How to convert pounds into kilos

I am always looking for this info when I follow an English recipe.... Especially when I make chutneys!

I hope this will be helpful to you too...

1 ounce (once) = 28,3495 grams

1 pound (livre) = 0,4536 kg

Turning the water off!

If you own a holiday home in France, you might not be aware that you have to turn the water off at the main when you leave.

In case of any water damage, you wouldn't be covered by your insurance company.

Some insurance companies advise you to turn the water off if you leave your house 3 or 4 days even if it is your main residence. Double-check your contract or contact your insurance company. Each company is different.

I've had to deal with several claims due to water damage for my clients and it is never good news when the repairs cost about €10,000 and the insurance company only covers 50%....

If you have a holiday home in France, do remember to drain the pipes in the winter before your departure.

Water leak after the water meter

Water leaks in France... who is responsible?

If the leak is after the water meter, it is your responsibility to fix it. Contact a plumber if you are unable to repair the leak yourself. The water company won't compensate you for any damages nor for a huge consumption of water.

If the leak is before the meter, contact the water company straight away (see details on your last water bill). They have a breakdown service so you can contact them 24/7.

Do take photos of any damages.

I have had to deal with several claims due to water damages for my clients so I know the photos are very useful!!

What is a Prime à la Casse ?

The Prime à la Casse is a contribution you receive in France towards the cost of a new car when you scrap your old vehicle (10 years old+). It was introduced to encourage people to buy new cars despite the economic crisis.

This contribution has gone down from €1,000 to €500.

It will disappear completely on December 31 2010.

So if you own an old car and wish to buy a new one in France, hurry up before the end of the year!

All Saints' Day - 1st November

The 1st November is a bank holiday in France. It is All Saints' Day (La Toussaint). This year it fell on a Monday during the school holidays.

Like most bank holidays in France, La Toussaint is a family day. People meet up for lunch and think of their relatives who have passed away. They go to the cemetery with plants and flowers and transform the sad graves into colorful ones.

Chrysanthemums can be seen everywhere in flower shops, garden centres, supermarkets and markets.

If you live in France and are invited for dinner, it is best not bring your French hosts a Chrysanthemums!

The next French bank holiday is next week on 11st November (Armistice Day). The last one before Christmas.

How to pay less income tax in France

If you pay income tax in France, you have several ways to reduce the tax.

One being giving money to charity.

The minimum amount you have to give is €20.
You will get 66% tax relief so it actually costs you €6.88. You get €13.12 tax relief.

Please note you have to pay by cheque.

Our main charity in France is the Téléthon which will take place on 3rd and 4th December 2010. Same weekend each year!

I have raffle tickets to sell through my club, so if you live around Dinan and you are feeling generous, please contact me. I will be pleased to sell you some tickets! The prizes are not exciting like a cruise, or a car, but smaller gifts given by local shops.

They are €1/ticket.

Plant exchange in St Thual tomorrow!

There is another plant exchange tomorrow in St Thual. St Thual is about 10 min South of Evran, near Bécherel. About 25 min from Dinan in Brittany.

My friend from the basket weaving class organises it every year. If you fancy joining us, feel free. You can start taking plants from 10 am.

I will be there for 11 am. I have to dig my plants first!