permeate the air in household dust. When these toxins find their way onto our hands they enter our bodies. The best solution is to buy green, but this is not always possible and the best thing you can do for your own health is to vacuum your furniture regularly to remove these toxins.

Shower curtains and wallpaper

Shower curtains, vinyl blinds and wallpaper contain something called phathalates, which are chemicals used to enhance plastic’s flexibility. These toxins are also found in detergents that have “fragrance” in them. This chemical affects the body’s hormone system and is linked to asthma and allergies. When possible use metal, glass, ceramic and wood products in lieu of the plastic. In the case of shower curtains, where there is no substitute, bring new shower curtains outdoors for a day or two before use.

Pots and Pans

Your non-stick cookware may be easier to cook on and wash but the chemicals found in these pots and pans contain PFCs (Perfluorinated chemicals) that have potential effects on both pre- and postnatal growth. It has been documented in the Journal of the American Medical Association that exposure to these chemicals can contribute to obesity and diabetes. Exposure to these chemicals is associated with impaired hormonal growth. Consider replacing your non-stick pans with stainless steel or cast iron. Do not place non-stick pans in ovens with temperatures exceeding 500 degrees. Use your exhaust fan whenever you cook.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a naturally occurring, odorless, toxic substance emitted when organic fossil fuel is being burned without proper ventilation. Space heaters, gas water heaters, natural gas furnaces, fireplaces, wood burning stoves, automobile exhaust (generators inclusive) and tobacco smoke all produce carbon monoxide. It’s imperative that you outfit your home with working carbon monoxide detectors. There should be one on every living level as well as in the basement. Your detectors should be tested once a year and batteries checked and replaced regularly. Plants naturally remove airborne toxins from our homes. Healthwise states that the following plants are most effective in removing toxins and improving air quality in your your home: Peace lily, dracaena, chrysanthemum, bamboo palm, golden pothos, English ivy, Chinese evergreen, Areca palm and the rubber plant.

Pests

Pests such as termites hide deep within your home’s walls and may be present for months or years before they even get noticed. There are signs to look out for that may indicate a problem. You may notice that your wood is buckling, swelling or rotting. You may notice piles of sand, dirt or dust piled up near a wall or on the floor. You may see an actual hole in the wall. If you suspect that your home has termites you will need to hire an inspector. Termites are never alone, and like bees and ants, live and work in colonies. They can be highly destructive. A qualified inspector will confirm and kill the termite colony and maintain your property to ensure that termites do not reappear.

Source: http://freshome.com/2013/06/18/10-hidden-dangers-lurking-in-your-home-and-how-to-fix-them/

Recreating a Bedroom

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:29:00 +0000

If you are planning to design and decorate your own bedroom, then you must know that there are many factors that can affect the outcome of your creative exercise.

Let's have a look at some of the possible factors.

1)Furniture: Furniture occupies maximum space in a room. The size and style of the furniture you choose will directly affect the way the space is perceived after the decoration is complete.

Furniture pieces, which are abutting the walls such as dressing tables, wardrobes, cabinets, form the face of the walls which were previously blank in an empty room. Because of this the face of the furniture is a major factor is creating the mood of an space.

2)Interior Color Scheme: Color has a direct effect on human mind. Color can make the room smaller or bigger than it is. Cool colors make a room larger while warm colors make a room smaller. Thee color red is not advisable for a bedroom because research finds that its a color related to blood thus your heart rate is increased in room painted red. How do you feel when you enter a room with aqua blue or cool lavender? Calm right? It's not the room which changes, it's the effect of the color which our mind picks up.

3)Wallpapers: Wallpaper is a good alternative to using paints on walls. The greatest advantage of using wallpapers is that they can be applied quickly.Using wallpapers with design patterns can quickly alter a
space and give a "rich" look to a space. Wallpapers are available in washable types as well.

The only problem with wallpapers is that they can get torn because of sharp edges of furniture items. If you have children in your family then maintaining a them can be a little difficult.

4)Upholstery and Linen: This includes bed sheets, cushion covers, curtains, carpets, etc.. All these are dependent on something else. What does this mean? Curtains are always in association with doors, windows or other openings in walls, they allow privacy from the outside world and are multi-taskers. So the texture/color/finish of curtains define a frame to the openings thus affecting the interior space. You could use extra long curtains that go from ceiling to floor. It gives an illusion of height for short walls.

Other upholstery items are dependent on shape and size of the furniture on which they are used. That's why a clever use of color/texture/finishes can greatly enhance the furniture piece thus altering the overall grade of the space. A good way to accessorize is to play with accent rugs. Place by the feet of your bed, side of your bed, to underneath your bed in both ways, anyway you feel comfortable. Don't forget, its your room and you will be spending a lot of time in that space.

5)Lighting: A well planned electrical and lighting plan can greatly enhance the interior space. Depending upon the internal arrangement of the furniture lighting can be used to enhance certain areas of the space.

Spotlights and filler lights can be used as and where required. Filler lights are used to achieve a uniform lighting, which is normally available during daytime from sunlight. Spotlights used in the form of lampshades can be used to cater a specific area such as study tables, bedsides. Apart from these two types decorative lamps used as hangings can add extra mood to the space.

6)Add aphrodisiac, candles. Any element to help exhibit romance and relaxation.

If you are planning to refurnish your bedroom, you can use this as a dummy checklist to organize the entire process.

Hope you try it and send me pictures.

Till my next post stay "FAB"

Climate change and Interior design

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:41:00 +0000

The rainy season is gradually setting in Nigeria and the Monsoons have arrived in India, read an article somewhere online about the rising floods in Europe. Alot of people are taking precautions.

Architecture has seen remarkable change from the days of caves to beautiful landscapes including interior design. Technology advancements has made it possible to have Computer Aided Designs even in 3D. Despite the evolution, the primary function of a building is still the same... Simply put, its an envelope, a protection from outside environment and natural calamities.

From protection to a place of status symbol. A space is now a true reflection of the owners personality. A house though built primarily for protection will function differently from an Office. Apart from functions another very important factor determines the Interior design of a space "Geographical location".

The way houses are built in Nigeria is different from the way houses are built in Japan for example. Apart from the location, weather, houses in Japan are built to withstand earthquakes.

So what factors can affect Interior design solution of a space?

1) Amount of direct sunlight.

Locations on the far northern or southern receive less amount of sunlight than those at the east and west. That's why buildings with more use of plane glass are used. Also artificial lighting is given much importance.

2) External temperature.

External temperature directly affects the comfort level of internal spaces. Since external walls act as a "buffer" between internal and external climate, it is necessary to use the right construction material for walls. Depending upon the wall material the internal finishes also have limitations. This is especially true for structure that face extreme climatic ups and downs, such as locations in the gulf countries. Hence selecting materials that can sustain heavy climatic changes on a daily scale is challenging.

3) Humidity and Rainfall.

Because of the salty nature of air around coastal areas extra care is taken for building construction materials (type of cement used), which can directly affect the entire budget of the project.

4)Wind Direction.

Wind direction and wind speed also has direct affect on the interiors. Heavy winds exert a load on the external walls of the structure, thus affecting the construction technology.

5)Land Structure and Topography.

Land structure is the nature of land on which the structure stands. Various types of land structures include rock solid, marshy land, etc...Topography of land is classified as plane or a site with slope.
If the site of the structure is on a hill slope, extra precautions are taken to allow the natural flow of rainwater that the structure might block. Depending upon the quality of land surface the construction
technology will change. As far as interiors are concerned a well planned structure with properly thought spaces is a must because internally the spaces get divided into various floors.

The above short discussion explains that external factors and environment greatly affect the way structures are built and thus directly affecting the interior qualities of the structure.

Technological advancements have allowed us to artificially control the internal environment of a building irrespective of what's happening outside. But a carefully studied and well planned architectural space can easily cut the extra cost of air conditioning and other ventilation services.

Source: http://cleverchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/5-external-climatic-factors-that-affect.html

I got, You got, Yoghurt!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:11:00 +0000

The news of the popular Amigos supermarket must have come as a shock. Yes, even for me because my passion for making yoghurt started with the various brands of yoghurt i saw and tasted at the dairy section of Amigos Supermarket.

One good thing, they inspired me to start my own yoghurt brand and am glad i did. Difficult as it was then, i gradually gave up my craving for ice cream. The reason is today's blog post.

WHAT IS YOGHURT?

Yoghurt is a semisolid sourish food prepared from milk fermented by added bacteria, often sweetened and flavored. The bacteria used to make yoghurt is referred to as yoghurt culture.

The bacteria that do this are called beneficial bacteria, because they supports digestion and is nourishing, as opposed to pathogenic (harmful) bacteria that cause disease. The beneficial bacteria are called probiotic. They are similar or identical to the type of bacteria that live in the human gut, and that are responsible for the process of food absorption. When you use live cultures, the probiotics stay in the yogurt, and the yogurt can then be used as a starter to make more yogurt.

HISTORY OF YOGHURT

The word yogurt comes from a Turkish word meaning to curdle or to thicken. Today it is spelled yogurt, yoghurt, or yogourt, with yogurt being the most common spelling.

A lot if literature can be found via the Internet on the history but i particularly like http://downtoearth.danone.com/2013/01/31/a-brief-history-of-yogurt/.

BENEFITS OF YOGHURT

Not only does yogurt provide your body with active cultures, yogurt bacteria has shown to prevent yeast infections, osteoporosis, and urinary tract infections, relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and help reduce bloating. Yogurt is more than a delicious snack, it also contains ingredients that keep your body healthy!

Written By Deanna Lynn Sletten; HealthMad.com

We all love yogurt for its tangy flavor and creamy texture but yogurt is much more than a delicious snack. The next time you take a spoonful of yogurt think about these interesting facts:

Yogurt can keep your digestive system regular.

Yogurt contains helpful “good bacteria” that your digestive tract needs to run properly. Without enough good bacteria in your system, food does not digest properly or go completely through your digestive tract. When this happens, such problems as boating, gas, and in severe cases, stomach cancer can occur. Eating just one cup of yogurt that contains “active cultures” each day can help to keep your digest system working properly.

Yogurt can help prevent osteoporosis.

Yogurt that contains both calcium and vitamin D is a good combination to fight against osteoporosis. Read the label to make sure your favorite yogurt contains both ingredients.

Yogurt helps to fight against yeast infections.

Hard to believe, but something as easy as eating yogurt each day may help to prevent yeast infections. This is, once again, attributed to the good bacteria in yogurts that contain active cultures. Good bacteria helps your body fight against yeast infections, so if you are low on good bacteria your chances of getting one is high. Eat just one cup of your favorite yogurt each day to fight against recurring yeast infections.

Yogurt may help boost your immune system.

Eating one cup of yogurt containing active cultures may help to keep your immune system strong. Seventy percent of your immune system lies within your small intestine. If you keep the levels of good bacteria high in your intestines then you are more likely to maintain a healthy immune system. Source: HealthMad – Healthy Facts About Yogurt

TYPES OF YOGHURT

Yogurt products come in a wide variety of flavors, forms and textures. Here are the common terms associated with yogurt products available today.

Lowfat and nonfat: There are three types of yogurt: regular yogurt, lowfat yogurt and nonfat yogurt. Yogurt made from whole milk has at least 3.25 percent milk fat. Lowfat yogurt is made from lowfat milk or part-skim milk and has between 2 and 0.5 percent milk fat. Nonfat yogurt is made from skim milk and contains less than 0.5 percent milk fat.

Lite (light) yogurt: 1/3 less calories or 50% reduction in fat than regular yogurt.

Swiss or custard: Fruit and yogurt are mixed together for individual servings. To ensure firmness or body, a stabilizer, such as gelatin, may be added. These products are also referred to as "blended" yogurt.

Frozen yogurt: Frozen yogurt is a non-standardized food and, therefore, is not subject to Federal composition standards, as is the case for “yogurt.” In order to qualify for NYA’s Live & Active Cultures seal, frozen yogurt must be a product made by fermenting pasteurized milk (can include skim milk and powdered skim milk, plus other ingredients), using traditional yogurt cultures, until the proper acidity is reached. Many manufacturers, according to their unique recipes, will then mix this (the "yogurt" component) with a pasteurized ice cream mix of milk, cream, and sugar, plus stabilizers or other ingredients needed for desired consistency. This frozen yogurt base mix can then be blended with fruit or other ingredients and then frozen. The freezing process does not kill any significant amount of the cultures—in fact, during the freezing process the cultures go into a dormant state, but when eaten and returned to a warm temperature within the body, they again become active and are capable of providing all the benefits of cultures in a refrigerated yogurt product.

Not all products termed "frozen yogurt" actually contain live and active cultures. Some so-called "frozen yogurts" use heat-treated yogurt, which kills the live and active cultures, or they may simply add in cultures to the mix along with acidifiers, and skip the fermentation step all together. To make sure that a frozen yogurt contains yogurt produced by traditional fermentation and has a significant amount of live and active cultures, look for the NYA Live & Active Cultures seal.

Contains active yogurt cultures: Yogurt labeled with this phrase contains the live and active bacteria thought to provide yogurt with its many desirable healthful properties. Look for the National Yogurt Association's (NYA) Live & Active Cultures seal to ensure that the yogurt you buy contains a significant amount of live and active cultures.

Heat-treated: Yogurt labeled with this phrase has been heated after culturing, thereby killing the beneficial live and active yogurt cultures.

Liquid or drinkable yogurt: Fruit and yogurt are blended into a drinkable liquid.

Made with active cultures: FDA regulations require that all yogurts be made with active cultures. Only those that are not heat-treated, however, retain live and active cultures when they reach consumers.

Sundae or fruit-on-the-bottom: Fruit is on the bottom, so that turned upside down, it looks like a sundae. Consumers can mix the fruit and yogurt together to make it smooth and creamy.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-19005/The-good-yoghurt-guide.html

What kind of yoghurt do you like? I would love to hear from you.

TIME TO REDECORATE

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 31 May 2013 08:41:00 +0000

For us in Nigeria the rainy season is gradually setting in, in other parts of the world its either monsoon period or summer time.Whatever the season, you could do with a bit of re-modelling or redecoration without having to spend so much.

Have you ever had that feeling where you just dont like how your house or one part of your home looks and you wish you could just rip everything apart and get it right just like you see in design magazines or on TV, without having to pay an expert (even though its the best thing to do)?

I would love to say, get a couple of design and lifestyle magazine, tear out a couple of pages that interest you, go ahead to make a sample board etc. That already sounds so stressful, it might put you off.

These DIY tips will help transform any space you want.

Color: i cannot over emphasize the importance of color. Generally people see color before they absorb anything else.People cannot process every object within view at one time. Therefore, color can be used as a tool to emphasize or De-emphasize areas. I promise to do a whole post on Color in the future. So if you have a drab wall, why not make it fab.
Re-arrange your existing furniture: there is no rule to how your furniture should be placed, so go ahead toss them around, have fun. Eventually, its what you feel comfortable with.
Introduce atmospheric light: i usually suggest free standing uplighters, the quick transformation is amazzzzzzing. Place them at strategic corners and see how your space gets an instant lift. In simple words, it makes a space POP especially at night.
Mirrors: this is a design accessory you can NEVER go wrong with. They come in all shapes, colors and sizes and the best part now have varying designs to pick from. Mirrors help to enlarge a space especially if you have a small space, place them by a window, opposite a wall, above a couch, by the entrance hall. The options are endless.
Change knobs and handles: if you had wood change to metal or anything fancy especially kitchen cupboards
Throw pillows: Colorful throw pillows are a way to add life to your space. The neon and pink colors add life to the neutral walls. With throw pillows as a means to accessorize you can never go wrong.
Work with anything you like. Any item, accessory, fabric anything. Dont forget to have fun while you at it.
Finally: Vacuum, dust and clean. Your home will thank you for it.

I hope you give it a try soon. Look forward to your comments and feedback.

Stay "fab".

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 May 2013 10:47:00 +0000

Do you love yoghurt, like we do? Then join us a we birth Adila into the milky way hall of fame.

ADILA yoghurt is a Food and beverage arm of Drab to Fab.

It started as a passion for making yoghurt at home for friends and family which soon gained recognition and encouragement to go commercial. Bearing in mind that a lot of competition and shelve brands exist. The aim is to make Adila readily available and keep as healthy and beneficial to our consumers as possible.

This page will focus on the benefits of yoghurt and the brand Adila.

Adila..... health is fun

Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 25 May 2013 13:45:00 +0000

I really don't know where or how to start.

So i will have to formally/informally welcome you to my blog. So am thinking of calling my guest readers 'FABBIES'. How does that sound? Weird huh?

I must confess am really new at this, so pardon me if my first attempt is way below expectation.

OK, OK am digressing.

My name is Adedotun Ibrahim and i run DRAB TO FAB. Drab to Fab is a hands on kind of business, we love colors, fabrics, textures. We are based out of the capital city of Abuja, Nigeria, West Africa

We are actually Interior Designers and also have a passion for gift baskets, food, and fashion.

So this blog will be a mix of a lot of things.

Lest i forget, a big shout out to my friend Dolapo of http://bellezzafaces.blogspot.com/ ( a fab makeup artist) for inspiring me to start my own blog.

I look forward to my Second First real post. LOL. Hopefully, should be a bit better.

Wish me luck.

Till then, stay Fab