Muddy Stilettos Essex

Spotlight

The Muddy Stilettos guide to hangover curesSocialising is back (and so are the hangovers). From from gravy granules to cold lager, we asked some Muddy hell-raisers for their emergency remedies.
Weekly watchlist: the 10 best things on TV this weekComfies on! We've compiled ten of the best things on TV this week, ripe and ready for you to binge. From monster-packed rom-coms to Oscar-buzz dramas, it's your pick...
Man the forts! The best castles within 90 minutesReady for a right royal day out? Let's admire some moats! We've rounded up 6 of the coolest castles in Essex and beyond that are open for business. Tiara at the ready, let's go!
23 best things to do within 2 hours of homeAre you ready to (gasp) leave your local area? From safari parks and city skylines to a hotspot for water sports, here are the 23 best outdoors things to do within 2 hours of Essex.
58 things to glam up your gardenGarden parties are go, people! But, oh God — is that really the state of the patio? Glam up the garden and impress your guests with these 58 must-have garden objects.

Well, hello!

I'm Ziggy, editor of Muddy Essex, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable in the area.

Gotta Have It

One small store – 6 al fresco must-haves

Within the dinky-sized Sonia@48 you’ll find a treasure trove of cool, quirky and downright gorgeous must-haves. Here are six of our faves for al fresco living.

The UK’s most creative and unique independent shops, makers and producers local to you.

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Home View more
The Muddy Stilettos guide to hangover cures

Socialising is back (and so are the hangovers). From from gravy granules to cold lager, we asked some Muddy hell-raisers for their emergency remedies.
- The Muddy Stilettos guide to hangover cures
  
  Socialising is back (and so are the hangovers). From from gravy granules to cold lager, we asked some Muddy hell-raisers for their emergency remedies.
- Waffles for breakfast? Yes please!
  
  What do you get when you cross a chocolate brownie, a waffle maker and a handful of strawberries? Heaven on a plate! Sate your sweet tooth with this delicious recipe.
Wellbeing
- Easy! Buy these, and sleep better
  
  Having trouble sleeping? Us and half the world right now! Here's what the Muddy team have in their shopping baskets to help with some much-needed shut-eye.
- Five ways to become more Zen
  
  Whether it's social anxiety about lockdown ending, or panic that it's not coming soon enough, a new book claims the ancient art of Zen will see us through. Ready to try it?

Arts & Culture View more
Weekly watchlist: the 10 best things on TV this week

Comfies on! We’ve compiled ten of the best things on TV this week, ripe and ready for you to binge. From monster-packed rom-coms to Oscar-buzz dramas, it’s your pick…
- TV worth tuning into: what to watch this week
  
  So... last week it was 24 degrees and now it's baltic, but that does mean you can hunker down in front of the box without feeling too guilty. Get something carby and put those feet up.
- The TV is calling you: 10 shows to watch this week
  
  OK, so we get it: that garden needs weeding, but you can’t scrabble about in the dirt forever. Give yourself a break and instead watch the best TV this week has to offer.

Eat View more
Try this light but warming spring supper

Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall’s healthy take on this Scottish fish soup makes for a quick and hearty but healthy supper that’s perfect for cool spring evenings.
- The best local delis – and nearby picnic spots
  
  Right now, picnics on park benches are THE hottest social event in the calendar. So, dig out your hamper and waterproof blanket, and order your sausage rolls from these seriously slick Essex delis.
- 48 Mother’s Day afternoon teas that deliver
  
  Can't give mum a hug? This is a close second: tiny sandwiches, a lot of clotted cream, and an optional bottle of fizz. Here are the 48 best afternoon teas for delivery and takeaway around the country.

Work View more
Shop local: the home-office updates you’ll love

In a bid to give ‘hot desking’ a thoroughly modern respin, Essex boutiques are stocking some standout office staples right now. Here’s where – and what – to shop for the dream WFH situ…
Kids
- 6 fun things to do in the garden with kids
  
  Make a mini golf course, plant a jam jar garden and measure a tree with your bum! Cabin fever begone with these cool gardening ideas kids will dig.
- Felsted School, Felsted
  
  Green space, expansive facilities and a progressive global curriculum to make you swoon at this top co-ed boarding and day school for ages 4-18 in the pretty Essex countryside.

Fashion View more
Word up! Slogan sweats to buy now

Can’t find the words to say it yourself? Say it with a sweater! Here are eight cool slogan jumpers we’re coveting right now, all from indie shops and brands.
- 2021 fashion collabs you need to know
  
  When high fashion met high street. Here are the new season fashion collabs we're lusting after this month (with surprisingly affordable price tags).
- Trouser brigade: stylish alternatives to jeans
  
  It's time to cast off the joggers and emerge from your style hibernation. We've found some comfortable but chic alternatives for those days when denim isn't doing it for you

Beauty View more
- Get ready to go outside: SPFs for every skin type
  
  The sun is (just) starting to make itself felt and while that brings happiness, joy and vitamin D, it also means more time outdoors. Get prepped with the best facial SPFs.
- Skincare SOS – your winter essentials
  
  Zoom close-ups making you wince? Cold winter days and dry central heating are playing havoc with our skin. Try these hero products for a dose of much-needed hydration.

People View more
Six lockdown heroines to celebrate IWD

It’s been a bit of a year so to mark International Women’s Day 2021, we thought we’d big up six women who have impressed, delighted and inspired us over the past 12 months.
- How to run well by a pro marathon runner
  
  Need some work-out motivation? You’re in the right place. Muddy talks to endurance athlete Nick Butter about how to motivate yourself out the door and onto an exercise regime.
- What’s cooking? Calum Franklin, The Pie Room
  
  Fresh from the launch of his mouth-watering new cookbook, we caught up with the London Pie King himself to talk Scotch eggs, the Breville toastie masker and cooking for Axl Rose.

Travel View more
Grab the sunnies: our 2021 travel bucket list

It’s been so long, holidays have taken on a rather emotional hue. So we asked our editors how they really want to spend their annual leave. Expect cocktails, cities, and plenty of sun.
- 20 Muddy-approved attractions in Essex
  
  From the big-beast tourist destinations to our cool insider alternatives, read on for our pick of 20 unmissable attractions across the county
- Book now: 10 European-style staycations
  
  Love a continental jaunt but staying in Blighty this year? These 10 UK holiday spots have a distinctly European feel - can you guess where this is?