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Introduction: The Art of Afghan Street Food

Afghanistan is known for its rich culinary culture that has been influenced by the country’s varied geography and historical background. Afghan street food is a popular way of experiencing the country’s cuisine and culture, and it is a must-try for any foodie visiting Afghanistan. The streets of Kabul are lined with vendors selling delicious snacks and traditional dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Afghan street food is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a reflection of the country’s culture and hospitality. Sharing food is an integral part of Afghan culture, and street food is a great way to connect with locals and experience their way of life. So, if you are planning to visit Afghanistan, make sure to try the street food and take some recipes home with you.

What Makes Afghan Street Food So Unique?

Afghan street food stands out for its unique blend of flavors and a wide range of ingredients used in its dishes. The use of spices and herbs is integral to Afghan cooking, which gives the food its distinct aroma and flavor. The food is also heavily influenced by the country’s geography, with dishes featuring ingredients such as lamb, chicken, and vegetables that are locally grown.

One of the most distinct features of Afghan street food is its preparation method. Many dishes are cooked over open flames or in traditional clay ovens, which gives the food a smoky and rustic flavor. The use of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques ensures that the food is healthy and full of flavor.

The Best Afghan Street Food Souvenirs to Take Home

If you are a food lover, taking home some Afghan street food souvenirs is a great way to relive your culinary memories. Some popular street food souvenirs include spice blends, dried fruits, and nuts. However, if you are looking to take home some traditional Afghan dishes, consider buying a spice kit or a recipe book.

Spice kits contain a variety of spices and herbs used in Afghan cooking, such as coriander, cumin, and cardamom. These kits are a great way to recreate your favorite Afghan dishes at home. Recipe books, on the other hand, provide step-by-step instructions for preparing traditional Afghan dishes. These books are a great way to learn about Afghan cuisine and culture.

Delightful Afghan Recipes for Your Culinary Memories

If you want to recreate the taste of Afghan street food at home, here are some delightful Afghan recipes that you can try:

Kabuli Pulao: A Flavorful Rice Dish from Afghanistan

Kabuli Pulao is a popular Afghan rice dish that is flavored with spices, raisins, and carrots. The dish is typically served with lamb or chicken and is a staple in Afghan cuisine. To prepare Kabuli Pulao, you will need ingredients such as basmati rice, lamb or chicken, onions, carrots, and raisins.

Bolani: Stuffed Flatbread with a Savory Twist

Bolani is a traditional Afghan flatbread that is stuffed with potatoes, onions, and herbs. The bread is then fried until crispy and is often served with yogurt dip. To prepare Bolani, you will need ingredients such as flour, potatoes, onions, cilantro, and green onions.

Aushak: The Afghan Dumplings with a Tangy Twist

Aushak is a popular Afghan dumpling dish that is filled with spiced ground beef and served with a tangy tomato and mint sauce. The dumplings are typically made with a combination of wheat flour and eggs and are boiled until tender. To prepare Aushak, you will need ingredients such as ground beef, scallions, garlic, tomatoes, and mint.

Mantu: The Stuffed Steamed Dumplings that You Will Love

Mantu is another popular Afghan dumpling dish that is filled with spiced ground beef and onions and steamed until tender. The dumplings are often served with a yogurt sauce and are a favorite among locals. To prepare Mantu, you will need ingredients such as ground beef, onions, garlic, and yogurt.

In conclusion, Afghan street food is a great way to experience the country’s culture and cuisine. By taking home some street food souvenirs and trying out traditional Afghan recipes, you can recreate the taste of Afghanistan in your own kitchen. So, whether you are a foodie or a traveler, make sure to try out some of these delightful Afghan dishes and take a piece of Afghan culture home with you.

Should you not carry your driver’s license with you when driving in order to avoid being checked? This statement by a lawyer causes astonishment.

Curious statement: why a lawyer advises leaving your driver’s license at home

Lawyer Christian Klages uploaded a clip to TikTok in which he says that you should never carry your driver’s license with you, even if it’s actually mandatory. In case of doubt, however, it is better to pay a fine. If you have your driver’s license with you, this can lead to annoying consequences.

If you do not have your driving license with you, it cannot be confiscated. The video by Christian Klages is based on this thesis. This case is supposed to happen much more often than one would think. In particular, the arbitrary confiscation.

What’s behind it?

According to the TikTok lawyer, the police are said to often confiscate driver’s licenses due to unfounded suspicion and on an arbitrary basis. According to Klages, even tired eyes can be enough evidence for the police that you have consumed alcohol or drugs. This initial suspicion should be enough to confiscate the driver’s license.

This one is gone for now. If the tired appearance is even combined with “conspicuous” driving behavior or incorrect blinking, this can have far-reaching consequences. A blood test is requested and the innocence then has to be proven first. However, the results from the laboratory can sometimes take up to three months.

What happens if the driver’s license is confiscated?

During this period, the driver’s license remains with the police. If you are dependent on the car, it is particularly bitter. Although you are not guilty of anything, you face a number of problems.

From this, the lawyer draws the conclusion that it is better to pay a 10-euro fine for not carrying your driver’s license than to run the risk of your driver’s license being confiscated. This statement has caused heated debates and a lot of discussion material.

“Home Office”, “Remote” or “Mobile Office”: In an interview, a lawyer explains what the terms mean and whether they even exist under labor law.

Important for applicants: What is the difference between home office, remote and mobile office?

The terms ‘home office’ and ‘mobile work’ or ‘mobile office’ are often used synonymously, as lawyer Christian Solmecke explains: “But the legislature knows neither one nor the other, only so-called ‘telework’.” “Remote” also has no employment law meaning.

“According to the Workplace Ordinance, ‘telework’ means computer workstations set up and equipped by the employer in the employee’s home,” says Solmecke. This is based on a corresponding contractual agreement in which the details are regulated. However, general usage also allows for non-regulated forms of working outside the company.

“Accordingly, ‘home office’ means the possibility of doing the work in one’s own apartment,” explains the lawyer. Mobile working is also part of the non-regulated special form of work. “However, unlike the ‘home office’, the spatial dimension is missing.” Mobile working is characterized solely by the provision of work outside of the company at changing work locations. “This can also include your own apartment, but also traveling by train or staying in a hotel,” says Solmecke.

Home Office: What does that mean in terms of labor law?

Christian Solmecke sees the same legal requirements for all formulations. However, there is a distinction, for example with regard to the scope and reach of the employer’s obligations under labor law. “If there is a so-called teleworkplace, the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Ordinance must be observed. If, on the other hand, there is home office in the actual sense or mobile work, the Workplace Ordinance does not apply,” explains the lawyer.

However, occupational safety measures must still be observed. Because the insurance protection applies when working at home or on the go as well as in the company. “As long as someone is doing an activity that serves the company and suffers an accident, they enjoy statutory accident protection,” says Solmecke. However, it must be determined in each individual case whether the accident happened during a business or private activity. The lawyer advises every company that offers home office to define binding framework conditions, whether in a company agreement or through individual agreements.

“Home Office”, “Remote” and “Mobile Office” are not labor law terms and do not differ significantly. Legislative requirements are blurred. If a company wants to be really legal, it should offer telecommuting. However, the regulations must then be strictly observed.

It doesn’t have to be chemicals: how to remove mildew stains yourself with inexpensive home remedies.

The difference between mildew and mildew

Is the dark spot behind the cupboard mold or mold stains? Mold stains and mildew look very similar at first glance, as both are visible as brownish to yellowish or greyish discolorations on the wall, they also have a musty and musty smell. On closer inspection, however, a difference becomes clear, since most mushrooms consist of what is known as mycelium. This, in turn, is made up of filamentous cells, as evidenced by thin, coherent, and puffy filaments that continue to spread out. In contrast, mold stains do not form any visible threads, although mold is also active here. Due to a higher pressure, these show a different growth, but mold stains can form from the mildew stains over time.

Mold stains are just as harmful as mold, and not just for allergy sufferers. Irritation of the mucous membranes, sleep disturbances and lack of concentration can often be the result of mold stains. Mildew stain fungal spores can fly in the air, but will not stick to a surface. As soon as so-called mycotoxins (= metabolites) from mold stains get into the respiratory tract, this can even lead to allergies, gastrointestinal complaints and a weakening of the immune system. In return, mold stains do not cause any structural damage or optical discolouration. If such dark spots appear, it can usually

Mold and mildew mostly develop when there is insufficient ventilation and too much humidity. All factors, such as drying clothes, hot baths, cooking, but also inadequately sealed walls, leaks or holes in pipes contribute to an increase in humidity. Condensation forms, which settles on surfaces and walls, since the air can no longer fully absorb the moisture. Damp, cold and uninsulated walls in particular are the ideal breeding ground for mold stains and dangerous mould. Forced airing ensures sufficient ventilation, a hygrometer helps to determine the humidity level in the air. As soon as mold stains become visible, the cause must be sought, because in many cases mold is a side effect of the discoloration. At best, these should be removed by a specialist, because mold spores can cause significant health problems, ranging from respiratory problems to lung and heart diseases or even burnout. Furthermore, an already widespread mold infestation results in considerable additional costs, which can often lead to lengthy differences in tenancies.

Home remedies for stains

The yellowish to brownish discoloration is not only found on walls and wallpaper, mold stains can also form on wood, paper, textiles or plastic. In the case of mold, professional removal is usually essential, but mold stains can often be removed yourself with the help of household remedies or special cleaners.

However, some protective measures should also be taken here when removing mildew stains. Rubber gloves, a respirator mask and suitable safety goggles are important. Furthermore, the infested stains should not be vacuumed off or swept away, as the fungal spores can easily detach in this way. The inhalation of mold spores should also be avoided by adequate ventilation. Direct skin contact with the home remedies should be avoided due to the sometimes caustic effect. After the stains have been removed, all sponges and cloths used, as well as masks and gloves, should be thrown in the garbage immediately, ideally in the garbage can outside the apartment. Clothing should also be changed, and a shower is advisable to avoid spreading more fungal spores in the area. Other items can be cleaned and disinfected.

Mold stains can be removed from numerous objects, but can only be concealed from some, such as books. Here they appear relatively frequently, often not only on the cover, but also on the pages of the book. When pressed together leaves in a book have soaked up moisture from the environment, they provide a perfect habitat for mold stains. The exclusion of air often causes moisture damage, which can only be concealed by dusting the affected areas with starch. The flour should remain in place for some time so that it sticks to the damp stains and lightens the damaged side at least a little.

Infestation of walls, textiles and wood

Already in earlier times there were stains and mold growth. To this day, some very useful home remedies that have been used since grandmother’s time to effectively remove mildew and mold have proven their worth.

wall and wallpaper
Mold stains can be removed quite easily from walls. If woodchip wallpaper is infested and is not to be changed, glass cleaner can be sprayed onto the stain. After an exposure time of five minutes, you can spray again and then rub the wall clean with a microfiber cloth. However, if the mold stains are deeper in the wallpaper, it usually cannot be saved. Woodchip wallpaper, which you can paint yourself, can still be used to a limited extent after the stains have been removed, but printed wallpaper should be replaced.

If stains are to be removed from the wall itself, you need vinegar or spirit. To do this, one of the two agents is simply placed in a small bowl, mixed with water and a clean cotton cloth immersed in it. The mold stains are then dabbed off with the cloth until they can no longer be seen. Another home remedy is a mixture of 50 grams of baking soda, 50 grams of citric acid and 150 millimeters of water. The solution is applied with a clean cleaning cloth and after half an hour it is wiped off with a lye mixture of water and washing powder. Finally, everything should be wiped off with .

On clean plaster, commercially available chlorine cleaners are suitable for removing stubborn mold stains. Mold stains on the wall are usually caused by moisture. If there is furniture in front of the infested area, move it a little further away from the wall to allow for better air circulation.

textiles and clothing
Mold stains not only appear on walls, but can also be found on textiles. These unwelcome yellow to brownish stains occur, among other things, when laundry has not been completely dried and placed in the closet. The unsightly mold stains on textiles can also be harmful to health. However, mildew stains can also be removed from clothing with simple household remedies. First of all, textiles that tolerate high temperatures can be washed at 60 degrees. In the best case, light stains have disappeared afterwards. Another inexpensive home remedy for fabric stains is buttermilk. For this purpose, the affected pieces of fabric should be placed in buttermilk for one to two days and can then be washed as usual. Vinegar not only helps with mold stains on the wall, but also on clothing and fabrics. The discolored pieces should be soaked in vinegar for one to two hours and then washed normally. Another way to counteract stains on textiles is alcohol. For this purpose, the areas with the mold stains should be soaked in it and then washed. Smaller stains can be treated with baking soda, for this purpose the areas must be moistened and rubbed with the baking soda. After the powder has dried, it can be removed with a brush. Alternatively, baking soda or baking soda can be used to combat mold stains. Another method is a mixture of water and denture cleaner, in which the laundry can be soaked. This inexpensive and at the same time effective cleaning agent has also proven itself in the area of ​​discolored porcelain and is suitable as an alternative to baking powder. The same applies to other textiles such as seat cushion covers or blankets. In the worst case, chlorine cleaners or bleach may also be necessary for white and robust fabrics. In order to avoid mildew stains from the outset, laundry should not be left wet for too long and should not be sorted when it is damp.

wood
In the event of discoloration of wood, action must be taken quickly. Mold stains caused by water damage appear on wood in the form of gray to black or brownish discolouration, which can also be yellowish depending on the type of wood. To remove stains from varnished wood, the wood must first be cleaned with water. It should be well dry before washing the wood with a 1:1 solution of detergent and water using a brush. The wood surface will then dry and the stains should be gone. However, if these cannot be removed, vinegar can also be applied to the affected areas and allowed to act for around an hour. Finally, the area should be cleaned with water and a sponge.

If it is too late and mold has already developed from the mold stains, you must act immediately. Black mold massively damages the wood substance, it can even completely decompose it within a very short time. In addition to the health consequences, there may be other risks if the wooden components are stable or load-bearing. If the staining is light, superficial, the wood can be treated with a mixture of chlorine cleaner, vinegar essence and pure alcohol. In the case of deeper and larger infestations, a suitable fungicide from a specialist store should be used to prevent complete destruction of the wood. If stains are still visible after treatment with the cleaning agent, the mold has already penetrated deeper into the wood. The stains must be removed mechanically, which requires sanding the wood. In the case of deeper infestations, a planer can even be used in addition to the grinder. The stains must be thoroughly removed and the clean surface rubbed again with vinegar essence. After the treatment, the wood must be dried thoroughly.

Since black mold is harmful to health, care must be taken to protect yourself when removing mildew and mildew. In addition to suitable respiratory protection, work should be done outdoors if possible.

In order to avoid mildew stains on wood, wooden surfaces should be aired regularly and dried completely. Dirt must also be removed promptly. Wooden parts that are exposed to permanent weathering are more susceptible to mildew and mold growth, which is why storing garden furniture is recommended, especially in winter. Regular care of the wood and preventive mold protection are definitely recommended. Even before buying, you should pay attention to a suitable type of wood, for example hardwoods and pine species are considered to be more resistant to discoloration.

Infestation of joints, mattresses and prams

silicone joints
Even if the elastic and hard-wearing silicone is often used in homes, it is exposed to daily stress there and becomes porous over time. Even if it is considered relatively resistant to fungal attack, harmful mold can form again and again, which should be eliminated soon, especially here. Since moisture is always a perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold growth, rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms and sanitary areas, are particularly affected by mold and need more frequent checks. Long-lasting moisture in combination with heat and condensation can not only cause mold to form on the windows, but also dirt often occurs on the seals and the water gets caught in the joints when it drains, which in turn promotes mold growth.

Basically, you should try to keep these areas as dry as possible. However, mold cannot always be completely removed from silicone joints. First, all gaps should be cleaned of dirt. A grout brush or toothbrush can be used to reach hard-to-reach areas. Then a mushy mixture of water and baking powder can be applied to the joints and worked in. The joint should not be damaged and the baking powder mixture should not dry out. Leave it on for an hour and then rinse off with clear water.

mattress
Unsightly and unhealthy mold stains can also form on mattresses. Reasons for mildew stains on mattresses can be a missing slatted frame, if the mattress is lying directly on the floor, moisture and moisture can accumulate. Air circulation through a slatted frame would be better. When buying a mattress, you should also pay attention to a certain level of breathability in order to rule out unfavorable ventilation and damage to health. Above all, allergy sufferers should prefer a high-quality mattress, as they can be particularly sensitive to pollen. Cold foam mattresses or gel mattresses are particularly suitable for preventing the formation of mold, a breathable cover for pillows and duvets, and regular ventilation and changing of the bed linen is also recommended. Mattress covers or bed underlays that rest on wider slats should also be adequately aired, since excessive pressure can contribute to the formation of mildew stains.

As soon as mold stains become visible on a mattress, you should act quickly, as mold can form as a result of the moisture. There are several home remedies for this: on the one hand, a solution of buttermilk can be applied to the affected areas, and direct sunlight is also often recommended as a home remedy for mold stains. However, if the mold has spread to the entire cover, the mattress must be disposed of. If the affected area is relatively small, a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water can be applied to the mildew stain. This should act on the cover for 15 minutes and then be washed in the washing machine without rinsing. White laundry and a white cover can also be washed with a bleach containing chlorine.

stroller
Clothing and textiles are not the only things that can start to mold and develop mildew due to moisture. Everyday objects in particular, which are often used in all weathers, have an increased risk of infestation. If the yellow-greenish or brownish-grey spots form on the stroller, caution is advised. There is already a health risk here. However, you don’t have to throw the car away just yet. If you don’t want to resort to a chemical solution based on chlorine bleach right away, you can use simple household remedies to counteract the unpleasant discolouration.

To do this, vinegar essence and water must be mixed in a 1:1 ratio. Instead of the vinegar-water mixture, you can also use undiluted, high-proof alcohol, such as denatured alcohol or isopropanol. Then the respective solution is applied and then the corresponding area is covered with a cloth for at least 60 minutes. To prevent the vinegar essence or alcohol from evaporating, the area can also be covered with foil. Then wash off with clear water and repeat the process until the mold stains have been completely removed. Air out the pram well and let it dry completely. Another home remedy for getting rid of mildew stains on more sensitive areas of less robust fabrics is a paste made from baking soda or baking soda and water. This is applied to the affected area with a sponge or brush and then brushed off with clear water. Here, too, the cleaning process should be repeated until the stains have been removed and the stroller allowed to dry out completely. Washable items should also be cleaned in the washing machine. Stubborn stains can also be removed with an organic mildew remover.

In order to prevent mold from forming in the first place, the stroller should be completely dry, especially after rain. For this purpose, individual parts can be removed and dried separately. Storage in a damp condition should also be avoided. For a longer storage period, attention should be paid to a cool and dry storage location with low humidity.

A power failure in the house is always annoying. A quick look into the fuse box helps to find a solution. Did the fuse just blow or is the problem somewhere else?

Power failure can have many reasons

There can be many reasons for a power failure in the house. It is best to try to find out the causes step by step after the process of elimination. In the event of a severe storm, for example, a lightning strike, e.g. in a substation, can be responsible for leaving several households without electricity. So if you look out the window and everything is dark (in the evening), you probably won’t be alone with the power failure.

What is an RCD?

You may have heard the term “RCD” before. Colloquially, it is the designation for the residual current circuit breaker, which has been mandatory since February 1, 2009. Retrofitting does not necessarily have to be carried out in old buildings if the installation complied with the safety regulations of the time. However, if you significantly change or modernize such older electrical installations in an old building, retrofitting with residual current circuit breakers becomes a must. RCDs can therefore be found in newer houses or apartments in every electrical box. The “F” stands for error and the “I” corresponds to the formula symbol for current.

The FI switch breaks the circuit in the entire house as soon as an irregularity occurs in the mains. In a fraction of a second, the FI switch then switches off the current flow in the entire area. In order to be able to detect the irregularity, the current flowing in and out of the switch is continuously measured. Without a difference, the measured value is zero. However, if either more current flowing away or more current flowing in is measured, a difference arises, the RCD is triggered and the current flow is stopped.

If you can’t just turn the RCD that jumped out back on and it jumps right back, you should work through the cause of the error step-by-step.

How to deal with a power outage

First, turn off all fuses. They protect the power lines from overloading, for example, and switch off to prevent damage. If the electrician did a good job, you should be able to find a list on the inside of the electrical box door that shows the fuse assignments. Now try turning the RCD back on. If it flies out again immediately, you have to unplug all devices in the entire house or apartment from the power supply. If you still can’t turn the GFCI back on after this, you probably have a more complicated issue. Then it is advisable to call in an electrician you trust.

However, if the RCD turns on again after you’ve turned off all the fuses, you can just turn them on again one at a time. As soon as the FI switch flies out again, you have initially found the faulty circuit. In the kitchen, for example, this could be the fuses for the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and sockets.

The next thing you have to do is find the device that is causing the fuse to turn off. Disconnect the devices in the faulty area (e.g. in the kitchen) from the circuit by simply pulling out all the plugs. Switch the RCD on again and gradually reconnect the devices to the mains. As soon as the FI switch switches off again, you have found the source of the power failure. If in doubt, the device or the socket is defective and must either be repaired or replaced.

When does the insurance pay?

A power failure can cause major damage in the house or apartment. Food can spoil, electrical devices such as televisions, PCs or laptops can break. Who is responsible for the damage in such a case? Basically, the polluter pays principle applies. The network operator is liable for damage caused by mains overvoltages in the event of a power failure. That’s what the Federal Court of Justice decided. In order to receive compensation, you must:
prove the direct connection between power failure and damage,
inform the network operator immediately (he is liable, not your electricity provider!),
document the damage with photos and, if necessary, name witnesses.
However, if the power failure was caused by force majeure, such as a lightning strike, the network operator is not liable. Whether your household contents insurance covers damage caused by a power failure, for example caused by defective appliances or sockets, depends on the contract. In the basic protection, a power failure does not usually represent an insured risk. However, this can be included in the insurance cover for a surcharge with many insurance companies.

Crawling silverfish in the kitchen or bathroom: many people are disgusted by this sight. The creepy crawlies dart around quickly and are hard to catch. However, you can get rid of the animals with the help of a few home remedies.

Silverfish love kitchens, bathrooms or basements

In contrast to their tropical and subtropical relatives, Central European silverfish live exclusively in human dwellings. You can usually find them in the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, laundry room or in the basement, because they love high humidity and warmth. The animals also prefer room temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees. The silverfish are nocturnal and hide in dark cracks, joints, crevices and holes during the day. This can be, for example, in wallpaper, floors, baseboards and skirting boards.

In the dark, the silverfish go in search of food in the apartment. Diet consists primarily of carbohydrates, such as hair, dander, dust mites, flour, cereals, baked goods, starchy glue or wallpaper paste, cotton, linen, silk, mold, paper and synthetic fibers, dead insects, and sugar. Silverfish are also able to go several months without food. Earwigs and spiders are known to be natural predators of silverfish. If the conditions in your apartment are right, the silverfish multiply rapidly. In dry and cold conditions, no propagation can take place.

Silverfish become sexually mature at around one year old and can live up to eight years if living conditions are favourable. Silverfish have probably been inhabiting the earth for 300 million years and are among the oldest animal species. Solitary silverfish can even be seen as beneficial in your home, as they eat allergy-causing dust mites and mold. Silverfish do not pose a threat to human health. It has not yet been proven that they transmit diseases. For these reasons, individual animals do not have to be fought. However, if silverfish appear in large numbers, this can be an indication of a mold problem in your home.

Silverfish can be a sign of mold in the home

If there is a suspicion that the humidity in the apartment is too high, you will see this in the silverfish population. If you notice that there are a lot of silverfish in your kitchen, bathroom or basement, it makes sense to consult a mold expert.

If you want to prevent a silverfish infestation, it helps to ventilate the room regularly and provide additional heat in damp rooms. The hiding places that the animals use during the day can be sealed off, for example. If this is not possible, daily, thorough vacuuming of the hiding places will help. If you suspect silverfish in the bathroom or toilet, you can scald the drains in the sinks and tubs with hot water and close the drains overnight. If you find the silverfish in the basement, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to accept earwigs and spiders that might also be there. The silverfish are namely on their menu.

There are also some home remedies for silverfish that can help you get rid of them. For example, the little animals do not like the scent of lavender and lemon at all. Lavender oil or a few squirts of lemon in the mop water are guaranteed to help get rid of the silverfish. Honey is also great for removing the pests from the home. Spread it on a piece of cardboard and throw away the glued silverfish along with the cardboard the next day. After a few repetitions, you gradually bring them out of the apartment. The potato trick works well too. To do this, place a hollowed-out potato on foil. If the animals eat into the potato during the night, you can wrap it in foil the next morning and dispose of it. A slightly harder method is baking powder mixed with sugar. After eating, the belly of the silverfish bursts and they die. Sticky traps* are not exactly animal-friendly either, but they serve their purpose. The animals stick to the trap overnight, which attracts them with a special scent and you can dispose of them together with the trap.

Get rid of silverfish – if necessary with chemical weapons

If you have some sympathy for the silverfish but still want to get rid of them, the best way to do this is with a glass trap. Ideally, you should use a large glass, such as a pickle jar, that is wrapped with crepe on the outside. This makes it easier for the animals to get in. There should be an attractant for the silverfish in the jar. For example cookies or oatmeal. The animals crawl into the jar overnight but can no longer escape because the inside of the jar, which is not covered with crepe, is too smooth. The next day you can release them outside of your home and they can go on living.

If nothing helps and you can’t get rid of the silverfish, you can opt for chemical weapons. There are very good sprays* that help against vermin*, including silverfish. Caution: Here, however, all instructions for use and warnings should be read, observed and then implemented before use. In order to protect pets and roommates, it is worth using a special silverfish trap* that does not use any chemicals at all. With bait boxes*, it is also advisable to follow the manufacturer’s specifications exactly. As a last resort, if nothing else helps, a so-called fogger could be used. A fogger fogs bugs out of the smallest cracks, but it should only be used with extreme caution.

It may be worth getting the professional advice of an exterminator. The professional recognizes the possible causes of the infestation and can act quickly and purposefully so that the silverfish infestation is not spread and a renewed, delayed outbreak of the population can be prevented.

When it’s really hot outside, we sweat a lot – often an uncomfortable situation. So what helps to stay dry in the heat?

1. Chamomile for sweaty hands

If you suffer from sweaty hands, you should try a chamomile bath.
Add a few drops of tincture to warm water daily and soak your hands in it for a few minutes. This should help you get sweaty palms under control.

2. Lemons for sweating

If you don’t have any deodorant at home or don’t want to use one – for example because of the carcinogenic aluminum in the deodorant – you can get by in other ways. Citric acid acts as a natural deodorant, making it a great home remedy for sweating. It helps to inhibit sweat production and mask the unpleasant smell.

You can either rub the armpits with half a lemon or mix the juice with water and rub it into the problem areas. After about 20 to 30 minutes, however, the juice should be washed off. Repeat this application once a day. Alternatively, baking soda can be used as it has a similar antiperspirant effect.

3. Apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for sweat odor

Apple cider vinegar is another option against sweating. Because: The astringent properties of apple cider vinegar bring the pH value of the skin back into balance and fight the bacteria that cause sweat odour.

Before going to bed, apply the apple cider vinegar to the areas where you sweat the most. It is best to use a cotton pad or something similar for this purpose. Leave the vinegar on overnight, then wash it off the next day.

4. Centaury against unpleasant smell

Another home remedy for sweating is centaury. This plant helps especially against the unpleasant smell of sweat.
The herb is best used in the form of a daily infusion, sipping about a cup of it throughout the day.

5. Sage for night sweats

Sage can help with night sweats. Pour 500 millimeters of hot water over four teaspoons of dried sage leaves daily and leave to steep for about ten minutes. Two cups of this daily should reduce night sweats.

Alternatively, the affected parts of the body can also be cleaned with sage. All you have to do is bring a teaspoon of the leaves to a boil with two cups of water, then let it cool down a bit and rub the parts of your body with the solution. And three times a day for several days.

6. Wheatgrass as a detox

Another home remedy is wheatgrass. This can be used as a detoxification cure. Because it helps flush out all the acids and toxins from the body that are the cause of sweating and the odors that come with it.

In addition, the vitamin B contained in it helps against frequent and heavy sweating by supporting the body’s natural temperature regulation system. One to two glasses of wheatgrass juice a day is sufficient for this.

If all else fails:

If you still sweat excessively for no apparent reason and none of the home remedies give you relief, then it is advisable to see a doctor to be on the safe side to find the exact cause. In some cases, hyperhidrosis is diagnosed, i.e. abnormal sweating.

The ball beetle is a household pest that should not be underestimated. But what does it look like and what damage can vermin actually do in your home? What you should know about the bug and how to get rid of it.

Why are they so dangerous?

In themselves, the beetles are not directly dangerous or poisonous for us humans, but they indirectly damage our health. Since bullet beetles are omnivores, they stop at almost nothing: they eat wool, fabrics, fillings, grain, but also dead insects, animal and plant remains.

Once they have established themselves, they can spread quickly and besiege entire houses. The females produce clutches of up to 200 eggs, which is one reason for the rapid reproduction.

The beetles can infest half-timbered houses or apartments in old buildings, as these represent the ideal conditions for them.

As a result, they gradually eat their way through the building fabric and over time make living in it difficult or even unreasonable. Since the animals are very hardy and undemanding, it is incredibly difficult to drive them away at an early stage.

It becomes particularly problematic when the ball beetle also infests foods such as flour, spices or oatmeal. They contaminate food with their droppings, pupae and larvae skins

You can do that against the bugs

If you have a ball beetle infestation, you should definitely take the following measures:
Check your supplies regularly: the beetles will eat and burrow through packaging. Make sure the food is well sealed and see if you can spot any holes or debris from the faeces or larvae. Dispose of this packaging immediately.
Use masking tape: This is a great way to check if you actually have bullet bugs in your house. For example, put double-sided tape on the floor so the bugs stick to the tape.
Oatmeal and Newspaper: Set up small traps out of oatmeal and wet newspaper. The animals love the moisture and will congregate there. Therefore, use adhesive tape here as well, which you stick around your trap.
Prevent: Clean regularly, ventilate well and avoid moisture in the house. Also, make sure you regularly check your supplies and wardrobe. Always clean thoroughly and keep everything closed and dry.

However, if the bullet beetles have nested in you for several months or longer, you should definitely contact an exterminator for professional help. This is the only way you can safely rid your house or storage room of the bugs.

The term flour is derived from the Old High German Melo and belongs to the same word family as grinding. Today, flour generally refers to the powder that results from grinding cereal grains. It can be obtained from many different grains or even other foods such as potatoes or seeds.

Flour – an all-rounder

In this country, the term is primarily used to describe types of flour made from grain, the most common types being wheat, spelled, and rye flour. These varieties are divided into different quality levels, which are identified by numbers.

  1. Wheat flour type 405: very light flour with good baking properties, mild taste
  2. Rye flour type 1370: darker flour, suitable for rye slices of bread
  3. Wholegrain flour does not have a number but is marked as such.

The higher the number, the less processed the flour is and the more vitamins and minerals it contains.

Tips and home remedies

Whole wheat flour is the best choice for a healthy diet. Due to its complex carbohydrates, this serves as the basic component of a high-fiber whole food diet. Examples:

Be careful when there is a lot of flour dust in the air: this “mixture” is very flammable, so open fire should be avoided.

Effect and use in the household

Flour is an important ingredient in many pasta products, even serving as a base for bakers to calculate the amounts of other ingredients. Flour binds liquid and gives the dough its firmer consistency.

  • The individual types of flour are used for different baked goods. Wheat flour is well suited for sweet pastries and cakes, while slightly savory rye flour is often the basis for bread dough. In addition, the white powder is very suitable for binding sauces.
  • For a so-called roux, fat is heated and flour is added, then the mixture is deglazed with water or broth and boiled.

We will tell you all the information and tips you need to know about margarine. Because this healthy alternative has become indispensable in the household. You probably use them every day.

In most families, margarine is needed primarily as a spread or for baking. She is also healthy. Because this consists mainly of vegetable oils and fats.

How healthy is margarine?

You will find lots of information and tips on margarine. But which ones are correct? We’ll tell you. This is an industrially produced fat spread. It serves as a substitute for butter and lard. It consists of water, sour whey, emulsifiers, natural aromas, and vitamins A, D, and E. Vitamins are particularly useful in combating spring tiredness. In addition, the fat content of these is usually eighty percent, reduced-fat specimens correspondingly less, around forty percent.

Margarine is a good alternative

The margarine in the Stiftung Warentest performs well. From a nutritional point of view, this is made from vegetable oils and is, therefore, healthier than butter. In the test, a total of ten margarine products performed better than butter. As a result, they contain fewer saturated fats and lots of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The testers were particularly impressed by the margarine with rapeseed, sunflower, and linseed oil. A disadvantage of the butter alternative is the palm fat it often contains. How healthy or unhealthy this is is a matter of controversy. What is certain, however, is that palm fat has been criticized for its sustainability. But not all types of margarine contain this fat.

1) Roast with full-fat margarine

Have you ever wondered which is better, butter or margarine? As is well known, this question is often a matter of taste. Since it can handle more heat, you can use the full-fat margarine for frying. But pay attention to their fat content. Because half-fat kinds of margarine with only forty percent fat are not suitable for frying. So if you want to do something for your health, even when roasting, you might pay more attention to the ingredients. If polyunsaturated fatty acids are on the menu, that’s very good. We also have instructions on how to fry a steak for you.

2) Cooking with healthy alternatives

You can also use this spread to refine sauces and soups. The taste of potatoes can also be enhanced with it. You can also use them for all kinds of vegetables. It doesn’t necessarily have to be vegetables stewed in butter. Because with the healthy butter alternative, your food tastes just as good and is definitely healthier. It is also suitable for vegetarian food without hesitation, as it does not contain any animal components. And in some cases, unlike butter, it’s vegan. But we also have tips for you on how to use butter.

3) Use baking margarine

There are different types of margarine. Baking margarine has special properties for baking. Because it has a smooth consistency for shortcrust pastry and is a tip for yeast dough. You can also whip them up and use them for the batter. If you want to make pastries out of puff pastry, use stretch margarine. Because their largely constant consistency is ideal.