Sending text messages using your computer can be extremely useful in various situations.  Perhaps you’ve lost or misplaced your phone and need to get in touch with someone.  Maybe your phone’s battery has died and you don’t have access to a charger.  What if you just don’t want your attention to be diverted from your computer screen while you’re working?  In any case, being able to text via your computer is both advantageous and convenient.

There are dozens of ways to send texts from your PC, such as using email clients or free SMS websites, but some ways are a lot more efficient and safe than others.  Certain operating systems contain their own versions of this feature; if you own an Apple or Windows phone, all you need to send texts is a computer that runs the same operating system.

Android users have no special computer texting service (yet), which really is more of a pro than a con.  There are a multitude of Android apps available that allow you to text through your PC – so many that you may find the selection overwhelming.  Here are three outstanding app recommendations to help you weed out the good from the bad as well as compare features so you can find an app specific to your interests.

MightyText

MightyText lets you text from your computer or tablet using your existing Android phone number.  With MightyText, you never have to look at your phone – notifications regarding texts, calls, and even battery alerts are sent to your computer and can be dismissed from there.

In addition to text messages, you can also send web pages, maps, files, photos and more.  If you do have access to your phone, any photo or video you take with it can be instantly and securely stored to your computer or tablet.  You can even apply filters and other edits to photos before sharing them!

The free version of MightyText allows you to send and receive up to 500 text messages per month and includes ads.  In addition, there is a time limit to how long your messages can be stored. The pro version ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) lifts the cap, eliminates ads, and adds a ton of new features, such as scheduling and saving drafts  of messages, blocking certain numbers, adding signatures, using templates, and sending bulk messages.

Pushbullet

This app’s interface is simple and streamlined, making it incredibly easy to use.  Like MightyText, Pushbullet lets you send texts, links, photos, etc. to and from your computer and also displays your phone’s notifications on your computer screen.

Unlike MightyText, Pushbullet isn’t exclusive to Android.  It’s also available for iOS, although the texting feature isn’t offered.  You can still receive your phone’s notifications on your computer screen, but only if you have a Mac.

A feature unique to Pushbullet is Channels.  Channels are notification feeds that you can follow. They’re a great way of getting notified when things happen around the web.  You can even create your own channels and share them to gain followers.

Pushbullet’s free version falls short when compared to MightyText: you can only send 100 texts per month.  The pro version costs the same as MightyText’s and also offers unlimited texts, increased storage space, and mirrored notification action support.  The latter means that you can not only view notifications on your computer, but you can react to them as well.  For instance, if you receive an email notification, you can archive the email directly from pop-up on your computer without having to do it from your phone.

AirDroid

Just like MightyText and Pushbullet, AirDroid allows you to send and receive text messages, transfer files between your Android and computer, and receive your phone’s notifications on your computer screen.  However, AirDroid is also equipped with several unique features, making it stand out from its competition.

AirDroid’s most notable feature is AirMirror, which displays your phone’s screen on your computer screen and gives you full access to your phone’s apps.  With AirMirror, you can use your computer to take screenshots, play and manage music, and even access the camera on your phone (a premium feature), all remotely!  AirMirror does require the phone to be rooted, unless your phone is AirDroid-certified.

A brand new feature on AirDroid is the ability to automatically back up your photos from your phone to your computer.  This service is similar to Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive, but the difference is that your photos go directly from your phone to your computer, never to the cloud or another server; this allows for a more secure back up.

The free version has no texting limit, but there are storage, file size, and device caps, as well as promotion messages.  AirDroid premium is the cheapest of the three, costing $1.99/month or $19.99/year.

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

People are always looking for ways to improve their life. They want to know how they can be happier or how they can be more successful because they’re dissatisfied with themselves and/or where they currently are. The solution is simple:

Stop. Making. Excuses.

As human beings it’s normal for us to blame our shortcomings, failures, and poor behavior on factors other than ourselves. We do this because our ego doesn’t allow us to admit we may need to improve in certain aspects of our life. But if you are serious about making a change and improving your life, here’s how you can stop making excuses and start taking control.

Identify The Problem

The first step to fixing any behavioral problem is to identify whether or not you have one. Here are some signs that making excuses may be hindering your personal growth:

–When working with others: If you notice that when working in a group or team environment you pass the blame on to your teammates as opposed to accepting your roll in team failures – you’re making an excuse.

–When dealing with setbacks/adversity: when you fall upon hard times, or when things aren’t going your way, do you blame your situation, other people, or outside circumstances for why you aren’t where you want to be in life? If so you’re making excuses.

Realize that making excuses will only hurt you

It’s hard for anyone to admit they messed up or made a mistake, but in order to take back control of your life and reach your full potential, you have to stop blaming outside factors. Making excuses only guarantees that your situation will never improve and that you’ll never learn from your mistakes – it is a waste of your precious time and energy. Once you realize how toxic excuse making really is, and once you recognize how it impedes your ability to be successful in every aspect of your life, then you can start ensuring you never make them again.

Take Responsibility/Empower yourself

Begin taking responsibility for where you are in life and take responsibility for yourself and your actions. Even if you’re a victim of extenuating circumstances, the responsibility is still on you to succeed in the face of adversity. By ownership of your actions and behavior you have now given yourself the power to work on improving yourself and achieving your goals. You no longer have any excuses! Nothing is standing in your way toward improving yourself in all areas of your life!

Take action

Now that you know you have the power to change your life, it’s time to do it! Remember all those things you made excuses for? Your behavior, your shortcomings (both personal & professional), your situation in life? Now is the time to come up with ways to improve upon them and start taking action. You have the power. You can be better. Realizing that is incredibly liberating. Use that realization to take action and start making changes!

Remember: We make excuses because it can be painful to admit we have made a mistake or failed in some capacity. But it’s okay to experience these things. We all have. We’re human. So instead of making an excuse that will benefit you in exactly zero ways, start taking action and work to improve upon yourself. You have complete autonomy over yourself. You can improve and change your life for the better. You just have to be willing to stop making excuses and start taking control.

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

Boosting curb appeal is easy with the help of colorful plants and functional furniture. Here are six curb appeal landscaping and hardscaping ideas, along with great curb appeal tips to help give you the best-looking house on the block.

Gate

A gate makes a real statement about your home. A gate can be many styles, but, if it’s charming and attractive, it puts visitors at ease, inviting them to come in.

Arch

An arch, making the entrance to your front yard, offers instant cottage charm. Grow a flowering vine over it to create a beautiful, inviting focal point.

Corner Garden

A small fence or similar structure at the corner of the front yard provides an immediate sense of space for a featureless front lawn. Plant flowering annuals and perennials around it for a welcoming display of color.

 

Mailbox Garden

At most homes, the mailbox is literally at the curb, so a small garden around the mailbox is the most visible way to improve curb appeal. Mailbox plantings should consist of small plants that won’t overwhelm the mailbox itself. They also need to be tough varieties that can take reflected heat, road salt, and the like. If you can’t supply water, then they need to be very drought tolerant as well. Keep in mind that bees can be a nuisance to mail carriers, so don’t overdo it with plants that attract pollinators.

Seating Area

A bench instantly creates a visual focal point and beckons you into the garden. Such a welcoming feature is one of the easiest and most economical ways to add curb appeal. A bench can go almost anywhere, but it should be visible and accessible for the greatest impact.  

Containers

Place containers along the path, or on steps, for a big boost of color. Window boxes also make a big statement.

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

The Acadian Home Builders Association is proud to present the 54th annual Parade of Homes showcasing the latest in home building design and products. If you’re thinking about building a home, you won’t want to miss this special event!

Houses included in the Parade exhibit the hottest trends in architecture, floor layout, building materials, and appliances. Some are also furnished by local interior designers in a wide range of styles. Square footage and prices range from starter homes to estates, so viewers are sure to find the perfect home, no matter the size of the family or budget.

The Parade of Homes is a self-guided tour where ticket holders can view as many homes as they like in any order they choose. Ticket purchases include the official Parade of Homes Guide Book which contains pictures and descriptions of each home, builder profiles, and a map.

The Parade of Homes will take place April 9, 10, 16, and 17 from 1 PM to 6 PM. Tickets are $10 each, and each ticket is good for all four days of the event. Tickets are available NOW and are sold at the following locations:

Doug Ashy Building Materials
4950 Johnston St., Lafayette
1601 Verot School Rd., Lafayette

Home Bank
Lafayette, Broussard, & Carencro locations only

Acadian Home Builders Association
135 N. Domingue Rd., Lafayette

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

Laissez Les Po’boys Rouler!

The po’boy is Louisiana’s most popular and iconic sandwich, and it’s about to get its very own festival.  The inaugural Acadiana Po’boy Festival will be held today from 11 AM to 6 PM at Parc Sans Souci.  The founders hope the festival will celebrate the legacy of the humble po’boy sandwich, expand its boundaries and promote the culture and hospitality of Acadiana through food, music and fun.

Over 20 Acadiana po’boy vendors—including Darrell’s, Pop’s PoBoys, and Lagneaux’s—will be present at the festival, collectively offering 42 different types of po’boys.  In addition, po’boy venders will be teaming up to create the world’s longest po’boy!  The exact length of the po’boy won’t be revealed until the festival, but we do know that it will most definitely contain more than one kind of meat.

Live entertainment will be provided by Grammy nominated Roddie Romero & the Hub City All Stars.  The festival will also include arts and crafts and children’s activities.  Best of all, admission is free!  

The Acadiana Po’boy Festival is presented by Woodmen Life and a portion of proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana.

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News