nintendoduck-blog

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How to Prepare for Christmas Early – Week Seventeen

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How to Prepare for Christmas Early – Week Seventeen

Though we love the process of getting ready for Christmas, it can sometimes be overwhelming and feel like one giant, stressful to-do list. But if you’re feeling swamped, fear not. We’re is on hand to offer up some handy early Christmas prep countdown organisation tips.

To-Do Jobs Around the Home

Minimum maintenance. Encourage family members to pitch in and share the work. Delegate, delegate, delegate!

Christmas Prep Checklist

Recycle wrapping paper. 

Write family thank-you notes.

Plan low-cost, no-cost activities for kids. Whether it’s camping out under the Christmas tree or a drive to see Christmas lights, some mid-week events will keep sparkle in the season.

Decorate for New Year’s.

Make New Year’s resolutions. 

Set up a calendar for the new year. 

Take down remaining decorations. All good things have to end–and the visible Ghost of Christmas Past can be a real disincentive to an organised new year. Take down remaining holiday decor next week. You’ll see it again, next season!

Take down fresh trees and greens, and deliver them to recycling.

Store Christmas decorations. 

Set up a ‘lost Christmas box’ for stragglers. No matter how you scour the house, a few holiday items will always hide out in laundry, kitchen or corners. Give them a place to go with a holiday box: a designated container for any last holiday items you find. In a few weeks, take the box to the storage area for next year.

Hold a Christmas debriefing. Get a head-start on next year’s planning–and avoid traps–with a quick debriefing session. High points or low, they’ll guide you next year.

Mark your calendar for next year!

Even if you are not the biggest fan of the festive season, it pays to be prepared for it. We are here to show you how to get ready for Christmas, without breaking a sweat. Preparation is more than half the battle in our opinion. If you know how to get ready for Christmas well in advance, then by the time the big day rolls around, you will be more chilled than a turkey in January.

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Merry Christmas from Vivre Le Rêve!

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Merry Christmas from Vivre Le Rêve!

Merry Christmas!

  Here’s to hoping the Christmas season fills your home with the warmth and joyfulness that you and your family deserve.

We know that our readers are amongst the very best. We hope that Santa brings you everything you’ve wished for and that your day is spent doing whatever makes you happy. May your home be filled with the joy of the Christmas season.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!

XOXO

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How to Prepare for Christmas Early – Week Sixteen

New Post has been published on https://www.vivrelereve.co.uk/how-to-prepare-for-christmas-early-week-sixteen/

How to Prepare for Christmas Early – Week Sixteen

Though we love the process of getting ready for Christmas, it can sometimes be overwhelming and feel like one giant, stressful to-do list. But if you’re feeling swamped, fear not. We’re is on hand to offer up some handy early Christmas prep countdown organisation tips.

To-Do Jobs Around the Home

Stick to minimum household chores. Enjoy the season with friends and family–in your clean and organised home!

Christmas Prep Checklist

Put together any toys that require assembly. Start early to keep the sparkle in the season.

Check and organize stocking stuffers. Place each family member’s gifts in a separate grocery bag so Santa can get a good night’s rest on the 24th. Hang sacks on coat hangers in the back of a wardrobe to keep from prying eyes.

Prepare for Christmas dinner. Set the table, arranging centerpiece, place-settings and serving dishes ahead of time. Sticky notes make it easy to know what goes where.

Plan Christmas morning breakfast. The holiday will flow more smoothly with a menu plan, even for breakfast! Consider a simple Christmas brunch of poached eggs and smoked salmon or other alternative to an elaborate meal. Round it out with fresh juice, champagne and pre-made sweet rolls for a festive–but easy–meal.

Even if you are not the biggest fan of the festive season, it pays to be prepared for it. We are here to show you how to get ready for Christmas, without breaking a sweat. Preparation is more than half the battle in our opinion. If you know how to get ready for Christmas well in advance, then by the time the big day rolls around, you will be more chilled than a turkey in January.

So, what’s your plan for Christmas this year? Are you a bit of a Grinch or do you love Christmas? Do you bake and craft or are you a shop-and-ship kind of celebrator? We’d love to hear all of your tricks for the best way to get the most out of Christmas without breaking the bank!

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Follow Our Super Easy Christmas Dinner Guide This Christmas

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Follow Our Super Easy Christmas Dinner Guide This Christmas

This is a super easy Christmas dinner guide that should save you a few tears on the long road to dinner time. Make Christmas Day 2019 your most stress-free yet, with our easy Christmas dinner guide.

Follow our super easy Christmas dinner guide to prepping and cooking the ultimate festive feast and everyone will be wowed by your culinary expertise. Arm yourself with our minute-by-minute time plan (and a bucket of wine) and get Christmas dinner ready.

Before Christmas Day

The key to a easy Christmas Day is to get prepared in advance, when you’re not under pressure. Follow our easy Christmas dinner guide to get these tasks out of the way on the 23rd and 24th and things will be easier on the big day itself.

• A fresh turkey can stay in the fridge until Christmas morning, but if you’ve bought a frozen bird, it could need two days to defrost fully and safely in the fridge, so DON’T FORGET to get it out of the freezer.

• Peel and parboil the potatoes – this means cooking them in boiling water for about 10 minutes, until they’re just tender. Drain them and let them cool, then cover and put in the fridge. Or you can follow our make-ahead roast potatoes recipe and really get prepared weeks in advance.

• Peel your parsnips, cut them length ways into halves or quarters and parboil them for about two minutes.

• Other veg such as carrots, broccoli, swede and sprouts can be washed, peeled if necessary and chopped on Christmas Eve.

• Stuffing – whether you’re making your own or using the packet stuff – can be made in advance.

• All of your prepped ingredients need to be kept in the fridge overnight.

Christmas Day step-by-step

We’ve based our timetable on eating Christmas dinner at 2pm, and on a 5kg turkey, but you’ll need to adjust the timings to suit you.

8.30am

Make your way, bleary eyed, to the kitchen, and take the turkey out of the fridge. Remove the giblets, then return to the fridge and and wash your hands.

9am

Pour yourself another coffee. Add a generous slug of brandy.

9.20am

Preheat the oven to the recommended cooking temperature for the turkey. Take the turkey out of the fridge to come up to room temperature. Put the turkey in a roasting tin, brush it with oil and lay some slices of bacon across the top in a lattice pattern.

9.50am

Put the turkey in the oven, and relax. Relax? As if.

10.30am

Baste the turkey by spooning oil from the roasting tray over the bird. This’ll help keep it succulent.

11am

Baste the turkey again.

11.30am

Baste the turkey again.

12 noon

Baste. The. Turkey. Again.

12.30pm

Baste the turkey for the last time, but this time leave the foil off and put it back into the oven to crisp up. Pour yourself a victory drink.

12.50pm

Heat up a couple of spoonfuls of olive oil in a roasting pan. Add the potatoes. Put the potatoes in the oven.

1pm

Take the turkey out of the oven, cover it loosely with foil and let it stand. It helps the flavours develop.

1.20pm

Brush the parsnips with oil, arrange them on a baking tray and put them in the oven. Pour pre-dinner bucks fizz for all your adult guests. Leave them to enjoy themselves whilst you pour the rest of the bubbles directly down your throat.

1.25pm

Grab a packet of chipolatas and a packet of streaky bacon. Wrap each sausage in a rasher and put them in the oven. Put stuffing in the oven, too.

1.30pm

Put the kettle on for the vegetables.

1.40pm

Put the sprouts and swede on to boil.

1.45pm

Put other vegetables, such as carrots and broccoli, on to boil. Stick head out of kitchen window and take deep breaths.

1.50pm

Make gravy. If using Bisto, add 4tbsp of dry white wine and 4 sprigs of fresh thyme. They’ll never know.

1.55pm

Remove the potatoes, stuffing and pigs in blankets from the oven. Drain the veggies. Mash the swede with lots of butter, salt and pepper. Transfer everything to warmed serving dishes and then to the dinner table.

2pm

Dinner is served. Happy Christmas – you survived!

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How to Prepare for Christmas Early – Week Fifteen

New Post has been published on https://www.vivrelereve.co.uk/how-to-prepare-for-christmas-early-week-fifteen/

How to Prepare for Christmas Early – Week Fifteen

Though we love the process of getting ready for Christmas, it can sometimes be overwhelming and feel like one giant, stressful to-do list. But if you’re feeling swamped, fear not. We’re is on hand to offer up some handy early Christmas prep countdown organisation tips.

To-Do Jobs Around the Home

Make a minimum maintenance plan. A chore checklist of must-do household jobs.

Delegate chores to family members.

Christmas Prep Checklist

Decorate and wrap baked goods. Ice the sugar cookies, assemble the goodie trays and wrap for giving.

Make a Christmas morning basket. Think ahead: what will you need when opening gifts on Christmas morning? Include a notepad, pen, scissors, box cutter and plastic garbage bags. Throw in a pair of pliers and some wire cutters to release those over-packaged toys. Set aside in a pretty basket to cut chaos on Christmas morning.

Help children write letters to Santa. And keep them! Misspellings and all, you’ll treasure them when they are grown.

Even if you are not the biggest fan of the festive season, it pays to be prepared for it. We are here to show you how to get ready for Christmas, without breaking a sweat. Preparation is more than half the battle in our opinion. If you know how to get ready for Christmas well in advance, then by the time the big day rolls around, you will be more chilled than a turkey in January.

So, what’s your plan for Christmas this year? Are you a bit of a Grinch or do you love Christmas? Do you bake and craft or are you a shop-and-ship kind of celebrator? We’d love to hear all of your tricks for the best way to get the most out of Christmas without breaking the bank!

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How to Make Delicious Christmas Eggnog

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How to Make Delicious Christmas Eggnog

Eggnog is a traditionally offering at Christmas time. This How to Make Christmas Eggnog version is alcohol rich for the adults in the crowd. This recipe makes a large amount, perfect for an open house party. Feel free to cut the recipe in half.

You can buy the store bought kind, but this holiday season, I say let’s skip the store-bought cartons and additive-laden jugs, and have our eggnog the old-fashioned way: with real eggs. This stuff is incredible, and it couldn’t be easier to make. As long as you have eggs, sugar, milk, and cream in your fridge, you can have eggnog anytime the craving hits. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to guide you to eggnog bliss.

As for shelf-life, well if your household is anything like mine, leftover eggnog is rarely an issue. Depending on the amount of liquor you add, eggnog will also keep quite well for several days.

Ingredients

•    475ml milk •    3 whole cloves •    1/2 tsp vanilla extract •    1/2 tsp ground cinnamon •    6 egg yolks •    95g sugar •    295ml light rum •    475ml single cream •    1 tsp vanilla extract •    1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Method

Combine milk, cloves, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and cinnamon in a saucepan, and heat over lowest setting for 5 minutes. Slowly bring to a boil.

In a bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy. Whisk hot milk mixture slowly into the eggs. Pour mixture into saucepan.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes, or until thick. Do not allow mixture to boil. Strain to remove cloves, and leave it to cool for an hour.

Stir in rum, cream, vanilla, and nutmeg.

Refrigerate overnight before serving.

Use our hashtag!

I am so excited that you are making a recipe and would love to see how it turns out. Make sure to use the hashtag on social media!

#VIVRELEREVE

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How to Prepare for Christmas Early – Week Fourteen

New Post has been published on https://www.vivrelereve.co.uk/how-to-prepare-for-christmas-early-week-fourteen/

How to Prepare for Christmas Early – Week Fourteen

Though we love the process of getting ready for Christmas, it can sometimes be overwhelming and feel like one giant, stressful to-do list. But if you’re feeling swamped, fear not. We’re is on hand to offer up some handy early Christmas prep countdown organisation tips.

To-Do Jobs Around the Home

Do a final whole-house clean. Sure, we’ve tackled household areas week-by-week and the deep-cleaning is done–but this week, it’s time for a final whole-house clean. Play cleaning service this week, and give every room a top-clean session of dusting, vacuuming and a final touch-up.

Christmas Prep Checklist

Wrap party! Hold a ‘wrap party’ brunch for friends. Work on wrapping packages together.

Eat from the freezer. It’s time to use your stockpiled freezer meals.

Plan Christmas menus. Make a simple menu plan for Christmas week.

Update address book. As Christmas letters and Christmas cards arrive, update the address book with any changes.

Mail Christmas cards

Complete gift wrapping

Buy Christmas trees, fresh wreaths and garlands

Even if you are not the biggest fan of the festive season, it pays to be prepared for it. We are here to show you how to get ready for Christmas, without breaking a sweat. Preparation is more than half the battle in our opinion. If you know how to get ready for Christmas well in advance, then by the time the big day rolls around, you will be more chilled than a turkey in January.

What’s your plan for Christmas this year? Are you a bit of a Grinch or do you love Christmas? Do you bake and craft or are you a shop-and-ship kind of celebrator? We’d love to hear your tricks for the best way to get the most out of Christmas without breaking the bank!

[nintendoduck-blog]

Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You?

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Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You?

Technology has profoundly changed most areas of our lives, so it shouldn’t come as much surprise to know that technology is now also encroaching upon the world of beauty. Throughout human history, the beauty treatments available to people have evolved and varied according to the technology that surrounds them. Changes in our understanding of technology and the world around us have enabled us to find new treatments in the strangest of places.

When the laser was first invented, it seemed unlikely that its inventor had any notion that it would one day be used to provide high-end beauty treatments, and yet that is now one of the main applications of laser technology. But just because this is a beauty treatment that utilises something as high-tech as a laser, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is going to offer you anything over the more traditional options.

Laser hair removal can be a great treatment for some people, but there are some people who will probably best be served elsewhere. Here is everything you need to know about laser hair removal to decide whether it is right for you or not.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Hair removal is a standard part of many beauty treatments, and there are numerous ways of achieving it. Traditionally, waxing, shaving, plucking or sugaring have all been the most common hair removal methods. However, one drawback to all of these methods, depending on how you look at things, is that they are not permanent. That means that after one hair removal session, you will need to book yourself in for another one before long.

Laser hair removal solves this problem by removing hair from the body permanently. Hair removal lasers are designed to target the pigment in the skin, and therefore are able to destroy hair follicles without damaging the surrounding tissue.

Because of the way that laser hair removal works, those who have a particularly light complexion may find the treatment ineffective. Those who have dark hair and light skin will achieve the best results when using laser hair removal.

Conversely, if you have light skin and light hair, then you are not a great candidate for laser hair removal as there may not be enough pigment in your skin for the laser to effectively target. However, with laser technology improving all the time, successful treatment for light hair may soon be achieved.

What to Expect

If your goal is to ultimately permanently remove hair from any part of your body, then laser hair removal is definitely the best way to go about it. The first thing that you will need to do is have a look online to find a laser hair removal clinic that you can trust. For example, this laser hair removal clinic has a solid and verifiable reputation and provides some of the best laser hair removal services available in London. As with most big cities, there are lots of laser hair removal London businesses to choose from, so make sure that you carefully research your options before you commit to anyone.

Many people are put off from seeking laser hair removal because they are worried about the pain. If this is the case for you, then don’t worry. Laser hair removal doesn’t hurt any more than pinging an elastic band against your skin and is certainly much less painful than waxing.

Know Before You Go

If you think that laser hair removal might be the right beauty treatment for your needs, then here is what you need to know about it before you go in for the procedure. First of all, you will have to have a patch test done before the main treatment can be applied. This is to ensure that your body reacts properly to the laser, and that there are no unexpected complications.

The way that laser hair removal works is by targeting the hair follicles that live at the base of the hair. As a result, shaving the area that you want to remove hair from before you go for your procedure will help it to work as effectively as possible.

After you have received your treatment, you may notice that your skin is a little bit pinker than usual. That is completely normal and should dissipate before long.

As you can see, there are a few things to think about before opting for laser hair removal. However, not only are the results reliable, but it is a relatively painless experience when you compare it to other procedures, such as waxing. It is a good idea to read up on the procedure as much as you can beforehand so you know what to expect when you are actually undergoing it. There is nothing scary or painful involved, but it is always better to go in with both eyes open.

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How To Make Super Easy Feel-Better Soup

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How To Make Super Easy Feel-Better Soup

Feeling under the weather? Kick that cold or flu to the curb with the ultimate immune-boosting soup. And the bonus of making it at home is that it’s also incredibly easy to customize to your taste.  Like it extra hot?  Add in more chili garlic sauce.  Like it extra sour?  Add in more rice wine vinegar.  Like it vegetarian?  Make it with tofu.  Like the meat version?  Just add in some pork.

Serves: 6-8 Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1.9L chicken or vegetable stock • 300g shiitake mushrooms, sliced • 1 tin bamboo shoots, drained • 60ml rice vinegar, or more to taste • 60ml soy sauce • 2 tsp ground ginger • 1 tsp chili garlic sauce • 35g cornstarch • 2 large eggs, whisked • 8 ounces firm tofu, cut into cubes or you can make this with pork instead of tofu. Just add in a 230g of cooked pork mince or sliced pork loin. • 6 spring onions, sliced • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil • salt & pepper • 2 garlic cloves, minced • pinch of cayenne

Method

Set aside about 60ml of the stock for later use. Add the remaining stock, mushrooms, garlic, bamboo shoots, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, ginger and chili garlic sauce to a large pan.

Heat over medium-high heat until the soup reaches a simmer. While the soup is heating, whisk together the stock that you set aside and cornstarch in a small bowl until completely smooth.

Once the soup has reached a simmer, stir in the cornstarch mixture and stir for 1 minute or so until the soup has thickened.

Continue stirring the soup then drizzle in the eggs while still stirring the soup to create egg ribbons. Stir in the tofu or pork, half of the spring onions, and sesame oil.  Then season the soup with salt, black pepper and cayenne to taste.  If you’d like a more sour soup, just add in another couple of tbsp of rice wine vinegar.  If you’d like a spicier soup, add in more chili garlic sauce.

Serve immediately, garnished with the onions. Enjoy!

Use our hashtag!

I am so excited that you are making a recipe and would love to see how it turns out. Make sure to use the hashtag on social media!

#VIVRELEREVE

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Here's Why Every Home Should Own A Dehumidifier

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Here's Why Every Home Should Own A Dehumidifier

There are so many benefits to getting a dehumidifier in your home. Dehumidifiers reduce humidity levels, making your home less hospitable to allergens such as dust mites, mold, and mildew. They are not disruptive to your daily life, and run quietly and efficiently in the background without most people even noticing. Dehumidifiers help reduce odors that can accompany mold and mildew in your home.

These devices help to reduce the possibility that you will develop mold on your clothing, furniture, and other linens. They also reduce irritation to your skin and your respiratory system, allowing you to breathe easier and feel comfortable in your home. A less humid environment in your home means clothing will dry faster, breads and cereals will remain fresh longer without getting stale, and you won’t find signs of rust or corrosion on things like computer equipment, electronics, and tools. Running a dehumidifier also helps reduce dust in your home, so you won’t have to clean as often.

To ensure that your dehumidifier operates at maximum efficiency, it’s best to use it in the most appropriate ways possible. Because outside air can affect the moisture level in your home you should always keep the doors and windows shut when the dehumidifier is on. It is also vital to set your dehumidifier in an area where it can render the best results. Your basement and bathroom are most likely to have higher moisture levels because of their damp or wet surfaces, which is why they are the ideal locations to place a dehumidifier in order to reduce excess moisture in the space.

Generally, you should set your dehumidifier to relative humidity levels of between 30 to 50 percent. At levels below 30 percent, the air may feel dry and above 50 percent, it may feel very wet. And don’t forget to clean the filter every few weeks. I didn’t even know there was a filter in mine until I burned out the motor in only a couple of years because of a totally clogged filter. Installing a dehumidifier is one of the simplest and most convenient purification solutions to keep your house free from moisture and mold. Just make sure that your model is properly cleaned and maintained for most effective and cost-effective operations. The most common place to install one is in the basement, which tends to be one of the dampest places in the house.

We absolutely love the Kloudic dehumidifier, we’ve been testing it our for the last month and we couldn’t be happier with it. This dehumidifier uses a Thermo-Electric Peltier Module and requires no compressor. You operate the Kloudic dehumidifier with a one touch button and the indicator light will turn RED when the water tank reaches between 350ml and 400ml, and the unit will auto-off. When the unit detects frost on the surface of the cooling plate, the unit will stop dehumidifying. After defrosting, the unit will continue to dehumidify automatically. It’s a very clever piece kit that’s absolutely essential at this time of year. You can buy yours here.

We’re super excited to be able to offer our readers the chance to win a Kloudic Dehumidifier of their very own. For your chance to win, just enter via the rafflecopter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions

Firstly, this promotion is open to residents of the UK only.

No purchase necessary.

By entering the prize draw entrants agree to be bound by any other requirements set out on this page.

Entry is only available online. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received, only partially received or delayed for any reason.

Entries that are incomplete, defaced or damaged will be deemed invalid.

Entries must not be sent through agencies or third parties. Any such entries will be invalid. No trade or multiple entries.

No responsibility will be accepted for entries lost, delayed or damaged in transmission.

Winner details will be publicly announced if permission is granted.

Competition closes at 12am on 13th January 2020. Entries received after this time and date will not be entered into the draw.

The prize is a Kloudic Dehumidifier.

Prize details are accurate at the time of promotion; the promoter reserves the right to substitute the prize for one of greater or equal value.

Consequently, the decision of the promoter in all matters is final and binding.

The Promoter reserves the right to withdraw the promotion due to circumstances beyond its control. Neither Vivre Le Rêve™ nor any other respective agents involved with this promotion. Shall be liable for any failure that is caused by something outside its reasonable control. Such circumstances shall include, but are not be limited to. Weather conditions, fire, flood, hurricane, strike, industrial dispute, war, hostilities. Political unrest, riots, civil commotion, inevitable accidents, supervening legislation or any other circumstances relating to Force Majeure.

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How to Prepare for Christmas Early – Week Thirteen

New Post has been published on https://www.vivrelereve.co.uk/how-to-prepare-for-christmas-early-week-thirteen/

How to Prepare for Christmas Early – Week Thirteen

Though we love the process of getting ready for Christmas, it can sometimes be overwhelming and feel like one giant, stressful to-do list. But if you’re feeling swamped, fear not. We’re is on hand to offer up some handy early Christmas prep countdown organisation tips.

To-Do Jobs Around the Home

Organise storage areas. Whether it’s attic, garage, closet or shed, take time to tidy up household storage. Storage spaces are notorious clutter zones. Since we don’t use them daily, they’re easy to ignore, until you can barely get in there, let alone find anything. It’s time to organise your space. After that, do a biannual checkup to keep this zone clutter-free

Assess decoration and ornament storage needs.

Christmas Prep Checklist

Finish gift shopping.

Wrap gifts as they are purchased. Every little bit helps, so wrap ahead where possible–you’ll avoid a long, rushed session of gift wrapping!

Package send-away gifts for mailing. Mail deadlines loom! Be ready to mail send-away gifts by the end of the week.

Mail domestic gifts.  

It’s time to order the Christmas ham, roast or poultry.

Even if you are not the biggest fan of the festive season, it pays to be prepared for it. We are here to show you how to get ready for Christmas, without breaking a sweat. Preparation is more than half the battle in our opinion. If you know how to get ready for Christmas well in advance, then by the time the big day rolls around, you will be more chilled than a turkey in January.

What’s your plan for Christmas this year? Are you a bit of a Grinch or do you love Christmas? Do you bake and craft or are you a shop-and-ship kind of celebrator? We’d love to hear your tricks for the best way to get the most out of Christmas without breaking the bank!

[nintendoduck-blog]

What We Think of The Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee Machine

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What We Think of The Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee Machine

Calling all coffee connoisseurs! We’ve teamed up  to give away a Nespresso Vertuo Plus machine, worth £199, with a coffret of 12 capsules. With a sleek, modern design, the Vertuo Plus delivers freshly brewed coffee with crema, offering the ultimate brewing experience for coffee enthusiasts.

Nespresso VertuoPlus offers freshly brewed coffee with a rich crema, even in a large cup. The machine’s unique Centrifusion technology and specially crafted dedicated range of capsules allows you to make five cup sizes: Alto (414ml), Mug (230ml), Gran Lungo (150ml), Double Espresso (80ml) & Espresso (40ml) The intelligent system uses barcode technology to recognise the capsule, automatically adjusting the brewing parameters to make each blend exactly how the coffee is meant to be enjoyed. The Vertuo machine has a manual mechanism to open and close the machine head. Each capsule delivers the finest roast and ground coffee sealed in a single-serve portion for optimal freshness.

The Nespresso VertuoPlus coffee makers use a patented extraction technology developed by Nespresso known as Centrifusion. Centrifusion technology spins up to 7,000 rotations per minute, blending ground coffee with water and producing the perfect in-cup result for each blend .

Nespresso VertuoPlus uses an intelligent extraction system that recognizes each capsule, thanks to a barcode on the rim of the capsule. This means that each Nespresso capsule’s brewing parameters are adjusted by the machine depending on the selected coffees. There is no need to change settings for the best in-cup result for your chosen blend – all at the touch of a button.

Create exceptional freshly brewed Coffee or authentic Espresso at the touch of a single button. The used Nespresso capsule is automatically ejected after brewing, with only a short pre- heat time. The cup support is adjustable to four positions to accommodate different cup and recipe sizes.

Nespresso follows highly rigorous standards in selecting coffee. They create hermetically sealed and recyclable aluminum capsules as an optimum way to lock in freshness and provide exceptional taste. As a result, they offer a wide variety to satisfy every taste at any moment of the day.

We’re offering one lucky reader the chance to win a luxurious Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee Machine. So if you’re in desperate need of a caffeine boost then this competition is for you! Just enter via the rafflecopter below. Good luck!­

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions

Firstly, this promotion is open to residents of the UK only.

No purchase necessary.

By entering the prize draw entrants agree to be bound by any other requirements set out on this page.

Entry is only available online. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received, only partially received or delayed for any reason.

Entries that are incomplete, defaced or damaged will be deemed invalid.

Entries must not be sent through agencies or third parties. Any such entries will be invalid. No trade or multiple entries.

No responsibility will be accepted for entries lost, delayed or damaged in transmission.

Winner details will be publicly announced if permission is granted.

Competition closes at 12am on 6th January 2020. Entries received after this time and date will not be entered into the draw.

The prize is a Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee Machine.

Prize details are accurate at the time of promotion; the promoter reserves the right to substitute the prize for one of greater or equal value.

Consequently, the decision of the promoter in all matters is final and binding.

The Promoter reserves the right to withdraw the promotion due to circumstances beyond its control. Neither Vivre Le Rêve™ nor any other respective agents involved with this promotion. Shall be liable for any failure that is caused by something outside its reasonable control. Such circumstances shall include, but are not be limited to. Weather conditions, fire, flood, hurricane, strike, industrial dispute, war, hostilities. Political unrest, riots, civil commotion, inevitable accidents, supervening legislation or any other circumstances relating to Force Majeure.

[nintendoduck-blog]

How To Make Sticky Maple-Glazed Parsnips And Carrots

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How To Make Sticky Maple-Glazed Parsnips And Carrots

Ingredients

  6 parsnips, peeled, halved lengthwise 12 thin carrots, peeled, greens trimmed but not removed 3 garlic cloves 4 slices bacon, each cut into 4 pieces 10 sprigs fresh thyme 60ml pure maple syrup 2 tsp wholegrain mustard Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Method

Preheat oven to 220°C, with rack in lower third.

Place parsnips, garlic, carrots, bacon, and thyme in a single layer on a rimmed baking tray. Drizzle with syrup and mustard; season with salt and pepper. Toss well to combine.

Bake until bottoms of vegetables begin to caramelise and turn dark brown, this should take around 20 minutes.

Remove from oven, and toss vegetables carefully. Return to oven, and bake until all sides are well browned, about 25 minutes more.

Discard bacon and thyme. Serve immediately.

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I am so excited that you are making a recipe and would love to see how it turns out. Make sure to use the hashtag on social media!

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How to Prepare for Christmas Early – Week Twelve

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How to Prepare for Christmas Early – Week Twelve

Though we love the process of getting ready for Christmas, it can sometimes be overwhelming and feel like one giant, stressful to-do list. But if you’re feeling swamped, fear not. We’re is on hand to offer up some handy early Christmas prep countdown organisation tips.

To-Do Jobs Around the Home

Clean and declutter your entrance hall: Remove clutter, clean and organise. Check the front door, clean and polish windows and brass door furnishings. Also use this as an opportunity to test outdoor lighting. Walk through the front door into your hallway or entrance. What do you see first of all? What would you like to see? Remove 5 things that don’t need to be there.

Sort through your coats, hats, scarves etc. What can you get rid of? Tidy them and put them in a basket or drawer. Sort through your shoes. Put away any that are the wrong season and get rid of any that don’t fit or are worn out. Clean any that need it. Step outside your front door and look at it. What could you do to improve it? Does it need a plant? A wreath? A coat of paint? Or perhaps just a good sweep for the front doorstep!

Prepare the entryway for guests. Declutter doorway storage areas so that outdoor shoes, umbrellas or keys find an attractive home. Make sure there’s extra space in the coat closet, and add spare hangers for guest’s coats.

Christmas Prep Checklist

Inspect and inventory decorations. As early Christmas decorations come out of storage, make a quick review of what you have. Add any needed items to the shopping list.

Begin decorating!

Send party invitations. Send invitations early. Social calendars fill up quickly in December.

Arrange baby-sitters.

Even if you are not the biggest fan of the festive season, it pays to be prepared for it. We are here to show you how to get ready for Christmas, without breaking a sweat. Preparation is more than half the battle in our opinion. If you know how to get ready for Christmas well in advance, then by the time the big day rolls around, you will be more chilled than a turkey in January.

What’s your plan for Christmas this year? Are you a bit of a Grinch or do you love Christmas? Do you bake and craft or are you a shop-and-ship kind of celebrator? We’d love to hear your tricks for the best way to get the most out of Christmas without breaking the bank!

[nintendoduck-blog]

Freezer Friendly: Super Easy Chocolate Orange Cookies

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Freezer Friendly: Super Easy Chocolate Orange Cookies

These scrumptious cookies are just the thing for afternoon tea. This is a super delicious make ahead chocolate orange cookie recipe that’s great for freezing. Just freeze divided mixture on a baking tray in the freezer. Once frozen, place in ziplock dated bags and you’ll always have homemade Chocolate Orange Cookies to hand. whenever you fancy them!

I always need homemade desserts for gatherings, events, gifts, and parties I host. Having homemade cookie dough prepped in the freezer saves me time, sanity, and effort during these busy couple of months. I freeze cookie dough all the time, actually. Not just this time of year! If I’m in a pinch or need dessert on the fly, I can open the freezer and I have cookie dough ready to be placed in the oven.

You will not believe the amount of hassle I am saved by having it on hand. 10 minutes later, I have fresh baked cookies.

If your freezer is ready for you to fill with delicious food, this is a delicious batch cooking freezer friendly recipe that’s just perfect for making ahead. The benefits of batch cooking include saving money, wasting less food and spending more time in the evenings with your family. This way, you can always have a meal waiting for you at the end of the day. It’s a great way to make weeknight cooking manageable.

Makes: 20 Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 250g butter, at room temperature • 50g caster sugar • 100g light Muscovado sugar • 200g self-raising flour • 2 tbsp semi-skimmed milk • 150g plain chocolate chips • Finely grated zest of 1 orange

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars until fluffy.

Stir in the flour and milk until combined. Add the remaining ingredients, mixing well. Bring it all together with your hands to form a dough.

Divide the mixture into 20 small balls. Flatten slightly, then place on the baking tray. (Freeze at this stage if making ahead).

Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Use our hashtag!

I am so excited that you are making a recipe and would love to see how it turns out. Make sure to use the hashtag on social media!

#VIVRELEREVE

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How to Prepare for Christmas Early – Week Eleven

New Post has been published on https://www.vivrelereve.co.uk/how-to-prepare-for-christmas-early-week-eleven/

How to Prepare for Christmas Early – Week Eleven

Though we love the process of getting ready for Christmas, it can sometimes be overwhelming and feel like one giant, stressful to-do list. But if you’re feeling swamped, fear not. We’re is on hand to offer up some handy Christmas prep countdown organisation tips.

To-Do Jobs Around the Home

Declutter and deep-clean the dining room or dining area this week.

Christmas Prep Checklist

Start a Black Friday Sales game plan. Online bargain sites and e-mail alerts allow Web-savvy shoppers to spot the best deals days before Black Friday. Plan next week’s shopping strategy as information comes to light.

It’s also time to get a head start planning Christmas parties. Everybody loves a party, but most especially Christmas parties. It’s an event that brings together people to celebrate Christmas and the blessings of the year. When planning your holiday party, be sure to send out your invitations with plenty of notice, especially if you’re planning your event for Christmas Eve or any weekend in December.

Even if you are not the biggest fan of the festive season, it pays to be prepared for it. We are here to show you how to get ready for Christmas, without breaking a sweat. Preparation is more than half the battle in our opinion. If you know how to get ready for Christmas well in advance, then by the time the big day rolls around, you will be more chilled than a turkey in January.

What’s your plan for Christmas this year? Are you a bit of a Grinch or do you love Christmas? Do you bake and craft or are you a shop-and-ship kind of celebrator? We’d love to hear your tricks for the best way to get the most out of Christmas without breaking the bank!

[nintendoduck-blog]

8 Great Car Modifications that Won’t Break the Bank

New Post has been published on https://www.vivrelereve.co.uk/8-great-car-modifications-that-wont-break-the-bank/

8 Great Car Modifications that Won’t Break the Bank

A lot of people don’t get into car modifications because they expect it to be too expensive, even though they’ve always dreamed of it. But few realise that you don’t have to spend thousands to enhance your vehicle. Not only that, but there are tons of seemingly complex modifications that you can do on your own and save on labour, which usually counts for a large portion of any job. Here are some affordable car modifications that are sure to turn heads.

Get 3D Plates

There are certain limits as to what you can do with your plate, but going with 3D plates is a nice touch that can be a great addition to a performance or classic car. But you have to make sure that you get the plates from the right supplier, or you might not be able to take the car on the road.

Services like Number1Plates not only provide 3D gel number plates that are fully legal, but they also allow you to design your own 3D plate. Their plates are made by adding a polyurethane resin on top of sheet cut characters. They then apply a glossy black finish, which gives 3D plates their signature premium look.

Seat Covers

Why spend thousands extra for some leather seats, when you can easily get the look with seat covers? Whether you wanted a classic look, or are a fan of the sporty look, nice seat covers will instantly elevate your car’s interior design. These are also great if you want to hide some cuts or tears on the seats.

Stripes and Wrapping

While getting your car wrapped isn’t exactly the cheapest modification out there, it will still cost you less than getting the car painted. However, when done right, you can get some great effects with it. This is also something that you could do yourself, but it will require time and skill, and a dust free space.

You don’t have to wrap the entire car either. Some people will just use wrapping to accentuate the hood, mirrors, or the spoiler for instance.

Getting stripes is another great addition you could try. You could even go all out with some racing decals and stickers for a complete look. They aren’t as expensive as you may imagine either, and it’s another thing that you could do on your own.

Interior Trim Wrap

This one is less common, but you could have the interior of the car wrapped as well. You don’t have to go all out though; you can replace the trim in your vehicle with some vinyl wrap. You can have virtually any type of finish you want; may it be carbon fibre, leather, or high gloss – the only limit is your imagination.

Headlight Tinting

A lot of people wrongfully think that all forms of headlight tinting are illegal, but that’s not the case. As long as you are not blocking the light and staying within the confines of the law, these are perfectly fine. Headlight tints can give a nice, stealthy look to any vehicle, and are one of the least expensive modifications you can make on a car. Not only that, but they will also help protect your headlights from scratches and dents.

Windows Tinting

Tinted windows are also a great option if you not only want to add to your car’s look, but if you want more privacy as well. Tinted windows also have the benefit of being able to block UV rays, and reduce heat in the interior of the car. There are also plenty of DIY kits out there that you can find if you want to save on installation. Know that there are restrictions on tinting front side windows and the windscreen though.

Interior Lighting Kit

LEDs are a great cheap way to make your interior stand out and give it a unique feel. They can also make it more functional. You can add backlighting in specific spots like the console or foot wells and instantly make them pop.

Paint Car Parts

If you’re not afraid of a challenge and feel like you’re capable, another thing you could do is paint visible car parts. For instance, painting your calipers or brake drums could make them stand out and make your car look sportier. Some people even paint parts of their engine.

If you want to get it right, make sure that you take the parts out first. This way, you’ll make sure that you won’t get paint on your car by accident, or all over your brake discs. Also make sure that you buy good paint, as you don’t want it to start chipping away.

All of those mods could instantly improve the look of a vehicle, and they won’t cost an arm and a leg. Not only that, but you could even install most of them yourself if you have the skills for it.