YOUR OCTOBER LIST: BOOKS, THE BOX, BAKES, BEAUTY & BREAKS

And, so October has arrived. The first truly Autumnal month, October is a time for hunkering down, feeling cosy and embracing all that this season has to offer. I turned to the lovely Amanda Lamb for her advice on books and breaks, while Victoria Beckham's new documentary is set to be THE show to watch this month.

BOOKS

As well as being one of the most genuinely lovely people on Instagram, TV presenter Amanda Lamb is something of a books fiend, and has recently started up her own Instagram-based book club. When I asked her which two books she'd recommend reading this month, she suggested Maggie O'Farrell's award-winning Hamnet, (which is being release as a film starring the brilliant Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal early next year) and Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall. This latter novel is a tortured love story with the essence of a thriller and is Amanda's Book Club pick for October, which involves an Instagram Live with Clare chatting about the book. There's no set date, but will probably be a Sunday evening towards the end of this month (follow Amanda @missamandalamb on Instagram to find out more).

If you've already read those, then how about The Wedding People by Alison Espach,  a darkly comic and touching novel about a lost soul who finds herself by accidentally attending a wedding. I loved it and the main character Phoebe from the get go. Or at the end of the month, Other People's Fun by Harriet Lane is released. Lane's previous two novels Her and Alys, Always are incredible psychological thrillers (Her is fantastically unsettling) and Other People's Fun promises the same.

THE BOX

I can't think of many people who won't be that little bit intrigued by Victoria Beckham's Netflix documentary, arriving on screen on the 9th October. Whether you're a fan or merely just fascinated, it's going to be a good watch. As is Task on Sky. Starring Mark Ruffalo, it's a dark, gritty thriller with the feel of Ozark. I'm loving it. I also enjoyed The Guest on BBC Iplayer, not least because Eve Myles' wardrobe and house are fantastic. A great 4-part watch that's easy to get into. And I couldn't let a round-up of this month's TV go by without mentioning The Celebrity Traitors, which hits screens on the 8th October. I'm already hooked and it hasn't even started!

BAKES

Despite my lack of culinary skills, I do love The Great British Bake Off and do occasionally dabble in the kitchen. These chocolate caramel hobnobs as featured in the series look utterly delicious. Here's Prue Leith's recipe.

BREAKS

As a seasoned host of Travel shows, I took the opportunity to also ask Amanda Lamb for her two recommendations for an October mini break. As a huge fan of North Devon, I'm very tempted by the idea of The Corner Cottage at Buck's Mills, which has 3 bedrooms and lies near a secluded beach and has gorgeous interior. Or stay in a room, suite or cottage at the award-winning The Collective at Woolsery near Bideford. Comprised of a gastro pub, accommodation, gourmet fish and chip shop, and 150acre farm, it's really special place serving 'the best Sunday roast of your life'.

BEAUTY

I am by no means a beauty expert. I'm minimal with make-up on a day-to-day basis and rarely purchase new products, but here are a couple of recent discoveries that I'd really recommend. As the owner of fine, fluffy hair (I know, I know, so lucky), I'm always in search of something to tame it. Whilst I have used Olaplex, I noticed an amazing difference after trying Philip Kingsley's Elasticizer, having seen it on Kate/Wearsmymoney's Instagram Stories. I also rate Colour Wow's Dream Coat, which really helps with fine fluff. For the face, I've fallen in love with Emma Lewisham's Skin Reset Serum, having received it in a SpaceNK promo. It smells delicious and glides smoothly onto the visage. Finally, I love a 'glow' and have been super impressed with Pixi's Blush Stick, which gives you just that.