How to Vacation in France Like a Local

Travel

The French are looked up to by many for their effortlessly glam lifestyle. The French have that certain Je ne sais qoui that everyone wants to recreate. Here’s how to vacation in France like a local:

Definitely Rent a Vacation Villa

If you want to experience France like a local, bypass the tourist filled hotels, and rent one of the many gorgeous vacation rentals in France. Inside your rented home, you’ll have all the privacy in the world, however many bedrooms you choose, plus a full kitchen for experimenting in (after all, food is a big part of French culture!). In metropolitan Paris apartments are for rent in all areas of the city. The French Riviera features airy, pool side homes, and the Alps will feature cozy chalets.

Learn to Breakfast like the French

Many hotels have learnt that is profits to cater to the American Tourist and as such they offer full continental breakfasts with bacon, eggs, pancakes and more. However, for those looking to live la vie francaise, I suggest skipping all that, and heading to a local café for a simple café au lait, and either a chunk of oven-fresh baguette with cheese, or a croissant topped with a decadent smear of butter and some jam. Simplicity is key for much in the French way of life, and starting your day off right with a deliciously simple French déjeuner will have you feeling magnifique.

More: Zeppelin – latest way to see Paris

Enjoy the French Culture of Food

French food is famous worldwide! And for good reason too, it is simply delicious! Despite being a cuisine filled with butter and cream, not many French are severely overweight. The French have mastered the art of savoring their food without overeating. Portion sizes in France will likely be smaller then what we are used to in The United States; however, plates will be packed with flavor.

This same philosophy can be applied to drinking alcohol. The French love their wine, and enjoy wine by the glass at mealtimes. Rather then drinking to get buzzed, the French drink to savor the flavors and for the tradition of raising a glass with good company.

Dessert is also enjoyed freely, but often ordered to be shared amongst the table. Next time your dining in France, try ordering just one or two items from the dessert menu to share amongst your company, and try to really focus on the flavors! You’ll be impressed by how much more you enjoy your treat in this way!

A tip for finding the freshest food France has to offer? Hit up the local markets! From fish, to fresh cuts of meat and the juiciest fruits and veggies, the markets really are the place to be.

Dress Like a Local

Looking to master French style? The French, especially the women, have mastered understated chic perfectly. Look for solid colored, well fitting, timeless pieces. Cuff jeans to show a bit of ankle, but keep the look cool by forgoing the heels in favor of simple ballerina flats. In Paris, a popular outfit for women is well fitting, simple jeans, cuffed at the ankle, paired with a high quality material basic t-shirt, often white, grey, or cream colored, and finished off with plain black flats and a blazer jacket.

For men, simplicity is also the way to go. Look for quality materials, classic colors, and well-made shoes. Spend money on items made with excellence that will last a lifetime, but remember, the French don’t usually flash their brands.

Get Around Like a Local

It may depend on exactly which part of France you’re in, since obviously the snowy Alps pose different challenges then the sunny blue coast down South. But where possible, try to get around either by rented bike, metro, or just plain by foot!

If you plan to visit more then one area during your visit, consider taking the train. The French trains span the entire country, and are a comfortable way to get around. Tickets can be bought online, or at any train station.

Don’t Skip the Sights to See

As much as you may wish to avoid the so-called tourist traps, don’t completely by pass all the culturally rich sights and landmarks that France has to offer. Whether it be visiting the Louvre, climbing the Tour Eiffel or taking a hike to Foix Castle in Cathar County, its worth it to take the time to be a little touristy too, or you may regret it. That said, you can still work to avoid the crowds by arriving early or late, and perhaps skip the museum foodcourt in favor of something from the French bakery down the street.

Enjoy your time in France, and have fun immersing yourself in this beautifully rich culture. Bon voyage my friends!

You might also enjoy: Biggest hotels in the world

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Signs That You Need a New Air Conditioner

DIY / Home Improvement Shopping

Air Conditioner 2

Air-Conditioning systems not only consume huge amounts of a home’s total energy budget, they also directly affect the comfort and well-being of your family. If you are experiencing problems with your air-conditioning unit, it may need to be replaced and you may need to immediately contact licensed, HVAC certified top professionals who will provide you with great consultation, the best products, and the most trouble-free air conditioning installation.

Here are some telltale signs that your unit may be about to fail.

  • It’s Old – Air conditioner units should be expected to have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. If yours is this old or older, it is time to replace with a new unit. Also, older systems are usually half as efficient as newer models on the market today. So replacing your older unit to a more efficient one can reduce your electricity bills by 30 to 40%. This saving will begin immediately and continue over the lifetime of the system.
  • More and More Repairs – As an air conditioners ages, it typically needs to be repaired more. If you are finding that you are seeing your HVAC contractor more frequently, this is a sure sign that your unit is going bad and needs to be replaced soon. So, you need to weigh up whether it is worth the increased repair bills for a unit that will fail soon.
  • Air is Not Cool and Home Has Too Much Humidity – The amount of cool air coming from your air conditioner should be on-demand and consistent. If at some point, you discover that even at full blast, the air coming from your vents just isn’t as cold as it used to be, this could be a sign that your system is in need of serious repair or it might be time to replace the unit.

Air conditioners not only cool the home, they also remove humidity. As air conditioners age, they may not effectively dehumidify the home, and the indoor air quality is drastically reduced. A high level of home humidity may be a sign that you need a new system.

  • Air Conditioner Runs Too Long – An additional indicator that you may need a new air conditioning system is inefficiency. This often means that your air conditioner runs too long with no noticeable cooling of your home. There can be several reasons for this, including issues with the ducts, but it can also mean it is time for the unit to be replaced.
  • Reduced Air-Flow – If the air-flow coming from your AC has gotten weaker, or you find that some rooms are getting sufficient air-flow while others hardly get any, the unit’s compressor may be failing.
  • Strange Noises or Smells – Unusual noises including squealing, grating, and grinding sounds, or bad smells coming from your air conditioner might mean it is having serious problems. These may imply that something is wrong inside the unit or that your duct system is not compatible with your cooling system. Further inspection by a professional  might reveal that the entire system may need to be replaced.

Like all electrical devices, air conditioning units eventually fail. Recognize the signs that it is failing long before it actually occurs, so you do not end up with no AC on the hottest day of the year. A new air-conditioning unit will not only save you money in the long run, but will add to your overall comfort of you and your home.

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It’s Time to Start Buying Your Meat Online

Shopping

Meat Online

Thanks to many savvy business owners out there and the ever-growing trend for sourcing healthy and ethical produce, buying high-quality meat online from the comfort of your own home is no longer a tough decision, it is a convenient reality. We’ll discuss the key benefits associated with buying your meat online.

Supporting Local Business

Simply put, supporting local businesses will strengthen the economy of the local community and its surrounding areas. Your local butcher shop is no exception. Unlike supermarkets who support conventional farming methods, your local butcher shop often source their free range meat from local agricultural businesses and suppliers too, in turn strengthening the whole supply chain too. The more this happens, the more options you have, for you and your family.

A Wide Range of Produce

Buying your meat online, and from your local butcher will offer you a much wider range of produce compared to the typical supermarket isle. It’s important to remember that your local butcher shop specialises in quality meat, therefore it can offer you a special and much wider selection of fresh high quality meats and related products. Certain products will come raw and unprepared for you to cook however you like, while others may be prepared and pre-seasoned for you so you can simply chuck it in the oven.

Only the Highest-Quality Meat and Service

Your local online butcher stocks only the highest-quality meat, seafood and other related products that can be bought. Since the shop carefully sources its produce, there are no ‘bad’ products so to speak for you to purchase. Your butcher knows this, and therefore not providing you with the quality and service that you have come to expect will mean losing a valuable customer. Supplying sub-par meat and produce will hurt the store’s overall reputation, and in turn, their revenue.

It’s SO Convenient

In today’s busy world, convenience is probably the biggest advantage to buying your meat online. Gone are the days of standing in line at the supermarket. Simply jump online when you get home, browse their high-quality selection, pick what you want and press buy. All this within the comfort of your own home.

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You Can Update Your Bathroom on a Budget

DIY / Home Improvement

bathroom

When you’re remodeling your bathroom with a limited budget, there are many things that you can do to make it look and feel great.

Granite Countertops

The trend in countertops these days is granite and kitchens and bathrooms have been the beneficiaries. Granite countertops can modernize any space and make it look rich too. Granite is expensive, but the good news is there are alternatives that have a similar look and sometimes feel as granite (but not the durability), at a fraction of the price. These include laminate, Corian and even Quartz. Check pricing in your area and you may find a great deal.

Fresh Paint

New paint is probably the most underappreciated, yet impactful change you can make in a bathroom. The first time you walk in after it is painted you will feel like you are not only in a new room, but a new house. If your bathroom is small, lean toward light colors, because it will make it look roomy. If you have a larger bathroom, try darker tones and even mix colors (light and dark) to highlight the depth of the room. Also, you may consider painting the cabinets as well as this can add to the new feel of the room. Use the colors of your shower curtain, faucet and hardware to guide you.

New Faucets and Showerheads

One place you should definitely focus on to perk up your old bathroom is faucets and showerheads. If you pick the right ones, they can add a certain sophistication, and a large portion of personal style. There are even electronic bathroom faucets available today. The point is that chosen well, they blend quality and style and make the space come alive. Also many are energy-efficient and help save on your water bills.

Showerheads and faucets come in a range of styles, materials and prices and you can lose your budget here, so be careful. But, you don’t have to go overboard. Yes, solid-brass faucets look great, but so do polished chrome, and they cost a fraction of the price, and they stay looking and working great for a long time. Be sure also that your towel hooks, racks and hardware match the material of the showerheads and faucets, so everything complements.

New Tile

New floor and wall tiles brighten a room and add a new look. Try new colors and textures and see how your bathroom transforms. The best part is there are many budget priced tiles today to fit any style bathroom. Also, put in an exhaust or replace the old one if it is noisy.

You’ll be thrilled at how easily you can update your bathroom without having to spend too much. These fixes are small jobs but can make a real difference. If you are not handy at all consider hiring professionals for any plumbing and electrical issues.

Focus on the most important fixes first and the minor ones after. Your bathroom will be the best room in the house in no time!

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The Many Benefits of IPL Laser Hair Removal

Fashion

The Benefits of IPL Laser Hair Removal will change your life
Photo by CC user 37949388@N07 on Flickr

Without a doubt one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in beauty salons around the country, are IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Laser Hair Removal treatments.

IPL may be an option worth considering if you are unsatisfied with tweezing, shaving or waxing approaches to eradicate all those unwanted hairs this Summer.

IPL has been tested as an effective and safe procedure yet unfortunately, many sources have got these facts wrong, giving IPL a bad wrap with few benefits. This simply isn’t true, therefore this article will highlight the advantages of IPL Laser Hair Removal and how you can benefit from giving it a go.

Less pain than waxing

The amount of discomfort experienced with IPL hair removal fluctuates, depending on your personal pain threshold, skin type and how sensitive the area being treated is. IPL works by converting light energy to heat, resulting in the absorption into particular target cells with dark pigment in the hair follicles. Consequently, these dark pigments (hair follicles) are destroyed and fall out. IPL uses long pulse width, meaning the pulse occurs over a relatively longer period of time, and so resulting in greater comfortability and safety for you.

The feeling of an IPL treatment is rarely described as painful. More likely, clients might comment that the area being treated is warm or hot, or even that it feels as if a rubber band is flicking against the skin. Don’t forget, the area you are treating has an effect on how uncomfortable it is, the more sensitive the area obviously the more discomfort.

If you are worried about having sensitive skin, you can ask your beauty therapist to lower the wavelength level, or even apply numbing cream 45-60 minutes prior to your IPL treatment.

Fast and Lasting results

When compared to other common hair removal methods, IPL Laser Hair Removal has the longest lasting result period, by a long shot. After your first IPL treatment, beauty therapists recommend waiting approximately two weeks for the treated area to shed the hair, followed by a four-week period where new hair follicles will begin a re-growth phase. The time between treatments will vary depending on the individual, but on average, you can expect a six-week break between sessions. When these sessions have been completed, clients usually report that any further sessions were unnecessary for a few months. And, eventually, the treated area will no longer grow new hair!

Regarding IPL session length, this varies depending on how large the area being treated is. For example, an IPL full leg and underarm treatment should not take longer than 15-20 minutes.

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Changes in The Home to Fit Your Physical Needs

Knowledge Guide

Naturally we would all like to stay fit, healthy and a the peak of our physical powers forever but unfortunately this cannot be the case. Physical injury and aging means that there will come a time when we can no longer do the things that we once could and even basic tasks around the home become difficult. When this time comes, it is important that we adapt our homes in order to ensure that our lives are made as easy as possible. There are lots of options when it comes to ways in which you can make your home more suitable to live in and here are a few for you to consider.

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Bath

Basic daily tasks such as taking a bath can become far more difficult if your mobility is poor and you can remedy this by installing a new bath. You could get a get a walk in bath fitted which will allow you to easily get in and out of the bath tub through an opening door on the side. Alternatively you could have a lower bath put in which would also make it far easier to get in and out.

Shower Stool

Installing a stool in your shower will also make bathing far easier, this way you don’t have to put pressure on your legs as you take a shower. There are lots of different heights for you to choose from depending on your preference and you can simply sit and wash yourself without any undue stress on your body.

Stairlift

Getting up and down the stairs when your mobility is poor can be incredibly difficult and installing a stairlift can really help in your day to day life. The costs of stairlifts have reduced dramatically and there are also lots of different types of grants available which can help towards paying for a stairlift. With a stairlift you will find getting up and down stairs a little slower but it will help you to conserve your energy and strength for getting around.

Bone Friendly Chair

Many of us spend much of our time sitting and chatting or sitting down watching television, to help you and your mobility then it is worth investing in a chair that will provide you with the support that your body requires. There are lots of settees and chairs that have been ergonomically designed to fully support your posture and put pressure on the correct areas as well as taking pressure away from other areas that cause pain.

Loud Speaker Phone

Not being able to hear clearly can be a very frustrating thing and this is especially troubling when you need to speak on the phone. Fortunately there are loud speaker telephones that you can buy which will play the telephone conversation over speakers around the home. Using a phone like this means that you can not only walk around whilst you chat, but also that you will be able to clearly hear what the other person is saying.

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Pop Up Gazebo – An Essential for Your Next Camping Adventure

Travel

heavy-duty-3x3

Quality pop up gazebos are designed to be easy to erect, take down and transport. They are clever creations that you can go anywhere and everywhere with – making them perfect for the avid campers out there. Some are better than others, but if you buy a quality pop up gazebo then rest assured it will last you for many camping trips to come.

I’d recommend investing in a lightweight yet durable pop up gazebo that is quick and easy to manoeuvre. We don’t recommend going down to a commercialised camping store and buying something cheap and that won’t last. Spending just that little bit extra to avoid the structure caving and falling on top of you is completely worth it, especially if you camp often and at different times of the year. If you want something that lasts, don’t take short cuts on –  do your research to find a pop up gazebo that is both accountable and affordable. Pop up gazebo size scan vary and therefore the costs do too, however, to give you a better idea of what I mean by quality, weight is more commonly a good place to start. A small 2.4m x 2.4m pop up gazebo should weigh between 18kg& 23kg out of its case, and a larger 3m x 6m pop up gazebo should weigh around 35kg.

There is nothing more annoying than when the weather decides to ruin the adventure you had planned. Buying a good quality pop up gazebo from an expert retailer will stop this from happening moving forward. We can’t fully predict or change the weather, but we can definitely better adapt to the way we interact with mother nature.Most good quality pop up gazebos are truly waterproof, with a sturdy Aluminium frame and provide Ultraviolet Protection, rated no less than UPF 50+. These specific features allow us to trust that the stability and quality of your pop up gazebo is long lasting.

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Uses of Sand in The Construction & Building Industries

Business DIY / Home Improvement Knowledge Guide

sand

Sand is often used as a contraction material within the building and construction industries. It’s usually supplied as back run sand, beach sand, white mason sand, utility sand, filtering sand, septic sand, fill sand (aka sand fill), concrete sand and mason sand. Here we’ll discuss and expand on each of these sand types and their specific uses within the construction and building industries.

Back Run Sand

This is type of sand can either be quite coarse or fine, and is usually used as concrete mix for either fence posts and patios. The colouring is usually a mixture between gold, beige or tan.

White Mason Sand

White mason sand is a specific type of mason sand that is used in specific applications such as mixing with mortar and concrete when laying bricks or white blocks. This sand is favoured for this application as it leaves a nice white mortar line between the bricks.

Mason Sand

Mason sand comes quite coarse, and like white mason sand it is primarily used to mix with concrete and mortar to lay bricks, blocks and stone. Unlike white mason sand, general mason sand comes in a variety of colours brown, white, beige, grey or tan.

Concrete Sand

Concrete sand is quite coarse as it is used for mixing with cement for larger applications. It is also often used in septic systems due to its coarse texture.

Fine Utility Sand

Fine utility sand is usually used as a back fill around utility piping. It is quite fine compared to most other sand we’ve discussed, making it the perfect option for placing around fragile underground pipes. Other applications include being used to back fill trenches and to fill sand bags.

Utility Sand

Utility sand is also quite fine and is primarily used for the exact same applications as fine utility sand.

Beach Sand

Beach sand comes in a variety of colours, ranging from beige, grey, brown and tan. This type of sand is often used when building patios or verandas, playgrounds, sandboxes and sometimes even creating fake beach settings.

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How to Get Into the Online Beauty Industry

Fashion

The internet is the backbone of many businesses today.  People like the ease of doing business without having to leave their homes. It saves the stress of having to go to a store to make a purchase. They also love the secrecy- they buy online, pay online and their goods get delivered to their doorstep with no prying eyes to observe them.

The beauty industry is an industry that generates revenue in the billions every year, and now more than ever, it is gaining ground online. Every year, the amount of money generated by online beauty shops increases and an online beauty shop can be set up right from your bedroom. You don’t have to be an IT expert to open up your own online beauty store. You just have to have a computer and access to the internet.

Get a Website

The first step to getting your online beauty business going is to get a website. You choose a domain name you want affiliated with your business. It might take a while to get the name you want that isn’t taken, but after getting this, you pay for the domain- which is usually a yearly deal. You then design your website or get someone to do that for you at a cost. Your website should display your personality, your sense of style as well as the products to be sold. There are many places online that you can use to create a free website.

Decide on What to Sell

After getting your website, you need to get products to sell on the website. You inherently become a marketer for beauty brands and make a commission off the products you sell. There are many beauty brands out there today, so you have to choose the products and brands you want to promote. Whatever brands you choose, make sure you sell hair and skin care products as they generate the most revenue in the beauty industry, followed by cosmetics and then perfumes.

Market Your Site

People are always looking for products to make them look better, and where better to find these than in the biggest market in the world, the internet? So you have to market your site so these people can find you and your business.

Send out press releases online, send email flyers, alert your friends and followers on social media.  Post content on your site relating to your business. Your content is key to getting and keeping customers so pay a lot of attention here. Post consistently and don’t be repetitive. Post a link to buy your products in your articles to get your audience to shop.

Make how to videos. YouTube and Instagram are the two biggest places to get customers for your business using videos. Learn the secrets to making beauty videos and make sure you redirect your audience to your site at the end of your videos.

As with all businessesm it requires time and effort to make it on the online beauty scene. Give it time and watch your business grow. 

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How To Gauge The Effectiveness Of A Security System

DIY / Home Improvement Tech

security system
security systems, CCTV
Photo by CC user Chapendra on Flickr.

Everyone wants to feel completely secure in their home. That is why it is extremely important to have a fully-functioning security system that will protect the entire property from both the inside and the outside.
Security systems need to be working perfectly in order for it to provide the maximum amount of protection. Read this helpful guide about how to gauge the effectiveness of a security system.

Test The Alarms On A Regular Basis

The alarms inside and outside the house are probably the most important aspect of the entire security system. These alarms will alert homeowners if anyone tries to break into the property. However, faulty alarms will allow burglars to enter the property undetected. A break-in could potentially cost the homeowners thousands of dollars, so the alarms should be tested on a monthly basis to make sure that they are still working correctly.

The alarms should be replaced if they do not go off correctly, or if they happen to be too sensitive. Alarm systems by Aust-Guard Security Services are rigorously tested before they can be sold.

Check The Quality Of Security Cameras

Security cameras are important because they will be able to track and film anyone who is trying to break into the property. Cameras should be tested to make sure that the images are completely clear, otherwise, it could be hard to prosecute someone in court. Flickering or freezing images need to be fixed as soon as possible.

Cameras need to have a panoramic view of the outside of the property. Otherwise, burglars can hide in “blind spots” and enter the house undetected. The cameras should be fixed if there happen to be areas that aren’t covered. Also, the zoom function of the CCTV should be tested to make sure that this is working properly.

Check The Effectiveness Of Security Lights

The garden is one of the most vulnerable parts of any property, and potential burglars will attempt to climb the garden fence in order to access the back of the house. It is important to have some security measures in place to make sure that the backyard is completely secure.

The best way to increase security in the garden is to install some motion-sensor lights. These powerful floodlights will turn on at night if there is any movement in the garden. As well as alerting homeowners to the presence of an intruder, the sudden shock of being bathed in powerful light will hopefully cause the potential burglar to flee the premises.

The security lights should be tested on a regular basis to ensure that they are working correctly. If the lights fail to turn on, or the bulbs start to flicker, then the lights need to be repaired by an electrician as soon as possible.

Check The Effectiveness Of Security Gates

Security gates which can only be opened with a special card or a password help to make homes more secure. However, if the wiring becomes faulty then the gates will not work properly. Test them regularly for any faults.
Use this guide to test the effectiveness of security systems.

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