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Where are the Best Places to Live 2022?
Our obsession with upping sticks and moving shows no sign of abating. Lucky then that for our new intake of Best Places to Live we've partnered with Strutt & Parker estate agents!
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14 seasonal scented candles for autumn
It's the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness... and of scented candles! Check Muddy's pick of the best candles for autumn from our local indies and beyond.
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Autumn trends: easy tweaks to update your interiors
Winter’s mere weeks away, meaning we’re soon going to be spending a LOT of time indoors. Perfect excuse then to give your home a gorgeous new look with these simple but effective ideas from interior designer, Alpine Rose.
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The top 10 trending autumn colours
Planning on pimping your walls this autumn? Save yourself hours of scrolling through Pinterest and paint charts: Muddy reveals the top ten trending colours this season.
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A (garden) room of one’s own? Cue the rise of the ‘she shed’
Once the preserve of men, now sheds are doubling up as yoga studios and offices across the county. Here, we reveal how to style yours using local indie brands – and speak to the women reclaiming their gardens
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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...
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5 of the best… sofas
Kick those shoes off and settle in: it's the speed-round Muddy edit of the most important thing you'll ever buy — a sofa. Squashy, stylish, easy to clean...how do you like 'em?
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Wow house: how to style (and shoot) your home like a pro
We scrolled through the fabulous portfolio of photographer Ellie Walpole to glean her top tips and tricks for making your interiors stand out.
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How to hang art in your home
Left-a-bit-right-a-bit. Yup, that's it.... we speak to the experts at an award-winning gallery to demystify the art of hanging art. Rawlplugs at the ready?
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4 simple, stylish ways to revamp your home
'Tis the season to make your house beautiful - so kickstart your dream project with our tips on what's trending right now, PLUS £500 to spend at the brilliant Brewers Decorator Centres
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Meet the maker: Dantes Ceramics
From potters and painters to stylists and chefs, Essex is awash with creative talent and in this new culture series, we meet the skilled artisans who deserve championing. First up: Isabelle Taylor-Jones of Dantes Ceramics in Wivenhoe
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10 knockout farmhouses that are up for sale now
Fell in love with rural life on your staycay? Us too. Quick, before the market turns: check out these absolutely stunning farms to snap up across the Muddy counties (and beyond).
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Gotta have it! The new summer tipple
Fancy a sparkling little number to style out your summer drinking? We've found an alternative to wine that makes a gorgeous gift for a friend... or save it just for you!
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Buffalo Mozzarella with Clementine Salad
Need a new speedy lunch? Try this 15 minute fab mozzarella salad from Tart London - the super-cool caterers of choice for the fashion set (plus Naked Wines at 63% off).
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Glug! New wines to buy and try
Naked Wine sommelier and Gordon Ramsay alumnus Ray O'Connor spills the grapes on why he won't pay thousands for wine, what's in his cellar - and how to dodge hangovers
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Pan-fried sea trout with chilli and saffron broth
Simple to make, yet a showstopper on the plate, this fragrant fish dish is a winner for impressing dinner party guests - especially when served with Naked Wines (at 63% off, natch).
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Aubergine and Goat’s Cheese Burger Stacks
Bored of bland bean patties? Then try this delicious alternative to a veggie burger from The Roasting Tin author, Rukmini Iyer (plus delicious Naked Wines at 63% off).
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Summery strawberry tiramisu
Nothing says summer like strawberries and cream. This delicious tiramisu with Savoiardi biscuits and soft Mascarpone cream is the perfect seasonal serve.
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Chicken and mango salad with chilli lime dressing
Balmy summer days call for quick, easy and light lunches like this chicken and mango salad, ready in just 20 minutes. Pair with Naked Wines at 63% off.
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Wild mushroom and artichoke tagliatelle
Veggies, pasta, wine: all the food groups represented. Rustle up this earthy, vegan dish in under an hour and enjoy in the sunshine with a glass of wine (at 63% off from Naked Wines).
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Cook this speedy summery recipe tonight!
From River Cottage king HFW, this Moroccan spiced lamb and tabbouleh dish is fragrant, herby and perfect for summer scoffing PLUS pair with Naked Wines at 63% off.
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Vivek Singh’s lentil and basmati kichri
Desperately seeking dinner inspiration? We've got a delicious modern-Indian dish for you from celeb chef Vivek Singh, plus 63% off perfectly paired wines.
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BBQ monkfish tail with sauce bourguignonne
BBQ but make it fancy! This seafood take on a classic French dish is a dead-cert crowd pleaser (especially when you pair it with wines from £4.17 a bottle in our curated Naked Wines cases).
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TV’s Georgina Burnett on decor do’s and don’ts
Why she'll never hang CDs from the ceiling again, plus how to get it right with colour and where to start if you've just bought a new property
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THE PIG’s sizzling BBQ burger
BBQ season is upon us and we have just the recipe (with up to 63% off perfectly paired wines) to get the party started, courtesy of Muddy favourites THE PIG and Naked Wines.
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Tom Kitchin’s Salmon and Spinach Lasagne
Need a new mid-week meal? This Scandi salmon take on a lasagne (with 63% off Muddy recommended wine pairings) can be prepared in advance and is totally delicious.
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I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
The rainclouds may be out in force (seriously spring, what's going on?!), but this sunny griddled pineapple with vanilla and cinnamon ice cream should brighten up your day.
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Jason Atherton’s Spanish Chicken Casserole
Michelin-starred casserole for dinner? Yes please! Make this Spanish dish from chef Jason Atherton, plus save up to 63% on Naked Wines to pair with it. Muy bueno!
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The Muddy Stilettos guide to hangover cures
Socialising is back (and so are the hangovers). From gravy granules to cold lager, we asked some Muddy hell-raisers for their emergency remedies.
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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.
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One small store – 6 al fresco must-haves
Within Chelmsford's 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.
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15 must-have accessories for outdoor dining in style
Out with the scratched melamine, in with stylish cups, cocktail shakers, candelabra, and cutlery. Here's our guide to the wow accessories that will make your alfresco meal sparkle
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Easy slow-cooked lamb for a spring feast
Looking for a low-effort crowd pleaser for a post lockdown get-together? This melt-in-the-mouth lamb recipe with polenta chips is just the ticket, slow-cooked for five hours.
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58 things to glam up your garden
Garden 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.
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Downsizing in later life? 9 things to consider
Got aging parents thinking to downsize? It pays to do your research. Here are 9 key things to look out for when you’re helping your parents find their next home
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7 Easter Eggcentrics to eat on the big day
Plain eggs are out, novelty chocolate is in. We're after a bit more pizazz. Popping candy? Shaped like a sandwich? Take your pick with these 7 alternative Easter eggs.
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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.
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Party planning: how to throw the perfect post-lockdown bash
With IRL socialising back on the not-too-distant agenda, it’s time to get back on the event-hosting horse and organise that bash of the decade you and your mates have all been dreaming about.
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Gotta Have It: spring cleaning gear
The evenings are getting lighter, lockdown is nearly over and the sunshine is showing up those handprints on the windows and stains on the carpet. Time to bust out your inner Mrs Hinch…
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Make your home grown up again
It’s been kid-central for the past 12 months but now, as schools reopen, it’s time to coax your home back into the land of the operational adult.
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Kitchens 2021: the latest designs and colours
Gadget garages, working kitchens and unfitted units... This year, says new design company Huckleberry, we're witnessing a kitchen revolution. Here's what it looks like.
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Comforting classics from The Pie Room
Ooh, is there anything more satisfying than good flaky pastry? These two tasty recipes from Calum Franklin's new cookbook The Pie Room are just the ticket.
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Bring the bar to you: how to have a virtual night out
Counting down the days until that chilly pub garden come April? God, us too. Here's the next best thing: bar-quality cocktails, perfect ambience, and a whole lot of glam.
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Face off! Expressive interiors to buy now
Inject a little personality into your home with these interior buys that feature quirky facial expressions, all from fabulous local businesses on The Indie Store.
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Letterbox cheer: best gifts by post
Share the love in lockdown (we’re almost there!) with one of these fun letterbox gift ideas, from book bundles and candles, to beauty boxes and wine.
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Flipping good: four new pancakes recipes to try
Had enough of lemon and sugar? Spice things up a bit this Pancake Day with an Iranian cardamom pancake, shredded duck pancake, or vegan version with blueberry compote.
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Asian-inspired healthy dinners for reboot February
January didn't quite live up to your healthy living expectations? Cosy food doesn't have to come at the cost of health. Try these tasty plant-based recipes made with warming ginger and miso.
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Interiors inspo: bold spring refresh
Enough with cosy interiors and soft greys - here’s our edit of the fabrics, paints and tiles to lift your spirits and inject some spring into your step, hallway, walls, sofas...
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I do like to be beside the seaside…
From seaside botlholes to A-lister-worthy waterfront homes - wake up to fresh sea air every morning in one of these 10 coastal properties for sale now.
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How to host a virtual dinner party like a pro
Entertaining: we all know how to do it IRL, but via Zoom? Not so much. Yet, with local restaurants now delivering top takeout menus, plus Essex boutiques selling tableware online, now's the time to master the art of virtual socialising. Here’s how…
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Property flirt: Scandi-inspired design in Saffron Walden
Offering a nod to the Norwegian aesthetic plus mid-century-details, this cool Essex house is the homebuyer's equivalent of a hop to Copenhagen. But how much does it cost?
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Fast and filling recipes for Feb
No time/energy to cook (let alone make it healthy)? Don't worry, we've got you. Here are two low-effort, speedy suppers under 500 calories to feel good about.
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The Simple Life: pared-back properties in nature
Looking to get away from it all? Try one of these dreamy pared-back properties for a taste of pastoral living. From projects crying out for TLC to sprawling listed mansions, we've got it all.
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Eat Better Forever, Hugh? Oh, OK then.
Spent December scoffing mince pies? Whip up a veg-packed soup or hot pot from Hugh's new cookbook and feel the smug glow of a healthy New Year.
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Ultimate dream properties for 2021
Let's face it. We’ve been staring at our walls, like, forever and we’ve completed every last bit of DIY imaginable. So you know what that means? That’s right: time to move. See if any of these incredible properties take your fancy.
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Cure your hangover with this red-hot recipe!
We like it hot! Kick-start the year (and cure your sore head) with this fiery take on the classic tomato and vodka-based Bloody Mary from Tipsy Wight.
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Turkey and mushroom leftover Christmas pie
Bored of the yearly turkey sandwiches? Transform your Christmas Day leftovers with this delicious, super simple pie to serve four.
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Gotta have it! Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2021
Pantone, the ultimate colour authority has spoken, and 2021's official shades are Ultimate Gray and Illuminating (aka, sunshine yellow). Here's how to get the look.
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40 of the best indie coffee roasters
Can't function without your morning brew? Try one of these delicious artisan blends, from indie coffee roasters across the Muddy counties, to kickstart your day with a caffeine boost.
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8 coastal properties on the market now
With the prospect of a winter spent in lockdown looming, we're dreaming of summers to come spent by the sea. Care to indulge in a little fantasy property shopping?
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Think your town is the best place to live?
Prove it! Take a photo of your local area for Instagram to win a family portrait shoot with award-winning Lifestyle & Location Portrait Photographer of the Year Paul Wilkinson.
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The Big Breakfast house is for sale!!
Talk about a piece of iconic pop culture! The chaotic, flirty, naughty Nineties home of breakfast telly can be yours for a cool £5.75m. Shall we have a nose around?
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Light it up! 42 cool indie candle brands
The arrival of autumn means darker evenings snuggled indoors by candlelight. Looking for a new scent? Try one of these gorgeous indie candle brands from across the Muddy counties.
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J’adore/J’abhor: Dulux’s ‘Brave Ground’
Dulux's colour of 2021 is hot off the press and majorly dividing opinions at Muddy HQ - but will you be plastering your walls in 'Brave Ground'? Let us know in the comments!
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Bottoms up! The best new indie drinks
Got a large glass to hand? We’ve rounded up 43 of the best new independent drinks from across the Muddy counties from wine and gin to rum and beer.
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Weekend recipe inspo, courtesy of Jessie Ware
Marmalade chicken and miso chocolate chip cookies, anyone? Foodie singer Jessie Ware shares her #PerfectPairing recipes to celebrate M&S launching at Ocado. Dig in!
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House swap! What does £1m get you?
Upping sticks to pastures new? Let's see what a cool million will get you on the property market across the Muddy counties - quite a lot, as it happens!
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Lockdown Gardens in Bloom: the results!
The results are in! See who's nabbed the top spots in our first ever Lockdown Gardens in Bloom competition with gorgeous gardens and homewares boutique Olive & Sage.
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6 of the best boxed wines to drink now
Boxed wine has a bad rep, but forget everything you know - it stays fresh for longer, contains litres of tipple and can actually be really tasty. Here's what we're sipping.
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This year’s hottest garden trends
We've never appreciated our gardens more than during lockdown - here's how to transform them following trends from our Lockdown Gardens in Bloom competition.
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House swap – modern properties we love
If period properties give you the heebie jeebies, and you'd rather have a glass extension than a thatched roof, then walk this way - we've rounded up some of the best architect-led modernist properties in the Muddy counties.
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8 unusual herbs to spice up your life
Or your cooking and cocktails at the very least! Get your chops around these unusual herbs, perfect for everything from pepping up your barbecue to sweetening your mojito. Arriba!
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Scented candles that bring the holiday vibe
Who needs foreign shores when you can bring the Med to your living room? Here are the best destination-inspired candles money can buy.
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Reclaim the BBQ! Best outdoor cooking accessories
Move over Mr M, I'll take it from here. Make the barbecue your own this summer with these super-handy gadgets and accessories.
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Lockdown garden stunners
Entered Muddy's Lockdown Gardens in Bloom yet? Stake out your competition here and snap your space to win part of our £1000 prize pot to spend at Olive & Sage.
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Muddy ‘Lockdown Gardens in Bloom’ is GO!
Calling all green fingered goddesses! We want to see your lockdown gardening handiwork. Snap your space and post it on Instagram for the chance to win vouchers (there's £1000 up for grabs) to spend online at gorgeous garden and homewares boutique Olive & Sage.
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Smokin’! The perfect summer burger recipe
The weather's pulling a blinder this week, so fire up the BBQ and rustle up this bad boy with homemade ketchup (fancy!) from Muddy favourite The Pig group.
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The best bedroom buys for summer
It's the summer solstice on Saturday - great for hippies, less so for insomniacs. If you're struggling to sleep during these short nights, help is here.
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Best interiors buys for extroverts
Love the interiors at Aynhoe Park and The Crazy Bear? Maximalism is back, baby - here's our wish list to help you nail the trend.
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Quarantini time! Heston’s Gold Rush
Looking to up your cocktail creds during lockdown? We've rifled through Heston Blumenthal’s cocktail bible, so perk yourself up with a Gold Rush.
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Provençal fougasse with green and black olives
Lockdown is the perfect time to get to grips with our favourite chewy loaf: sourdough. Ready, set, bake with this savoury share-and-tear number (you can skip the sharing bit if you like).
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House swap: what does £250k get you?
£250k for a house? You betcha! If that mortgage is feeling like a millstone, take a peek at these properties across the Muddy counties and start mentally moving in ASAP.
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Pimp your patio with these 18 outdoor buys
We’re swapping holidays abroad for le jardín this summer, so best make it the ultimate destination. Cue the Muddy shopping edit of the coolest accessories to deck out your outdoor space.
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Speedy supper, anyone? Make THIS tonight
Looking for healthy dinner ideas - take inspiration from Olympic gymnast Max Whitlock for a meal that's quick, tasty and packed with protein.
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10 of the best gardening books
Fancy getting all green fingered in the garden but don't really know where to start? Here's a helping hand with 10 terrific tomes to add to your reading list.
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Recipe: gourmet spaghetti bolognese
There's Spaghetti Bolognese and then there's Tristan Welch, from The University Arms's Spaghetti Bolognese. We share the recipe to take this classic dish up a notch...
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All cooped up! Check out these cool hen houses
Attention, would-be chicken farmers! We've rounded up nine of the most stylish chicken coops for your feathered friends. Has it been worth the oeuf-ort? (I'll get my coat)
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10 idiot-proof veg to grow now
(Or how not to get scurvy during lockdown). Here's how to go self-sufficient, thanks to TV gardener Toby Buckland's top veg patch tips. Ready the trowels!
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On the market: 13 coastal do-er uppers
Looking for a seaside bolthole, or a more significant lifestyle move? Snap up these stunning coastal properties for a post-lockdown project.
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House Swap
There's nothing like a long lockdown to make you appreciate your home - or make you want to move the second it gets lifted. So what will £500,000 buy you across the Muddy counties?
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Desk delights
Working from home? Sounds like the perfect excuse to pimp up your workstation with the loveliest stationery and desk accessories.
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House swap – what will £500,000 get you?
Nothing like a lockdown to make you appreciate your home - or make you want to move when it gets lifted. But what will your money get you across the Muddy counties?
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8 flowers to choose for a cutting garden
Dibbers at the ready! Garden broadcaster Toby Buckland picks a pocketful of posies that anyone - yes, even you with the dead house plants - can grow.
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Cook THIS for dinner tonight
Running out of ideas for midweek meals? Yup, us too. Take inspiration from the hottest new cookbook on the block by pop star Jessie Ware. Yum!
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Asparagus tart with quails egg and prosciutto ham
This super-simple tart recipe, from Cotswolds based Gluts & Gluttony, makes the most of seasonal ingredients and takes a mere 30 minutes. Count us in!
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Recipe: A salad for sunny days
This peach and lentil salad with warm pork tenderloin by renowned chefs Kate & Giancarlo Caldesi, is easy peasy, looks amazing and tastes delicious.
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The 35 best local artisan gins
Was there ever a time of greater national need? The 33 best artisan gins across the Muddy counties - rack them up, throw in some Juniper berries and rosemary, and let's get drinking!
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