Category: Frugal Living Tips

Paris has so much to offer, from amazing historical sites to museums hosting masterpieces of the most famous artists, there is truly something for everyone to admire. 

Paris is also widely known to be the host of the best cuisine in Europe. Don’t miss out on the amazing flavors of this destinations by hitting some of the best places to eat in Paris. 

Keep reading for our complete guide on all the best foodie stops you need to incorporate into your Parisian vacation. 

1) Girafe 

This is the place to be if you want a fantastic meal and an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. The 1930’s interior and outdoor open-air terrace is enough to take you back in time. Girafe is known for its amazing seafood such as their fresh oysters, caviar and lobster. 

If you are looking to treat your significant other to a romantic night, this is a great option for you, as it is a place that will truly make you both feel like royalty. Try their ceviche for a little something different during your time in Paris. 

2) Les Arlots

This restaurant is always crowded and busy for a reason; it’s impeccable food. Near the Gard du Nord station, this stop is frequented by bustling locals. If your looking for comfort food, you’ve found your spot. 

If you don’t mind the crowd, make it into Les Arlots where the menu changes daily and is written on chalkboards by prized chef Thomas Brachet. The chef combines the traditional with the modern and experimental with his meals that are sure to have you drooling. 

Book a table a few days ahead for a guaranteed seat at this popular joint. 

3) L’Orangerie 

This is a great option when you need a quiet getaway from the busy city streets. Located inside the George V Hotel near Champs Elysees, this is a great option after a long day of shopping on one of the most scenic streets of the city. 

The chef draws inspiration from all over the world to create his delicate and unique dishes. This is a great idea if you wish to do a Sunday Brunch in Paris, especially if you want to sit in their stunning courtyard complete with gorgeous florals. 

For dinner, we suggest their delicious sea scallops or the melt in your mouth Wagu beef entree that will leave you in awe with every bite. 

4) Ducasse sur Seine 

One of the best ways to see the city and have a traditional three-course French meal is to do a dinner cruise along the Seine. The Ducasse sur Seine is the best option by far. This ship will take you by picture-worthy views of sites from the Eiffel Tower to France’s own Statue of Liberty. 

We suggest the lobster or chicken entree option, which are both bubbling with flavor. The baked figs are a delicious and unique dessert option that will be just as sweet as your view, and all the memories you’ll be making. Not to mention, the ship’s interior is equally as exquisite, with its modern design and decor. 

Book a table ahead of time for one of the best experiences of your vacation. If you are overwhelmed with planning your trip, use a travel agent who can get you the best deals on amazing experiences from cuisine to sightseeing. 

5) L’Abysse

If you are getting sick of French cuisine towards the end of your trip, L’Abysse is a great option. The menu has a Japanese twist, with some of the best sushi and sake in Paris. It was just awarded a Michelin Star for its decadent plates. 

The decor is also impressive, with a modern interior that has an under the ocean feel. Sit at the sushi bar to watch the masterful sushi chef prepare beautiful meals. Each meal is prepared with incredible detail, making your meal and scenery all super Instagram worthy.  

6) Astair 

We love this spot because it is located in Passage des Panoramas. This area is tucked away and has become a dining hotspot. With Art Nouveau details and design, it is a great area to explore after or before a glorious meal at Astair.

This is a great place to experience a traditional French meal, try the escargot for a French favorite packed with flavor. Their Sole is a great entree option for anyone looking for an exquisite preparation of the fish that is light and buttery.

7) Taillevent  

You won’t want to miss this stop, with food almost too pretty to eat. This is an ideal stop for lunch or dinner after visiting the Arc de Triumph, as it is just footsteps away from the famous monument.

The delicious lobster bisque is a great way to warm up on a chilly day. This is a great spot that is off the beaten track and sure to impress. 

Don’t Miss Some of the Best Places to Eat in Paris 

To make the most out of your vacation, make sure you keep these places in mind. Plan ahead, and work some of the best places to eat in Paris into your itinerary today! There is no better way to immerse yourself in the Parisian culture than to sit down to a traditional French meal prepared by some of the cities best chefs.

For more advice on travel, vacation, and more, head to our site, where we have tons of helpful articles for all the busy moms out there. 

Did you know that the average American wedding costs $38,700? Furthermore, 10 to 12 percent of that total will go toward wedding photography.

In other words, the average couple spends $3,870-$4,644 on wedding pictures. There’s no way around it: getting a professional-grade memento of your big day is expensive. That said, there are a few viable ways to lower these costs.

Not sure where to start? Here are five things you should consider when hiring your wedding photographer.

1. Get Multiple Quotes

If you want affordable wedding photography, you’ll need to do some research. Spend some time to look into photographers in your area who fit your budget and tastes. If they don’t provide pricing upfront, ask for quotes.

One way to speed up this process is to attend a wedding fair near your wedding venue. These tend to attract hundreds of photographers from all over the state. With any luck, you’ll be able to find some good fits.

2. Limit the Photographer’s Hours

Some photographer packages come with a specific number of hours. This is a good time to determine how long you want the photographer to stay at your wedding. Then, choose your package accordingly.

For example, you’ll want pictures of the exchange of vows and other high points. But what about the later stages of the wedding or the post-ceremony procession? Ideally, you’ll only need the photographer’s services for four to five hours.

3. Order Smaller Photos

When it comes to budget wedding photography, size plays a big role. Larger photos cost a lot more than their small-frame size counterparts. The reason is simple: they look better on display and provide more details.

Though large photos are important, you don’t want to order too many. Other than a few large photos for your home, go with smaller photos (5” x 7”) for everything else. If a photographer doesn’t offer this service, look elsewhere.

4. Look for Off-Peak Discounts

Most people get married on a Saturday, but a weekday wedding has its advantages. For instance, you may get a discount from your photographer. Depending on the situation, a 10 to 15 percent discount is quite possible.

Off-season weddings come with their discounts as well. This is why late fall weddings have been all the rage in recent years. In this case, you’ll want your provider to be familiar with rainy wedding photography techniques.

5. Check References

Once you’ve whittled down your list to a few finalists, it’s time for the final checks. Take a closer look at their work and online reviews. Get in touch with people who’ve used their services and ask them for an opinion.

Also, ask the providers for references directly. This won’t help you cut down your wedding budget, but it provides a sense of security. You can’t do a wedding over, so making sure you get it right is of key importance.

More on Getting Great Wedding Pictures

By following the above tips, you should be able to save money on your wedding pictures. One final tip: get a personal use release from your photographer. This allows you to use any photos you get for commercial purposes.

Interested in learning more about getting a good photographer on a budget? Want to know a few other secrets to frugal living? Check out our Frugal Living section!

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Truvada as a treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 2004. In 2012, the FDA then approved it for use as a preventative medication, or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), for those with a high risk of contracting HIV. 

Truvada is a branded medication that combines emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), antiviral medicines that prevent HIV from multiplying in your body. Truvada was chosen as a PrEP because it has few long-term side effects. But, there are concerns about TDF side effects and, in turn, the Truvada side effects that this component may cause.

Here we take a look at the side effects of Truvada so you know what to expect if your doctor prescribes this medication. 

The Side Effects of Truvada

As with any medication, Truvada PrEP side effects vary in severity and likelihood. Usually, more common side effects are less severe while less common side effects can vary in severity. 

Common, Less Severe Side Effects

If experienced, these more common side effects are often less severe. While this is not an exhaustive list, the most common non-severe side effects include:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Skin rash
• Dizziness
• Strange dreams 
• Insomnia
• Low energy
• Abnormal fat distribution

Of these common side effects, nausea, diarrhea, and headache, and a mild Truvada rash are those experienced most by patients and participants in clinical trials. 

Infrequent, Less Severe Side Effects

The following Truvada PrEP side effects are less common but tend not to be very severe if they do occur:

• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Itching
• Hives
• Throat irritation
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Anxiety
• Skin inflammations with blisters
• Inflammation of the sinus tissue
• Maculopapular rash

The final Truvada side effect on this list is another kind of Truvada rash. A maculopapular rash features both bumpy and flat skin lesions. 

Maculopapular rashes often occur alongside infections and body immune responses so in the case of this Truvada rash you will likely experience other side effects at the same time such as fever, headache, and muscle pain.

Infrequent, Severe Side Effects

While these PrEP side effects are less frequent, it is important to be aware of them due to their severity. If you experience any of the following Truvada PrEP side effects or their respective signs and symptoms you should seek immediate medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing
• Fanconi Syndrome – this kidney condition causes excessive thirst, urination, and vomiting.
• Kidney disease – Truvada can cause a reduction in kidney function so doctors prescribing it often monitor kidney function throughout the treatment plan. Some symptoms of kidney disease you should be aware of include fatigue, fluid retention, increased urination, loss of appetite, and nausea. 
• Acute inflammation of the pancreas – this sudden and acute form of pancreatitis can cause bleeding, infections, and cysts. Symptoms include abdominal tenderness, fever, rapid heart rate, nausea, and vomiting. 
• Low blood phosphate level – otherwise known as hypophosphatemia, symptoms of this condition include muscle weakness, bone fractures, bone pain, and numbness. But, these symptoms tend not to appear until your phosphate levels are very low. 

The kidney and bone complications listed above, as well as other rarer side effects, have been the subject of several Truvada lawsuits in recent years, with users seeking legal compensation from Gilead, the manufacturer of Truvada.

While these problems have only been noted in small numbers of HIV-positive people, those most at risk are older people who have been taking Truvada as a treatment for HIV for several years.

In comparison, PrEP users tend to be younger and so these contentious side effects may have less of an impact on them. But, regardless of your age or how you’re taking Truvada, it’s vital to be aware of the potential impact of this drug on your long-term health. 

Rare, Less Severe Side Effects

These side effects of Truvada are less severe and also very rare. But, there is still a small chance that you may experience some of the following side effects when taking Truvada:

• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• General, non-specific pain
• Muscle weakness
• Cough
• Fever
• Inflammation of the nose
• Indigestion
• Excessive sweating 
• Skin discoloration

Some of these rare PrEP side effects may be signs of other illnesses associated with HIV or with general illnesses such as influenza. But, experiencing these rare side effects for an extended period of time may signify that Truvada is the cause. 

Rare, Severe Side Effects

These Truvada PrEP side effects may be very rare but they can have very serious consequences for Truvada users should they occur:

• Acute tubular necrosis (ATN), a serious kidney injury which can lead to kidney failure. Symptoms include drowsiness, dehydration, fluid retention, nausea, confusion, and low urination. 
• Kidney failure
• Abnormal liver function, liver damage, and inflammation
• Enlarged, fatty liver
• Peripheral neuropathy, a painful condition affecting the nerves in the arms and legs. This can cause symptoms such as numbness, sensitivity to touch, and lack of coordination. 
• Rhabdomyolysis, a condition leading to the breakdown of muscle tissue, with symptoms including the classic triad of muscle weakness, muscle pain, and dark urine. 
• Angioedema, a type of allergic reaction that may occur alongside hives
• Decreased calcification or bone density
• Osteomalacia, a softening of the bones
• Increased blood acidity as a result of high levels of lactic acid
• Pneumonia

Again, several of these rare but severe side effects relate to kidney and bone complications, we well as liver damage and muscle and nerve damage. 

The Truvada Side Effects You Need to Know

Many of these Truvada side effects are rare or at least infrequent, while the most common side effects tend to be less serious. 

But if your doctor prescribes Truvada, either as a PrEP drug or a treatment for HIV, it’s important to be aware of the severe reactions this drug can have, including several forms of bone, kidney, and liver damage. 

For more informative articles and new stories, be sure to check out our other blog posts!

We’ve all thought it, “Why is the cost of prescription drugs so high?” You may think it’s the pharmacy jacking up the price, but in reality, it’s the drug manufacturer that sets the price tag.

The United States is the only country in the world that lets drug manufacturers and companies set their prices. To learn why the prices are so high and how to get around paying the full price, keep reading below. 

Why Is the Cost of Prescription Drugs so High?

It’s not a secret that prescription drugs are more expensive in the United States when compared to other countries. This is due to the government-protected monopoly rights for drug manufacturers. 

With the United States not regulating drug prices, it is left to the manufactures. In other countries, a government team is tasked with reviewing new drugs and setting the price, making sure it’s uniform.

As for the protected monopoly, this is in the drug manufactures patents. By letting these companies have 20-year patents they can keep the rights to the drug and not let generic formulations hit the market. This means the price won’t drop anytime soon. 

The First Problem: Companies Set Their Own Prices

Countries that have national health programs work together with medical companies to set and negotiate prices. In the United States, there is no national health program and this leads to companies setting their own prices.

The Second Problem: Government Protected Monopolies

The United States has a specific patent system for drug manufactures. This allows drug companies to hold their patents for 20 years or more. The idea behind this was to help promote innovation, but it led to drug prices skyrocketing. 

When you take a closer look at these 20-year patents, you will find that drug companies play the system to keep the patents and the drug under their roof.

When the 20-year expiration is about to come up, drug companies will make minor tweaks to their drugs. These tweaks can be anything from putting the formula together in a different way of adding or removing a minor ingredient.

This is concerning because once the patent is up other companies can begin to create generics. Generics are not made under the brand name and are usually cheaper than the original medication. Once the generic hits the market, the name brand drug’s price also drops to meet competition.

The Third Problem: The FDA Takes Their Time When Approving Generics

As stated above having generics on the market helps to give consumers a cheaper option and it also helps the name brand drug’s price to drop. This sounds easy but other than drug companies holding onto their patents in sketchy ways, the FDA takes its time with approving generic formulations.

Due to the backlog of applications the FDA has for generic medications, there is a 3 to 4-year waiting list. This is an issue because consumers shouldn’t have to wait for years to have access to affordable healthcare. 

This isn’t the only problem generic drugs face when trying to make their way to the market. There are plenty of laws in the United States that can sometimes make it difficult for pharmacies to carry generic formulations.

The Forth Problem: Drug Manufacturers Aren’t Straightforward

When drug manufacturers and companies are confronted about high prices they will say that due to research and development costs, the prices must be high. When researchers looked into this they found out the numbers didn’t add up.

Usually, this research is funded by an organization which means the manufactures do not have to spare a penny from their pocket. Even if drug companies do put out money for research, it’s only 10 to 20 percent of their yearly revenue.

The manufactures decide on the price of medications due to the demand. If there is a high demand for the medication they will raise the price because consumers will buy it no matter what. If there is a low demand the price tends to be cheaper.

The Fifth Problem: Medicare

Years ago it was possible for Americans to try and negotiate drug prices. But in 2003 this all changed when the Republican-majority Congress created Medicare.

Those on Medicare, usually adults 65 and older, will get name-brand drugs for the full price.  This is because Medicare is barred from negotiating prices with drug manufacturers and they must pay for any drug the FDA approves. 

How Can You Find the Best Prices for Perscription Drugs?

Even though drugs are costly, you can get around the large price tag and find them for cheaper than the market price. One way to avoid the large price tag is to buy prescription drugs online. After ordering the prescription drugs will be mail ordered to your home in just a few days.

If you don’t want to buy online or don’t have regular access to the internet, you can use a pharmacy checker to see what pharmacies have the cheapest prices in your area. A pharmacy checker will help you to save money and to see what pharmacies have higher prices and which ones have more affordable ones. 

The More You Know

We have discussed the high cost of prescription drugs in the United States. We even noted how the United States differs from other countries when deciding on drug prices.

You now know the top reasons as to why prescription drugs are more expensive in the United States. We also gave you the tool to find drugs for cheaper to save some money. 

For more money-saving tips be sure to check out the rest of our website. 

Your significant other has finally popped that special question and you’re ready to walk down the aisle. You probably have a million things going on inside your head thinking about getting ready for that special day. 

One thing you should focus on is a creative and unique theme for your wedding. Your wedding theme should be as special as you and your significant other are. 

Keep reading for ten creative wedding theme ideas to make your wedding exclusive and magical. 

1. Christmas Wedding

The holiday season is pretty much everyone’s favorite time of the year. If you particularly love Christmas, then you may consider having a Christmas themed wedding. Your theme can be a winter wonderland with beautiful red accents. 

Christmas weddings can be anytime during December. This is also the off-season for weddings so you can probably score an awesome venue at a cheaper price.

2. Beach Themed Wedding

A beach wedding is a great place to have a luxurious getaway. You will have so many beautiful photos from your wedding if it is on the water.

Let your guests know that you plan to get married on the beach so they can dress appropriately. You can also provide them little goodie bags for when they arrive filled with beach blankets, sunscreen, and somewhere to store their shoes so they don’t get stuck in the sand. A beach themed wedding will make you feel like you’re already on your honeymoon. 

3. Barn Themed Wedding

If you and your significant other are big outdoors people, then a barned themed wedding would be perfect for your special day. The rustic setup looks beautiful and you have tons of unique options. Make sure to have a fire pit so you can all roast marshmallows!

There are tons of different unique weddings and you can surely get your dream wedding. If you have a special thing you want to incorporate in your barn wedding, then make sure you get it. After all, it is your day so make sure you do it right. 

4. Disney Themed Wedding

A Disney themed wedding is perfect for a couple that enjoys and bonds over Disney. With this theme, you could have a destination wedding and travel to Disney World or Disneyland. On the other hand, you could do your own Disney wedding at any venue of your choice. 

There are plenty of ways to incorporate Disney into your wedding. You could go crazy and have every element relate to your favorite films or just add in a few little Disney details here and there.

5. 70s Themed Wedding

A 70s themed wedding is perfect for anyone who wants to do a throwback. The bride and groom can get an awesome vintage dress and tux. You’ll want to make sure that your hair and makeup are from the era too. 

In your wedding invitations, make sure to let your guests know that they can also come dressed in their best decade-appropriate garb.

6. Country Themed Wedding

If you and your significant other enjoy the rustic farming lifestyle, then a country themed wedding would be awesome. There are many different routes you can take when your wedding is country themed.  You could go out to an actual farm and get married amongst the hay and farm animals. 

Another great idea is to incorporate a lot of sunflowers into your country wedding for a pop of sunshine no matter what the weather decides to do.

7. Fairytale Themed Wedding

Having a fairytale themed wedding will truly make you feel like a magical fairy lost in a secret garden. For this type of theme, you could go all out and rent a venue in the middle of a forest or garden. There are awesome venues that look like a fairytale castle. 

The magic of a fairytale wedding is in the tiniest of details. You could do a lot of blush pink in the bridal dresses or even the decor. And don’t forget the delicate greenery!

8. Zoo Themed Wedding

Animal lovers will love a zoo themed wedding. Check out your favorite zoo and see if they offer any wedding venue space. Some zoos may even have wedding planners to help you through every step of the way when it comes to planning your special day. 

Your guests will love to mingle with all of the zoo animals during cocktail hour. You will also have some phenomenal photos with the scenery that a zoo has to offer. 

9. Glamorous Wedding Theme

If you’re a glamorous girl, then a glamourous wedding will be perfect for you and your significant other. You can get all the glitter, fancy makeup, and beautifully curled hair that you can imagine. A glamorous wedding might be a bit expensive, but there are many do-it-yourself decor options that you can make at home. 

10. Minimalist Wedding Theme

A minimalist wedding theme is something that millennials will lean more towards. This is more of a modern take on traditional and the perfect way to get exactly what you want. A great minimalist theme could be simple like black and white. 

This means less decor, fewer food options, and less of the glitz and glam. A minimalist theme is a good way to save some money but still get everything you want out of your wedding. 

Give These Creative Wedding Theme Ideas a Try

When it comes to planning your wedding there are tons of creative wedding theme ideas that you can choose from. Your wedding theme should be special to you and your significant other. Make sure you have fun with it!

Check out our magazine if you’re looking for more awesome wedding advice!