We’re into the second week of half term (the boys have two weeks off. TWO WEEKS! ) and we’re all still talking to each other. Maybe with the odd shout thrown in but mostly talking, thanks in part to a brilliant new book called How To Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your Kids by Carla Naumburg. Seriously, it’s a great read. And she’s not preaching perfection, just hugely practical advice. Anyway, we’ve ticked most of the half term boxes so far – relative lie-ins, cinema trips, sleepovers – but the big one is looming. Halloween *SCREAMS* and for the first time in years the annual neighbourhood Halloween party isn’t at ours. Instead I’m taking the kids/wine to a neighbour’s house. Perfection.

Current white in the fridge: Montes Reserva Chardonnay

Price: £6.00 - Buy From Tesco

This wine is such a wonderful blast from the past. It was on the Tesco shelves back when I was a wine buyer and was one of my favourite Chilean Chardonnays. Unapologetically bold with ripe tropical fruit flavours and a generous lick of oak, it was the kind of white I loved when the weather turned colder and chicken stews were very much on the table. And now it’s back in the range – and currently on offer (normally it’s £9). A monster deal.

Current red in the rack: Morellino di Scansano

Price: £7.99 - Buy From Waitrose

Like Chianti, only more relaxed. It’s from Maremma in southern Tuscany, where the Sangiovese grape is known as Morellino. Here it produces a slightly riper, rounder style of wine compared with the Sangiovese-based wines further inland. Currently on offer until Bonfire Night so get in there if you like the sound of it.