Celebrate!

Aidha Cader discusses the cause for celebrations and more

Annualized Celebrations
ICE Today is celebrating eleven years in this issue. As we begin our commemoration we look into our urge to celebrate events annually. The celebration of a corporate anniversary from a brand perspective makes a tangible impact. It highlights the staying power of business, and reminds all those associated with the company its dominance. The idea of a ‘corporate anniversary’ also has to do with employee morale. Indeed, a sense of togetherness is important to businesses of all sizes.Birthdays, Anniversaries, New Year along with countless other celebrations often works towards bringing people together. When people come together to celebrate they do so in a way that ignores prejudices. Coming together as a collective to remember, celebrate, and support one another is the goal behind any celebration. Even in ancient times, celebrations were used to bring people together. The Ancient Greeks had the Olympics, which helped promote peace among warring countries and states. During the Olympic Games, the Greeks allowed safe passage to all those participating or observing the games. Our need to discover escapism also drives us to find celebration in many events. We celebrate many different events, and all such celebrations bring people together in peace, harmony, and unity. Such moments of celebration often help us forget the troubles we face and allow us to be happy for the moment.

Tips on Hajj
 If possible pay all outstanding debts before the journey.

• Determine the dates of Hajj in the Gregorian calendar and make necessary for your arrangements, children, home, and work.
• Check when menstrual cycle dates are and plan accordingly.
• Make the booking with a reputed travel agent.
• Ensure that you have confirmed the booking in and out of Saudi Arabia and that you’re not on waitlist.
• Make sure passport expiry date is at least six months after your return date and have sufficient blank pages. Keep copies of your passport and extra passport size photographs.
• When returning, avoid excess baggage. Most airlines will allow up to 30 kg. Direct flights out of Jeddah will allow you to take 5 litres of zam zam water however, if you have transit ticket this may not be the case.
• In Mina, fire proof tent facilities are available but don’t be surprised if your tent for thirty pilgrims is cramped with three hundred pilgrims, as this may be the case.
• Toilet facilities are not the best in Mina but try to stay focused on your intention to perform Hajj.
• Your stay in Muzdalifa will certainly make you reevaluate your complaints from before. You will be camped on the side of the road with no toilet facilities.
• Accommodation, transport, food are problems that can cause many disputes as agents make untrue promises. Be mindful not to lose your cool.
• Even though you are staying at a five star hotel in Mecca, paying 10 star prices most accommodation is geared to be functional and not fashionable.
• Be prepared to walk, take track shoes for the walk from Mina to Mecca, after the stone throwing ritual, as waiting for the transport may take longer.
• Make peace with those who you may have disputes with, before leaving.
• Cope with the crowd.
• Take basic medicines such as, antibiotics, Paracetamol, diarrhoea tablets, plasters and so forth.
• Keep packs of tissues, washing powder, scissors, shoe bags to put your footwear in when entering the mosque, stone bags, etc.
• Cleanliness is very important. Don’t spit or throw litter in the street. Keep a business card of your hotel with you at all times.

Maintain a positive attitude and be patient.

Is it OK to brag about the charity you do?
Unless you have been living under a rock, you must know about the ALS Ice Bucket challenge which has created an unprecedented response. From the awareness of a much unheard illness to the record breaking donations it received, this has been viewed as a game changer. However, like all things it is not without its share of critics. There are those who ask ‘does one need to be challenged to give charity, or does one need to brag about it on social media?’ and so forth. This has prompted spin off’s such as the rubble bucket challenge and the rice bucket challenge. However, these did not become a social phenomena as the Ice Bucket did. These charities were dealing with hunger, poverty and the consequence of war. There are many people who support such charities without the need to have pictures of them giving a bag of rice to the poor, posted all over social media. It’s important to remember that giving for the sake of giving without recognition is the best method. However, raising awareness of a problem is also considered a charity even if you don’t personally contribute. As we approach this holy month of Dhul Hijjah remember to give generously. Be it privately, openly or challenged, be true with your intentions.

Getting creative with eggshells

• Toss it into your compost pit as eggshells quickly decompose and add valuable calcium to the soil.
• Scatter crushed shells around your plants and flowers to help deter plant-eating slugs, snails, and other pest.
• Mix crushed eggshells with soap when cleaning pots and pan as a non toxic abrasive.
• Pieces of painted egg shells can be turned into mosaic art.
• Fill eggshells with jelly or chocolate to make unique egg-shaped treats. Peel away the shell mold before serving.
• The membrane inside the eggshell can be used as a home remedy for cuts and treating ingrown toenails.
• Fill eggshell halves with potting soil to plant seedlings as a the gardening option.
• Dissolve an eggshell in a small jar of apple cider vinegar and use the calcium-rich mixture to treat minor skin irritations and itches.
• Pulverize dried egg shells with a mortar and pestle, and combine the powder with an egg white to use as a skin-tightening face mask. Allow it to dry before rinsing it off.