Today was only my second time at Hughenden Manor – it usually loses out to closer and rather grander Waddesdon – but it was a really great afternoon here. The house is looking beautiful decked out in Victorian Christmas decorations, …

• My first V-log, featuring *titter* The Dreamboys
• The Half Term Muddy Guide Part 1
• Can Muddy get even better? (Er, yes)
• Beauty hot spot

You know you need a break from your children when you start rolling your eyes when they ask for impertinent things like more fruit, a book or – don’t push it – a cuddle. And so it came to pass …

• Gee’s restaurant, Oxford
• REVIEW: The ‘Joseph’ UK tour at Aylesbury Waterside
• Dolly birds
• The Chequers, Fingest

Waddesdon Manor is my ‘local’ National Trust estate, and it’s greatly admired and loved round here, because there’s something for everyone, from the gorgeous woodland playground for kids, vast well-kept grounds and the treasures of the house itself. Somehow I …

• KIDS RECIPE: Plum & apple cobbler by Beverley Glock
• Aha, Mr Egg Cosy! I’ve been expecting you…
• FASHION: Vintage designer boutique alert!
• WHAT’S ON: The Muddy Guide: 4 – 10 October

I have a terrible habit of wanting to go into every picturesque church I see – I check out the age of the font, wander around the grounds, admire the windows, have a play on the organ if the vicar …

• Wouldn’t you though?
• REVIEW: The Clifden Arms, Worminghall
• Believe it or not, this is a car park!
• How about this for the Chilterns?