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El Gordo is the most well-known, largest raffle in history. A full “El Gordo ticket” costs €200, which is too expensive for most players, so people mostly buy one-tenth of a ticket, which entitles them to a 10% share.

And guess what?

The Spanish Lottery released the winning numbers for “El Gordo” (The Fat One). In 2020, the Christmas raffle decided to hand out over €2.4 billion in prizes – that is US$ 2.9 billion – which is €28 million (or US$34 million!) more than last year. (WOW!)

It was the first time in history that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that we are currently in and the strict SOPS that need to be followed, only the children and members of the press were allowed to enter the building once the doors opened at 7:15 am. Usually, two children from San Ildefonso school (a former orphanage) sing out the winning five-digit number for the €4 million (which is US$4.9 million) in front of an audience at Madrid’s Teatro Real.

Due to the corona virus pandemic, El Gordo tickets sold a total of €2.58 billion, which is an 11% decreased compared to the previous year, 2019.

But despite the restriction, the show must go on, and it did! Even though there was no audience, the participants and organizers on stage took PCR tests and donned masks.

The winning numbers were sung out by the lovely children, which were 7, 2, 8, 9, 7. Imagine hearing that, and it matches your number – the rush of adrenaline would be unreal!

The top prize-winning number was sold at 17 different locations!

One of O Grove’s sellers, Manual Rodriguez, was so happy at the enormous reward on a challenging year. We can all agree 2020 was a pretty rough year! “I’m going to bring some centollos (spider crab), the kings of seafood, to celebrate.” He remarked.

In Spain’s Christmas lottery, every €20 ticket has one raffle number that can be purchased in full or can be divided into ten identical segments – décimos. As the numbers are divided, there are 1,600 tickets that have the same number sold at points across the country. What does this do? It prevents one person from buying it all.

Many people buy identical segments (décimos) of different ticket numbers just to increase their odds of winning.

Fun fact: A €1 décimo in the winning number is worth €20,000. So, automatically, a €20 full ticket pays out €400,000! (20×20,000 – you get it, right?)

But fear not, if someone misses out on the great “El Gordo”, they can still win a prize!

Yes, that’s right; you can still win a prize. How?

The second prize awards €125,000 to each winning ticket (or €6,250 for every décimo played). The third prize awards €50,000 for each winning ticket (or €2,500 for every décimo played). The (Christmas lottery includes 1,794 prizes of €1,000 per ticket for the Pedrea.)

Players indeed get a chance to cover the cost of their tickets only if the last digit of their number matches the last digit in the six-digit sequence of the ones of first, second, or third prize.

Another fun fact: The winning numbers for the third prize were announced at 11 am, which were 5,2,4,7,2. An hour later, around 12 am, the numbers for the second prize were announced as well, which were 0, 6, 0, 9, 5.

Another thing that changed from previous years was that prizes under €40,000 would not be taxed. The authorities usually were taking 20% of all amounts above €20,000. But the threshold has been raised and will reduce the taxes for the Tax Agency of around €18.6 million compared to the previous year, 2019.

History of the “El Gordo”

Spain’s “El Gordo” is held each year on December 22, and although other national lotteries have larger individual top prizes, El Gordo is still ranked as the world’s RICHEST in total prize money!

It was established in 1763 as a charity during Spain’s King Carlos III reign, and it has managed to remain uninterrupted since 1892! The first time Spain’s national Christmas lottery took place was on December 18, 1812.

Some more on Lottery!

The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 100,000 – that’s pretty low, imagine the possibility coming true and winning the Lottery!

To find out more about Lottery tickets and results from all over the world, head on to Lottery Parakeet, where you can find all the details that you would need. Whether you want Arizona lottery results or you want to buy California lottery tickets, you will find all about it at Lottery Parakeet!

When purchasing flooring for your home, you may be weighing up whether to purchase solid hardwood or laminate flooring. Both have extremely valuable features and last a pretty long time. But, which one should you go for? Let’s discuss the benefits of both to help you decide on what flooring will be best for you!

What’s the Difference Between Solid Hardwood vs Laminate Flooring?

Solid hardwood is real, thick flooring boards that are blind-nailed to the floor through tongue-and-groove edges. Of course, it’s made from pieces of real wood that are around an inch thick. They interlock with each other (as does laminate flooring), but it’s recommended that a professional fit the flooring.

Laminate flooring is made to resemble the appearance of real wood but is made from fibreboard materials. The flooring boards are relatively thinner than solid hardwood, as they’re usually around 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. Cheap laminate flooring is common, as it’s known for being great quality for a better price.

Appearance

Solid Hardwood

With solid hardwood being made from real pieces of wood, it has a timeless, authentic look. Its rich colours are no doubt a flawless feature to add to your home. There’s no comparison to real wood, as it’s the real deal.

Over time, solid hardwood can fade in sunlight, as does any tree. This only adds to its authenticity and beauty! However, you can re-sand the flooring to create a new, finished. This enhances its durability too, as it lasts a lifetime if you treat it well. Real hardwood flooring needs re-sanding every 10 years or so, which can be time-consuming.

Laminate Flooring

The brilliant appearance of laminate flooring is that it looks like real wood for a fraction of the price. Up close and personal, you would be able to notice it lacks the glamour of traditional hardwood flooring. Although, nobody would notice unless you chose a design that has an artificial appearance, as it’s printed to look like wood.

Unlike solid hardwood flooring, you won’t be required to sand it every 10 years. It has a UV resistance built into the boards, so it won’t fade in sunlight.

Durability

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood is quite scratch-resistant, but it’s prone to suffer from scratching caused by furniture legs, shoes and other objects. This could be an issue with families who’s children love to be playful on the floor. Overall, it isn’t too much of a problem, as you can re-sand it to make it look brand new. Also, solid hardwood is famous for its ability to last a lifetime. Once you install it, you’ll be set for years to come.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is known for being more scratch-resistant than solid hardwood. It has built-in bottom layers to resist moisture, unlike wood which soaks in drops of water. This is ideal for children and pets! Your laminate flooring won’t become warped or out of shape over time. But, when it begins to look old and worn out, it would need replacing. You can’t sand it down like hardwood.

Resale Value

If you’re aiming to sell your house one day and make a profit, solid hardwood has a higher resale value than laminate flooring. With this being said, people are drawn to laminate flooring as it’s easy to take up and place it in different rooms. The ability to repurpose the floorboards can be a selling point for buyers!

Which is Better?

Purchasing solid hardwood or laminate flooring comes down to your priorities and the features you’re most interested in. If you want lifetime-lasting real wood for an expensive starting price, solid hardwood is for you. On the other hand, laminate flooring would be the better choice for a home that embraces being busy, reinvention and the cheaper option.

Are you thinking about taking your next big gathering into the great outdoors?

When it comes to cookouts, there’s no better venue than a campground. There’s fresh air, plenty of space, and when everyone can bring a tent, trailer, or RV with them, the party never has to end!

Are you thinking about hosting a campground barbecue but aren’t sure where to begin? We’re here to help! Here are six must-have tips on how to host an RV cookout your guests won’t soon forget.

1. Plan Your Menu Early

Whenever you’re getting ready to feed a large group of people, the more planning and prep you do ahead of time, the better. If you’re planning an RV cookout, before you hit the RV park, you should start putting together your menu.

Plan on having at least two different entrees your guests can choose from and around three to four sides. By planning ahead of time, you can make sure you get enough ingredients to cover everyone and plan for alternatives just in case something goes wrong.

Need a little inspiration to help you get started? Check out recipeworkbook.com. And remember, it’s better to have too much food than leave your guests hungry.

2. It’s All About the Meal Prep

It’s easy to grill out while camping. But preparing dishes like potato salad can be a bit more challenging without access to a full-size kitchen. While your RV may have a kitchen suitable for preparing some sides, to keep your cookout as stress-free as possible, you may want to consider cooking a few things before you hit the RV park.

3. Gather Some Seating

Nothing kills a cookout faster than having to balance your plate while standing or risking getting dirt in your burger by sitting on the ground. Before your cookout, try to gather up as much extra seating as you can to make sure all of your guests have a comfortable place to sit while they eat.

4. Salt Your Cooler

What’s a cookout without a few frosty beverages to wash everything down? To make sure all of your drinks stay nice and cool for the duration of the night, make sure to take some time to salt down your cooler. You’ll be glad you did!

5. Beyond the BBQ

There’s more to a successful cookout than food. While preparing for your cookout, try to gather up a good wireless speaker and a few fun lawn games, like giant Jenga or cornhole. Having good music and a few activities to keep your guests entertained are both surefire ways to take your cookout from good to great!

6. Don’t Forget Clean-Up

Finally, at some point, your cookout is going to end, and then you’re going to have to clean everything up. So, you may as well plan for clean up ahead of time like everything else. Make sure to bring plenty of garbage bags, paper towels, and a spray bottle with your choice of cleaner to help wipe up messes.

Planning Your First RV Cookout

Ready to hit the great outdoors? Now that you know a little more about how to put together the ultimate RV cookout, it’s time to get cooking!

Are you looking for more advice on how to turn your next big get-together into the event of the year? We’ve got you covered. Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful advice, tips, tricks, and hacks today!

 

Exploring new places, going on undiscovered adventures is a dream of mine and has been for many years, to just hop in the car and drive where the wind takes us. There is always a new experience waiting for you around the corner and having the freedom to do what you want and when you want is a luxury we strive for.

My long-time school friend and her husband decided to embark on a traveling chapter for their lives, plotting their starting point and date and simply following the road map from country to country. They didn’t have kids at the time and had the globe awaiting them.

Initially, they flew and used public transport everywhere they went but as we could have guessed the expenses soon added up. Even though he was working remotely and earning as they explored, a big chunk was going to travel expense and it soon became non-viable, so they began their car hire research.

After a few days of intensive research, they found a cheap run around being advertised by a local and who only needed a small deposit, the bare minimum of daily rate hire, and to have it returned with a full tank. It was a blessing that helped them make the memories they have today. They set off and the ‘rest is history’ as they say.

Renting a car, what to look for.

When you first see the vehicle you intend on using be sure to give it a thorough self-check inside and out, take photos of all sides and interiors so that if at the end of the usage period there are any queries you have photo evidence to back up your claims.

It may not seem an obvious action but my husband always takes a picture of the speedometer clock, how much mileage are we receiving the car at, and upon return how much we clocked. This way we have any documentation available should there be queries when we hand back the keys.

Take a quick drive around the parking lot or up the road and back, this way you can adjust and get familiar with the vehicle as all cars are and feel different, even more so if you have opted for an automatic but are used to a manual.

Ask what petrol or diesel it uses, know where you are going if possible to have some trace, and by all means, try to stay on the road and ideally main roads as they have cameras if anything happened. Once you are done return the vehicle on or before time in the same condition you received it and make sure you get your full deposit and insurance waiver back.

These are a few simple tips on what to do and which are recommended, but there are also things on what ‘not to do,’ read about them here https://www.smartertravel.com/10-things-not-renting-car/ and this way you know the pros and cons of renting a vehicle and it will make you a safer, smarter traveler.

Rental car versus public transport when abroad.

Having experienced this first-hand I am well aware of how taxi drivers or private car hire companies overcharge people when they hear they are not local, they assume foreigners are blaze about costs and simply pay what they’re told once they reach their destination.

This is why for us when we are going on a reasonably long vacation where the hotel is not necessarily in the city center or near shops or malls we always opt for car hire over phoning taxis or Ubers each time.

We have the luxury to change our minds last minute on plans, we can take extra luggage with if need be, and come home safely at any time of the night or morning without the tariffs changing rates.

Day time travel is easier no doubt as you simply hop on and off the buses as they come and go, but further tourist destinations or attractions not as popular but that you’d like to see may not have transport directly to the venue, thus having a car eliminates the stress of arriving on time or locating the venue, to begin with.

If you can spare a piece of the budget on car rental I highly recommend it, the trip is less stressed, you save time, and you have the option to drive a car you can’t necessarily buy outright, it’s a win-win.

Hire research.

This component of a trip can make or break the mood from the get-go if not executed correctly. There are plenty of stories about tourists pre-paying for their full trip car rental or putting down large deposits to secure specific vehicles for an extended period only to have been ‘scammed’ and the money has gone into an untraceable account never to be seen again.

Ensure the company you intend on hiring from is reliable, reputable, and if possible a well-known brand. It can be tricky with overseas companies but thorough searching and validating websites and contact details will make it less stressful.

The company should have a phone number you can call and ask questions to and they should have no issues answering any concerns you might have, this will show you the quality of customer service you are likely to receive from start to finish.

If the trip you have booked is a once in a lifetime opportunity don’t let the drain of a bit of homework keep you from choosing the right company, make the most of it.

For a highly recommended car hire business with positive reviews from satisfied customers daily, check out Go Autos Barcelona where customer care and service is a priority and what makes them so sought after. The best trip deserves the highest assistance.

Road tripping.

If you ever have the opportunity to take a road trip then I suggest you add it to your bucket list immediately, the definition essentially boils down to a trip you take via the road, but the bigger meaning is an adventure filled with discoveries.

With the advances of modern technology, there are all sorts of applications you can use to plan and navigate your trip, you simply need to book and pay for the car hire (after careful research), shop for snacks (because no trip is complete without it), and create the best the music playlist of all time.

There is nothing more brilliant than a car full of people singing at the top of their lungs out of tune, while high on sugar from too many sweet treats and taking endless photos to enjoy when it’s all over.

 

The wine lovers among you are sure to have dreamed about visiting a winery. But as exciting as the thought of tasting all those amazing wines is, it’s not uncommon for first-timers to feel apprehensive and even a little intimidated.

One thing you definitely shouldn’t worry about is your level of wine knowledge. Wineries pride themselves on welcoming everyone from beginners to experts. That said, there are some expectations about wine tasting etiquette that you’ll need to learn before you attend.

Not sure how to act on your first wine tour? Keep reading to find out how to go wine tasting at wineries.

Avoid Wearing Fragrances

A key part of wine tour etiquette that many first-timers might not consider is how important it is to avoid wearing any fragrances. Smell is a huge part of the experience so filling the air with heavy perfumes and overpowering colognes is a big faux pas.

Keep an Open Mind

One of our top wine tasting tips is to take the opportunity to expand your tastes and challenge your perceptions of certain wines. Even if you’ve yet to try a sweet white wine you liked, take a sip of whatever’s being offered. You never know, it could end up being your favorite.

Don’t Be Afraid to Spit, Dump, or Swallow

One of the more surprising wine tasting tips is that it’s perfectly fine to dump any wine after you’ve had a taste of it, even if you like it.

But the bigger question is often what to do about the wine once it’s in your mouth. Many people are reluctant to spit but all the pros do it so you’ll be in good company. Spitting is also the best option if you plan your visit to include several tasting rooms. That said, don’t be afraid to swallow if you’re only sampling a handful of wines. After all, you’re meant to be having fun!

Eat Something

Tasting wines on an empty stomach is a surefire way to get tipsy, which is a definite no-no when it comes to wine tour etiquette. Even if you plan on spitting out most of the wines you try, it’s a good idea to eat a light meal beforehand. During the tasting session, you should also snack on crackers or plain bread to help cleanse your palate and drink water to stay hydrated.

Take Notes

While nobody’s going to quiz you on the wines you’ve tried, it’s worth noting down your favorites for future reference. Some wineries provide a tasting sheet so bring a pen to mark off those you liked or use your phone to take photos and write notes.

Buy Wine, But Don’t Haggle

Many people are unsure whether buying wine is a compulsory part of wine tour etiquette. It’s not – although since many operators wave the tasting fee when you buy two or three bottles, most people tend to make a purchase. But, under no circumstances should you attempt to haggle for a deal. It’s wine, not a new car.

Wine Tasting Etiquette for First-Timers

A lot of wine tasting etiquette may seem like common sense or good manners. But you’d be surprised how many people make the mistake of wearing perfume, fishing for discounts, or getting drunk.

Of course, now you know how to go wine tasting at wineries, you won’t be the one making those typical first-timer mistakes.

For more travel tips and lifestyle insights, be sure to check out our other blog posts!

Cigars are an extremely pleasurable form of smoking one can have and is a unique experience in itself. When smoking a cigar, one has to understand that it is unlike any kind of tobacco product in the market due to which, the way it is consumed also differs. Cigars are much stronger than your average cigarettes due to which it is not recommended to smoke an entire cigar at one time. Cigars have a very high content of nicotine, due to which smoking them in a small portion is what people recommend. Since the nicotine content is very high, it can also cause nicotine poisoning, which can be harmful to you. However, this should not be a reason for you not to try or smoke it. It is, in fact, one of the favorite tobacco products of people across the globe. If you want to cut down on the nicotine content but still want to enjoy a cigar, the best way is to use a flag. The flag is what a cigarette filter is.

Every cigarette has a filter on its tip, which comes in contact with the mouth while on inhales the smoke. The filter helps to filter the smoke and stop much harmful content and extra nicotine from going into your body. However, when it comes to cigars, there is no such option for the user. Since cigars are made out of rolled tobacco leaves, there is no option of adding a filter. People who smoke a cigar, inhale as much nicotine are in a pack of cigarettes. Using a Flag or a filter tip, as it can be called, allows a user to filter the extra nicotine content from the smoke, which makes a cigar much safer for use. A large cigar can give times the nicotine content when compared to a cigarette; therefore, using a filter to smoke it would seem to be a very wise choice. These filters are easily available in the market and online website, and there are various types of filters available. Different types of filters can filter the smoke as per your requirement and preference from fine to medium.

Try using the filter tip with a cigar like backwoods cigars, and you will enjoy the unique experience it will provide. Filter tips or flags can be found made of different components. It is mostly found made of wood, as it is more durable and can be easily carried. There are also different types of wooden filters that are infused with different aromas and flavor. Since wood can easily absorb or infuse the aromas, flavored tips are used to give a normal cigar a different kind of taste. These are great for people who are looking for a unique taste from their regular cigar. One thing that most people do wrong with the filters is to reuse it again and again. One thing that a person should understand is that a filter tip only has a limited capacity to filter the smoke. Using it more than its capacity will finally make it unusable. Therefore, one should only go for a new filter tip every time they smoke a new cigar. It would make sure that the usage of the tips is properly done.

 

How do you take your coffee?

If you live in the United States, odds are you kick off every morning with a nice, hot cup of coffee. And while your choice of beverage may not seem all that unique, there are dozens of ways you can tweak your daily shot of caffeine to suit your taste.

That said, whether you take your coffee black or loaded up with fancy creamers, there is one thing every cup of coffee has in common: you need to brew it first. But, no matter what you decide to mix into it once your coffee is hot and ready, nothing affects the taste more than coffee brewing methods.

Thinking about shaking up your morning brew, but aren’t sure where to start? Here are five different ways to brew coffee that every coffee lover should try at least once.

How to Choose Coffee Brewing Methods

Before you decide which coffee brewing methods are right for you, there are two crucial factors you need to consider: timing and taste.

First, while we would all love to be able to dedicate a good chunk of our morning to brewing a perfect cup of coffee, we don’t all have time for that. So keep your morning routine in mind when deciding which of these is right for you.

You also need to take your coffee preferences into account when choosing a brewing method. The brewing process can affect the strength, acidity, and overall flavor of your coffee. So, keep that in mind before making a final decision.

1. Automatic Drip Coffee Pot

If you’re not new to brewing coffee yourself and live in the United States, odds are you’re already familiar with this brewing method. Mr. Coffee invented and popularized the modern automatic drip coffee maker in the 70s. And, for a lot of households, this super-simple machine is still a preferred brewing method.

If you live in a household with multiple coffee drinkers, the classic coffee pot is one of your best bets because you can make several cups at the same time.

As a bonus, a lot of modern coffee pots come with a built-in timer, so your machine will start brewing your coffee automatically whenever you like. So, if you’re one of those people who need your coffee the second you roll out of bed, an automatic drip system may be just the ticket.

That said, the traditional automatic drip system does tend to make weaker brews than other methods. But, if you prefer a lighter cup in the morning, this method is perfect for you.

2. Percolator

Do you like your coffee strong enough to wake up your neighbors? Then you may want to consider investing in a percolator.

The percolator is a pretty old school coffee brewing method, and there’s a reason it’s still popular. Unlike the other methods on this list, percolators let the coffee grounds marinate, which is why it makes such a strong cup.

The biggest downside to the percolator comes from its greatest strength. Because most percolators let the coffee sit directly in the water, there’s a greater possibility of winding up with a few loose grounds in your mug. But, if your willing to take that risk, your reward will be a cup strong enough to keep you going all day.

3. French Press

The classic french press can be a bit tricky to master. But, with a little practice and patience, it can help you create a silky smooth, robust cup that will transport your tastebuds to a cafe in Paris.

When it comes to the French press, or press pot, the trick lies in the grounds. To avoid the grounds slipping past the filter and winding up in your mug, you’re going to want to make sure to use medium or coarsely ground coffee.

Method aside, the French press can also make clean up a little trickier. But, if you’re willing and able to spend a little more time on your coffee, this method is well worth the extra work.

4. Pour-Over

If you love the single-cup life and are ready to take things back to basics, then the pour-over method is ideal for all your coffee needs.

With the pour-over method, all you need is a coffee cone and a way to heat water, and you can make yourself a cup of coffee that will rival any fancy coffee shop.

The pour-over system is a favorite of coffee fanatics because it is one of the quickest and simplest and cheapest ways to make a perfect cup. All you do is place a coffee filter in your coffee cone and add a few scoops of your grounds. Then pour hot water over the grounds and revel in the sweet aroma of fresh coffee brewing right under your nose.

The only downside to the pour-over system is that it can take a little more effort than other brew methods. You have to be careful when pouring the hot water over the grounds so that you maintain a steady drip and don’t overflow. But, outside of that, if you’re looking for an easy way to up your coffee game, you can’t go wrong with the pour-over.

5. Cold Brew

Whether you live in a warmer climate or don’t like to have to wait for your coffee to cool, cold brew is a great way to get your fix without overheating or burning your tongue.

Unlike iced coffee, which uses hot water in its brewing process, cold brew is coffee brewed slowly using cold water. The finished process is a refreshing cool coffee beverage with a hint of natural sweetness that doesn’t need any extra sugar.

The biggest downside to cold brew is, unlike conventional hot methods that brew in a matter of minutes, cold brew can take up to 24 hours to brew. That said, if you’re willing to put in the time, this method is well worth the effort.

However, no matter what method you use to craft your coffee, your finished product will only be as good as your beans. Check out these facts to learn a bit more about single-origin coffee and how it can completely change your coffee game for the better.

The Best Way to Brew Your Beans

Every single one of these coffee brewing methods comes with its own set of pros and cons. Some that are quick and easy may make a weak cup. Others that create a robust, full-bodied flavor may take up half your morning.

As we said at the top of this article, a person’s coffee preference is a bit like a fingerprint: everyone’s is different. So, even though one of these methods works well for someone you know, it may not be the best option for you, and that’s ok.

When it comes to coffee preferences, there aren’t any wrong answers. No matter how you brew your bean juice or what you put in it, you always wind up with a tasty cup of coffee that will help you take on whatever life can throw at you.

Are you looking for more advice on how you can take your coffee consumption to the next level? We’ve got you covered. Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful articles, tips, tricks, and hacks today!

What is free range chicken?

The idea may spark images of chickens running around in the sunshine, living their days in happiness before becoming poultry. But what does free range really mean? Is it the same as organic?

We’ll break it down for you:

What Is Free Range Chicken?

In the United States, the term “free range” is overseen by the USDA, so you might think that there’s a long list of requirements that farmers have to meet before their chickens are considered free range. On the USDA’s website, though, there’s just one line:

“Producers must demonstrate to the Agency that the poultry has been allowed access to the outside.”

And that’s it! This might be an improvement from chickens that are completely confined, but it still doesn’t say much about how they’re are actually living. There aren’t clear guidelines on how much outside space the chickens have or how long they’re allowed to be outside.

Other countries differ in the specificity of their regulations. Australian guidelines just require that chickens have “meaningful and regular access to the outdoors,” while the free range chicken farmers in the Philippines must adhere to a comprehensive document of regulations.

Free Range Certifications

Although the governmental requirements about free range can be pretty lax, there are several certification programs that have clear rules about the quality of the chickens’ time outside.

Producers of free range eggs can get additional certifications for having a certain amount of floor space per chicken or a minimum amount of outdoor time per day. Egg cartons from these farmers will say things like “Food Alliance Certified” or “Animal Welfare Approved.”

Free Range vs. Organic

Compared to free range, the term “organic” usually has a few more restrictions, like that the product has to be free of genetic engineering or ionizing radiation. If you’re shopping for chicken and find something labeled “organic,” you’ll know it at least doesn’t come from these conditions.

But that still doesn’t say much about whether the chickens are treated well.

In order to get a good sense of where your meat or eggs come from, you might want to opt for a local poultry farm or small business whose practices you’re generally aware of. They might not have the certification that larger companies do, but you’ll have a better chance of not being misled by vague labels.

Does It Make a Difference in Quality?

It’s hard to say whether the label of “free range” is enough to make a difference in the quality of the meat.

Studies of free range poultry have shown these birds to produce better quality meat and have a more desirable nutritional balance. But it’ll likely make a difference whether the eggs and meat you’re buying come from chickens that are truly free range or that just meet the minimal requirements.

Final Word

So, what is free range chicken? The answer depends on how vague the guidelines are that govern the farming practice. It could mean anything from a chicken given a little bit of sunlight each day to a chicken that’s truly allowed to roam free.

Stay informed of the labels you see every day and determine for yourself whether the price is worth it. For more on language and food, check out our other articles on this blog!

A corporate event is something related to prestige, brand image, reputation, and luxury. To make your corporate event a success, it is crucial to design mesmerizing corporate event invitations. We are hereby covering Top five tips that you can consider while finalizing the corporate event invitation.

1- Call for quotes and finalize based on the budget

To justify your brand image, you may expect an expensive corporate event invitation, but considering the budget is also crucial. Corporate event invitations can be designed uniquely considering various formats and designs based on the type of event. However, invitations may take up a significant portion of the budget, but it should not consume the entire budget. Other event preparations like food, welcome gifts, and venue, so the invitation should be finalized as per budget limits. A valid consideration should be given to the number of people you want to invite in the event and how much a single invitation costs you. Comparing everything and finalizing the invitation template is a sound decision.

2- Check innovative designs falling in your budget

Another crucial thing you need to do before finalizing the corporate event invitation is checking innovative designs, so you get the idea to have a uniquely designed invitation. Looking at those will give you an idea of how exactly an invitation is intended, and then accordingly, you can decide how you want your invitation to be drawn.

If your organization is going to organize an employee’s retirement event, you can see the retirement dinner invitation templates online for reference. You can either choose from those or take an idea from those and modify them as per your taste and preferences and get it customized. You can consider following things- texture, color, font size, style, card size, while choosing the best template.

3- Content of the invitation card-

If your organization conducts retirement events of employees, you need to finalize a retirement dinner invitation. Have you ever thought of how you can make it more effective? It’s not only the color combinations, images, etc. that make an invitation look ideal, but the content also plays a crucial role. You should get some vivacious and special words written on it to make it an apple of everyone’s eye. This way, your customized invitation card will grab instant attention. Customized content will give a great feeling to your guests that are welcomed with full respect.

4- Find a perfect invitation designer

There are plenty of invitation designers available that can customize your invitation card based on the event. Before finalizing the deal with a service provider, it’s better to interview them and design the invitation. To let your company image last forever, you need to get it drawn from the experienced one. Don’t pick up one randomly. Otherwise, you will simply waste your money.

5- Check for the paper quality of the invitation

Simple paper that you use for daily writing won’t work when it comes to making invitations. You need to consider the hard and thick paper for invitations. The handmade papers or textured papers will add greatness to it. But see how much it will cost you and accordingly finalize corporate event invitations.

 

Are you thinking about trying the keto diet?

Keto diets have increased in popularity recently as many people have seen great results while still eating foods that they love. Ketosis is a natural metabolic state, but a keto diet kicks this process into overdrive, and your body may burn fat faster than it would otherwise.

Keep reading to learn more keto diet tips and how to get your body into ketosis in just a few simple ways.

How to Get Your Body into Ketosis in Four Steps

When you’re in a state of ketosis, it means that your body is converting fat cells to molecules called ketones and then using those for its primary source of fuel. This means you’re likely burning fat more efficiently.

Getting your body into ketosis isn’t always easy, as you have to follow a pretty strict diet and exercise routine. If you’re looking for the benefits of a keto diet, but don’t know how to stay in ketosis, these four steps will help:

1. Reduce Your Carb Intake

Eating an extremely low-carb diet is the best way to put your body into ketosis. Your body typically uses carbs as the main source of energy, so to go into ketosis, you cannot give your body a high amount of carbs.

The exact grams of carbs needed to maintain ketosis likely differs between individuals, but it is often around 20 grams.

2. Increase Exercise

The keto diet isn’t just about what you eat, you’ll need to maintain an exercise routine as well. Exercise helps burn off excess glucose in your body, which means you’ll be more likely to use fat as your energy source.

3. Eat Protein and Healthy Fats

Reducing carbs and eating more fats and protein doesn’t mean it’s a free for all. You should try to consume as many healthy fats as possible, so your body still gets valuable nutrients. Avocados and coconut oil are a great place to get started as they’re very high in healthy fat and low in carbs.

You’ll also want to increase your protein intake every day. Healthy protein sources such as nuts, chicken breast, beef, fish, and other types of meat are all great options. Protein will also help keep you full, so you’re not tempted to eat sugary snacks.

4. Keep Yourself Satisfied

A new diet is most likely to fail if you aren’t well-prepared. Like most diets, a keto diet takes careful planning. Make sure you have plenty of homemade or store-bought keto snacks and make smart decisions throughout the day. Even one carb-heavy snack can put your body out of ketosis.

Learn More About Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

If you’re curious about how to get your body into ketosis, these four steps are an excellent place to get started. However, keto diets aren’t for everyone, so you must do your research and consult a doctor before making any changes to your health and fitness routine.

To get more information about keto diets, or other tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, make sure you check out the rest of our website.