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5 of the Most Beautiful Small Towns in France!

French Riviera Cassis France boats

Most travelers to France don’t venture past the big cities like Paris and Marseille. Though these cities are beautiful, it was the small charming towns in France that captured my heart.  Everything from the cobblestone streets, quaint little houses, canals, open markets, and locally made wine.

You wont find large museums or attractions here, because the towns themselves are the attraction!  Spend the day strolling the streets, tasting the delicious local food, and taking in “the french way of life.”  Check out my top 5 picks!

Flavigny

Listed as one of the “most beautiful villages of France”, Flavigny-sur-ozerain sits high on a rock and is located in the Burgundy region of France.  It’s a very charming medieval fortified town, with walls surrounding the narrow streets that wind around the traditional burgundy houses.

Flavginy, France architecture doorway flowers

Flavigny, France Streets Walls

If you’re a movie buff, the movie “Chocolat” was filmed in Flavigny, and many of the sights and streets are easily recognizable.  BTW if you haven’t seen the movie I highly recommend it!

Flavigny, France architecture lady in window

We visited this quaint village in the off-season, and it was very quiet, with not a soul in sight.  However, when we stumbled across the restaurant “La Grange” just opposite the church, and we found a big crowd feasting inside.  This small restaurant is home-style french food at it’s finest, and for a very affordable price I might add!  With 4-5 dishes to choose from, you order your meal cafeteria style, and don’t forget to get a carafe of local wine, which was ridiculously cheap!

Cassis 

Forget the touristy town of Marseille or St. Tropez, Cassis is a tiny fishing village where all the locals go to holiday!  It’s known for its rosé wine, rolling vineyards, crystal clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean sea, pebbly beaches, and clay-colored buildings. Because Cassis is less touristy then surrounding towns, the locals are extremely friendly to those passing through their beloved village.

Cassis France town boats houses

Cassis is hands down one of my favorite towns in France, and I wish we had stayed longer than our 2 days.  On Wednesday and Friday mornings make sure to check out the Cassis market nestled between the streets of the village.  You will find vendors with local fruits and vegetables, cheese, olives, jewelry, clothing and so much more.  Grab some cheese and bread and have a picnic next to the water’s edge.

Cassis is protected by Cap Canaille (the tallest cliff in Europe) and the white limestone Calanques (fjord-like inlets carved into the limestone). Don’t miss a hike along the Calanques, or a short boat ride along the coast, in the off-season you can easily jump on a boat from the Cassis harbor without a reservation.

Calanques France Cassis

There are a ton of places to stay in Cassis, ranging from hotels to BnB’s, but when in France why not stay at a Castle overlooking the village!  “Chateau De Cassis” was spectacular and one of our best stays while in France. The beds were super comfortable, breakfast was off the charts, and the view was to die for! Pick up a local bottle of wine and some pizza from La Girandole and head to the balcony of the hotel to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean.

Chateau de Cassis France view

Saint Emilion 

Wine! Need I say more? Even if you’re not a wine drinker, forget the city of Bordeaux and check out St Emilion, a UNESCO world heritage site.  The medieval village is perched above vineyards in the Bordeaux region, and is well worth a day trip from neighboring cities.

Saint Emilion city view church tower

Wind your way through the city on the cobblestone streets and shop at the local boutiques and souvenir shops.  If you have the energy, spiral up the 196-step staircase to the bell tower, where you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the vineyards and surrounding village.

Saint Emilion street views cafe wine

While in St Emilion make sure to stumble into one of the many wine shops along its streets. Here you can learn about the different St Emilion appellations , and taste an assortment of wines.  Most shops offer free shipping to your home if you purchase a minimum amount of bottles.

Saint Emilion streets

Avignon

Located in the heart of Provence, Avignon is a small city that will enchant you with its towering walls and river views.  It’s an ancient city steeped in history, dating back from the 13th century.  Avignon is known for its arts and culture with amazing festivals in the summer, and year round plays, concerts, street performances, and art exhibitions.

Avignon France city views

Make sure to visit the Palais des Papes, this imposing palace was built-in the 13th century, and was used as the papal court during that period.  Immerse yourself in history by visiting over 20 rooms in the palace, including the popes chambers, and frescoes painted by the artist Matteo Geovannetti.

Avignon France bridge

There are several extraordinary museums in Avignon, such as the Musee du Petit Palais and Musée Calvet to visit.  However, the best part of this little town is exploring the Provencal atmosphere, quaint streets, and elegant squares.  At the heart of the city is de l’horloge, a cute little area with shady trees and cafe’s with outdoor seating, a perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by.

Annecy 

Annecy France Bridges flowers

Annecy is known as the “Venice of the Alps,” because of its charming canals, small enchanting bridges, blooming flowers, colorful houses, and snow-capped peaks in the distance.  Walk along the narrow pedestrian streets of this little town, enjoying the boutiques and local shops, and along the water’s edge of Annecy lake.

Annecy France water venice of the alps

Towering above the old town is the imposing Annecy castle, it’s silhouette can be seen from different parts of the town, a remembrance of its medieval past.  Former residence of the counts of Geneva, the museum is open everyday except Tuesday, and has beautiful 15th-16th century paintings, sculptures, and architecture, not to mention the beautiful views of the town of Annecy below.

Annecy France street view

I hope you enjoyed my favorite small towns in France!  I would love to hear from you, please comment below!

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What you may not know about Antibiotics!

Antibiotics have transformed modern medicine and if used properly can save lives!  However, there are some serious side effects to taking antibiotics and it’s commonly over-prescribed.  In fact, In one year the Center for Disease Control reported that out of the 154 million prescribed antibiotics, 30% were unnecessary.  People may feel better off taking antibiotics “in case”, but are we causing our bodies more harm than good?

Now I am definitely no doctor, so please do your own research and consult with your primary physician or other qualified health care professional before making any decisions.  However, before rushing  to the doctor for antibiotics consider these facts.

Antibiotics Only Treat Bacterial Illnesses Not Viruses!

This is a common misconception and can be confusing because both bacterial and viral infections often have the same symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, fever, diarrhea and vomiting.  However, there are huge differences between bacteria and viral infections!

According to Lauri Hicks, DO, medical director for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work campaign.  She says ““Most upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses. A very small percentage of upper respiratory infections are caused by bacteria, and antibiotics are completely ineffective for treatment of viral infections.”

Some of the most common viral infections that shouldn’t be treated with antibiotics are the common cold, Flu (influenza), cough, bronchitis, some ear infections, and some sinus infections.  Most of these viral infections get better on their own without antibiotics.

bacteria pathogen slide

Serious side effects of Antibiotics!

Since the discovery of antibiotics and the over-prescribing of them, antibiotic resistance has grown.  Taking antibiotics when they are not needed or misusing them, increases the risk that an infection you get later will resist antibiotic treatment.  According to the World Health Organization “The rise of antibiotic resistance is a global health crisis, more and more governments recognize (it is) one of the greatest threats to health today.”

Among other things, antibiotics kill disease-causing bacteria and our friendly gut bacteria!  In fact only one week of antibiotics can change the makeup of your gut microbiota for up to a year!  Recent studies have also shown that mothers given antibiotics during child-birth, can delay the growth of healthy bacteria in the infant for up to the first 12 weeks of life!

If you choose to take antibiotics

Take a probiotic during and after antibiotic use!  A number of studies have shown that taking a probiotic can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.  However, because probiotics are also bacteria, they can be killed along with the harmful bacteria when you take antibiotics, so it’s important to take the antibiotics and probiotics a few hours apart.

In addition, Probiotics can help restore the microbiota to its original state after taking antibiotics. Choosing a probiotic can get a little tricky, so make sure to choose one that contains a mixture of different beneficial bacteria, rather than just one.  Check out “Everything you ever wanted to know about choosing a good probiotic,” to get detailed information about how to choose a good one!

Personally I use The Garden of Life Raw Probiotic, because It contains 34 probiotic strains with 100 billion CFU, plus it’s only one pill a day which makes it easy for me to remember.

garlic onions natural remedies for infection

Instead of antibiotics

Hippocrates couldn’t have said  it better, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.”  Instead of using an antibiotic, why not opt for a much easier and cheaper way that nature provides!  The following is a list of the most powerful antibiotics that nature provides.

  1. Garlic and Onions can be used to treat an earache, pneumonia, the flu, common colds, and MRSA.
  2. Echinacea can strengthen your immune system to fight the flu, colds, and bacterial infections.
  3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) can be used topically or internally to treat bacterial infections.
  4. Oil of Oregano has anti-viral and anti-fungal properties making it great for sinus infections.
  5. Manuka Honey kills bacteria, removes toxins, boosts the immune system, and soothes the digestive tract.  Learn more about this amazing honey here!
  6. Grapefruit Extract  is high in antioxidants that boost immunity and strengthen the beneficial gut bacteria.
  7. Colloidal Silver has been used for centuries as a natural antibiotic, it destroys bacteria, viruses, and fungi.  However, be careful not to use it over long periods, because it can be harmful to your body.

Try these natural antibiotics instead of relying on what your doctor prescribes for you, they wont harm your body and they taste great!  As well as natural antibiotics, what we eat is extremely important to our immunity also! Check out Why You Should Eat a Plant Based Diet!

I love to hear your comments below =)

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Mom’s Apple Cobbler!

Apple Cobbler

My moms recipe for apple cobbler is so simple, fast & delicious! I had to share this one with my followers, because with only 4 ingredients, it’s perfect for those last-minute gatherings with family and friends!

If you’re not in the mood for apple, you can try any pie filling: blueberry, peach, cherry, etc.  Switch it up if you want by using blueberry filling with lemon cake mix, or chocolate cake mix with cherry filling, the possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

  • 2 Can apple pie filling
  • 2 Box yellow or white cake mix
  • 2 Sticks butter
  • Chopped Walnuts

Recipe

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  • Pour pie filling into a 9×13 baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the apple pie filling.
  • Sprinkle the top with chopped walnuts
  • Pour melted butter all over mixture (its ok if it doesn’t cover every part)
  • Bake for 40 minutes or until the top turns brown. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Note: This recipe is more crust than apple (the way I like it), add a little less cake mix for less crust.  In addition, this recipe serves a large crowd, you can easily halve this recipe for a smaller portion.  Enjoy!

Have you tried The Best Banana Bread Ever?

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What is Manuka honey? The Benefits and Uses!

Manuka Honey

Not all honey is created equal!  Manuka honey is one of the most unusual and beneficial forms of honey in the world, and that’s because it’s produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the Manuka tree.  Most good quality honey contains some hydrogen peroxide. However, Manuka honey also has Methylglyoxal (MG), known for its antibacterial effects, which is in high concentration on the nectar flowers of the Manuka tree.

Benefits and uses of Manuka honey

  • Heals Wounds.  Because of its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, Manuka honey is great for healing wounds, plus it helps maintain a moist environment and protective barrier from infection.  When my dog Buddy accidentally bit my nose, piercing down to my nasal cavity, I used MediHoney Gel on the wound, and I was in awe at how fast it worked to heal the pretty deep gash. It is now a staple in my medicine cabinet!  No wonder that in 2007 the FDA approved Manuka honey as an aid to wound treatment.
  • Soothes a sore throat.  Manuka honey can provide relief when your throat is achy and sore, the antiviral and antibacterial properties in the honey will reduce inflammation and coat the lining of the throat, soothing your pain.  Try this simple and easy,  Natures Flu Buster if your coming down with a cold or flu.
  • Treats acne.  Most often acne is caused by hormonal changes, but it can also be a reaction to poor diet, stress or bacteria growth. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Manuka honey, can help keep your skin free of bacteria and expedite the healing process.
  • Improves digestion.  Irritable Bowel Syndrome includes constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, and research has shown that the regular consumption of Manuka honey can decrease these symptoms. Research has also shown that it attacks the bacterial infection Clostridium difficile, which is what causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the bowel.

Choosing Quality Honey

Because of industrialization honey is not what it used to be, unfortunately most products at your local grocery store are not much different then high fructose corn syrup.  So it’s important to select quality Manuka honey, the higher the concentration of MG, the stronger the antibiotic effect.  Manuka honey producers use the “Unique Manuka Factor” (UMF) scale for rating the concentration of MG.  Obviously, the higher the number, the more antibacterial properties.

I prefer to purchase Manuka honey with a 15 UMF or higher, this makes it a little pricey, but totally worth it!  Here is a link to a local New Zealand Manuka Honey that is exceptionally good!  Overall Manuka honey is the best choice of honey when it comes to medicinal uses.

Love to hear from my followers, please comment below!

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Avocado Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Sometimes green leaf salads can get a little old , so instead I’ll throw whatever is in my fridge together for an avocado salad.  It’s so yummy and so easy!  You can experiment by adding or substituting in this dish, I personally don’t like green bell peppers so instead I added yellow and red peppers.  It also tastes great with a little spice, so you could add some diced jalapeno’s or hot sauce.  Have fun with it and enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 3 Small diced avocados
  • A large handful of cherry tomatoes diced (or 2 large Roma tomatoes)
  • 1 Cucumber diced
  • 2 small yellow and orange bell peppers diced
  • 1/2 an onion (sweet or purple)
  • Chopped cilantro (as much as you want)
  • 1 TSP Chopped fresh garlic
  • 1 TBSP Olive oil
  • 1 TBSP Lemon juice
  • 1 TSP Trader Joes everyday seasoning (or alternative
  • 1/2 TSP Himalayan salt

Instructions

Chop all your vegetables and put them in a large mixing bowl, top with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings..  Give it a good mix and your good to go, enjoy!