If you have an iPad, and you are looking for something to help you learn French in addition to say an online course or perhaps classroom-based lessons, you will be pleased to discover that there are many useful apps that you can download and use to assist you. We give you a detailed rundown on the top 3 iPad apps you should download today to help you learn French in a jiffy!

Living Language – French for iPad

(free, with in-app purchases)

Download here >>

Developed by Random House Digital (part of the world renown Random House publishing company), the Living Language app offers 45 lessons in 3 different levels – beginner, intermediate and advanced. The first 6 lessons are free, and the others can be obtained via in-app purchases but will help with more specific language learning requirements such as French grammar.

Featured in Apple’s “Foreign Languages” education collection back in December 2012, Living Language is one of the best ways to help you improve your French in a way that is fun, engaging and memorable. Not just a phrasebook, it teaches you through a series of dialogues and even interactive games – for example, a word search puzzle where the words you need to find are shown in English, but the words in the puzzle itself are written in French.

French course: Teach yourself

(free, with in-app purchases)

Download here >>

Featured in The Guardian newspaper’s “30 best iPhone and iPad apps” round-up, this French course app offers two free course units for learning, with other course units available as in-app purchases. The app boasts an easy to use, intuitive interface which is guaranteed to get you speaking French within a matter of minutes!

It engages with its users by offering a fully entertaining and interactive approach to learning French, along with authentic French speakers to listen to and learn from. There are a range of exercises such as “listen and answer”, “fill in the gaps”, and you decide the pace at which you want to learn.

MindSnacks Learn French

(free, with in-app purchases)

Download here >>

The “Learn French” app from MindSnacks isn’t just a typical “learn French” kind of app. With nine unique mini games, and over 1,000 words and phrases to learn, it really does offer its users a fun, unique and entertaining way to master French in a way that makes the experience highly enjoyable and memorable.

It boasts other features such as a personalised learning algorithm to help you remember what you’ve learnt, quizzes and challenges to help keep you motivated, and it also keeps track of your progress. Additionally, there is an extra 50 lessons which have developed by Ivy League instructors that can be downloaded and installed via an in-app purchase.

1 – Can Opener

These can be bought as either electric or hand held. The electric ones are great for people with disabilities like arthritis. I myself have a free standing one and have found that they are very easy to use all you need to do is hold the can under the guide pin, pull the lever down so the it pierces the can and then it will start cutting.

The can will then stay in position until the can is open and it will stay in place until the handle is lifted and the can is removed. There are different varieties of these free standing can openers, they come with non slip feet as well as bottle and knife sharpening blades, thus making it a very useful tool for all kitchens.

The manual ones are just as easy to use  and are normally dishwasher safe, the more modern ones are designed to eliminate jagged edges. There are also the battery operated ones that you just place the can opener on top of the tin press the button and just let it do the job leaving you hands free to do something else. This is also very good for people with limited mobility they are easy to clean and easy to store.

2 – Salad Spinner

This is my all time favourite, gone are the days of getting out the tea towel and patting your lettuce dry until all the water is gone. The revolutionary salad spinner saves so much time all I do is put my salad leaves in the spinner which has a plastic basket inside with holes rather like a colander that you use to drain hot vegetables and pasta, put the lid on turn the handle on the top of the spinner and of you go; a few good turns and that’s it done leaving the excess water in the bottom of the spinner. This is easy to wash and store and some are dishwasher safe. This is a must have in everyone’s kitchen.

3 – JML Magic Bullet

This is a great tool and only takes up the space of a coffee cup, so is great for those people who have limited space in their kitchens, as some blenders tend to be bulky and awkward. This is a one touch blending system that can chop, blend, crush ice, grind coffee beans, and grate cheese all in approximately ten seconds.

The magic bullet is easy to use, just fill the cup provided then screw on the cutting lid then press down on the power pod, that’s it, ten seconds and the process is done. This tool can make easy work of all kinds of foods and you will use this tool time and time again. This comes with everything you need to do the job it includes the cups, a steamer, and juice squeezer tool, for making cocktails replacement gadgets and spare blades.

4 – Panasonic Bread Maker-SD-250

This is a healthy choice breadmaker and has a great gluten free function which is good for people with an intolerance. I have seen this on amazon for the great price of £124.98. This machine  has a jam making program,  a fruit and nut dispenser and three different size loaf options. This is a healthy choice if you are on a diet or have a gluten intolerance. You can now wake up in the morning  to a wonderful  smell of fresh bread and because this machine has a timer it will do all the work while you are sleeping.

All the hard work or mess that used to be involved in bread making is now gone, leaving you free to do other things while the bread is cooking and is especially good for those people with busy lifestyles. If you have special dietary needs this bread maker will make your life so much easier because you will have complete control with the ingredients such as sugar and salt that is put in most breads, and  is a great advantage over the bread that is bought in high street shops and bakers.

5 – Soup Maker – Morphy Richards Soup Maker

This fantastic new gadget takes all the hard work out  of making homemade soups. It is very quick and easy to use and you can make soups to your individual tastes, without all the fuss. All you have to do is simply place all your soup ingredients inside your soup maker then decide as to whether you would prefer your soup chunky or smooth, select the correct option, press the button, then that’s it done.

While the soup is cooking you can  check on its progress by simply looking at the digital interface with the countdown timer to see what’s going on. Thanks to its blending function this wonderful gadget also makes smoothies and milkshake, so in the summer months when its hot you can sit back enjoy something cool. The stainless steel design makes it easy to clean with minimal washing up, this is a must have for busy working mums and dads who have a hectic life with little time but still want to be healthy.

6 – George Foreman Health Grill

For those who are looking to eat more healthy and want to lose weight this health grill is for you. I myself bought one of these two years ago and I can honestly say I would not be without it. You can have tasty, tender meat without all the fat running off it which can happen with pan fried or roasted meat. The heat from the grill plates seal in moisture and keeps the food tender. I have a four portion health grill and this does do what it says on the box, no more meat swimming in fat, as it is collected into a separate drip tray. This means less calories and a healthier heart. The grill plates have a non stick finish which makes them  very easy to clean, I always clean my grill plates when it has started to cool down with kitchen roll, as this makes it easier to get any stains off; then just simply wipe with a damp cloth and its all done there is no scraping required.

Guest Contribution by Sam Walker on behalf of Culshaw Bell Bespoke Kitchens.

Getting ideas for colours and how to carry out certain things from the internet and even apps on the iPhone and the Nexus, it has spurred me on to do more around the rest of the home; so I am going to share my top 5 with you.

1. Home Improvement Tips

Cost: £0.69

Platform: IOS

Developer: Appcore

This app is really good to give you lots of tips, and the images to go with it really help also. Most popular topics are on simple things like garbage disposal, cleaning stains off carpets to more complex things like installing kitchen cabinets and plastic upvc cladding.

2. Home improvement and Repair Tips

Cost: Free

Platform: Android

Developer: Bigo

A great app that also explains the importance of being prepared for a DIY job and to take into account all safety aspects. There are some good tips about basic tools to have in the home, for emergency repairs, and then there is the tips and guides to completing a whole host of various tasks.

Click to Download

3. Home Improver Pro

Cost: £2.54

Platform: Android

Developer: Egghead Design

There is a free lite version of this app, but I found that it was worth spending the couple of pounds to upgrade to the pro for better features. This app helps you to estimate what you are going to need for a project, what it is going to cost you, how long it will take and of course how to get it done. Simply enter in the measurements for the job and it calculates it all for you.

Click to Download

4. NestPix for Home Design, DIY and Home Improvement

Cost: Free

Platform: IOS

Developer: Happy Olive Media

The best thing about this app, is that I can keep track of my own projects; you can take pictures of your progress so you can see how far you have come. You can also share these with other DIYers to give them inspiration, or check out theirs to help you. This is a good way to communicate with like minded people and is a good little community where you can ask for and give advice on certain tasks. There is also tips that you can look up too.

Click to Download

5. Screwfix Catalogue

Cost: Free

Platform: IOS and Android

Developer: Screwfix Direct Limited

Knowing what materials you need to do the job is important, and with this app, you can see all the items that Screwfix has to offer, and their prices. These can then be ordered online or picked up in store; you can also find your nearest store in the app too. There are videos available for most of the products so you can see how they work and whether it is going to be the best thing for the job you are undertaking.

Click to Download

These apps are all free to use, and will have you finding your next favourite piece of jewellery in no time. Get downloading, and as Rihanna would say, “Shine bright like a diamond”.

Tous Jewelry

This free app let’s you browse Tous Jewelry’s gorgeous collection on the go. You will be able you view the whole catalogue including fragrances, handbags, necklaces, bracelets and more. It’s also updated regularly with new arrivals, so you can always be inspired.

Download here >

Serendipity Diamonds

If your husband to be is the type of guy who will let you choose your engagement ring (the best type of guy), then this app is perfect for you! Use this app to choose your perfect ring, from princess rings to emerald rings. With this app you’ll be spoilt for choice. Don’t forget, it’s a ring for life!

Download here >

Pandora

Who doesn’t love Pandora jewellery?! Download the Pandora jewellery app for free and browse their new collections, entire catalogue, even make your own wishlist that you can send to friends and family! You can also make a “My jewellery” list so your friends and family can see what you already have and purchase accordingly. Perfect for gifting occasions!

Download here >

ICE Jewelery

ICE jewelery produce some gorgeous designs at very reasonable prices. With the app you can actually try on the jewelery you like and share with your friends! View the entire collection as well as be regularly updated with new stock. Don’t forget to make your wishlist and share with friends and family!

Download here >

Body Jewellery Shop

If like me, you’re a fan of piercings, you’ve likely heard of the body jewellery shop! This a really cost effective place to purchase your body jewellery, with loads of pretty and edgy designs! Now you can browse all of that in app form, completely free! My life is complete.

Download here >

Horsehair Jewellery

This a very unique jewellery app, aimed at horse owners. This company, fronted by two people called Hamish and Ozzie, will actually create a beautiful bracelet made from your own horses maine. This a great app for any horse lover who wants to keep a part of their friend with them forever.

Download here >

The Jewellery Maker

For people who like to make their jewellery as well as wear it, The Jewellery Maker app is perfect. Download this useful app for just £1.99, and learn so much more about jewellery making. You will be able to view a number of jewellery making videos, with step by step instructions. This app is even suitable for the novice jewellery maker!

Download here >

These 7 jewellery apps are perfect for a variety of people looking for jewellery of all different types and styles. Go on, grab your iPhone, get downloading and indulge yourself!

Ok, so remember you heard it here first. A guide to smart homes for smart people.

What is a smart home?

A smart home is a home automation process in which all of or most of your electronic devices are connected. By connecting all of your home electronic devices, you are able to control most things with the touch of a button or voice command. You can pre set appliances to turn on and off at certain times to suit you.

The majority of smart homes connect your lighting, music sound systems and television systems, home security and heating.

Can anybody have a smart home?

Smart homes were once considered only for the rich, but nowadays they are becoming more common as smart appliances become more affordable.

Perhaps you’ve heard of the famous Bill Gates’ smart home, which cost him £100 million to build! This isn’t always the case, smart homes are usually cheaper to build.

You can build your smart home bit by bit, maybe costing you a few hundred at a time, or for a sophisticated smart home system you could pay just £10,000.  If you have a bit more cash to spare you could pay up to £250,000.

How do smart homes work?

Appliances either communicate through power lines, sending coded messages so the correct appliance knows what it is supposed to do, or use radio waves.

Radio waves work in the same way that your mobile phone or internet wi-fi works.

Two networks that use radio waves are ZigBee and Z-wave. These networks have multiple ways of getting a signal to a receiver, making them mesh networks.

The Z-wave network finds the fastest route for messages using something called source routing algorithms. ZigBee has an advantage over competitors as any company can build a product compatible with it without paying extra costs. ZigBee, Z-wave and a few other networks is simply the technology that allows the appliances in the smart home to communicate.

What smart appliances are available for my smart home?

You can purchase a video door phone, which will show you who’s at the door before answering so you can avoid any nasty surprises. Motion sensors will alert you when someone is lurking around outside your home – but don’t worry. The motion sensors are so smart that they can tell if it’s just a pet! There are even door handles that don’t need keys, simply use a code or scan your fingerprint. Futuristic!

There are of course many more things you can connect to your smart home network, such as music systems, security cameras and remote controls for your garage.

What can we expect for smart homes in the future?

The future looks bright for smart homes. Appliances are being developed such as bins that log what you throw away and make note of what you should reorder, fridges that give you recipe ideas based on the food inside, and washing machines that text you when they’ve finished a load!

Not only do smart homes make life a lot easier, they can give you total peace of mind by not having to worry about whether you locked the door, or in an emergency they can even alert your neighbors and call the emergency services!

Brondell Breeza Toilet Seat

This is a magical toilet seat that contains a 4 step deoderising system. The odor is first trapped and neutralised before treating you with a nice and natural fragrance. This toilet seat is body activated by it’s built in sensor. You won’t need to replace the fragrance vent for up to a month giving you peace of mind. The lid is gentle closing too, so you don’t have to brace yourself for any loud noises.

Brondell Swash

This toilet seat is a treat for the bottom. It’s contoured to feel like you are sitting on a cloud, and heated so you don’t have to prepare to sit yourself on a cold seat. Not only that, but when you are finished you can push a button and this seat will wash you. Receive a hygienic wash and feel fresh as a daisy after doing your business! Wait there’s more: once your wash is over you will then be dried off with a warm air drier. Lovely, if only these were supplied in the mobile toilets at festivals.

Visit the website for this amazing toilet seat.

iLounge Toilet Paper Dispenser with iPod dock

Treat your ears to the sound of music as you perch yourself on the lavatory. You can listen to your favourite playlist, or even a recorded book (after all, you don’t know how long you could be there). If you get bored of reading the paper while on the loo then this could be the perfect alternative for you, just pop your iPod in the built in USB slot and you’re well away! Click here for more information.

The Toilet Tunes System

Forget taking your iPod into the bathroom as stated before, and try one of these bad boys instead. This toilet tunes system comes in two parts. Place the first unit wherever you want in the bathroom, the other on the back of the toilet lid for the sensor to know when to start the tunes. There’s loads to choose from here, even listen to nature sounds that could encourage you to relieve yourself if you are having difficulty! This seat would also be a great incentive for the men to put the seat down when they leave the bathroom, if they don’t the tunes won’t stop.

The RSStroom Reader

This strange device developed by Yi Tien Electronics is possibly the weirdest toilet gadget yet. The RSStroom reader is a computer printer, that actually prints out news headlines while you sit on the lav! Don’t bother buying the paper, or taking in your iPod, just use this weird toilet gadget to print the news off for you. If you’re not impressed with the days headlines you can literally wipe your bum with them.    

Price

First of all the Auto Trader app is free to use and free to sign up with an account; therefore any saved vehicles and contacts can be accessed both on the iPhone or the PC depending on where and what you may be using.

App Functions

When you first open the app, you are asked if the app can use your location, it is best to select yes to this to help find vehicles within your surrounding location.

At the top of the app, you have the option to search for either a car or a bike and under this is a bar for you saved searches, which you can view at any time. Then it is pretty straight forward in choosing whether you are looking for used, new or nearly new with filters to easily select. Next choose your make then model; choose the distance you wish to find the vehicle within; set the price and press search. You then get presented with a list of cars or bikes new or used depending on your preferences.

App Screen Shots from iTunes

What We Liked

We found this very easy to use and was quick in bringing up our search results. What we also liked was when you choose the make of the vehicle, you have two scroll down menus, side by side; one for the beginning letter and the other for the make corresponding to that letter. This makes it easier to search for the make of your choice, rather than scrolling through the numerous amounts that are on there.

The results are easy to see, and you get 10 vehicles per page, the basic details of the make, model, age, mileage and price of the car are displayed clearly with a picture. By clicking on the particular ad you can find the more detailed information including insurance group information which is really useful for when you are looking to get car or motor trade insurance. You can also see contact details easily with great tap to call and email functionality directly from within the app.

On the home screen where you first do your search, there is an advanced search button, so if you are looking for something more specific, this is where you go to; your advanced options are:

• Colour
• Age
• Mileage
• Fuel type
• Transmission
• Body type
• No. of doors
• Engine size
• Seller type
• You can also add in any keywords, for example Tdi Sport.

Other features on the home page include the near me option, which gives you a map of the nearest new or used car dealers to you; clicking on the red pin brings up their details or go to the list view.

You can check history of the car that you are thinking of purchasing, this will bring up certain information to verify the make, model and colour, for a more detailed search this is chargeable of £3.99.

All in all we found this app to be really useful and easy to use, great for anyone wanting to buy a car or bike with ease.

Click here to download or view more information on the Auto Trader app.

Many of the banks today now make use of apps for smartphones and tablets so we can track our account and even pay bills on the move. This is very good, but to really keep track of how we are spending our money, we may need to make use of other apps to work in conjunction with our banks. Here we take a look at the top free iPhone apps that you can try out for yourself and as they are free if you don’t get on with one, you can just try another.

1 – Spending Tracker

A very easy and simple to use app, where you can track your weekly, monthly or yearly spending. You can also set yourself a budget, here you can easily see what you have left and also what you have saved during the week or month, which can then be carried over. Theres pretty much nothing left this app can’t do other than to apply for same day loans but hey, that function won’t be coming anytime soon.

You can set recurring ingoings and outgoings to the app, so you don’t have to manually do it each week or month, and those things that you spend money on that are extra are easily added, and you can also set an icon for them too.

Download this app here >>>

2 – iSpreadsheet

For those that like to use a spreadsheets for tracking their spending then this is the ideal app and it also connects to Google docs, meaning you can make changes on it on the go using the iPhone or iPad or on your computer at home or work.

Another added bonus is that you can send multiple attachments on an email and import them, this can be great if you have purchased several items and you want to log them on the system separately.

Download this app here >>>

3 – Ontrees

This app is great if you have more than one bank account, as you can store them all in one easy to get to place. Easily see what is in all accounts and perfect for managing money and budgeting it too.

It works by using online data, you create the password and is read only so no actions can be carried out on the accounts. For extra security all details are also encrypted on the online stream so that none of your date is accessible or stored. The app automatically updates daily, it also features graphs and charts to show how you are spending money and where.

Download this app here >>>

4 – Pocket Expense Personal Finance

Another great app for keeping track of your money, and is highly rated with 41/2 stars on the app store; it brings all your accounts together, tracking you bills, and also features a savings tracker too.

The app features budget management to help you to save money where you can; in the tracking of your bills, you can set up alerts to remind you to pay certain things; as with the others it also gives you graphs and charts to easily see what you are spending your money and all transactions.

Download this app here >>>

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/skewgee/5208248360/

Pests in the home and the garden are a nuisance, here we take a look at the 10 best pest control gadgets (some very technical and clever, others very basic) you can use to try and get rid of them or stop them from entering the home or garden in the first place.

1. Bed Bug Removal Kits

Bed bugs can cause all sorts of skin conditions, and once they are in the beds they can breed quite quickly, live a long time and may require several treatments to finally get rid of them.

Bed Bug Kit from DoMyOwnPestControl

Getting a kit that contains all the solutions you need to rid them is a good money saving option; the kits normally come with several treatments for a single room for a 2 month period, as well as face masks and gloves. The treatments make use of an aerosol spray, trigger spray and pro-active dust for longer lasting protection; it is important to read all the instructions carefully before using.

2. Tackling Spiders

There are many gadgets used for catching spiders, from long handled grabbers to sprays and to sticky tapes. What you choose is up to how you want to catch them and get rid of them. The best items are those that stop the spiders entering in the first place, so dusts and aerosols can be used around doorways and windows.

3. Rat And Mice Trap

The old style rat and mice traps can be used but more humane traps are now manufactured; these are much better not only for the rodent but also for the person using them. One of the best humans traps makes use of a black box to which the rodent enters; when the trigger is set off a rubber band will quickly go around the rodents neck strangling it instantly for a quick and blood free kill.

4. Rat and mice Electronic Deterrent

Rat & Mice Electronic Deterrent http://www.amazon.co.uk/Electric-Humane-Sonic-Repeller-Deterrent/dp/B002UVOJV8

To stop the rodent from entering your home in the first place you can set up one of the many electronic gadgets. These are simply plugged in where they emit a frequency to deter the rodents; some of these devices can also protect against ants, cockroaches and other crawling insects. It is important to read up on these systems and some may take awhile to be effective; by changing the settings you can also get rid of pests that are already in the home.

5. Tackling Slugs and Snails

Not only are slugs and snails damaging to the garden, the flowers, the fruits and vegetables we grow, but they can also carry disease to our pets, especially the lungworm to a dog which can be fatal. A great gadget to deter slugs and snail is that of a copper lined tape; this is because as they go over it, it causes a static shock so they stay away from it. The tape can last for a very long time; you just need to wipe it every so often.

6. Bird Spikes

To stop birds from sitting on any ledges of your home, leading to lots of bird poop and being woken up in the morning, you can install spikes. These can come in a long stripes, where the spikes are made from stainless steel. The spikes are not there to hurt the birds but are used to stop them from sitting on the ledge or the area you do not want them to perch.

7. Electronic/Battery Fly Killers

Used around the doors and windows these fly killers emit a blue light to which many flying pests are drawn too; as they touch it the electronic bars zap the flying pest.

8. Ant Bait Station

These have a solution inside them to attract the ants, but contained in the solution is also the poison, which the ants take back to their nest which in turn will kill off the whole ant nest.

9. Solar Sonic Repellent For Moles

Sonic Solar Mole Repeller http://www.amazon.co.uk/Advanced-Ultrasonic-Rodent-Repeller-Repellent/dp/B007VDXMQ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367939171&sr=8-1&keywords=Solar+Sonic+Repellent+For+Moles

Another pest that messes up the garden; but the solar sonic gadget can stop this. The spike which enters the ground emits a sound wave which deters the moles away from it, this can be connected to a tube which is buried in the ground. As the device uses solar energy it is very economical and will continue working at all times.

10 – Fox Repellent

With many cases of foxes being seen in our gardens and some accidents involving them it is important to not only protect our gardens but also ourselves and loved ones. The best gadget for this is actually a solution that can be made up and then sprayed in the areas that the fox can enter the garden or where they may tend to leave a scent.

apple.com/uk

New technology is constantly being developed, with one particular aim in mind: to make our lives easier. However, a lot of us are becoming so obsessed with our smartphones and tablets that they are actually harming us rather than improving our day to day lives.

A lot of people have started to suffer with pain in the hand, fingers, shoulders and neck due to the over use of tablets and phones. These injuries have even earned nicknames such as “iPad shoulder” and “iPhone neck”.

These injuries are all actually a form of repetitive strain injuries, or RSI.

image source

How is RSI developed?

You can develop RSI by hunching over your iPad or tablet as if it were a plate, and by using your other arm to play on it with no support.

Usually when you use a computer you have your arm on a desk, whereas when you use a tablet your arm is unsupported as it is suspended in the air.

Signs and symptoms

Severe headaches. These headaches can be due to tension in the back of the neck, aching arms, pain in the wrist and fingers from using them constantly or even a pinched nerve.

A doctor who specialises in RSI says he sees up to 10 new patients a week with these injuries, and believes the sufferers are becoming younger and younger due to iPhones and iPads.

What can RSI lead to?

Ultimately if left untreated, RSI can lead to you being left in a wheelchair. You could suffer with a prolapsed disc, which could put pressure on your spinal cord leaving you incontinent. If you feel the RSI was not a normal circumstance based on holding the device in a certain way, you can always make an accident claim, as many people do so every day!

Think about it, your head weighs 4 or 5 kilograms. If you are constantly dropping your head to look at your iPad screen, you are putting a lot of pressure on your neck. To combat this you need to sit correctly with good posture when using any appliance or gadget. Take regular breaks from using your gadget and look at for the signs and symptoms.

What can I do to relieve my RSI?

There are a few things you can do to relieve your RSI. If you feel you need some extra help, you can visit www.alexander-technique.com and book a session with the professional, starting from £80.

If you are confident enough to try on your own, have a go at some of these methods.

Instead of trying to move your body, think about straightening and lengthening your back and dropping your shoulders. This will allow you to change your posture subconsciously.

You could also place a mirror in front of you while using your phone or tablet to see your position for yourself and to try to realign the way you are sitting.

To help RSI in your hand and fingers, make a fist while leaving your thumb outside. Then, slide your fingers up along the palm until your reach the base of your fingers. Hold this for 10 seconds.

Repeat this exercise 5 times a day everyday to help combat your RSI.