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Aesthetics is one of the most important things to consider when decorating or remodelling a home. It is not just about looking pretty; it’s about creating a space that makes you feel good and happy. A house with no aesthetic appeal is like an unloved child. It can be a bit difficult to improve the look of your home on your own, but if you are willing to put in some effort, then there are plenty of ways to do this! Here are some creative ideas that will help improve the aesthetic appeal of your house.

Get Rid of Clutter

Clutter makes your house look messy, which is not what you want when trying to get your home ready for sale. It is also a distraction and can make the space feel smaller than it is. In addition, cluttered rooms have been shown to appear older than they are because clutter pulls attention away from freshly painted walls and other recent updates. Clutter also makes your house appear dirty even if it isn’t because it draws the eye toward what needs cleaning rather than highlighting its other positive attributes.

Find Ways to Enhance Your Space’s Looks

If you have a small house or apartment, plants can help fill in empty corners and enhance the overall look of your home. Lighting is also essential; it will create moods that help set the tone for different activities in different rooms within your home. You can use furniture while designing an interior space. Artwork is another great way to add color and vibrancy to any environment—whether it’s hanging up some landscape paintings on a wall or displaying hand-crafted sculptures from local artists.

Do Home Repairs if Needed

Home repairs include fixing leaky roofs, broken tiles, broken doors, windows and fences, and even floors or walls. If your doors are broken or in need of replacement, it’s an excellent opportunity to consider upgrading to glazed doors. These stylish and functional additions not only solve the issue of broken doors but also bring elegance and natural light into your home. Not only will this ensure that you live in a safe environment, but it will also make your house more attractive to buyers if you ever want to sell it someday.

While addressing home repairs, don’t overlook the importance of regular maintenance, such as drain cleaning service, to avoid common issues like blocked plumbing which can lead to more significant problems over time. Ensuring your home’s plumbing is in top condition can also contribute to its overall aesthetic by preventing unsightly backups and odors.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

The right color can make your house look bigger, brighter, or more welcoming and hide unwanted marks or stains. Lighter shades tend to be friendlier, while darker hues lend themselves to the moodier side of things.

Consider creating an accent wall using bold colors such as reds, blues, greens, etc., rather than opting for neutrals like whites or tans. This way, everything else will still feel bright even though one spot appears darker than usual.

Use Pavers

Pavers are a great way to add style and character to your home. You can use them to create patios, walkways, and even paths you might want to make around the garden. They come in various colors, patterns, sizes, and styles (including natural stone pavers).

Pavers Philadelphia are also very versatile. You can use them inside and outside your house for different purposes, like creating an attractive flooring design or making it easy for guests to walk through your home without getting their shoes dirty.

If you want to learn more about pavers Philadelphia options, we suggest you check out Delaney Construction. Many different paver flooring materials are available, and they all have unique benefits.

Conclusion

You can do many things to improve the aesthetic appeal of your house. The key is to find out what works for you and make it happen. You don’t have to spend much money on expensive renovations, but small changes can make a big difference in how your home looks.

Looking to remodel your house? Start by enhancing its aesthetic appeal! Check out our guide on “What Is the First Thing to Do When Remodelling a House?” for valuable insights.

Have any questions or concerns? Ask us in the comments!

After a rather long hiatus, Tame Impala are back in the UK with a storming performance at All Points East where Kevin Parker and his crew effortlessly fused the heart and vibe of ’60s psychedelia with the visceral and ecstatic spirit of ’90s club culture to dazzle the sold-out crowd.

Tame Impala – Sharon Lopez

Parker’s musical project’s fourth studio album ‘The Slow Rush’ was released back in February 2020 and this show was originally intended to promote this album, but thanks to Covid, this never materialised.

However, some things are most definitely worth waiting for.

Tame Impala - Sharon Lopez
Tame Impala – Sharon Lopez

After a series of support acts which included one of House of Coco’s own picks for 2022 – Sipho, Ruti, Working Men’s Club, Goat, Dry Cleaning, Feet, Caribou and Caroline Polachek, it was time for the main event which saw the lights go down and an intriguing fake advert style video about a new drug which alters your perception of time.

The drug in question ‘Rushium’ is a reference to ‘The Slow Rush’ of course, but it really sets the tone of the evening.

‘The Slow Rush’ was one of my favourite albums of 2020 and it’s probably not prudent to admit that I played it hundreds of times on my bashed-up record player during lockdown.

Tame Impala - Sharon Lopez
Tame Impala – Sharon Lopez

This gig was truly an intoxicating and hypnotic experience, from the impressive, psychedelic light show and the shimmering confetti to the trippy synths, hip-hop beats and fuzzy psychedelia that has evolved Tame Impala into the formidable music project that we know and love.

Parker’s genuine passion for being back in London was evident. He remarked:

“I can’t tell you how fucking long I’ve waited for this. I thought this day would never come.”

Us too.

With a barn-storming set list which included ‘The Less I Know the Better’, ‘It Might Be Better’, ‘Nangs’, ‘Apocalypse Dreams’, ‘Feels Like We Only Go Backwards’, this was an exhilarating journey through Tame’s spectacular body of work.

There were several tracks from ‘The Slow Rush’ which included ‘One More Year’, ‘Borderline’ and ‘Lost in Yesterday. All of which provided a totally immersive yet still emotive experience to listening to the album on vinyl.

‘Elephant’ from 2012’s ‘Lonerism’ and the storming ‘Let It Happen’ from 2015’s ‘Currents’ were standouts of this intoxicating and mesmerising show which with its first-class production values demonstrated the transcendent and cosmic tour de force that Parker has become.

Tame Impala - Sharon Lopez
Tame Impala – Sharon Lopez

STK, the international contemporary steak restaurant famous for its vibe dining, killer cocktails and delicious American cuisine invited House of Coco down to their restaurant on The Strand to celebrate National Burger Day.

The moment you walk into the restaurant you are enveloped in the buzz and atmosphere, a large bar sits prominently across the restaurant floor, surrounded by round booths.The sleek décor is minimal and low-level violet neon lighting makes the place feel more like a nightclub than restaurant.With the resident DJ pumping out tunes it feels like a Saturday night, despite it being midweek.

As you would imagine, the menu focusses on serving the finest USDA prime beef, however there are other options including a raw bar, seafood, lamb and chicken dishes. As it was National Burger Day, I had to try their renowned Lil’ Brgs.These beef sliders are a great starter, mini patties of succulent USDA beef are drizzled in the house special sauce and encased in a pillow soft sesame bun.My date did that annoying ‘lets share starters’ and I begrudgingly had to hand over one of my Lil’ Brgs.We also shared a Sea Bass Ceviche served in Ponzu tiger milk with citrus tobiko and topped with a crispy tapioca cracker.Bursting with fresh flavours this was a great contrast to the rich juicy sliders.When it come to choosing a main course, I continued with the ‘when in Rome’ theme and after a recommendation from the waitress, opted for the Filet served medium and an indulgent side order of Mac and Cheese.The melt in your mouth beef was cooked to perfection.A little Chimichurri sauce on the side gave it just enough heat.Breaking the golden lid of the Mac and Cheese revealed a creamy pasta delight loaded with flavour and seasoning. When it comes to wine pairings the restaurant’s sommelier can recommend the perfect wine to accompany your dish. Our waitress was very knowledgeable when it came to the wine list and recommended a South African white and Argentinean Malbec, both were delicious.The portion sizes here are generous and I couldn’t even contemplate a pudding.For those who do save a little room then there’s a sweet selection to choose from.

STK is a brilliant first date venue and great for groups. Set in glamorous surroundings you get that A List experience.The service was first class, our waitress was attentive and discreet with the knack to appear whenever our wine glass was low.

With a sister restaurant in Westminster, STK is the ultimate destination to continue celebrating National Burger Day with menu highlights including:

Big USDA Burger & Fries. 180g beef patty, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and special sauce. Priced from £9.99.

Lil’ Brgs. USDA beef patty, special sauce, and sesame seed bun. Priced at £17.00. Also available during Happy Hour (Monday – Friday: 3pm – 6:30pm) for £5.00 along with Truffle Fries.

There is no doubt that a home makeover can be a daunting and expensive task, one that most of us are not ready to undertake lightly. However, there are ways in which you can easily refresh your space without breaking the bank.

4 Tips to Refresh Your Home

1. Start with a clean slate.

The first step to refreshing your home is to declutter and get rid of any unwanted or unused items. This will help you to start fresh and give you a blank canvas to work with.

2. Give your walls a new coat of paint.

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home. It can brighten up a space and make it feel new again. If you’re not sure what color to choose, try something neutral like white or beige.

3. Update your window treatments.

New window treatments can also help to refresh your home. If your current ones are looking dated or worn, consider replacing them with something new. Curtains, blinds, and shutters are all great options.

4. Bring in some new furniture or accessories.

If you’re looking for a more drastic change, you may want to consider bringing in some new furniture or accessories. If you adore gothic and wiccan culture, the perfect way to make your home more you is to visit us at VibroHeaven where you can choose plenty of accessories.

Is there a certain time of year when it is best to refresh your home?

The best time of year to refresh your home will depend on a number of factors. For instance, if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions (e.g. very hot summers or very cold winters), it might be best to wait until the weather is more moderate before undertaking any major home improvement projects.

Another factor to consider is your personal schedule and that of your family members. If you have young children, it might be best to wait until they are older and can better understand and cooperate with the changes you want to make to your home. Similarly, if you or your spouse travel frequently for work, it might be best to wait until you have more time at home before embarking on any big projects.

Ultimately, the best time of year to refresh your home is whenever it works best for you and your family. Try to take into account all the factors that might affect your project, and plan accordingly.

What are the benefits of refreshing your home?

1. Making it feel like new again: A fresh coat of paint, new furniture, or updated decor can make your home feel brand new again.
2. Increasing its value: If you’re planning on selling your home, refreshing it can increase its value and help it sell faster.
3. Improving your mood: A beautiful and well-designed home can improve your mood and make you feel happier.
4. Creating a more comfortable environment: By updating your home, you can create a more comfortable and inviting environment for yourself and your family.

Add some life to your home by adding personal touches that make it feel more like you.

Virgo and Sagittarius are considered to be one of the most compatible zodiac signs, but there are a few definite differences between them. Virgos are usually very aloof and unemotional, while Sagittarius tend to be more outgoing and interested in the world around them. They may also clash on an intellectual level, which means that a Virgo might find it hard to relate to their Sagittarius partner. While a Sagittarius may be a very generous lover, Virgos are also highly competitive and need to be independent.

Virgo females tend to feel safe and protected in the companionship of a Sagittarius man

In a relationship between a Virgo woman and a Sagittarius man, the females often feel a sense of protection and safety. While their polar opposite signs are highly compatible, the two can have some difficulties communicating with each other. A Sagittarius man is notorious for being blunt and direct, so a Virgo woman may internalise his blunt comments. Virgos will likely feel nagging from a Sagittarius man, and this can cause problems between the two of them.

The two signs are very different when it comes to physical intimacy, and a Scorpio may seem overly impersonal for a Virgo woman. While a Sagittarius man is very passionate and aggressive, a Virgo woman may feel threatened or uncomfortable if he does not respect her sexiness. A Scorpio, on the other hand, can impress Virgo women by his physical prowess.

A Sagittarius man can be a challenging companion for a Virgo woman. While a Sag is highly intelligent, he will not want to be used or misused.Its not hard to make him chase you but, a Virgo woman must know herself, while caring for the emotional needs of an emotionally demanding Sag. It’s vital for a Virgo woman to understand her needs and values, and to know when to take care of herself.

A Sagittarius man can be high-strung and critical, but a Virgo woman tends to be a more laid-back and tolerant person. A Virgo woman, on the other hand, wants someone who can protect her. A Sagittarius man can be a great companion, but she doesn’t like having her own way.

Virgos prefer to think things through before they make a decision

Virgos are usually rational and don’t make impulsive decisions. They’re more likely to think things through and make sure they’re the best option for everyone. That’s why they’re often the first person that people turn to for advice. Unlike many other types of people, Virgos don’t get easily influenced by other people’s opinions. While they’re usually very sensitive to their family and friends, Virgos do not like to be rushed.

Virgos have a deep analytical mind and a set of microscope eyes. This means they pay close attention to details and are able to diagnose a problem or decide the best solution. They’re perfect for jobs that require a great deal of organisation. They’re also perfect for live performances and filmmaking. Beyonce is a famous Virgo who is known for her strictness on stage.

Virgos love to be around people, but they’re homebodies. While they enjoy spending time with family and friends, they’re more likely to stay at home and read books or clean up the house. They also prefer to spend time alone, so don’t try to make a commitment to them unless you’re 100% sure that you’re the one for them.

Virgos also tend to be cautious and don’t like being in the forefront of anything. They like to plan everything out and make sure they’re sure they’ll succeed. They’ll probably be confused when their plans are thrown off course. However, they’ll remain strong and humble despite their cautious nature. They also love to laugh, so they are always ready for a good time with friends.

Virgos are unemotional

If you have a Virgo partner, you may be wondering why he’s so cold and unemotional. It’s easy to see why they don’t show their emotions well – they’re hard to read and don’t open up easily. However, understanding this sign’s emotional nature will help you understand him better, and can help you get to the heart of this mysterious sign. You can change this tendency by understanding one of the main factors that makes men behave this way – and it’s incredibly simple to do.

Virgos love to serve others, and they often find themselves the dishwasher or grocery carrier at parties. They’re also complete clean freaks, and their ruler, Mercury, is also an excellent writer and speaker. If you’re in a relationship with a Virgo, be patient and understanding of their lack of emotional reactions. The Virgo’s love of service will help you build a strong and lasting relationship with your partner.

The most difficult thing about dating a Virgo is the fact that they’re hard to love. Even if you do find someone you can truly connect with, they’ll be difficult to win over, and it’ll take a lot of work to make them feel good. If you’re a Virgo, be prepared to do the same – and expect to be very disappointed if your relationship fails.

A Virgo man is a good match for a Libra woman. Although they’re both analytical, they don’t have a lot of emotions and can be quite cold-hearted. A Libra woman should be aware of this when dating a Virgo man. A Libra woman should be patient and assertive with a Virgo man. She must listen to her man instead of telling him what’s on her mind.

Sagittarius is uninterested in a Virgo’s needs

A Virgo and a Sagittarius zodiac match may be the perfect match, but the two signs need to be careful with each other. A Virgo’s sensitivity and love for detail can be a problem, and she may not feel comfortable discussing crucial details with a Sagittarius. Sagittarius, on the other hand, is an energetic and fun sign, and the two signs may find each other a challenge to work with in a relationship.

In terms of love, a Virgo woman may have a more difficult time dating a Sagittarius man. Their compatibility in friendship is teetering at best. Initially, their relationship may seem uninteresting and a waste of time. Despite their shared interests, Sagittarius will find a Virgo to impersonal and unreliable. The pair’s passion may eventually adjust the compatibility. Initially, conversation between a Virgo and a Sagittarius is more informal and friendly, not allowing them to open up or develop deep trust.

Despite these differences, a Virgo and a Sagittarius relationship can develop into an intense, lasting bond. In addition to enjoying their differences, a Virgo woman can also learn a great deal from her Sagittarius partner. The two are unlikely to clash in temperament, but a Sagittarius’ enthusiasm for travel, games, and sports can help lighten the mood of a Virgo and make her feel safe and secure.

Sagittarius and Virgo are a perfect match if you’re not afraid to embrace each other’s individuality. As mutable signs, both Virgo and Sagittarius will always value each other’s differences and be willing to try new things together. Despite their differences in temperament, they will make for an exceptional couple. However, a relationship between Sagittarius and Virgo is difficult for anyone unless they’re compatible enough.

Virgos and Sagittarius need constant communication

A successful marriage between a Virgo and a Sagittarius can be both passionate and emotional. This is a great match for couples who find it hard to express their emotions when they are in a relationship, but these two signs will get along fine as long as they don’t try to manipulate each other. The first step is to recognise the complementing traits of each other’s personalities.

Virgos are perfectionists. Virgos are very critical, but they do care deeply about others. Virgos will sometimes over-plan, over-research, and over-think everything. They will not rest until they’ve figured out how to solve a problem. On the other hand, Sagittarius is constantly seeking ways to make their partners happy.

Virgos and Sagittarius will need constant communication, but they will also need to take time out to relax and recharge. Both signs are natural explorers, and they can learn a lot from each other. While Sagittarius will bring up novel ideas, Virgos will look for practical solutions to problems. Their strong personalities will also make them excellent partners. In fact, a Sagittarius woman can help a Virgo man to stay composed and calm during stressful times.

Despite the fact that Virgos and Sagittarius are both highly communicative, the two signs prefer talking about things other than themselves. Sagittarius and Virgos have a common interest in technology, entertainment, and gadgets. They also have the same ideals and love to socialise with friends and family. If you’re considering getting married to a Sagittarius, make sure to communicate regularly! You can also surprise each other from time to time. A sudden surprise may make them feel more caring, so these zodiac enamel pins will be of great significance, especially for Virgos who pursue perfection. When you have an idea, don’t worry that custom enamel pins are hard to come by. When you find enamelpins.com, all your ideas will be at your fingertips. Their designer only needs to know your zodiac sign, and you can also submit your own ideas to them such as adding the other party’s birthday, favorite sentences, or your important anniversaries, and more, they will do your rest works well. Then, you can wait for your unique enamel pins at home. In addition, Enamelpins.com allows you to customize your zodiac enamel pins no minimum. Exquisite zodiac enamel pins will excite your lover.

Nature has always played a pivotal role in keeping our emotions and overall health in check. Both mentally and physically, the pandemic has shown us just how important it is to have that refuge from the stress of everyday life at times.

Nature can be a walk in the park, a dip in the river, a walk along a beach, or even a little gardening. But in general, gardening is the main method in which people find some inner tranquility and a much-needed mood boost closer to home.

Here’s how you can get started and help to keep your mental health as robust as possible.

Fresh air and time away from devices

Leaving your mobile phone and other digital devices indoors while you get to know nature again is an important step in creating a separation between your chores, stresses, tasks, and your personal time in the garden.

It may seem unusual at first, but over time, you’ll soon grow to love it. That initial relationship with your garden needs to be a positive one, and this is the key starting point.

Green surroundings promote inner calm

The benefits of nature and its healing qualities aside, we are all susceptible to the color schemes around us, and they can have a profound effect on our moods and behaviors.

The color and texture of a soft green hedge can play a huge role in a garden’s overall appeal and help to keep your mind and body in a more positive state. Hedges like the emerald green arborvitae require very little maintenance while adding some calming green depth to your garden.

Maintaining and caring for something

The act of routine and nurturing something as it grows can help to boost your overall mood. For those of us who let our thoughts run wild, it’s also a great way to concentrate and focus on something outside of our own heads.

Seeing the beautiful garden we cultivate bloom into life is also extremely rewarding, which helps our serotonin levels and boosts our overall self-esteem.

Appealing to your senses

The garden provides many calming and regenerative qualities that appeal to our senses. The feel of fingers in the soil and cool air against the cheek, the smell of a freshly bloomed flower, the sound of leaves rustling, and the taste of fresh fruit are all synonymous with being outdoors.

For smaller gardens, or those of you who are looking to take up gardening as a simple mindfulness hobby, try to appeal to at least two of these senses each time, to help promote inner wellbeing.

Letting your creative side shine

Expressing yourself is a wonderful way of shaking off those intrusive thoughts and letting your creative side take over for a while. Think of a garden as a completely blank page that you can do whatever you want with!

It doesn’t matter if that’s adding some crazy and fun colors to your paving and fences, or just making a small nook for reading. All that matters is that you’re enjoying yourself, and taking care of your own wellbeing.

Known to aid sleep, ease anxiety and help you de-stress, CBD products are getting really popular. But how to choose which products to go for? We have done the research and present you with our top three CBD products to cater for all tastes and preferences.

1. Vitl vegan CBD gummies

Using premium CBD from natural organic hemp extract, we recommend these Vitl gummies if you are trying CBD for the first time. They come in delicious fruit flavours in a smart glass bottle. Each gummy has 25mg of CBD and avoids the messiness or bitterness of oils or drops.

Find out more: vitl.com.

2. Trip CBD Infused Drinks

For those of you who want to add some zen to your drinking experiences, try Trip. From peach ginger to cold-brew coffee, each drink bursts with flavour and leaves you very relaxed.

Made in the UK with recyclable cans and all-vegan ingredients, you can also find delicious herbs like chamomile, ginseng and lemon balm in some Trip drinks to further soothe your worries away.

Find out more: drink-trip.com.

3. Oomf CBD Lube

This is for those who are a little experimental or looking for an all-natural intimate product. Created by a gynecology specialist, Oomf is a water-based lubricant which is well-tolerated by sensitive skin and includes hemp extract to calm, soothe and keep infections at bay.

Find out more: byquanna.com.

In recent years, technology has drastically changed how we live and shop. Online shopping has become the norm, and brick-and-mortar stores are struggling to keep up. While this is great news for our wallets, it can be easy to get carried away and spend more money than we intended.

Use cashback and rewards app

These days, almost everything can be done online – including shopping. More and more people are shopping online because it is convenient, easy, and often cheaper. But even though shopping online has its advantages, it also has its downfalls – one of which is the temptation to spend more money than you intended to.

However, there is a way to save money when shopping online (or even offline), and that is by using cashback and rewards apps. These apps give you a certain percentage of your cash back for qualifying purchases in the form of cashback or rewards. For example, if you use Rakuten (formerly Ebates), you can get up to 10% cashback on your purchases at over 2,000 online stores. In addition to giving you cashback or rewards, some cashback and rewards apps also offer coupons and deals on products. This means that you can save even more money on your purchases.

A cashback and rewards app is a great option if you’re looking for a way to save money when shopping. Not only will you get cashback or rewards on your purchases, but you may also be able to find coupons and deals that can help you save even more money.

Know what you need before shopping

Shopping has become one of America’s favorite pastimes. But, with the technological advances we have today, it’s become even easier to overspend. With just a few clicks, you can buy almost anything you want and have it delivered right to your doorstep.

However, this convenience comes at a cost. It’s too easy to get caught up in the moment and spend more than you intended. But, there are ways to save money when shopping in the tech age. Following a few simple tips, you can ensure you stay on budget and still get what you want.

First, know what you need before you start shopping. Too often, we start browsing online or walking through stores without a clear idea of what we’re looking for. As a result, we end up buying things we don’t need.

Instead, take some time to think about what you want or need before you start shopping. Make a list of the items you’re looking for, and set a budget for yourself. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.

Next, compare prices before you buy. The internet makes it easy to find the best deals on anything you’re looking for. Take advantage of this by doing some research before you make a purchase.

Compare prices online

Following the above, shoppers can quickly and easily compare prices online before making a purchase. This is especially helpful when shopping for big-ticket items like electronics or appliances. By spending a few minutes comparing prices online, shoppers can save hundreds of dollars on their purchases.

In addition to saving time, comparison shopping online can also help you find the best deals. Many retailers offer discounts and coupons that are only available online. By doing your research ahead of time, you can take advantage of these deals and save even more money.

So, the next time you are shopping for a new television or refrigerator, be sure to compare prices online first. It could save you a lot of money in the long run!

Stick to your budget

When it comes to saving money, one of the best things you can do is stick to a budget. And while this may seem like common sense, it’s especially important when shopping in the tech age. With all of the temptations and pressures to spend that exist both online and offline, having a budget in place will help ensure that you only spend what you can truly afford.

There are several ways that sticking to a budget can help you save money when shopping in the tech age. First, it will allow you to control your spending better. When you have a set amount of money you’re allowed to spend each month, it becomes much easier to resist temptation and make smart purchase decisions. Secondly, a budget can help you keep track of your spending so that you can see where your money is going. This is important in the tech age because there are often a lot of subscription services and other recurring costs associated with owning and using tech products. By tracking your spending, you can ensure you’re not overspending on any area. Finally, sticking to a budget can help you plan for future purchases. When you know how much money you have to work with each month, you can start saving up for larger items well in advance, leading to significant savings down the line.

Following these tips can save money when shopping in the tech age. Just remember to be mindful of your spending and stay within your budget. With a little effort, you can easily find great deals on the things you need.

Wedged between Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire is Rutland, home to rolling countryside, lakes and hiking and biking trails, making it a fabulous destination to reconnect with nature. Whether you are looking to escape the everyday with your beau, disconnect with your girlfriends or get active as a family, Rutland is a fantastic location for a mini-break. Just two hours outside London, I took the opportunity to kick back and make the most of country living.

Clematis Cottages are part of Lodge Farm, located in the medieval hamlet of Aunby near Stamford. Situated on a hilltop, it’s enveloped by fields and forests and from the moment I arrive I feel myself relax. Stone outbuildings which are believed to date back to the eighteenth century have been sympathetically restored and tastefully converted into rental cottages, retaining many original features to provide luxury accommodation furnished in keeping with the building. I stayed in The Eco Barn, which was spacious and homely, incorporating many eco-friendly elements. It is split across two floors and the top floor, which has a large, dedicated lounge area offers the most amazing views of the countryside. With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a generous sized kitchen and lounge area, it’s a beautiful base to retreat and unwind. The peace and tranquillity that surround the cottages bring instant zen to my stay. Owners, Kaye and Richard, grow all their own fruit and vegetables, and I arrive to a welcome package of fresh eggs, milk, and home-made jam. Richard is also an avid Beekeeper, and his honey is divine. Close to the market town of Stamford and not far from Burghley House and Belvoir Castle, the cottages are in a great location to explore the local area.

Rutland Water, a large man-made reservoir is the focal point of the county. Rutland Watersports offer a range of exhilarating activities, and the team are all knowledgeable, advising on the best activity to suit your goals. I opted for some kayaking to start followed by a bit of paddle boarding. I recently tried kayaking for the first time and loved it so was excited to get back on the water. It’s a brilliant way to switch off. The sun was beaming and the views around the lake were gorgeous. After an hour exploring, I hopped on a paddle board. I’d passed a couple of people effortlessly gliding along the water and after my kayaking success I thought I’d give it a whirl. This was not as easy as it looked, and I spent most of the time on my knees. I wobbled along for 15 minutes before my abs and arms gave up. You can also windsurf and sail, with an option to hire equipment. The team run courses, personal tuition and have an activity programme geared up for beginners through to seasoned sailors.

For those looking for a bit more action there’s a large inflatable Aqua Park on the site. Thrill-seekers can slip, slide and splash at one of the UK’s biggest inflatable outdoor water parks. The Aqua Park features the UK’s tallest obstacle: The Rutland Mammoth. Plummet from the giant slides or free fall from a staggering five metre drop. This Ninja Warrior style course is great fun and will test you to the limit, ideal for families and groups

You can also hire bikes and explore around the water, it’s pretty flat making it just right for a leisurely pedal.

After all the fun on the water I had worked up an appetite. Just 10 minutes from Clematis Cottages is The Olive Branch pub. Situated in the pretty village of Clipsham, this is more than a local pub. Their accolades include Michelin Pub of the Year, Winner of the Good Pub Guide UK Pub of the Year for 2021 and nominated as a Finalist in the GQ Food & Drinks Awards Pub of the Year 2021 and upon arrival it’s easy to see why.

The team are on the ball and friendly. After been shown to my table I am swiftly served drinks and given the low down on the menu. The outdoor space has been converted into a series of ‘garden party’ style gazebos for the summer season. Our tented table was awash with colour and detail. Gingham napkins, dainty flower vases and candles set the shabby chic vibe, while fairy lights, cushions and throws make it cosy and intimate.

The kitchen is overseen by Head Chef, Luke Holland and the menu is determined by the availability of homegrown, local produce. It’s not your usual pub fare, Holland has successfully combined a gastro menu with fine dining touches. I started with a flavoursome Braised ham hock served with heritage radish and perfectly balanced with a light, tasty apple and lovage velouté. The Olive Branch fish and chips are a firm favourite and it’s easy to see why. The haddock comes encased in an airy, crispy beer batter alongside triple cooked chunky chips with soft fluffy centres and a delicious homemade tartare sauce. The team regularly run masterclasses and tasting sessions. Inside the pub there’s a bottle shop for those looking to take the party home. The Olive Branch has successfully combined provenance and quality which is why snagging a table here isn’t easy. Book early to avoid disappointment.

For more information on where to stay and what to do visit Discover Rutland

It’s no secret that the smartphone market is saturated. With so many different models and brands to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. And when you finally decide to make the switch, there’s always the hassle of selling your old phone.

You want to get the best price possible for your old device, but you don’t want to be taken advantage of. So how do you make sure you’re getting a good deal? In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the most useful tips that will help you get the best deal on your old phone. So whether you’re looking to upgrade to the latest model or just trying to get some extra cash, read on for our top tips.

Check The Trade-In Value

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new smartphone, trade-ins are a great way to offset the cost of your new device. Most major carriers and retailers offer trade-in programs, so it’s worth checking out what your old phone is worth.

When you’re looking at trade-in values, keep in mind that different carriers and retailers will offer different prices. And not all trade-in programs are created equal. Some may require you to trade in your old phone outright, while others will give you the option to trade in for store credit or a gift card. Whichever route you choose, make sure you compare trade-in values before making your decision. You can easily do this by visiting the carrier or retailer’s website and entering your phone’s make, model, and condition. When you have all the information, you can make an informed decision about which trade-in program is right for you.

Sell It Online

If you’re not interested in a trade-in, another option is to sell your old phone online. It is a fast way to sell your phone for cash and you will usually get a lot more money for it than you would through a trade-in program. Many different websites and platforms allow you to list your device for sale, so you can reach a wide audience of potential buyers.

When you’re selling online, it’s important to do your research and find out what your phone is worth. Once again, different websites and platforms will offer different prices, so it’s worth looking around to see which one gives you the best deal. In general, you’ll want to list your phone for a price that’s competitive but reasonable. Remember, you’re not just trying to sell your phone, you’re also trying to attract buyers. If you are not sure how to set the right price, try to find similar listings and use that as a starting point. Just make sure you’re not underselling your phone.

It’s also important to remember that when you’re selling online, you’re responsible for shipping the phone to the buyer. This means you’ll need to package your phone carefully to avoid any damage during transit. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of shipping when setting your price.

Sell It Locally

If you’re not interested in shipping your phone or dealing with the hassle of online sales, another option is to sell your old phone locally. You can do this by meeting up with potential buyers in person or listing your phone on a local classifieds website.

When selling locally, it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Always meet in a public place and try to schedule the meeting during daylight hours. If possible, bring a friend or family member with you. And never give out personal information like your home address or bank account number.

It’s also important to be aware of scams when selling locally. There are a few common scams that you should watch out for, such as buyers who try to pay with fake money or buyers who claim they’ll send a payment through PayPal but never do. If you’re ever unsure about a buyer, it’s best to just walk away from the sale.

Use A Recycling Program

Not only is recycling your old phone a great way to help the environment, but it can also be a great way to get some extra cash. Many phone manufacturers and carriers offer recycling programs that will give you money for your old phone. These programs usually have different requirements, so it’s important to check the details before you recycle your phone.

First, make sure the program is reputable and will recycle your phone. Some programs simply collect phones and recycle them, so you want to make sure your phone will actually be recycled and not just thrown in a landfill. Second, find out what the program will do with your old phone. Some programs will simply recycle the components, while others will wipe the data and donate the phones to people in need. Either way is fine, but it’s important to know what will happen to your old phone before you recycle it.

Finally, make sure you get some sort of confirmation from the recycling program. This can be in the form of a receipt or an email. Once you have this confirmation, you can be sure that your old phone has been properly recycled and is no longer taking up space in your home.

List it For Free on Craigslist

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of selling your old phone, another option is to list it for free on Craigslist. This can be a great way to get rid of your old phone without having to worry about finding a buyer or negotiating a price.

When listing your phone on Craigslist, it’s important to be as specific as possible in the listing. Include information about the condition of the phone, any damage it has, and what type of phone it is. You should also include a picture of the phone so potential buyers know what they’re getting.

It’s also important to be safe when dealing with strangers from Craigslist. Always meet in a public place and never give out personal information like your home address or bank account number. If you’re ever unsure about a potential buyer, it’s best to just walk away from the sale.

While it might be tempting to just throw your old phone away, as you can see, you can make a far better decision by recycling, trading, or selling your phone. By taking the time to find the right option for you, you can make some extra money and help the environment at the same time. So next time you upgrade to a new phone, don’t forget to make the most out of your old one.