Posts

Where to go on holiday in March 2023 - Condé Nast Traveller

Image
Temperature: 19°C high; 13°C low Season: spring Travel time from UK: 2 hours 35 minutes Time difference: GMT +1 Nothing brings a spring to the step quite like the sight of Italy's glorious Amalfi coast. Particularly in March, when its vertiginous twists are bathed in a daily average eight hours of sun. Cliffs plunge into the Tyrrhenian Sea, topped with grand palazzos and smart hotels. Narrow, Roman lanes are stuffed with limoncello stalls flogging the boozy spoils of Sorrento's famous fruit. Its snoozy air and pastel-coloured houses are pure Italian cinema: you might even swear you've seen a young Sophia Loren looking impossibly saucy by the quay. Do as the Italians do and spend the lazy, romantic days enjoying a long aperitivo . Don't miss fresh fritto misto at Marina Grande, the town's old fishing harbour, or Michelin-starred Il Buco in the cellars of an old monastery, where chef Peppe Aversa serves seasonal ingredients under a stone-hewn, vaulted ceiling. Th...

Five incredible log cabin hot tub getaways in Scotland - Daily Record

Thankfully, what feels like the longest January in history is almost over, and after tightening our belts following the Christmas period it might be time to try to get out and escape the winter blues. Scotland has plenty of incredible options for getting away from it all, and those looking to get away from the daily grind and explore our wee county's stunning scenery will be spoilt for choice. With the weather still on the cold side, you'll be looking for somewhere cosy as a basecamp. And what could be more welcoming than your very own countryside log cabin with its own hot tub? The experts at LastMinute-Cottages.co.uk have picked out five unbelievable offerings. This week's top Scotland Now stories Fingask Log Cabin, Perth: Sleeps 2 Fingask Log Cabin, Perth (Image: Fingask Log Cabin) This Perthshire offering is perfect for a short break for a couple in a great location and fantastic views. There is central heating and a doub...

Dirt doesn't burn': Why some Marshall fire victims are rebuilding their homes with earthen blocks - Colorado Public Radio

Image
"That made me think: Dirt doesn't burn," Glover said. "You can shape it, you can change it, you can form it into something — and it doesn't burn."  An increase in climate-driven wildfires has revived interest in one of humanity's oldest building materials: earthen blocks.  Archaeological records show people have made shelters from mud and dirt for at least 10,000 years through methods refined to build ancient structures like Mesa Verde and the Great Wall of China.  Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite Matteo Rebeschini and Melanie Glover tour Colorado Earth's Golden brickmaking site, where they're buying materials for their new home. Nov. 2, 2022. Experts now suggest similar techniques could help communities build more resilient neighborhoods. Michele Barbato, a structural engineer and professor at the University of California Davis, said his research has found wildfires can even fortify the blocks, baking them into tradi...

The 25 dreamy Christmas cottages you can book now - The Times

Image
W hat do you want for Christmas this year? How about a tree-top massage, a thousand-bottle wine cellar and a beach in your back garden? Or — more practically — firewood stacked ready in the log-burner, fresh beds made up for all the family and supplies sorted for your festive feast? Once, we couldn't wait to invite the clan and host a big festive do at home, but these days many of us spend more time there than we used to. Perhaps, after a couple of odd Covid-era Christmases we're ready for something new. And besides, if you're in charge of the games and the gluttony, the idea that you'll find time to relax can be a bit of a charade. Better to get away. Of course, there are a few things to consider before you book. Some guests might want long walks and round-the-clock Twister, others a church service, while some will be happy chugging eggnog in front of another Strictly special. So plan. Who's cooking? Where can you shop for provisions? And where can you escape to ...

Column: If Pritzker doesn’t win ‘big’ on Tuesday, White House plans will be history – Chicago Tribune* - Wirepoints

60.3% now with 65% reporting. Also, some of these suburban congressional districts were much tighter than they were drawn. Underwood has a .2% lead now, Lauf within 5%, Budzinski within 3%, and Sorenson is beating King by 1%. These were drawn, and last time around, were D+8 to D+14 districts. So there's some silver lining to look forward to in 2024 as things in IL get even worse, and the right shift in these districts will continue.

What to pack for lifelong memories at your first family cottage rental - Cottage Life

Image
So you've found and booked the perfect vacation rental on Vrbo . Before you check in at the cottage and check out all the great amenities, it's important to know what you might need to pack for your next family getaway. And beyond those basic cottage essentials, now's the perfect time to consider how you want to spend your "together" time to make memories that last a lifetime. Here are nine things to pack that can help make your family's first cottage trip extra special. A cozy sweater for chilly nights We all hope for a sunny weekend at the cottage, but even if you get your wish, you're going to be contending with chilly evenings. Be sure to pack cozy blankets or your favourite wool sweater. There's no better place to wear it than under the stars on the deck at night. A book you wouldn't have time to read anywhere else Even if you find time to read during your busy weeks in the city, there are certain books that require a speci...

Buying a New-Construction Home: Pros and Cons All Homebuyers Should Know - Realtor.com News

Image
While buying a newly built home may not be the first thought to come to mind for homebuyers, purchasing new construction is a common option that comes with distinct benefits in today's market. Currently, about one-third of all homes for sale are newly built and are often a boon to homebuyers who've been struggling in hot markets to find pre-existing properties at an affordable price. "New construction should be on the radar of all prospective homebuyers, given declining housing affordability and limited existing home inventory," says Robert Dietz , senior vice president and chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders. New construction can refer to single-family homes, condos, or apartments, and are available across the U.S. Here's a thorough rundown of the benefits of buying a new build—followed by some of the potential downsides—so that homebuyers can weigh the pros and cons and decide whether it's right for them. The benefits of buying new ...

Why This Tiny Cottage in Shoreline Works For a Family of Four - Seattlemag

[unable to retrieve full-text content] Why This Tiny Cottage in Shoreline Works For a Family of Four    Seattlemag