The urban guide to the countryside -

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Well, hello!

I'm Hero, founder of Muddy Stilettos, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable across the counties.

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Gotta Have It

Anyone else's kids shot up a few inches during lockdown? We've got you covered with our pick of the coolest, colourful childrenswear to style out the summer.

Making plans? Find your perfect Pub, Inn, Hotel, Café, Restaurant or Bar across the Muddy counties.

EatView more

Recipe inspiration, courtesy of Giffords Circus (yes, really!)

Roll up, roll up! … Put some razzle-dazzle back into mealtime monotony with a double whammy of scrumptious, summery dishes from Giffords Circus’ new cookbook.
- In the pink: the rosé revolution
  
  Once dismissed as "lady petrol" rosé wine is now officially the drink of the summer. Read on for tips on the best to buy, and that all important question - does it give you a hangover?
- 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.
- Recipe: posh tomato salad, m’lady?
  
  Light, fresh, and the perfect summer serve, sink your chops into Heston's posh Tomato Salad. The secret is all in the prep.
- 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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Arts & CultureView more

Grab yourself a mini masterpiece from £50

If buying art leaves you with a blank expression to match your blank walls, then read on, laydee. Before you make an expensive mistake, we called in the experts for some top tips.
- What to watch online this week
  
  Your weekly boredom buster is here with all the best and brand spanking new TV, film, music and theatre to keep you entertained from the sofa.
- Culture vulture: my July hitlist
  
  Missing the theatre and live venues? OMG, me too. Until normal service resumes for the arts world (your guess is as good as mine), here's my personal culture planner for July - podcasts, books, music and theatre. I'll budge up on the sofa, come and join me.
- We’re all going on a big-screen holiday
  
  Choose your destination, fasten your seats and get ready for take off. Here's 21 films, set in exotic locations that are almost as good travelling abroad.
- Staying in saviour – what to stream this week
  
  If the sofa is your No.1 destination this week (rain, rain go away!) then you'll be needing my guide to the best telly, theatre, film and online festivals.

HomeView more

- Muddy ‘Lockdown Gardens in Bloom’ is GO!
  
  Calling all green fingered goddesses! We want to see your lockdown gardening handiwork for the chance to win vouchers (there's £1000 up for grabs) to spend at Olive & Sage.
- Recipe: Elderflower Cordial
  
  Nothing heralds summer like the scent of elderflowers. Here's a gorgeous cordial recipe from the team behind The Elderflower Fields Festival. Get picking!
Wellbeing
- 7 steps to better sleep in lockdown
  
  So you've downed a chamomile tea and ignored your phone but still can't get to sleep. Sound familiar? Read on for our guide to getting some Z's during lockdown.
- Lost the will? Go see your solicitor and sort it!
  
  Corona virus has forced many of us to confront our mortality, but that also means facing up to the practicalities of making a will. Here's why you need to take action asap.

WorkView more

- J’adore/ J’abhor: video calls
  
  Are you a FaceTime fanatic or a Skype cynic? After months of video call catch-ups, two Muddy editors battle it out over the digital face-to-face.
- Which entrepreneur won Tide’s £2000 helping hand?
  
  Thanks for asking! Say hello to Jade and her delicious bakery business and find out how the money has helped her boost her business to the next level.
Kids
- Thorpe House School, Gerrards Cross
  
  A small, friendly day school for boys aged 3-16 between Gerrard's Cross and Chalfont St Peter, set in 7 acres and high on inclusivity, priding themselves on knowing every child individually.
- The survival guide to lockdown parenting
  
  School's out for summer... and the bloody rest. Parenting has never been harder so we've taken expert advice. You need to read this.

FashionView more

Wear the rainbow (and find gold)

The weather’s been pants, but we’re giving Joseph and his technicolour dream coat a run for his money with the best rainbow brights. Prepare to be dazzled.
- The 9 most stylish face masks
  
  Well, who could have predicted THIS as the must-have summer 2020 accessory? If you've gotta wear one, it may as well look chic, right?
- Trend alert! Artisanal style
  
  Delicate embroidery, expert craftsmanship and dreamy fabrics - we're coveting artisanal chic for summer. Here are 14 items to add to your (handwoven) basket.

BeautyView more

- Nail it! 5 pretty press-ons
  
  Beauty salons are back, laydee! Jeez, where do we start? Gagging for a mani? I hear you. Why not fake it 'til you make it with 5 sets of pretty press-ons
- 5 of the best hair masks to buy now
  
  Split ends up to your ears? We've found five quick-fixes for treating neglected locks - and to stop your hair stylist from screaming when salons finally reopen

People

Muddy meets: iconic photographer Nick Knight

He’s worked with everyone from Alexander McQueen and John Galliano to Lady Gaga and Kanye West – so it’s a surprise to find photography genius Nick Knight’s newest exhibition is of flowers shot from his garden and showing at Waddesdon Manor! Blooming heck Nick, what’s going on?
- Muddy meets: Shlomo, beatboxer
  
  Record-breaking beatboxer Shlomo has a new project on his hands - raising money for the NHS in association with UK theatres. Tell us about it, Shlo!
- Where Willow Crossley goes
  
  Renowned floral stylist, local gal and friend of Muddy, Willow Crossley, knows some stylish local spots that she thinks you'll love. Ready to take notes?
- What I’ve learnt in lockdown
  
  Love it or loathe it, lockdown has given us time to learn new skills but has it taught us something deeper? Muddy tapped five busy writers and presenters, juggling careers, babies and even a tumour, to tell all.
- Muddy gets chefy with Olivia Burt
  
  We catch up with the 'Masterchef: The Professionals' finalist to find out her backstage goss, favourite dishes and top spots to eat in London.

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TravelView more

The Muddy insider guide to Norfolk

Summer holidays incoming! Read our brand new and brilliant curated guide to Norfolk, with luxe SPF brand Saltee, and start planning your staycation (PLUS enter our sexy £2,888 summer giveaway!).
- Muddy’s insider guide to Devon
  
  If Devon's on your holiday hit list this year you'll be needing our totally brilliant insider guide to the county. PLUS we have £2,888 of summer goodies up for grabs!
- The Muddy insider guide to The Cotswolds
  
  Prepping for a staycay this summer? Our curated guide to The Cotswolds is packed with our-in-the-know tips and up-to-date openings. Just add sandals and sunshine. PLUS read on for £2,888 of sultry summer goodies to give away).