When is the Best Time to Vacation in France?

March 26, 2019 by Leave a Comment

While France is a great country to visit at any time of the year you may wish to visit the country when the weather’s not too hot or too cold. Let’s take a look at each month of the year and what the weather is likely to doing.

January

If you are headed to the south of France you will find that the weather is much warmer in January than it is in other parts of the country. While January is France’s coldest month the temperatures in the daytime are likely to be around 6 to 8 degrees Celsius.

 

Make sure you take your waterproofs with you when you’re in France in January as there may be a lot of rain. However, the beaches are likely to be quite empty which is never a bad thing.

 

February

Temperatures tend to rise a little in February which means they can be as much as 9 degrees Celsius. There’s also a bit more sunshine this month too. You will still need some winter clothes, however, as it can get quite cold in the evening and during the night. Be prepared for a few heavy downpours as there are often a few showers in February.

 

March

 

The month of March is when the weather changes quite noticeably. At this time of the year, the temperature can reach as high as 12 degrees Celsius and there will be approximately 5 hours of sunshine each day. However, you may want to pack some warmer clothes as there will still be some wind and rain around.

 

April

 

When April comes around you will see the beginning of Spring arrive in France. Temperatures can be as high as 15 degrees Celsius although there will still be a few windy and rainy days. Make sure you pack a few waterproofs just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.

 

May

 

May is a far more pleasant month and you can expect to see temperatures reaching as high as 18 degrees Celsius. The wind tends to die down a little during the month of May and although it can get a little chilly from time to time you shouldn’t get too cold.

 

June

 

June brings with it temperatures that range anywhere between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. You may even see up to 8 hours of sunshine each day. While you may need to wear a light jacket in the evening you’ll find that you can wear those summer clothes you love during the month of June.

 

July – August

 

Between July and August, you should see temperatures reaching as high as 24 degrees Celsius. There is a lot less rain during these months, but it can get a little cool during the evenings so you may need to bring warmer clothing. Take a look at some Voyage Prive offers so you get a great deal on your time in France.

 

September

 

In Early September you should see temperatures reaching 25 degrees Celsius, however, at the end of the month, they can be as low as 21 degrees. You may need to bring some warmer clothing with you as the weather starts to change.

 

October

 

October brings with it cooler temperatures that can be as low as 11 degrees Celsius. You will also see much more rain during this month so you will need to pack your waterproofs.

 

November – December

 

If you travel to France in November – December you should expect the country to be cold, windy and wet. There is a lot less sunshine and you should see rain fairly often. You will need to pack your cold weather clothes if you come to France during these months.

 

You can now make a more informed decision about when you should visit France, helping you to get the most out of your holiday.

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4 Fun & Creative Ways to Eat Beef Jerky

March 26, 2019 by 2 Comments

To most people, jerky is just a grab and go snack, something you eat quickly without much thought of presentation, plating or any of the fancy stuff. But what if I told you that you could elevate humble beef jerky. What if I told you that you can turn it into an ingredient worthy of gourmet meal, or at least something a lot more thought that you could whip up on date night perhaps?

 

It’s time to forget everything you know about jerky and start seeing it in a different light, start seeing it as an ingredient with a lot of potential. It can bring some much needed flavor to a meal, add a little crunch or just take an otherwise normal meal to a higher level. So if you want to take your meals up a notch with an ingredient that you might have been underestimating, this blog will give you some ideas you can add to your recipe list.

 

In Salads

 

Let’s face it, when you’re trying to eat more greens, salad can get really boring, really quickly. This is why we add things like feta cheese and croutons to it. Jerky is also another addition you can make to your salad. You can grate it into the leafy greens to add some salty flavour. It will elevate a boring old salad into a five-star dish.

 

In Pasta

 

We put bacon in pasta and all sort of meat, so why not beef jerky too? You can cut it up into chunks and add it to your creamy pasta dish. It will give you a break from the standard pasta dishes you’re used to making every single day.

 

On Pizza

 

Now you don’t have to make the pizza to enjoy this little hack. Next time you order a pizza, whatever flavor you get, you can add a little more pizazz to it with some beef jerky. Sprinkle some chunks of jerky on your slices and even add a little extra cheese. Pizza night will be a whole lot more interesting, and next time you’re entertaining, you can just throw your secret ingredient on your regular pepperoni pizza.

 

As a Starter

A very popular starter is asparagus spears wrapped in bacon and grilled. Trade the asparagus for a stick of jerky, and instead of grilling the bacon with it, cook the bacon separately and then wrap it around the jerky. It’s a meaty starter that will definitely get people talking.

Before you look down on jerky as a snack for road trips, consider all the possibilities of this humble food. There are so many new combinations, dishes and treats you can come up with. From salads to pasta, there are so many ways to infuse jerky into your cooking and food prep, and introduce something new and fresh to your diet. Remember, jerky isn’t just tasty, if you buy the right kinds, it’s actually healthy. It’s also packed with protein, and many variations are low in fat. You can get it without any additives, in fact nitrate free jerky is a very popular snack you can easily find. The moral of the story is, don’t knock the jerky, it just might be the hero of your next meal!

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Cost Effective Home Makeover Tips You Should Know

March 26, 2019 by Leave a Comment

 

Doing a home makeover is not a big deal. What you need is an excellent plan which contains some creative and innovative tips. In fact, you don’t need a lot of money to have a home makeover. Here are ten cost effective home makeover tips which you should know;

 

Repaint

Repainting is the least inexpensive method to do a home makeover. When you repaint your home, it will definitely look more attractive and beautiful.

 

Don’t just paint your walls only. You should also repaint your shelves, cabinets and dressers. Also, make sure that you choose the correct color combination. As asserted by Country Living, it is wise to look out for the latest color and interior design trends.

 

Install Advanced Home Security Systems

 

You should have advanced home security systems. A reliable security system will keep you, your loved ones, and your property safe.  

 

There is a common myth which states that advanced home security systems are expensive. Worry not – you can find some affordable security systems if you deal with the right security companies.

 

Perhaps you already have a home security system. If so, you should scan it and see whether it is still functioning properly. If not, then you should replace it with a new one.

 

If you just have a simple security system, you can swap it with a more advanced one. If you own an advanced home security system, you will eliminate all possible attacks of burglars and thieves.

 

Install Beadboard Ceiling

 

Beadboard ceiling is cheap. What’s more – it is a great tool which you can use to totally revamp your home décor!

 

If you install beadboard ceiling, your house will look more attractive, sleek and elegant. What you need to do is to buy beadboard from a local hardware vendor, then install it yourself.

 

After buying the beadboard, you should measure and make it proportionate to the size of your house. Then you just fit it in. However, if this process looks to be difficult to you, you can hire a local handy man to do the fixing for you at a small fee.

 

Use Artisanal Homewares

 

You should always strive to purchase homewares which appear unique and attractive.  This will make your home to have a new look.

 

Avoid purchasing homewares from large store chains. Homewares from these chains are usually generic and expensive. However, you should take your time to look out for specific artisans who design homewares. Most artisanal homewares are cheap and attractive.

 

Have A Focal Point

 

One of the most cost effective ways to remodel your home is to create a focal point. A focal point should be the main center of attraction in your home.

 

For instance; if the television is your main focal point, you should surround it with some of your most fashionable and stylish home décor. You should also place your major decorations around the television.

 

Use Themes Frequently

 

Each part of your home should adhere to a specific theme. You can do this by using matching patterns, accessories and color schemes.  

 

Moreover, you should not randomly hang your family photos and artworks on the walls. However, you should create galleries which all adhere to a specific and distinct theme. You will have to be really creative in designing these themes.

 

Make Your Accessories to Be More Stylish

 

Purchasing new accessories is not cost effective. To do a complete home makeover, you can just choose to update your existing home accessories. For instance; you can change your pillow covers. Or polish your worn out decorative items.

 

Improve On Your Flooring

 

Maybe your floor appears to be hideous and ugly. According to Business Today, an old dull floor can make your home to look gloomy and deplorable.

 

So, you should improve on your flooring. Installing new flooring is a costly affair; but there are cheaper alternatives to get rid of an ugly hideous floor.

 

Just buy a patterned carpet or rug and place it on your floor. You can also look out for artisanal rugs from online stores.

 

Add More Storage Space in Your Kitchen

Another ingenious way to have a home makeover is to increase your kitchen storage space. You should always aim to have more storage space especially if your kitchen appears to be cluttered.

 

You can increase your kitchen’s storage space by adding more racks, shelves and cabinets. Just make an appointment with a local carpenter and instruct him on your storage needs.

 

Moreover, you should install open shelves in preference to closed shelves. Open shelves offer a lot of flexibility in placing and retrieving items. Also, you can use open shelves to display some of your beautiful and valuable home décor.

 

Conclusion

 

You are not obligated to implement all of these tips. Even if you implement just one of these tips, your home will definitely be the point of envy of all your friends, neighbors and relatives.

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Cute and Cuddly, Prefect for Easter or Passover

March 20, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Soft and snuggly is what bedtime (and even just cuddle up time) is all about. There are some new cute critters that we thought you would enjoy for your den, check these out- they are perfect for Easter or Passover.

petsies stuffed animals

If you have pets at home, your family will be thrilled by Petsies. where you and your kids can custom design a stuffed animal to look just like your furry family member. Choose from a wide selection of colors, combinations, ear types, tails, even tongues. The plush version of your pet will arrive at your door in a few weeks, but there is actually more. While you wait, you will get emails on the progress it is making-  what point it’s at, asking you to check photos of progress to see what you think, and more. Here is an example-

“CONGRATS! Our lead designer has just reviewed and approved your picture for Petsification. This designer also transferred your photo into our special Petsies plush coding machine, so that we can create the best plush representation of your pet. Next steps: Two more designers will work on picking fabrics and crafting the shape of each individual piece of plush that goes into your design.

Thank you again for letting us plushify your pet! The Petsies Design Team”

petsies toy

We looked forward to our updates, and when we got the email with shipping notification, the wait was on. My son stalked the delivery man, and was completely thrilled with the outcome of the plus twin of his pup, Teddy.

Get yours at https://www.mypetsies.com  Right now there is even a sale going on, so the time is good.

stuffed toys

While we are on the topic of customization, the same company that offers Petsies offers you Budsies, which again was a HUGE hit in this house. Your child or children can bring almost any drawing to life by sending in a photo of a creation of their own design, which Budsies then expertly makes a plush toy out of. It’s super impressive, and the process is a lot of fun for the kids. Have them choose their favorite character that they would like to see as a toy, and send it into the Budsies team. Give it descriptions, choose colors and design options, and even give explanations to make sure that your creation is really understood as you wanted it to be. Again, the email updates are fun and we looked forward to updates-

“Congrats – our lead designer has just reviewed and approved your design(s)! This designer also translated your design into our special internal Budsies plush coding. Next steps: Two more designers will work on picking fabrics and crafting the shape of each individual piece of plush that goes into your design. Thank you again for letting us plushify your design! The Budsies Design Team”

His favorite part was one of the last emails, which send a photo, front and back, of what the toy would really look like- the actual toy they were sending. Seeing his creation as a real plush was very exciting, and he was even more thrilled when it got to the door. These are super fun, very unique and a great way to spend some fun family time before the toy even gets to you. You can take a look at https://www.budsies.com .

llama unicorn

A fun, no fuss toy thats easy to pick up and would be great to put in any Easter Basket or as a Passover gift is this adorable Little Daydream the Stuffed Pink Llamacorn Mini Flopsie by Aurora . Super adorable, comes in quite a few sizes (smallest is only $4.99) and very trendy right now, this little llama has it all. Super soft, shiny, glittery horn and hooves, a unicorn horn, and did we mention it’s a llama? Everyone’s favorite ungulates are extremely popular right now, and this little guy embraces a lot of the toy trends of 2019, making it a great choice for pretty much any kid who loves stuffed animals.

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How Technology Has Influenced the Gambling and Casino Industry

March 19, 2019 by Leave a Comment

The Following is a Guest Post. All opinions and the writing is that of the author. 

Technology has changed the face of the gambling industry. With online casinos mushrooming and games accessible on the go, technology has played a key role in the industry booming at rocket speed. Gambling has always entertained people and now with gambling sites and mobile casinos on the rise, only the platform has shifted.

 

How it all started?

Gambling can be dated back to the 1790’s era where horses and race tracks were used for betting. Gradually with time gambling got legalized across countries and the industry witnessed thousands of betting shops being installed. With bookies transmitted information through wire services, there was some form of technology already shaping it all up. With the evolution of fruit machines around 1986, race courses powered by computers came up and within the next two decades, online betting with Bingo and Poker became popular. Slot gaming online in UK and other destinations spread like fire. By 2015, the online gambling industry started functioning full-fledged generating huge revenue.

 

The rise of apps and mobile devices in casino gaming

The use of smartphones is no longer limited to online shopping. The mobile gaming industry and software providers have ensured the comfort to players with games playable from anywhere and everywhere across a range of devices. Researchers predict that by 2018, the mobile gaming industry will take over 40% of the total online casino market. Increasingly software developers are designing slots and other casino games optimized for smaller portable devices so that customers can play from the comfort of their homes or even when travelling without compromising on the quality.

 

At most popular mobile casinos, players can instantly access the games lobby and starting playing from their mobile browsers without having to download games. For players who enjoy apps on their devices, top casinos also provide special apps built-in for downloading games on your choicest devices. The convenience is noteworthy and gamblers can play anything from popular slot titles to classic casino games round the clock. Games that were earlier run in Flash are now developed using the HTML5 technology. With this players can use any operating system using their latest iOS and Android devices to login from anywhere and enjoy seamless gaming relentlessly.

 

Integrated devices are used to accept cash deposits, printing tickets, scanning loyalty cards and more. At casinos, players feel secure using the user-friendly option for betting at the digital kiosks. These are ideal for the casino industry. Table kiosks have become increasingly popular as they offer a multi-platform gaming solution. With the possibility of paying and betting from the same device, customers can use one ID for accessing a host of facilities. This unique solution enables gamers with an immersive and all-encompassing experience. Latest technology such as employed by imageHolders allows for customization where betting kiosks can be designed to fit individual player needs on integrated tablets.  

 

Technology has carved the realistic niche for players on the digital platform where players can stake real money from anywhere in the world and win cash rewards in their preferred currency. Cutting edge technology has also made live dealer games accessible on all major devices where players can engage in real-time casino gaming supported by real dealers and HD video streaming. With the contribution of technology to casino business, there’s more to come in future.

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What To Do When There’s An Accident

March 19, 2019 by Leave a Comment

On a list of things that could happen to ruin your day, an automobile crash has to rank towards the top. Most of the time, they arise out of nowhere with little to no warning. Most are minor, yet some can be utterly catastrophic. Car crashes can and do happen to everyone. Whether you are on vacation, commuting, or just taking a leisurely drive, a crash can happen. 

It’s helpful to know a few things that can make what happens after an accident go a little more smoothly. Make sure you know what to do after a car accident not your fault, not sure, or when you are at fault. 

Before the accident

Believe it or not, there are steps you can take to prepare for a crash before it happens that can make the entire ordeal a little less stressful. These include:

  • Remove potential flying objects
  • Print out your states DMV Crash checklist
  • Have a first aid kit

Remove anything from your vehicle that could turn into a projectile. Remember that loose objects in your vehicle travel at the same speed as you do. In the event of a crash, the objects will continue moving at driving speeds until it strikes something to make it stop. For example, say your child left a marble in the back seat. You’re driving down the highway at 60 mph. It’s setting harmlessly in the back seat then you are struck by an oncoming vehicle. It launches forward at 60 mph and strikes you in the back of the head. Not so harmless anymore is it?

The DMV accident guide can help you to organize your thoughts after a crash so that you don’t forget anything in the ensuing chaos.

The first aid kit should contain bandages and sterile wipes at a minimum but can consist of more should you so choose.

Immediately following the crash

Stay safe! The last thing you want to do is to put yourself in any more danger. Reconstitute yourself and become aware of your surroundings. If you are on a busy freeway, stay in your vehicle until it is safe to exit. Check yourself; see if you have any injuries. With all the adrenaline coursing through you it is very common not to know that you are injured until minutes later. Check on any passengers that were traveling with you. Call 911 to inform the police and get an ambulance en route, if needed.

What to do next

After you are safe and first responders are on the way, you are going to want to start collecting information if you are able. Start by taking pictures and exchanging insurance information. NEVER ADMIT FAULT. Be polite, but saying it was your fault isn’t going to help the situation any. It is not your job to determine who is at fault; admitting fault could cause you unnecessary financial burden. Make sure you write down anything that could become important such as your speed or what you noticed just before the accident. Take note of anything that the police may need for their report.

Contact your insurance company and answer any questions they have and follow all instructions. It is imperative that you answer their questions thoroughly as this information can become crucial if you are taken to court. Your insurance company will be able to assist you in making sure that you have covered all of your bases.

On the thought of court, make sure to call your lawyer. Hiring a good attorney can be critical in saving you from financial harm. If you do not have an attorney already, I suggest that you begin researching and trying to find a good one. Besides being sore or recovering from the crash, an attorney should be at the forefront of your thinking. Always be honest and open with your attorney. No attorney can help you if they do not have all the necessary information.

As stated earlier, a car crash is never pleasant. There is nothing about an accident that makes you say “hmmm, now that sounds fun! I think I’ll crash today!” But taking steps to be prepared for a crash before it happens and knowing what to do after is sure to ease the headache that is a car crash.

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Win $25 GIft Card as well as Entenmann’s Products #Entenmanns #BumblebeeMovie #sponsored

March 18, 2019 by 198 Comments

“The coupons for product redemption, information, and gift card have been provided by Entenmann’s® so that I could try the product and share my thoughts and information about Entenmann’s® products. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of Entenmann’s®.”

 Entenmann’s® is partnering with the new BUMBLEBEE movie, coming out soon.  New packages will feature the specially marked Entenmann’s® Little Bites® products that your kids will love.

Information about Entenmann’s® and BUMBLEBEE:

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  • BUMBLEBEE will be released on digital (March 19) and on Blu-ray and DVD (April 2)
    • Movie synopsis: On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug.

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One of you can win an Entenmann’s® $25 virtual Visa gift card and three (3) coupons for $5.00 off the purchase of Entenmann’s Little Bites® muffins. Please feel free to use the RC below to enter to win. Ends April 15, 2019. Good luck!

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Budget city breaks – How not to break the bank

March 15, 2019 by Leave a Comment

To say that city breaks have come into their own over the last few years would be a gross understatement. Once upon a time it was just about sun, sea and sand and while these getaways certainly haven’t died out, tourists are now looking for alternatives.

City breaks fill this gap and can provide something different for a weekend, or longer. Unfortunately, many of these destinations have caught on to the fact that tourists are now flocking in their millions, and before you know it a break of this ilk can really break the bank.

This is the reason we have put together today’s post. We are now going to look at some of the best ways to save money on a city break, whilst still having a great time.

Location, location, location

It’s one of the biggest clichés going in the travel world, but we really can’t emphasize location when it comes to a city break. There are some destinations out there which always capture the tourists, but always happen to capture the dollars as well. In other words, it’s impossible to do them on a budget. London can quite often fall into this category, while Paris isn’t far behind either.

However, there are some destinations which appeal to tourists, but aren’t overpriced. Belfast can be included here, and with hotels in the area being really good valuable it is places like this which should be worth considering.  If you are looking to explore a city in  a tropical locale, a last minute all inclusive vacation is sure to save you money.

The power of “off-season”

Next, let’s talk about school holidays. This next point might not be music to many ears, but just be aware of the price hikes if you have your heart set on a trip during this period. The prices are inflated ridiculously, and it means that the once-affordable city break is suddenly costing a fortune.

The solution? Become creative with your dates, or postpone for another period.

Forget the suitcase

This next point is becoming more understood amongst travellers, but suitcases are so last decade. Most of the time, you’re going to need to take very little on one of these breaks. It means that a suitcase is not necessary, and can in some cases double the cost of your flight. Learn to pack shrewdly, and watch your costs dwindle.

Don’t be afraid of exercise

Finally, don’t be lazy! This point relates to transport and while at times it can be interesting to sample the local transport networks, in some cities this can increase your costs.

It’s something else that isn’t always necessary, either. For example, in London, it has been found that it’s quicker to walk between some tube stations rather than get the metro. As such, do your research before traveling.

There’s a time and place to save money

Following on from all the above, let’s conclude with a point about common sense. Sure, you can really dive into one of these city breaks and save money in countless areas. However, there’s a time and a place to be smart, and if you are looking to cut something out that is going to cost you in terms of safety or even significant enjoyment, this might be a step too far.

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