3 easy-to-make flavored iced coffee recipes for a cool summer
3 easy-to-make flavored iced coffee recipes for a cool summer

As soon as summer and spring descend, it’s time to whip up the seasonal beverages that will keep you cool. Iced tea and flavored iced coffee are two of the most popular beverages during this time; they give you your caffeine fix as well as a respite from the heat outside.

It’s true that your local barista or the popular coffee chain in the neighborhood will have some of the fanciest-looking flavored iced coffees in their menu, but when you break down the basics, most of these can be easily made at home. Whether you want a light vanilla-flavored iced coffee or something more dessert-like with a nice topping, you can try your hand at these delectable flavored iced coffee recipes at home:

  • Vanilla-flavored iced coffee: This is one of the simplest flavored iced coffee recipes. For this, you will need a cup of ground coffee, 4 vanilla beans that are split lengthwise, a cup of milk, ¼ cup of sugar, and a few ice cubes. Mix the ground coffee with 4 cups of water. Cover it and let the coffee stand overnight or for 12 hours at room temperature. Mix the vanilla beans, sugar, and milk in a saucepan and let the mixture simmer over medium heat. Let it stand and steep for 20 minutes. Strain the coffee into a bowl through a fine-mesh sieve. Through a coffee filter, strain the coffee again into a large pitcher. Fill four tumblers with ice cubes, pour coffee till one inch of the rim, and then pour the vanilla-flavored milk.
  • Chocolate-flavored iced coffee: This chocolate-flavored iced coffee has a sweetish taste to it. This recipe calls for a cup each of fat-free milk and boiling water, 4 teaspoons each of instant coffee granules, chocolate syrup, and sugar, 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a few ice cubes. Dissolve the coffee in the water in a large bowl. Add and stir well the rest of the ingredients. Serve this flavored coffee over the ice cubes. You can top it off with a couple of scoops of vanilla ice-cream.
  • Thai iced coffee: Although the name has an exotic touch to it, this flavored iced coffee is quite easy to make. The ingredients required are a cup each of ground coffee and sweetened condensed milk and ¾ cup of milk. Make four cups of strong coffee by brewing the coffee in four cups of water in a coffee machine. Chill the brewed coffee in the refrigerator. Mix both the varieties of milk in a small bowl until a smooth consistency and chill the milk. While serving, pour the coffee in four tumblers filled with ice cubes and top them off with the chilled milk.
  • 4 things to consider while choosing a business scheduling software

    Gone are the days when business scheduling software burned a hole in our pockets, these days most of the top business scheduling software programs are offered without any charges. Even the business scheduling software programs that charge an amount for the upgrades have reduced their pricing significantly. Schedulers also offer a great return on investment, adding a great value to all the expenditure. However, there are still a few things that one must consider before choosing a business scheduling software. They are:

    Data security
    One of the absolute necessities for a business scheduling software is high levels of data security. It is integral as there is a new security risk that emerges every single day. The security must be high because the business scheduler will be storing all the important information of your business. It can also include information that is sensitive and highly confidential. A breach in the system can have a massive impact on the business.

    User-friendly backend software
    This might not be on the top of your list of things to consider while buying a business scheduling software, but it is important for smooth functioning. If you have a user-friendly software, it will save you training time and increase the efficiency. A business scheduling software is made to increase efficiency, and if it is too complicated to operate it would just decrease its efficiency.

    Automation
    This is one of the best features associated with a business scheduling software. It will speed up the process by automating many tasks in the appointment scheduling process. Look out for features that automate email and SM confirmations for reminders, rebooking reminders, and review requests. These features will allow the business to run well and save time as well as increase the business.

    Mobile friendly
    If your business scheduling software is not compatible with mobile phones then it is not the right software. This is not only important to you as a business person but also important to your customers. A customer or a client that makes an appointment with you must have a feature that allows them to check it as per their convenience. As from the business perspective, you should be able to make changes to the appointments while on the go.

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  • Home decoration ideas on a budget

    Decorating your own home like you want it to be in your dream is what everyone wants. In fact, nowadays, having a beautiful and elegant house is a matter of prestige. Nobody wants to live in a wrecked house with old fashioned furniture, ancient floor tiles or dull wall paints. But in order to do get the perfect abode, you might be concerned about the investment too.

    An elegant house demands a good amount of cash. Does this mean that everyone else will be deprived of implementing such dreams in reality? The answer is a big no. There is a huge range of budget-friendly home decor ideas that one may easily find and put in use. All of these ideas are very simple and pocket-friendly. You may mix and match them together for a better and complete home decor idea.

    • Have canvas walls: Have you ever thought of making your house more artistic and less mainstream? If yes, then here is the best idea you are looking for. Canvas walls are very interesting to watch and make as well. It keeps your expenditure within your budget and there is a minimal amount of labor needed. This idea focuses on using canvases (large ones or a few small ones hung together in a haphazard manner); you may draw and color anything on them that seems to be artistic. This whole procedure is free-hand. It can be used in your dining space, living room or in your bedroom.
    • Create illusions: This is another creative yet simple home decor idea. Creation of illusion refers to drawing or painting something as a natural object, which is not exactly present there. While the viewer has a glance, he/she will have no idea about it being fake until and unless that person takes a close look at it. For example, on a wall, you may draw a few hanging ropes and you may attach photographs at the end of each rope. Decorate the ropes with fairy lights. This will create an illusion for the viewer and undoubtedly it is a creative yet easily doable idea.
    • Use mirror patterns: Instead of going for expensive wallpapers or designed wall painting, go for mirrors. If you are fond of simplicity, you will love this idea too. Use faded colors for your rooms, especially your bedroom and then put a large-sized mirror and let it be fixed in an inclined way against the wall touching the floor. Use floor carpets for making it look more elegant. This will save both your money and space. There is no doubt about the versatility of this idea. You can use a different pattern for another room or the hallway.
    • Refashion old furniture: Refashioning old things is the new fashion now. It makes your room look natural and urban. You may use unpolished wooden items of furniture and if you like, you can use some spray paints and customize them your way. For the walls, use bright colors so that along with the urban set of furniture, they look brilliant together. This is a very original way of styling your house. Your house will obviously look different in terms of creativity, if you successfully make it so.
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  • 3 tips to get you outstanding deals on a car purchase

    Getting a good deal on the car you wish to buy is one of the most pleasant additions to your purchase. Even if buying a car might not be the most trivial task, getting a good deal definitely qualifies as one. If you do not put enough planning and thought into your buying process you definitely won’t be able to get the best deal on your vehicle. If you are planning to buy the Grand Jeep Cherokee 2016 at a good deal or any other car for that matter, the following points will come in handy for your process.

    • An idea of the incentives or rebates
      The first time you hear the word incentive or anything about it should ideally not be from a salesperson. The foremost tip to get a deal on a car is to do your homework; log onto different websites that can give you an idea of the deals available. Or, you could simply search the internet with the desired car’s name and find one of the websites with deals. For example, if you are buying a Grand Jeep Cherokee, then your search could be “Grand Jeep Cherokee 2016 deals”. You must track the incentives and rebates that you can get on your choice of car. The usual incentives will come in the form of cash rebates, which usually mean a low percentage on the financing amount.
    • Choosing the right kind of car
      You might want to buy the Grand Jeep Cherokee, but you should have the right reasons for buying the car. Understand your budget and requirements, read reviews about cars and settle for one that fits the bill. The dealer or the salesperson will want to divert you to a different car that might get them an extra incentive. However, you must do your research and stick to one that you decide based on your research. You must go to the dealers only to confirm that you are not overpaying for your purchase.
    • Timing is key
      The markets keep fluctuating, which makes it important for you to buy the car at the right time. The timing of your purchase could improve or worsen your chances of getting good Grand Jeep Cherokee 2016 deals. You must know that even if you hit the market at a time when the prices are low, you can still negotiate for a lower price value of your purchase. Approach the dealers when there is a weekend sale, this reduces the time that goes into a negotiation as there are many people lining up to the dealer. However, this can be a make or break situation, the dealer could wave off your deal if you make unrealistic demands. It is important to know the kind of negotiation you need to make even if the timing is right.
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  • Here’s What You Need to Know about Accounting Software

    When you are an entrepreneur or a part of a big company, you will always have someone handling your accounts. However, having an insight and basic knowledge about it can take you a long way. By being aware of the latest accounting software, you will have information that will prove to be useful at some point or the other.

    Knowing how to read the numbers and make a financial statement is a simple task when you have the right accounting software. With this, anyone can make a statement on their own. You need to consider things like capital, sales, and daily expenses. You need to maintain a ledger with the amounts paid and received. With this data in hand, accounting is a task that can be handled with ease.

    First, you need to define which type of accounting you want to be doing. Here are the three basic types of accounting software:

    Software for database accounting

    This is essential for huge companies that indulge in businesses worth million dollars every year. Since they have a lot of data that needs to be analyzed, a large database exists. You need a software that can process it and the one to go for is the Oracle Accounting Software. You need a system consultant and engineers to accomplish this task. It’s a complex software which has the best and latest accounting functions.

    Installed accounting software

    This is meant for small to medium-sized businesses. It can be used in areas with the slow Internet as well. You can install the software using a disc and do your accounts effortlessly. It may have restrictions and needs to be purchased from sellers.

    Cloud accounting software

    These are the ones you can download from the Internet. They will only have the basic functions of accounting. You can access and operate the software in the cloud. Examples of this type of software include Sage 50, Xero, and Freshbooks. This software is suitable for small-scale industries.

    4 popular accounting software you should be aware of

    Sage Intacct

    This cloud-based accounting software is very popular in the accounting world. Suitable for small to medium-sized companies, you can maintain your accounts real time. It can automate and make critical assessments that are bound to be useful for every walk of your business. You can get all sorts of information and keep track of your cash flow efficiently.

    Multiview

    This software comes with 14 modules that can be configured to suit the accounting needs of any organization. It provides a clear view of all the corporate financial transactions. You can go about analytics, reporting, workflow, and view it all on a dashboard. Easy to use and understand, this is one you must look out for.

    AccuFund

    This online accounting software is designed for large organizations to use at a minimum price. It is meant for government agencies and other nonprofits. You can record the funding and expenses of the organization. Auditing becomes easier with the accounting functions available in AccuFund.

    It can handle a sizable database and give any kind of report you want. It is best for nonprofit organizations that require an extensive accounting framework.

    Adaptive Insights Software

    This accounting software is suitable to be used on any type of operating system. It is a web-based system that is suitable for a company of any type. The user interface is similar to that of MS Excel and so is easier to get used to. Accounting requirements like dashboards, reporting, budgeting, financial modeling, and more can be accomplished on this software.

    You should go for an accounting software that is suitable for your business. When you research and try out a few, you will know which one will be suitable for your needs. Choosing the right one is essential as accounting is an integral part of any business.

    You can be more accurate and professional with your yearly financial statements when the accounting is done right.

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  • Best counter depth refrigerators to consider

    Counter depth refrigerators are one of the best-selling refrigerators in the market these days. For those, who have newly renovated their kitchens, they prefer a counter depth refrigerator as it gels with the interiors of kitchen quite aesthetically.

    One of the reasons why counter depth refrigerators are popular among masses is because they are inexpensive and have more room space.

    Best counter depth refrigerators

    Prominent brands have their best counter depth refrigerators, and some of them come with excellent features. Here are some of the best counter depth refrigerators that consumers love.

    Samsung RF23J9011SR

    This Samsung 4-door model defines class and style. This is one of those convertible models, where a refrigerator can be turned into a freezer to accommodate more space. This Samsung model is priced at USD 2,700 and has triple cooling features to maintain an optimal temperature within the refrigerator. One of the best counter depth refrigerators, Samsung is a winner on all fronts with two humidity-controlled crisper drawers to retain maximum freshness for fruits and vegetables.

    KitchenAid KRFC300ESS

    This is one of the least expensive counter depth refrigerators at USD 1,900. Not just from the exterior, but KitchenAid has some excellent features that go beyond and more. The ExtendFresh temperature management system keeps the food fresh for long. The interior water dispenser works excellent without opening the entire refrigerator. Speaking of additional features, KitchenAid boasts of Produce Preserver, which aids in absorbing ethylene gas caused in fruits and vegetables.

    Samsung RF23HCEDBSR

    This counter depth refrigerator has the option of 3-way adjustable shelves. One can use it the way they prefer it –flipping to store tall items, slide-in to get more room, and a standard shelf. This Samsung model is priced at USD 2000 and meets all the Energy Star requirements as per government specifications. An ultra-luxury blue ice digital display lets you control the settings with a touch of a button. The external ice and water dispenser comes in handy for crushed ice, cubed ice, and cold water.

    Samsung RS22HDHPNSRb

    This sleek built-in model has a twin cooling system which allows maintaining high humidity levels in the refrigerator and dry freezer so that there are no freezer burns on frozen food items. This Samsung side-by-side counter depth refrigerator is 36” wide and costs USD 1,600.

    Frigidaire FGHC2331PF

    Frigidaire side-by-side counter depth refrigerator is one of the inexpensive models costing USD 1,300. The specifications include Pure Air Ultra Filters which keeps the inside air free of bacteria. In terms of space, Frigidaire has more storage room to organize and customize the refrigerator. Adjustable sliding shelves make any spillage easier to clean.

    GE café series CYE22TSHSS

    GE brings one of its latest innovations in French door counter depth refrigerators. This refrigerator model can personalize your kitchen with the help of an LCD screen through which one can upload their memories. GE’s Precise Fill setting dispenses accurate measurement of water. One more feature that is worth mentioning is the advanced water filtration wherein; the refrigerator reduces trace pharmaceuticals from water and ice.

    Whirlpool WRF540CWB

    The Whirlpool 36 “French Door counter-depth refrigerator has a lot of hidden features. It has frameless glass shelves and wall to wall storage for extra room. Whirlpool’s Accu-Chill temperature management feature helps to bring down the temperature. It even has an internal filtered water dispenser for quick and handy freshwater thereby eliminating bottle storage of water.

    All counter depth refrigerators come with Energy Star certification. Major brands have introduced a variety of features like touch screen, LCD, Wi-Fi, LED illuminated lights, adjustable shelves, and wall to wall storage. Though, the features may vary from model to model, there is no doubt that counter depth refrigerators are indeed our space savers in the kitchen.

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  • Here’s how a family vacation be great for you

    As per the popular sentiment, a family vacation is a luxury splurge. As such, numerous individuals neglect vacations for the fear of losing their hard-earned money. Tight schedules and diversity of family obligations are other prominent reasons, read pretexts, which keep individuals away from vacation. On the contrary, family vacations are a worthy investment that every family needs to undertake once in a while. If this has aroused your curiosity, read on to know how a well-planned and executed family vacation can keep you and your loved ones gainful in tangible ways.

    Spend quality time with family:
    The modern day lifestyle takes a heavy toll on your time and energy. As a breadwinner for the family, you toil hard in the office all day. The other family and social obligations are also there to keep you occupied on weekends. In such a scenario, spending quality time with your family is a distant dream. Herein, family vacations come to the picture. When vacationing, you have an appropriate opportunity to interact with your kids and catch up on things that may be happening in their lives. Putting it simply, a vacation paves way for better communication between you and your family, which is the cornerstone of cordial relationships.

    Create memories cherished for life:
    A family vacation helps you create fond moments that will etch into your memories for a lifetime. The sense of nostalgia grips you whenever you come across pictures and videos of your vacation. Contrary to the general belief, creating memories is not as pricey a proposition. You can rely on all-inclusive family resorts to have a memorable time without overstretching your budget.

    Get relief from stress:
    Chronic stress, a byproduct of hectic modern day lifestyle, is the front of numerous related ailments. When subjected to constant stress, your body tends to lose vitality and is vulnerable to infections and sleep issues that can be catastrophic to your overall health and wellness. Moreover, your mental capabilities will suffer, which translate into low productivity. Here too, a vacation can save the day for you. Travel brings with it excitement and relaxation that may be hard to attain via your monotonous daily schedules. Prefer all-inclusive family resorts for your vacations, as they cater to your entertainment and relaxation needs during the trip.

    Help your kids with hands-on learning:
    Vacationing helps your kids learn new things in a hands-on fashion. Whether you are flying to an international destination or touring your own city, kids have a chance to explore things that hitherto remained obscured for them or restricted to their course books. The destination’s history, architecture, and landscape, along with exclusive flora and fauna unfold themselves to kids, offering them an immersive learning experience. Additionally, family trips help kids to get familiar with diverse cultures and ethnicities, which inculcate a sense of respect for diversity.

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  • Stay connected with these Boost Mobile prepaid phone plans

    Now that contract phones are out of the window, the choices for prepaid phone plans are more open and more affordable. When phones were available on contract, the buyer was trapped for 2 years with the same plan. Now with new phones out in market, carriers have also charted plans for every type of buyer.

    Prepaid plans are very popular with students, visitors, and buyers who are not sure of their network quality and coverage. There are lots of reasons why buyers prefer prepaid options over other fixed plans. Boost Mobile’s new phones support both:– fixed plans as well as prepaid plans.

    Prepaid plans from Boost Mobiles
    Boost Mobile is a low-cost carrier that works on the Sprint network. It is one of the most sought-after MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). Boost Mobile’s new phones work with Sprint phones as well.

    Boost prepaid plans are very flexible and can suit every buyer’s requirements. The prepaid plan varies from weekly to monthly with different rates.

    • Weekly plan: USD10 with unlimited calls, texting, and 1GB data per week. If taken for a month, turns out to be USD 40 a month.
    • Monthly plan:  This includes the following plans:
      • USD 30 with unlimited calls and texts for 3 GB data per month. Under this plan, the buyer gets an additional 1 GB data.
      • USD 40 with unlimited calling, texting, and 5 GB data per month. The buyer gets 1 GB every weekend, which is inclusive of the unlimited calls and texts to 10 select countries.
      • USD 50 with unlimited calls, texts, and 7GB data per month. An additional 1 GB data is given every weekend.

    Moreover, apart from these plans, Boost Mobile’s new phone services have other plans like international roaming, mobile hotspot data plans, and phone insurance services.

    These mobile plans are truly unlimited in every sense. There is no throttling once the user reaches his speed cap, which is very noteworthy. Since it runs on the Sprint network, the data does not slow down. Boost’s range of smartphones run on the Android operating system and uses CDMA technology.

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  • The basics of bundling cable TV and internet services

    What is bundling?
    To bundle cable TV and cable internet packages and services is to combine both as a single pack. By bundling cable television and internet you get numerous offers like price discounts, installing both at one time, pay single bill for all services and lots more from the same dealer. In this digital age, everything is computerized combining computer, smart phones, tablets, digital TV and internet. With this service, you get to enjoy both watching TV and using a high speed internet in one place. You may purchase both connections from the same dealer at substantial price discounts from the cost of individually purchased lines. This allows the customers to enjoy more services by saving money on each.

    Types of bundle deals
    Triple Pay Bundle is a package that includes phone, internet and TV connection. Usually a bundle service is got through phone or cable company these days you can also bundle service with satellite TV company through a phone company. This package is perfect for people who would like to have all the services at one place for an effective price. You can pick any two services and make it a Double Pay Bundle and still benefit on saving. You can bundle telephone company with a TV company but it does not provide phone services like DirecTV or Dish. Firstly, you pick the TV plan and then bundle it with phone or internet plan with a telephone company and pay two companies in a single bill. Bundling with cable companies is also possible. Few cable companies provide internet and phone services along with a TV service. This way the cable company will not have any tie ups with other companies which makes it less expensive because the server is all the same.

    How to shop bundles
    Discussing with a single dealer don’t jump into conclusions as they might try to project to be the best. Comparing the multi-service plans is a challenging job as every plan and every company varies in channel packages, internet download speeds and calling plans. You can purchase bundles from a single company or join with other as per your need but be specific in the plans you choose without falling as a prey for data traps.

    Pros and cons
    Choosing a bundle plan will save you more on installation charges as you call for a single agent for setting up phone, internet and TV connection. Be aware of certain providers who gives separate installation fees on each service keeping you wait for hours for the installer to arrive. With a single provider, the consumer can clear any problems or doubts with all the connections in one time. The only disadvantage with bundling is that the provider may ask you to sign a minimum of two years’ agreement and assess penalties if the consumer does not go according to the contract.

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