For Christmas In Lincolnshire Use #LincsConnectChristmas
For Christmas in Lincolnshire use #LincsConnectChristmas and #ShopLincs on your social media posts to reach more local people. Use the hashtags to post your gift ideas and bargains then encourage your followers to search the hashtags to discover more.
Trending
#LincsConnectChristmas is a seasonal hashtag which ‘trends’ globally each year so use it to reach out to your new customers. The #LincsConnect hashtag along with #ShopLincs are here for you every single day of the year so I recommend using them all.
The #LincsConnect hashtag trends most weeks during the #LincsConnect Hour on X so make sure you use it to your advantage. You’ll find more information later in this blog.
For Christmas In Lincolnshire Use #LincsConnectChristmas – It’s Free Advertising
Competition at this time of year is fierce so ‘NOW’ is the time to advertise websites and online shops.
Social media may not be the place to sell at Christmas but it is an ideal platform to guide readers to shops and websites. Include links on your posts to make life easier for readers to find your shop. Use social media to highlight offers and promote what you have to offer and make time to follow up any enquiries.
You can’t expect everyone to find you and buy your products so make sure you use your social media platforms to guide customers to your shop. I am repeating myself but I’m happy to do that if it helps you to understand the usefulness of social media as a tool to reach out to new customers.
#LincsConnect Hour
The #LincsConnect Hour takes place on X (Twitter) every Monday evening from 8.00pm. You can use it to reach out to local people with your adverts, chat and general support. The hashtag trends most weeks too which makes it the perfect platform for advertising yourself or organisation.
Hosting the #LincsConnect Hour on Twitter is FREE and an ideal way to reach out to locals. Get in touch today to arrange a date to host your Hour. I’ll say it again “For Christmas In Lincolnshire Use #LincsConnectChristmas“.
For Christmas In Lincolnshire Use #LincsConnectChristmas & Advertise On WhatsOnLincs
WhatsOnLincs is the new community web page on the LincsConnect website. You can use it to post free adverts from markets and car boot sales to charity events and entertainment, jobs, volunteering plus much more. You can even include pictures as well as links to websites. It’s all FREE so be sure to use it to find out What’s on in Lincolnshire.
New categories are being added as demand increases. As a result, there are new categories including ‘ShopLincs’ and ‘Christmas Events’. You can use this categories to advertise yourself, your Ofers and Christmas events. Advertising is FREE on the site too so please to make the most of it.
Once you have posted your advert you can copy the link to post on any social media platform. This will save you from having to type new adverts each time.
Here To Help
LincsConnect has been working hard to help local traders, organisations and charities but we do need to help each other. By posting links from the website to your social media platforms you will be helping to promote the free website. That’s all I ask of you!
Be A Sponsor
You can pay to advertise on the website of course. Each sponsor will have their logo and website/socials link on each page of the website. Anyone who views the site or posts a free advert will see you. If you would like to become a sponsor and would like more information please get in touch.
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Mandarin Therapies & Mandarin Mothers provide bespoke complementary therapies from the comfort of your own home. Treatments include Antenatal & Postnatal therapies and Aromatherapy massage as well as injury prevention and injury rehabilitation. Ask about the bespoke Biomechanics assessments too. Call 07966 174878 to book your session or to order a personalised gift voucher in time for Christmas.
Budget Lincolnshire – A blog by LincsConnect in an attempt to save you money…
Budget Lincolnshire
The Budget Lincolnshire blog is here to help you Navigate holidays or any other trips. Let’s face it, they can be a financial challenge! With that in mind, the Budget Lincolnshire blog is here to offer some help.
The blog will never be complete of course so please feel free to recommend more tips and hacks. If you would like to recommend new entries please email me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk
There are lots of national offers on at the moment and some of them are permanent all-year offers. Take a look at the supermarkets to see what deals they have. Many of them are offering free children’s meals during holiday times so they are a good option if you’re planning a day out on a budget.
Tesco have their ClubCard deals which allow you to collect points when you shop with them. They may not always have the cheapest prices in store or online though so be prepared to shop around. However, the ClubCard points can be accumulated and easily converted to vouchers. The vouchers can be redeemed for days out, membership (including English Heritage) at some chain restaurants including Pizza Express, Cafe Rouge and Ask amongst others. Be warned though, not all of the restaurants accept the vouchers so check before ordering your meal.
The club card offer is subject to changes of course so check before downloading. I believer that for every £pound that you have in your club card account, the downloaded voucher will be worth double.
The Club Card may change design from time to time and is also available on an App as well as a physical card.
Keeping It Local With Budget Lincolnshire
While there are many national deals and offers to be found on the internet the aim of this blog is to highlight the availability of ‘local’ offers. Hence the title ‘Budget Lincolnshire’. I have no doubt that I’ll miss some but with your help we can make this blog better by including more. You can help by emailing your suggestions. I guarantee that I’ll do my best to read them all and include as many as possible.
More Budget Lincolnshire
There are many different sites to explore on the internet to grab yourself a bargain. You could try Money Saving Central and Groupon who may have some local deals and vouchers for you.
The American Express Platinum Everyday Cash Back Card gives you cash back on every purchase with no membership/admin fee. In addition to the cash back offer it also gives daily discount offers. Several times a year it gives special ‘local’ deals to encourage you to spend locally. Typically the offer will be something like ‘Spend £10.00 at shop XYZ and receive £5.00 cash back. Other credit cards and bank accounts/debit cards will do similar so shop around for the best deal for you.
The Defence Discount Card is available for Armed Forces veterans. There is a small initial charge for the card but the local and national discounts available for card holders are significant.
These are just some of the deals and ideas I know about. If you have more to share please let me know by email martin@lincsConnect.co.uk
Major stores/pubs/supermarkets: Asda Cafe, Future Inns, Table Table, Yo Sushi, The Real Greek, Sizzling Pubs, Beefeater/Brewers Fayre, Dunelm Pausa Cafe all have special meal deals for children during holiday periods. In addition you’ll find childrens’ meal deals during the holidays at Whitbread Inns, Morrisons, Hungry Horse, Bella Italia, Cafe Rouge and Angus Steakhouse. Some offer free meals for children while others offer substantial discounts. However, they all expect the adult to pay full price in order to get the deal. It’s always worth shopping around to get yourself the best deal.
WARNING – If you can’t afford to PAY THE CREDIT CARD BILL IN FULL every month DON’T apply for an account. Interest rates (even 0%) on credit cards can soon spiral out of control. A 0% interest rate doesn’t last forever so make sure your bill is settled before the 0% offer expires.
#TopTip For Budget Lincolnshire
Putting fuel into the family car is getting ever more expensive. I’ve found a handy App which may be worth considering if you have a smart device. The PetrolPrices App does exactly what its title suggests. It doesn’t give you discounts but it does show you what the fuel prices are in your area. You can set the distance from your location and tell it to search for either petrol or diesel. It’ll help you to make an informed decision when setting out to buy fuel. You’ll find it in your preferred App Store:
A handy App to help you find the best petrol/diesel prices wherever you are in the country.
Once you’ve filled your car with fuel and decided where to go for your day out I recommend being prepared for a short walk. If walking is an option for you I suggest researching the area (Maps or Google Maps are handy Apps) to find the best places to park. Roadside parking is FREE but look for the signs to make sure you aren’t in a Residents Only area or restricted parking zone. Street parking isn’t always an option, especially in busy towns and cities so local council websites may help you find the cheapest car parks.
Walk, Cycle & Picnic Areas
Budget Lincolnshire is all about finding and sharing the best deals locally. Walking and cycling are free of course and a picnic can be part of your normal weekly budget. However, if you have driven to the start of your outing it’s worth checking for parking charges or making use of street parking if it’s available.
Clicking on this picture will take you to a list of Lincolnshire Nature Reserves
The list is by no means exhaustive but it’ll give you a good starting point for your research. Not all reserves are wheelchair friendly and some don’t allow dogs so do check before travelling. Additional reserves and parks that I can recommend are Whisby Nature Park (Lincoln) which is wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly and Hartsholme & Swanholme Lakes (Lincoln) which is partially wheelchair friendly. There are many parks and gardens across the County but always check in advance for charges. Some may offer discounts for families but they are likely to be standard charges and dependant on national memberships (RHS or National Trust).
If you’re looking for something less rural you’ll find The Arboretum in Lincoln which is close to the Usher Gallery and The Collection museum. Further afield in Grantham is Wyndham Park. The website is out of date at the time of posting this blog but it gives a good idea what’s on offer. Riverside Park, Newark is free and worth a visit. As always, it’s best to do your research before travelling so do make good use of the Tourist Information Centres.
Enjoying the great outdoors is predominantly ‘free’. We have a range or parks, paths, beaches and cycle tracks to enjoy. For a list of FREE things to do in Lincolnshire follow this link to the Visit Lincoln website. The Newark website does take you further into Nottinghamshire but some attractions are still local. Waters’ Edge Country Park and Visitor Centre is in Barton-on-Humber and offers free walks in the countryside. For information about this and more in North Lincolnshire follow this link to Visit North Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire has a long coastline which have earned several Blue Flags for their beaches. The coast is varied with lots of nature trails as well as busy seaside towns. You’ll be able to enjoy a variety of entertainment (both free and paid). Click on the link to discover what North East Lincolnshire has to offer. You’ll discover everything from nature watching on the Saltmarsh to the fabulous seaside resort of Cleethorpes. You’ll also be able to discover the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre as well as Grimsby Minster and Weelsby Woods to name just a few.
The Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre has two prices for entry. The normal prices are £11.50 (adult, £8.00 (student and age 60+), £5.00 (child). However, a family ticket (2 adults and up to 5 children) is £25.00. That’s a saving of £23.00. There are also annual memberships available which gives you unlimited access for just a few pounds more. An adult annual ticket will cost just £5.00 extra. There are also vacancies for supporters so do contact the museum if you would like to volunteer.
Towards the South West of the Lincolnshire border is Rutland. I’ve spend many hours cycling and walking around Rutland Water and can highly recommend it for a day out. Cycling, walking, nature spotting, fishing, open water swimming and golf (the latter two are chargeable) as well as picnicking are all available.
Whichever walk, park, nature reserve or beach you decide to visit you’ll find that most are predominantly ‘FREE’. The only things you usually need to pay for are transport costs, parking, eating and drinking (if you don’t take a picnic).
Public Transport
Rail and bus travel can be limited across a large rural county such as Lincolnshire but you can still find services connecting major towns and villages. Finding a train to take you where you want to go can be challenging. With that in mind I’ve Listed some stations that could be worth checking to plot your journey. The list includes Rutland, central Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire:
The list of railway stations in the LincsConnect area. Trains to London are from Newark, Lincoln, Grantham and Cleethorpes. Newark Lincoln and Grantham are direct. Trains from Cleethorpes are via Doncaster.
Railcards
The cost of a typical railcard is £30.00 for a year (cheaper if you buy a 3 years card) so make sure you are going to use it and save money before purchasing. The railcard will save you 1/3 of the price of normal travel. Most rail operators release tickets around 12 weeks before a journey date and the earlier you buy your ticket the cheaper it will (usually) be. Some sites charge a booking fee for advance tickets so to avoid the booking fee you might like to try booking direct with National Rail. Use the same site to find other railcard and discounts that may be available to you.
Bus
Bus travel is generally cheaper than car or rail but we all know that the routes are not always convenient. Make sure you plan your journey carefully and also check to see if you are eligible for discounted travel. Check out the £2.00 fare cap too as it may surprise you. Have a look at the Lincs Bus website as they have quite an informative site:
Visit the LincsBus website for route planning and follow @LincsBus on twitter for regular daily updates
Budget Lincolnshire – Child Friendly Events
Fantasy Island, Skegness discount voucher codes and deals. Click the link to discover more
Skegness Pier discount site. Click the link to discover more
Budget Lincolnshire – Meal Deals
BBC Food Family meals for under £1.00
Lucky Strike arcade and bowling alley, Skegness – 20% off food
Queens Head, Kirkby-La-Thorpe, Sleaford ‘Kids eat free’. Children under 12 can have a meal from the Kids menu with every main meal purchased
Museums
Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre offers discounts for concessions (students and age 60 and over). In addition, family tickets and annual memberships both significant discounts.
Arts
Theatre & Cinema
Wellbeing
Mandarin Therapies (including Mandarin Mothers) provides a mobile complementary therapies service throughout the County with 20% discount for Defence Discount Card holders. Emergency Services and NHS staff enjoy the same discount. A discount for members (annual membership is required) booking regular sessions is also available.
Whether you’re shopping for Valentines, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, birthdays, Christmas or ‘thank you’ gifts don’t forget to support local traders. Use #ShopLincs on your social media tags.
Add #ShopLincs to your local shopping adverts
Fathers’ Day In Lincolnshire
What will you be doing to celebrate Fathers’ Day this year? A special gift perhaps or some quality time together? A meal out is always a popular choice but if the budget doesn’t stretch that far you can always find a locally made gift. Perhaps a walk in the countryside might be ideal? Whatever you decide, I hop you have a lovely time with your father.
Mothering Sunday In Lincolnshire
Whether it’s Valentines Day in Lincolnshire of Mothering Sunday in Lincolnshire you’re looking in the right place to gather some special gift ideas.
Mothering Sunday – A Brief History
Mothering Sunday (in the UK) shouldn’t be confused with the American ‘Mother’s Day’ (although we often refer to the day as ‘Mother’s Day’). In Britain, during the Middle Ages, children often moved away from home to work from as early as just 10 years old. Mothering Sunday grew as a tradition when the children were allowed home on the fourth Sunday of Lent to visit their home or ‘mother’ churches, and their mothers. Christian festival of Lent.
Mothering Sunday In Church
It has become traditional for children to receive flowers in church to take home for their Mother and Sunday Schools often help children to make small gifts and pictures to take home to Mum too.
It’s A Gift
We associate mother’s day with gifts of flowers but that isn’t always practical. Mothers of all ages deserve to be remembered and celebrated so where children may surprise Mum with flowers or a hand made gift there is plenty more to consider as the children get older and become wealthier. A gift voucher is an ideal way to treat your Mum when you live a long way from home but for those who are closer or are able to travel perhaps a gift of a meal out (or in) might be just the job.
What would your Mum appreciate for Mother’s Day on this Mothering Sunday 10 March 2024
Let Your Imagination Help You
Have you considered chocolates? Perhaps a hand made gift, a book, a weekend retreat or a complementary therapies voucher. There are lots of local traders who have Etsy shops and sell from websites so do let your imagination (and this blog) help you when it comes to buying a gift this year. Have a look at the advertisements below to get some inspiration.
Valentines In Lincolnshire
Valentines In Lincolnshire. There’s lots on offer from our great County of Lincolnshire so please explore this blog to discover what’s here for you. You may even be surprised by some of its history too.
Valentines in Lincolnshire
Where to start? We all know how we interpret Valentines Day now but it wasn’t always the same. If the notion of Valentines day can change over time then now is the ideal time to change it again. Here’s how to make Lincolnshire Valentines fitting for more modern times. Don’t (solely) focus on Valentines Day as a day (or weekend) of gifts, cards, vouchers and displays of affection for partners and lovers. Instead, make Valentines in Lincolnshire a time when you focus your love and gratitude toward people around you.
Taking the notion further, perhaps Valentines could be a time to make a pledge to each other. Not like a New Year resolution, but something meaningful for you as a couple, friendship or family. What would you pledge? Perhaps it will be something along the lines of ‘meeting once a week or month for quality time together’? The ultimate pledge may be a proposal of marriage of course. Health and happiness are high on the agenda so if making a pledge is your goal, make it thoughtful and meaningful.
Ancient & Modern
St Valentines Day in the 11th Century was about ‘Courtly Love’ referred to the act of ‘loving’ rather than love. In France around the time of the first Crusades (1099) Courtly Love was a term used where a knight would win the affections of his employers wife by performing deeds to impress her (there is no reference to sex or to ‘love’ as we understand it today). Times have changed and the modern interpretation of deeds to impress takes many forms from sending a card anonymously (closer to the Courtly Love idea where the affection would remain secret), to gifts of jewellery, chocolates and meals out.
Valentines In Lincolnshire – Time For Change
We’ve become used to living in challenging times. Rising above Covid restrictions, economic worries and other challenges is what makes us so unique. It’s time to think differently once again. As a result, changing the Valentines In Lincolnshire ‘norm’ is definitely what’s needed. Start by broadening our horizons; The people you love need not be your lover. If a friend or neighbour has been particularly kind and helpful you can make Valentines day the perfect opportunity to show how much you care and appreciate them. Local Valentines gifts for him and Valentines gifts for her are all around us. Search for your perfect gift today.
Say It With Flowers
Flowers make a lovely gift at any time of the year. They are an ideal gift that can say so many things from “I love you” to “Happy Anniversary” of even “Get Well Soon”. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could give a gift that will be a daily reminder of certain events or commemorations? Regardless of the size of garden, patio, tub or windowsill a plant or packet of seeds could say so much more than a single item. The planting, nurturing, expectation and delight of a plant, bulb or seeds really are a labour of love.
Have you ever considered planting a wild meadow of your own? A flower bed doesn’t have to be restricted to flowers and shrubs. Try mixing in some vegetables with your flowers when you create your flower bed. An edible gift that helps the planet and pollinators surely has to be a positive
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Simon’s Seeds is your local supplier of seeds in Lincolnshire. Follow Simon on Twitter (X) @SimonsSeedsEtc to keep up with his offers and blogs. A full mail order catalogue is available too so click the link to go straight to the famous Strawbale Veg online shop.
Valentines In Lincolnshire – Dining In Or Dining Out?
Restaurants should be fully booked but dining out isn’t always an option. You can still celebrate with a meal though, simply by using the click and collect or delivery options that we became used to during Covid lockdown. Contact your local hotel, restaurant, pub or takeaway to see what they have to offer. Choose somewhere local and place your order today. Get creative. We did it during the lockdowns so if distance or work patterns mean you’re apart you could order a meal for yourself and someone else and enjoy it over a Zoom, Teams or FaceTime catchup.
We ‘are’ creative and we ‘can’ do it so get it organised before all the delivery slots are gone. It’ll be a wonderful way to show someone how much you care and how thankful you are for their support. Oh, and you’ll be supporting our local eateries who have so readily shown their support for us over the years.
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Book early to enjoy the gastronomic delights at the award winning Best Restaurant ‘The Queens Head’ at Kirby-La-Thorpe. ‘Chef of the year’ head chef Barry Liversidge never fails to produce a superb dining experience using top quality local produce. You can book by phone (tel 01529 300750) or email. The menu changes with the seasons so whenever you book you’re sure to be delighted. Follow the team on social media: Barry on Twitter @LiversidgeBaz and The Queens Head on Facebook
Dining out at its finest is certainly on the cards at the award winning The Bottle & Glass in Harby. From breakfast through to evening meals, you won’t be disappointed. Get cosy by the fire and celebrate with your loved one at The Bottle & Glass, Harby. For more details, contact info and bookings click here to go straight to the website book ng page. You can also call 01522 703438 for the quickest and easiest way to book your table
Valentines In Lincolnshire – Dining In
Dining in can be just as romantic as dining out of course so if you aren’t able to get to a restaurant you still have other options. ‘Ambience’ is everything so if you’re cooking a surprise dinner I recommend that you set the scene. A table set for two or a dinner party is definitely the way to go. Put your creativity to work to make the table look special. Attention to detail is key so have a search around to see what you can find that will work well. We have many inspirational platforms to search these days so make the most of sites like YouTube and Instagram to get your creativity flowing.
Lamb is perfect for home cooking so why not give it a go? Visit Gelston Lamb on Facebook and @GelstonLamb on twitter for information, tips and cooking ideas. This link takes you to the Gelston Lamb website for your can online purchases. Don’t forget that you can also find the team at lots of events around the County. Click this link for dates and locations. Alternatively, give them a call on Tel 01400 251501. Local Lincolnshire food at its best!
One of my favourite lamb recipes (mainly because it’s super tasty but also because it’s so easy to cook) is grilled lamb chops with a local honey and mustard glaze. Serve it up with fresh seasonal vegetables and add some vine tomatoes to spruce it up with a bit of red (and flavour of course). I’m not a fan of mustard but this recipe really works. You won’t be disappointed I’m sure:
Recipe Tip
Two lamb chops per person. Heat the grill, spread a thin coating of whole grain mustard onto each lamb chop, sprinkle some brown sugar or drizzle some local honey onto each one then cook under the grill until the glaze changes colour. Turn the chops over and repeat. The whole cooking process takes just a few minutes. Be careful not to over cook the chops though as they are best served tender. Even ‘I’ can cook this one!
Valentines In Lincolnshire – Dining In
It’s time to cook up a feast so when it comes to dining in, you’re going to need the right kit. From personal experience I can recommend Stuart Wallace Electrical Ltd in Branston when it comes to purchasing a new cooker. Delivered locally with the price backing of the Euronics team. A very friendly service with no fuss and a nationally backed scheme to ensure a very competitive buying power to rival the big High Street chains.
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Stuart Wallace Electrical Ltd in Branston is a member of Euronics and has the buying power to be very competitively priced, Take a look at www.stuartwallace.co.uk for cookers and everything else electrical. You can call the shop on 01522 791496 and follow on Twitter (X) @SWEuronics for up-to-date offers
Valentines In Lincolnshire – Dining In The Warm
Whether you decide to dine out or dine in it’s always nice to have a cozy home. A real fire during the cold weather is lovely (and romantic too) but not all of us have that option. All is not lost though as we can achieve that warm and cozy feeling with central heating or even air conditioning. A properly serviced boiler and radiators are more efficient than tired and neglected ones so it’s worth considering a service plan. Something I hadn’t considered until recently is ‘air conditioning’. Warm in the winter and cooling in the summer. That should help to keep your home feeling perfect all year round.
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Call J&S Heating & Plumbing for your boiler servicing, replacement or air conditioning installation. You can book online through the website or call 01522 708 208. Follow the team on Twitter @JASPlumbLincs and Facebook J&S Plumbing and Heating too. Don’t forget to ask about the 10% OAP and Blue Light discount
Valentines In Lincolnshire – It’s A Gift…. Voucher
Buying a gift and supporting a local trader at the same time may not always be easy. ‘Now’ is the time to consider a gift voucher. A voucher for a meal out, manicure, massage, go-carting experience etc etc is the perfect way to support our local service sector while showing someone how much you appreciate them. If you’re looking for a Valentines or Christmas gift for him or for her search Twitter and Facebook for the hashtag #LincsConnectChristmas or #LincsConnectValentines to see what’s on offer locally. Failing that, I’m sure your preferred internet search engine will come up with something for you.
Advert
Mandarin Therapies & Mandarin Mothers provides bespoke mobile complementary therapies in the comfort of your own home. Order your eVoucher now and enjoy the massage later in the year. Contact Mandarin Therapies on Facebook and @MandarinMothers on twitter. All emergency services and armed forces are entitled to 20% discount too. Show someone how much you care by ordering a 1, 1 1/2 or 2 hours massage.
Tel 07966 174878. Aromatherapy (including Antenatal & Postnatal) treatments are available throughout Lincolnshire with bespoke blends of essential oils.
Valentines In Lincolnshire – Special Offer
Mandarin Therapies is celebrating 33 years in business on 14 February this year so as a special treat you could order a Valentines eVoucher for just £33.00 (normal price £60.00) between 1st and 14th February.
Enjoy your treatment in your own home when the time suits you. Now ‘that’ is a bargain! Check Mandarin Therapies on Facebook or @MandarinMothers on Twitter daily and follow the instructions there. All Armed Forces, Emergency Services and NHS staff are automatically entitled to 20% discount so make sure you have your proof of employment handy when booking.
Valentines In Lincolnshire – Look For The Unusual And Unique
For those of you who know me you’ll know that I like art and all things ‘arty’. Alas, I can’t even draw a stick man properly so I’m lucky there are so many talented artists around doing what they do best. Creating art is a true gift but liking art is a very personal thing. Variety is key so if you’re looking for local art as a gift I highly recommend taking a look at the #LincsConnect hashtag.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that all art consists of a picture in a frame. Yes, you’ll find watercolours and oil paintings in frames as well as some very creative photography but you’ll also find other things like bespoke pottery, glassware, jewellery and edible artistry too. You’ll find something you like for your ‘Valentines in Lincolnshire’ gift for him or for her either here or on the #WhatsOnLIncs website. We are all individuals with individual tastes so take a look to find that unique gift for that special person this Valentines Day.
Valentines In Lincolnshire – A Treat Wherever You Are
Treating a loved one and saying a special ‘thank you’ to someone special is what this blog is all about. You can make a difference to someones health and wellbeing simply by saying thank you.
Gifts don’t have to be big or expensive to show how much you care. A small gift will show how thoughtful you are and how much you appreciate someones love, dedication, help and support. A pledge can even be free! Have a look at the advertisers here to see what’s on offer and make your choice.
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Edible artistry – that’s a fabulous combination. You can buy these (and more) handmade chocolates from No. 12 Chocolatier in Kirton in Lindsey or have them delivered from the online shop. Either way, you’re in for a treat so why not order a special gift today? Don’t forget to follow No.12 Chocolatier @No12Chocolatier on Twitter (X) too for updates and offers.
Showing your love and expressing how much you care will really say a lot about you.
Look beyond Valentines In Lincolnshire and consider sending your gift from Lincolnshire to friends and family further afield. Remember too, it’s not just about Valentines Day so look to the future and try to support our local traders when you want to buy a gift.
Valentines In Lincolnshire – Local Authors
We are blessed with some fabulous local authors in Lincolnshire so it’ll be no surprise to you when I recommend a book…. or two, or more for a Valentines gift. Whether it’s the physical ‘book’ with pages and writing or an e-book, the sentiment is the same. What a fabulous gift for your partner or friend.
Marie Sinadjan is a local author based in Lincoln. Writing pure escapism in her novels is just one element of her writing skills so click on the link Marie Sinadjan Linktree to discover more. You’ll also find her on social media too so for Twitter users you’ll need to follow her her @marienettist and on Facebook you’ll find here here Marie Sinadjan
With an ever growing collection of novels Tracy has her heart firmly set in Lincolnshire. Her books are centred around her beloved Cleethorpes & Grimsby areas so you’ll be sure to find some local references as you read. You’ll find more information on the website www.tracybains.co.uk and can follow her on Twitter (X) @TracyFBaines and on Facebook Tracy Baines Author
Valentines In Lincolnshire – A Walk In The Park
Having mentioned ‘pledges’ as part of the gifting idea, have you ever considered going for a walk together?
Lincolnshire is blessed with some fantastic parks, many of which are wheelchair friendly too. Living close to Lincoln I can think of four wheelchair friendly parks that have many miles of pathways. Thinking further afield I can think of at least two parks in the Lincolnshire Wolds and numerous pathways along our coast. Make a pledge today to explore new parks and walks together. Whether you’re kicking fallen leaves, admiring the spring flowers, summer blooms or winter chills, being ‘together’ is the key.
Take the pledge further by joining a group walking session. Being together doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be hand in hand or shoulder to shoulder for the whole walk. In a group walking session you can be together as a couple or friends but be ready to accept new friends too.
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Nordic Walking with Mandarin Fitness is a great social hour which has the added advantage of helping you to maintain your fitness and health goals. This friendly group meets each Saturday morning in various locations around the City area. For an up-to-date timetable take a look at the Mandarin Fitness Facebook page or call Master Trainer Martin on 07966 174878 to chat and book your place. You can also check the Twitter feed on @MandarinLeisure
Valentines In Lincolnshire – The Lincolnshire Coast
Lincolnshire is blessed with a very large coastline and lots of coastal walks. We have the traditional arcades too of course and it’s always nice to support our local businesses. Why not plan your next coastal walk today? Perhaps you could combine a romantic coastal walk with an evening out. Skegness, Mablethorpe, Sutton on Sea and Cleethorpes all have lots to offer with local coffee shops, cafes, restaurants and, of course, fish and chip shops.
While you’re out, why not consider a bit of retail therapy? There are lots of family orientated places to visit so if you’re out as a couple or taking children with you there is definitely something for everyone in Lincolnshire.
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With a large variety of shops to browse, Hildred’s Shopping Centre in Skegness is certainly worth a visit. It’s not ‘just’ shopping though! You’ll almost always find children’s entertainment happening in the centre so take a look at the Hildred’s Shopping Centre website for information and don’t forget to follow on Twitter @HildredsSC and Facebook Hildred’s Shopping Centre for regular updates
Valentines In Lincolnshire – Made To Last
Traditionally we may have thought of a valentines gift as a short term gift designed to last a day or so. Jewellery is the exception to that rule of course but what about something quirky that’s made to last? Better still, something individual that’s made to last and is a ‘one off’ design! Finding a gift like that might be difficult in a normal shop but a bespoke painting or piece of art may be just what you’re looking for. I think I may get into trouble if I bring home any more paintings or vases but I’m always looking and sometimes I come across the perfect piece that captures the mood.
Valentines in Lincolnshire 2024 deserves some creative thinking. Something that captures the essence of your feelings during the last year as a gift sounds like a tall order. I recommend thinking about what your goal may be. A gift to show undying love is our usual idea for Valentines Day but in 2024 you may have broader considerations. A thoughtful gift to say ‘thank you’ to a friend, neighbour or family member for their help and support may be the way to go. The gift may be as a thank you token for a hero and saviour whose help, support and love you couldn’t have done without during the post pandemic concerns or today’s financial worries. Food for thought!
Valentines In Lincolnshire – Time To Escape
Sometimes you just need to escape! Exotic holiday retreats are lovely of course but then there are the uncertainties of rail, bus and local transport. The obvious answers are often right in front of us! You could consider a short (or long) stay locally to re-charge your batteries and re-connect with the person or people you love. Relaxing with a glass of something nice in the hot tub or walks in the countryside; getting away is the ideal way to reconnect with friends and family.
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The Lincoln Holiday Retreat is just on the edge of Lincoln City centre. It’s close enough to get to easily, but remote enough to be a little holiday hideaway. This relaxed, tranquil, hidden gem is situated in a natural wildlife habitat. It boasts majestic skyline views of Lincoln and lovely local walks. Surely this is the perfect getaway location. Click this link Lincoln Holiday Retreat to go to the website. Don’t forget to follow @Lincoln_Retreat on Twitter or Lincoln Holiday Retreat on Facebook for regular updates.
Is Valentines Ever Complete Without Chocolate?
I’m guessing that the majority of us are chocolate lovers so, as a result, chocolate is probably high on the gift list. I have to admit that I am a chocolate lover so Valentines Day is just ‘one’ of the days I enjoy this sweet treat. Having been lucky enough to have attended a specialist chocolate tasting event in Lincolnshire a few years ago my appreciation for this sweet treat has increased immensely. Did you know that there are even special ways to savour the flavour of chocolate?
Chocolate has long been a ‘must have’ luxury on Valentines Day so we are lucky to have so many dedicated chocolatiers in our County. When making your selections I highly recommend that you look beyond the supermarket big names. Instead, seek out some of our fabulous local chocolatiers to discover what delights they have to offer.
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Let Kathryn guide you through the intricacies of chocolate tasting with an ‘in person’ or online experience. Learn how to discover some of the hidden flavours which are locked into some of the finest chocolates from around the world. Click on the picture to go to the website but don’t forget to email to book yourself, your partner or your group onto one of the sessions. Email Kathryn today at cocoaencounters@gmail.com and don’t forget to follow her on Instagram cocoaencounters and Twitter @KathrynLincs for regular updates and chocolate chat.
Valentines In Lincolnshire – Arts And Crafts
If, like me, you enjoy discovering those handmade, hand painted, hand stitched, bespoke gems of quirkiness and delightfulness, you’re in the right place. Venturing outside of the realms of Valentines you’re sure to find something of interest on the #LincsConnect hashtag from Valentines to Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter and Christmas with everything else in between. I highly recommend that you pop in to the chat to see what’s happening. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the #WhatsOnLincs website too where you’ll find all sorts of interesting posts. You’re sure to pick up a bargain too.
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From exquisite original paintings to delightful hand sewn gifts and fabulous felt creations, Serena has something for everyone in her online shop. For your home or as a gift, every artwork is unique. Click on this link to go to the online shop and follow Serena on Facebook Serena Twibell and Twitter (X) @TwibellArts
Valentines In Lincolnshire – Fine Dining Or Diamonds?
Champagne, fine dining, diamonds…. Well, “two out of three ain’t bad” – in moderation of course! Who doesn’t like fine dining, fine foods and lovely jewellery? Valentines Day is a time when we feel the need for luxury and pampering. Christmas is behind us and summer seems quite a way away so why not enjoy a little of what you fancy? I really enjoy a fine dining experience and I’ve even been know to splash out on some expensive jewellery too. There’s nothing wrong with that!
Looking forward to summer (and the rest of your life) it doesn’t take a genius to understand that occasional indulgence is fine but regularly over eating and excessive drinking will take its toll on our health. The diamonds though… well, they’ll take a toll on the bank balance!
We all know what we need to do to stay healthy. When it comes to weight loss it’s worth remembering that 20% of weight loss is accounted for by exercise and 80% is accounted for by diet. We need both of course and sometimes we need a little help to stay motivated, on track and injury free. Never be afraid to ask for help. Both physical and mental health are both of the utmost importance to our wellbeing. Oh, and with the right planning, you’ll be able to indulge a bit more throughout the year without feeling guilty.
#ShopLincs
Whether you’re shopping for Valentines, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, birthdays, Christmas or ‘thank you’ gifts don’t forget to support local traders. Use #ShopLincs on your social media tags.
Mothering Sunday
Mothering Sunday will soon be upon us (10 March) so if you know of something special that needs to be in a local blog give me a call. Contact me on 07966 174878 or martin@lincsconnect.co.uk
Now is the time to get in touch if you would like to advertise on the next blog. Don’t delay as it may just be the route to your next customer.
Domestic Abuse Is Real
A repeat message I know but by watching the video and learning the signs you may actually be able to help someone.
Domestic abuse is a daily worry for many people across the UK and Lincolnshire is no exception! Do you know someone who used to be bubbly and outgoing but now seems more withdrawn? Perhaps you never see your friend alone anymore because the partner is always around to keep a ‘watchful eye’. These are just two signs of potential domestic abuse. Some signs (bruising) are obvious but control and abuse can take many forms. What can you do about it? You can contact @edanlincs (End Domestic Abuse Now in Lincolnshire) via twitter, through their websitewww.edanlincs.org.uk or by phone 01522 510041.
Call the National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 if you need help. If you need immediate help call Lincolnshire police on 101. If you are in danger dial 999 and if you need a silent call add 55. As a direct result the police control room WILL monitor and trace your call and will dispatch staff to rescue you. Don’t suffer alone. Do seek help. If you need refuge follow this link to REFUGE which is open 24 hours a day and has a ‘quick exit’ button for your safety.
If you know of someone who is or may be suffering, ‘do something about it’. There is a ‘domestic abuse’ button on the Lincolnshire Police website which will be useful for information and reporting. As a direct result, you could save someone a lot of pain and heartache.
Bright Sky – Domestic Abuse App
If you are suffering domestic abuse or are fearful for someone who is, click on the picture above to download the App to your phone. Please make sure that your phone is completely private and is not being monitored by the abuser before downloading. In emergency dial 999
Domestic abuse – know what to do. Bright Sky provides practical support and information. Click on the picture above to go to the website where you’ll find more information.
Advertising And Lincs
Please do get in touch if you would like to advertise on this blog or share a link to your own Lincolnshire blog
Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:
Mandarin Leisure Valentines Anniversary. Celebrating over 33 years in business
Don’t Rely On Algorithms For Lincolnshire Connections
Happy Impulsive New Year
Valentines In Lincolnshire. There’s lots on offer from our great County of Lincolnshire so I hope you found this blog useful.
Take care
“Putting the social back into social media” #LincsConnect is always here for you.
Mandarin Leisure Valentines Anniversary – Still Going Strong
Mandarin Leisure Valentines Anniversary – Still Going Strong…
Mandarin Leisure Valentines Anniversary – It hardly seems possible that Mandarin Leisurehas been going for so long! The 33rd anniversary is on 14 February and it’s hard to believe how quickly the time has flown! I started working part-time in the World Gym while studying to become Lincolnshires’ first Personal Trainer. Later I added complementary therapies to my portfolio and the rest is history. Studying never stops of course as there is always something new to learn.
Initially teaching circuit training classes in village halls the business has grown to include Personal Training, injury prevention, injury rehabilitation, back pain rehabilitation as well as the almost limitless possibilities with the complementary therapies. A few celebrity clients at the very start saw the business skyrocket from zero to a very healthy going concern.
Injury prevention and rehabilitation is a key element of the Mandarin Leisure success
It’s fair to say that helping people is in my genes. My father was awarded the BEM for helping people and my great grandfather was awarded the George Cross for bravery while helping people. My journey started out by helping people with their fitness and wellbeing but I soon discovered that with my healing abilities and vision I was able to help more people than I had ever imagined.
Mandarin Leisure – Introduces massage, aromatherapy, antenatal and postnatal bespoke mobil treatments.
Therapies
Mandarin Fitness (formerly QRS Fitness) added Mandarin Therapies and Mandarin Mothers to the list of businesses in a natural progression. Making people feel well is what I do best! The decision was made very early on to keep the business mobile so that the fitness, rehabilitation and therapies could be taken to the clients. It’s a business model that I’m pleased to say has served me well.
eVouchers
With postal charges increasing it has become more popular (and convenient) to order eVouchers and have them delivered straight to the intended recipient. It’s a fabulous gift and a lovely way to let people know how much you care about them and appreciate them. You can order your eVoucher now and have a special message included too.
*** From now until 14 February 2024 celebratory massage eVouchers are just £33.00 ***
If you fancy keeping fit and would like to try Nordic Walking why not join one of the weekly classes? Beginners are always welcome to join us and all abilities are catered for. Call 07966 174878 for more information
Mandarin Leisure Valentines Anniversary – A natural progression
First started in January 2011, the decision to officially launch a dedicated platform in November 2012 took the ‘helping people’ a stage further with the official launch of @LincsConnecton Twitter.
In order to prove its worth I created it anonymously to let people know the it is truly impartial. I helped and promoted all businesses in the Lincolnshire area including other Personal Trainers and therapists who may otherwise have viewed me as a rival business. My fear was that if they had known who was behind the account they might have viewed it differently.
A few years later I started a #LincsConnect networking group so naturally I couldn’t remain anonymous! The meetings went well and I have to say a huge THANK YOU to Emma at thePetwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa for having the faith in me and for supporting Lincs Connect in such a big way.
Due to personal illness I put the meetings on hold but intend to revive them again in the not too distant future.
Covid19
The Next Chapter
Covid19 needs no introductions! My exercise classes were obviously put on hold and my Personal Training sessions moved to online sessions. Having contracted the virus the day before lockdown I needed to find something to keep me occupied during the long hours of isolation.
The pandemic forced me into overcoming my fear of blogging. Having previously written articles and weekly editorials for local papers and glossy magazines, coupled with my love of writing, ‘blogging’ was born. I used my skills to help others throughout the pandemic by sign posting people to local activities, charities and businesses. The new venture went well and I’m pleased to say that my community blogging skills are improving and continuing to help people.
Physical networking was already on hold but I did attempt to create an online network with some success. My heart lies in ‘people’ though so the physical networking sessions are still my priority. My exercise sessions are no longer an option as I suffer with long-covid and breathing is still sometimes difficult. However, I have managed to continue with my Nordic Walking sessions with the support of my fantastic, loyal clients.
What’s Next?
The next chapter has already begun as LincsConnect continues to grow and thrive. Community blogging is here to stay and the physical networking sessions are planned to return in the near future. Online Personal Training continues as do the mobile therapies, injury rehabilitation sessions and Nordic Walking classes.
Happy Valentines Day to you all. You’re never alone as long as Mandarin Leisure and LincsConnect are here.
Mandarin Therapies
Mobile complementary therapies covering Lincolnshire and beyond
All Saints Bracebridge
All Saints church, Bracebridge
Serving the community for the past 1000 years
J&S Plumbing & Heating
J&S Plumbing & Heating – Quality as standard
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