Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things

Join Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank and Author of The Slow Traveller and regular contributor Jo Tinsley as they help you discover ways to find your own little pockets of calm in the run up to Christmas. In this episode, we appreciate the quiet of the approaching solstice, press pause and take some time for ourselves before curling up with some winter reads. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett. On the blog How to solve an Agatha Christie novel Books that Embrace the Cold Why We Love Cosy Crime In the December issue (162) on sale now Pressing pause: Whether it’s a few minutes to yourself or a day away, giving yourself time to do the things you enjoy this month will help prevent overwhelm Kitchen therapy Reading: awell-chosen book can bring moments of comfort, calm and cheer over the coming weeks. Modern eccentrics: Solstice revellers My place: Festive foliage Learn more Nature’s Calendar: The British Year In 72 Seasons by Kiera Chapman, Lulah Ellender, Rowan Jaines, Rebecca Warren (Granta) In previous issues available at picsandink.com A day in December: images that captured the magic of this month (150) How to get on with your siblings as grown-ups (and have a more harmonious yuletide). (126) A winter walk is a breath of fresh air. (150) Tuning into the month’s micro-seasons (138) Thanks to our partner for the Merry Midwinter season, the Marine Stewardship Council , which sets certification standards for sustainable fisheries and awards the blue ecolabel on fish and fish products. Find out more about the best fish to choose at msc.org and follow them on instagram @mscintheuk

The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank talk treasure, including the things we decorate our homes with, the people we treasure at Christmas and ways to treasure the season. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett. Thanks to our partner for the Merry Midwinter season, the Marine Stewardship Council , which sets certification standards for sustainable fisheries and awards the blue ecolabel on fish and fish products. Find out more about the best fish to choose at msc.org and follow them on instagram @mscintheuk On the blog Handmade gift ideas from thesimplethings.com Christmas crackers template here Bay and lemon sea salt body scrub Homemade tea bags Edible baubles Fairy cake baubles Gingerbread tree decorations In the December issue (162) on sale now Make your own advent candle Christmas playlist Mini rosemary wreath decorations Eggnog – why everyone should try it Forest needles chai Decorations from fabric scraps Weekend away – wreath making in the west country In our A Year of Celebrations Anthology Crafternoon – festive bakes and gifts Choosing the tree Edible baubles and stained-glass biscuits Handmade Christmas crackers In our wellbeing bookazine, Flourish Volume 4 Everlasting wreaths Learn more How to have an eco-friendly Christmas: advice from The Wildlife Trusts , The National Trust and WWF Fish pie recipe carrying the MSC blue label by James Strawbridge In previous issues available at picsandink.com Missing people at Christmas – Issue 150

Join The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and author of The Slow Traveller and regular contributor Jo Tinsley in the first episode of our Merry Midwinter season, where we are doing our best to find calm and contentment in the run up to Christmas. This episode we will be chatting about alternative approaches to advent calendars, the people working hard to preserve much-loved customs, the joy of a Christmas market and how to fill your home with festive scents. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett. In the December issue (162) on sale now Weekend project advent candle Alternative advent calendar ideas Keeping up traditions On the blog Natural Advent Calendar of Promises Make your own advent calendar Living Advent Calendar Scented Pinecones Herbs & Spices playlist From A Year of Celebrations anthology Weekend project: make your own advent calendar Learn more Window Wonderland in Shepton Mallet , Somerset A Winter Dictionary: A collection of words for the festive season by Paul Anthony Jones (Elliott & Thompson) In previous issues available to buy at picsandink.com Looking back: Mid-century Christmas traditions (138) Finding the fairytale for free(ish) (138) Weekend project: Scents of the season: Use natural finds to fill your home with some favourite smells of winter (150) Christmassy Cities: Nuremberg (150) , Bruges (Issue 126), Prague (162) Easy Giving: simple ways you can help spread cheer (150) For Christmas gift wrapped subscriptions click here and use code GIFTWRAP25 Thanks to our partner for the Merry Midwinter season, the Marine Stewardship Council , which sets certification standards for sustainable fisheries and awards the blue ecolabel on fish products. Find out more at msc.org and follow them on instagram @mscintheuk

Join The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes , Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank and regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller , Jo Tinsley as they take an early evening walk together and ponder over the joy and comfort of a familiar ramble, consider why being outdoors helps us to talk more freely, and finish with a stroll in the footsteps of Jane Austen in Bath’s very own pleasure gardens. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things get 30% off and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. In The Simple Things In the October HUG issue (160) on sale now Magical creatures – an appreciation of the tawny owl In the November SPICE issue (161) An Autumnal roast – it’s the season for roast dinners and this one is a winner Buy the November issue at picsandink.com from 16 October and on the newsstand from 22 October. From Flourish, our wellbeing bookazine (Volume 3) How to do autumn well – foraging, feasting and conker fighting Outdoor therapy – how it works and techniques to try as your walk Flourish Volume 4 is coming soon and is available to pre-order with 10% off until 29 October IN PREVIOUS ISSUES Which Jane Austen character are you? Fun quiz and events to suit your character. (Issue 154, April 2025) Moodscapes and walking routes – how different landscapes make us feel. (Issue 154, April 2025). Read more on our blog . Taken from The Walking Cure by Annabel Streets (Bloomsbury Tonic) Buy current and back issues here LEARN MORE Jane Austen 250 year anniversary events in Bath https://visitbath.co.uk/inspire-me/literary-bath/jane-austen-bath and beyond www.janeausten.co.uk The joy of a familiar walk by Alice Tatham (Issue 129) Follow Alice on Instagram @thewildwoodmoth

Join The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank for our own mini harvest festival as they relish this time of abundance for cooking, gathering and squirreling away before the first frosts arrive. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing by Dhylyn Foster. Music by Arthur Cosslett. On the blog Hedgrow fizz – foraged berries diluted with sparkling wine or water Crab apple whisky Crab apple and fennel seed leather In defence of the pear How to stock a store cupboard Lessons from Nigella Baked pear pies In the October HUG issue (160) on sale now Kitchen therapy – baked pear pies and a mindful drawing exercise Wine and cheese gathering – good wine and cheese pairings make for happy guests In previous issues In the September TREASURE issue (159) Plates to plot – share the harvest with friends by holding your own allotment feast with a tipple of warm apple cider and other seasonal dishes Coming up in the November issue (161) Smart ways to eat well. An extract from Shrewd Food: 60 Ways to Eat Yourself Healthy by Noonie Zand Goodarzi (Badger Books). Illustrations by Mudd Bexley November issue 161 will be available to pre-order at picsandink.com from 16 October, on sale from 22 October. Don’t give up your garden for winter: The natural world may be winding down but autumn is actually the start of the agricultural year, a time to plant and plan for the months ahead In Flourish Volume 3 Today, tomorrow to keep: pears Chocolate pear cake and preserved pears in red wine Pre-order the new Flourish Volume 4 with 10% off at www.picsandink.com until 29 October How to subscribe to The Simple Things – for an immediate start subscription with 30% go to off cover price go to http://www.icebergpress.co.uk/subscribe

As the autumn equinox tips summer into autumn, Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank and regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller , Jo Tinsley lace up their hiking boots and go exploring. From the joy of early autumn city breaks and solo travel to a walking meditation and games you can play with your dog. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing by Dhylyn Foster. Music by Arthur Cosslett. ON THE BLOG How to be a fearless traveller Songs about dogs Days out for You and Your Dog How to trespass with good manners TO READ The Book of Trespass: Crossing the Lines that Divide Us , by Nick Hayes The Slow Traveller by Jo Tinsley School for Dogs (And Their Humans) by Sophie Collins IN THE SIMPLE THINGS In October issue: My Living: The dog walker Wellbeing: Lessons in chemistry – how hormones help Miscellany: Give the dog a game Buy the October issue at picsandink.com from 18 September and on the newsstand from 24 September. IN PREVIOUS ISSUES Action stations: Hiking between stations or heading to the end of the line (159, Sep 2025) Dog days out: Around the UK are people and places going the extra mile for dogs (147, Sep 2024) Natural connection: A rope swing, a cairn and a den, these humble handmade features our landscape may just hold the key to improving our relationship with nature (147, Sep 2024) Good well hunting: Places for refreshment, healing and worship, wells and springs are magical places (158, Aug 2025) Buy current and back issues here LEARN MORE The Outdoor Swimming Society | Is it legal? The Outdoor Swimming Society | Right to Swim

In this third episode The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank turn their attention to what they have and where they live, enjoying treasures, finding fresh ideas at home and sampling a bit of Kveldsmat – the Norwegian tradition of evening breakfast. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing by Dhylyn Foster. Music by Arthur Cosslett. On the blog Greek Panzanella Journalling ideas Search ‘What I treasure’ on the blog for some of our published pieces from readers on a belonging that means a lot to them. To browse Treasure tins – #concentratesofplace @tanyashadrickwriter Window swap In The Simple Things From the September issue – 159 Home Economics: Tomatoes – how to make the most of a seasonal glut of tomatoes Wisdom: Emma Bridgewater on 40 years of preparing pottery and the special ritual of coffee and cake How to Kveldsmat – the Norwegian tradition of a late night snack My plot: Andrew Fusek Peters shares wildlife photography taken from his Shropshire garden. Fusekphotos.com @andrewfusekpeters and book Garden Safari (Graffeg) In the October (160) issue My Place: The corners of our home that mean the most – Kitchen tables Keeping a commonplace book by Miranda Mills, author of The Country Commonplace Book (Batsford) Sunday best – the comfort and delight of Sundays by Daniel Gray author of Sunday Best: Travels through the day of rest by Daniel Gray (Harper North) Bramble basket project Buy the October issue at picsandink.com from 18 September and on the newsstand from 24 September. From earlier issues Letting go – just like nature, we need to shed in order to grow and flourish (136) How to great a weekend retreat at home (142) Back garden campout – enjoy an end of summer camping trip without going away (110)

In this second episode at the start of the new school year The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and regular contributor Jo Tinsley indulge in a bit of schooldays nostalgia but also discuss why it’s a good time to take on new projects, find new habits, make something new and learn a few skills. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing by Dhylyn Foster. Music by Arthur Cosslett. On the blog Things to do with Weird Veg Box Vegetables Parsnip panpipes (yes, really) To read Forecast: A diary of the Lost Seasons , by Joe Shute (Bloomsbury) In The Simple Things From the September TREASURE issue (159) The Slapdash Manifesto: General principles for good enough Wearing Well: Wristwatches Buy the September issue here IN PREVIOUS ISSUES Revisiting team sports (Issue 147, September 2024) Veg box suppers: golden marrow marmalade, Moroccalili (Issue 111, September 2011) Wearing Well Backpacks (Issue 111, September 2021) Miscellany: How to win at conkers (Issue 136, October 2023) Clapping game lyrics A sailor went to sea, sea, sea To see what he could see, see, see But all that he could see, see, see Was the bottom of the deep blue sea, sea, sea A sailor went to knee, knee, knee To see what he could knee, knee, knee But all that he could knee, knee, knee Was the bottom of the deep blue knee, knee, knee A sailor went to chop, chop, chop To see what he could chop, chop, chop, But all that he could chop, chop, chop Was the bottom of the deep blue chop, chop, chop

Today our theme is SAVOUR and we’re advocating letting summer linger on as long as possible, savouring the tastes, fruits and flowers of the season, finding holiday habits to carry on with and appreciating things to treasure. Hosted by The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing by Dhylyn Foster. Music by Arthur Cosslett. SHOW NOTES On the blog Fig and goat’s cheese bundles Search ‘What I treasure’ on the blog for some of our published pieces from readers on a belonging that means a lot to them. To read Reading Between The Lines by Emma Bache (Quercus) In The Simple Things From the September issue New herbal non-alcoholic tipples series begins Handwriting and why it is good for you Buy the September issue here From the October issue Home Economics: Koromagae and clothes care when you switch from summer to winter. Buy the October issue at picsandink.com from 18 September and on the newsstand from 24 September. In September 2024 issue – 147 Appreciating your garden at dawn, day and dusk In August 2025 issue – 158 Kitchen therapy: figs, blackberries, plums and damsons From The Simple Things Anthology Volume 4: A Year of Celebrations Vineyard harvest supper Dahlias

It’s the final episode of our magical midsummer season and today all three of the Small Ways to Live Well podcast hosts have come together to talk about the most magical moments of this special time of year. Join Lisa Sykes (editor, The Simple Things), Becs Frank (Wellbeing editor) and Jo Tinsley (regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller ) as we discuss midsummer feasts and rituals, wonderful places to enjoy the solstice, the art of storytelling, and how dreams help us process emotions (and how to decode them). If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett On the blog: Midsommartårta (midsummer strawberry cake) recipe Lemon basil spritzer recipe Wild midsummer cocktails To read: Decode Your Dreams: Unlock your unconscious and transform your waking life by Ian Wallace (White Lion Publishing) Lucid dreaming – find out more about directing your dreams in our wellbeing bookazine, Flourish (Volume 3) buy it here The Slow Traveller : An intentional path to mindful adventures by Jo Tinsley In The Simple Things From the June SOAR issue (156) Midsummer short story writing competition To celebrate National Flash Fiction Day this month we’re launching our search for your best short stories, themed around ‘The Longest Day'. Send your entry of 300 words max to [email protected] with the heading MIDSUMMER MICROFICTION. Closing date 31 July. Full details in our June issue What happens at Stonehenge? Read about this and other seasonal ideas including making a fairy-lit garden room in our monthly Almanac Buy June issue here and on the newsstand until 24 June In the July FRUIT issue (157) Tomato leaf martini – a fabulously fragrant summer tipple Sleepless in summer – how to get the rest you need in the warmest months Magical creatures: Purple emperor butterflies Subscribers will receive the July issue from 20 June when pre-orders will also open at picsandink.com or you can buy on the newsstand from the 25 June. Find out how to subscribe here Check out The Simple Things Anthology Volume 4: A Year of Celebrations for any excuse to celebrate with the food, flowers and decorations for every occasion

Welcome to Episode 5 of our Magical Midsummer season in the Small Ways to Live Well podcast from The Simple Things magazine. Join Editor Lisa Sykes and and Jo Tinsley , a regular contributor to the magazine and also, very appropriately, author of The Slow Traveller , as we discuss all things SLOW from taking our time to savour summer fruits and learning how to enjoy the fruits of our labours to working out the best ways to while away a summer afternoon. Plus, we’ll be sharing some wise advice on travelling slowly. If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett On the blog Recipe: Ploughman's scones Ice cube herbs Ice cube aftersun To read The Slow Traveller : An intentional path to mindful adventures by Jo Tinsley Ernest journal Things to do Black Girls Do Run In The Simple Things From the June SOAR issue (156) Looking Back: Radio Times. Whether the Top 40 or Desert Island Discs, we tune into the programmes that have ruled the airwaves – and our hearts – over the last 100 years Kitchen Therapy: Take it outside. Lottie Stories shows us how to make Blossom Ice Cubes Wisdom: A question of sport. Long, light days encourage us to get outside and get moving, just like these women, who you’ll find doing what they love across the UK’s paths and roads, bridleways and waters. Competition: Put pen to paper. To celebrate National Flash Fiction Day this month we’re launching our search for your best short stories, themed around ‘The Longest Day'. Send your entry of 300 words max to [email protected] with the heading MIDSUMMER MICROFICTION. Closing date 31 July. Full details in our June issue Buy June issue here and on the newsstand until 24 June Subscribers will receive the July issue from 20 June when pre-orders will also open at picsandink.com or you can buy on the newsstand from the 25 June.

You’ve arrived at Episode 4 in our Magical Midsummer season of the Small Ways to Live Well podcast from The Simple Things magazine. Join Lisa Sykes , editor of the magazine and Jo Tinsley , a regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller . The loose theme for this episode is carefree because if you can’t feel a little bit frivolous and ditch a few chores and responsibilities around midsummer, then when can you? So think of us as your suggestion box this week, an audible prompt to try things you haven’t done for years, wear something out of the ordinary or take a trip. We’ll also be celebrating festivals and tiny campsites, appreciating a magical creature as we have every episode this season and sharing a few moments of magic that will hopefully inspire you to capture your own. If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett On the blog; Camping Truths: Camping is full of highs and lows but somehow it’s always worth it. Here, some of the Simple Things team share some of their most memorable camping moments . To read: The Slow Traveller : An intentional path to mindful adventures by Jo Tinsley Tiny Campsites: 80 Small but Perfect Places to Pitch by Dixe Wills Mini Quilting by Laura Strutt Things to do & make The Big Retreat Festival , Pembrokeshire Weekend Project: Pass holder and Belt bago or pouch template Greener Camping Club Nearly Wild Camping In The Simple Things : From the June SOAR issue (156) My Living: The Festival. Amber Lort-Phillips on the realities of running a festival Wearing Well: Bucket Hats. More stories of the clothes we love! Buy June issue here and on the newsstand until 24 June Subscribers will receive the July issue from 20 June when pre-orders will also open at picsandink.com or you can buy on the newsstand from the 25 June. Find out how to subscribe here The Simple Things Anthology Volume 4: A Year of Celebrations Any excuse to celebrate with the food, flowers and decorations for every occasion and ways to mark the season Country shows: A day out with animal, vegetable and mineral appeal. In previous issues of The Simple Things (back issues are available to buy here ) Out

Promise and Possibilities In the third episode of our magical midsummer season, Rebecca Frank , Wellbeing Editor of The Simple Things , and Jo Tinsley , regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller are celebrating the first day of summer and the things that make us shine at this time of year. Join us on a nostalgic trip to the British seaside, pick up some useful knowledge for growing your own pick of salad ingredients in pots and hanging baskets, and take some wise advice from our pick of wellbeing books for different times of life. If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett On the blog BBQ sides – because it’s all about the side dishes and pickles really Broad bean guacamole and kohlrabi slaw Salty dill cucumbers To read or listen to Yoga for Stiff Birds by Marion Deuchars (Skittledog) – we feature a different stretch in the Miscellany section of the magazine each month. Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown (Ebury) Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain (Penguin) The Lido Guide by Emma Pusill and Janet Wilkinson (Boundless) To find out more Lidos – Discover your nearest lido by visiting The Outdoor Swimming Society website and browse ‘The Big Lido Map’ at All The Lidos Visit the lidos mentioned in the episode: Shepton Mallet Lido Saltdean Lido Hathersage Swimming Pool Brockwell Lido Silver Nutmeg jewellery on Folksy In The Simple Things From the May TEND issue (155) One Pot Food Forest – a mini food forest where all the seeds are sown at once but have different harvest dates so the planter evolves over time, offering a constant crop. From My Plot: A Wilder Way with Poppy Okotcha, author of A Wilder Way: How Gardens Grow Us (Bloomsbury) Magical creatures: an appreciation of pondskaters Buy the May issue here From the June SOAR issue (156) Shelf help – 18 classic wellbeing books recommended by our experts that offer wisdom throughout life’s changes and challenges. The collection includes Quiet by Susan Cain and Lost Connections by Johann Hari as mentioned in the podcast. Good vibrations – how chanting a mantra can help still a busy mind Salad Days - growing advice and recipes for homegrown salads from The Kew G

Promise & Possibilities It's half term, another bank holiday weekend so in this episode The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank are setting out to DISCOVER things new to them (and hopefully you) plus learning why stepping outside of our comfort zone is good for us. And because it is midsummer we’ll be celebrating a magical creature and finding a moment of magic to note and notice. If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. To discover The Tweed Run Treasure Trails Caring for God’s Acre – Love your Burial Ground Week 7-15 June To read Snorkelling Britain: 100 Marine Adventures by Emma and Gordon Taylor ( Wild Things Publishing ) On the blog Maypole cake How to maypole From the June issue (156) Magical creature: Beavers My Plot: Narrowboat nursery & tow-along greenhouse Weekend away: staying in a lighthouse Buy the June issue here and on newsstands from 28 May. From our new book: The Simple Things Anthology Volume 4: A Year of Celebrations Whitsuntide recipes Modern Eccentrics – Boss Morris , yarn bombers, mermaid, steam punks Treasure hunting In previous The Simple Things Whitsuntide gathering (May 2024 – 143) Nature reserves (May 2023 – 131) Churchyards for wildlife (July 2022 – 121) Narrowboat home tour (August 2021 –110) Three campervans (July 2021 – 109) Converted horsebox home (August 2024 – 146)

Promise & Possibilities Anything seems possible at the start of summer and in this first episode The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank use their imagination to explore what a ‘could-do week’ looks like, find ways to make bank holiday journeys more bearable and the joy of being a regular, as well as making the most of elderflowers and roses and passing on some creative first aid. If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. On the blog Rhubarb and rosewater tart https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2016/4/13/recipe-rhubarb-and-rosewater-tart-with-cardamom-and-honey-cream?rq=rose Elderflower champagne recipe https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2014/06/06/recipe-elderflower-champagne?rq=elderflower%20 Rose petal and strawberry sandwiches https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/silly-sandwiches?rq=rose%20petal To read Extra Mile guides to Delicious Alternatives to Motorway Services, Coastal cafes and Farm shops Wild Swimming Hidden Beaches by Daniel Start ( Wild Guides ) Creative First Aid by Caitlin Marshall and Lizzie Rose (Murdoch Books) In The Simple Things From the May issue (155) Respect your elders – plan an elderflower foraging session then make cake, cordial and much more… The joys of being a regular – why revisiting regular favourite places results in so many happy returns Buy the May issue here From the June issue (156) Could-do week – shake up your week to make time for the things you enjoy every day The Longest Day microfiction competition Buy the June issue at picsandink.com from 23 May and on the newsstand from 28 May. From The Simple Things Anthology Volume 4: A Year of Celebrations Pushbike picnic : Vegetable crisps, three cheese & herb savoury muffins, Italian focaccia pressed sandwiches, apricot, blueberry and almond energy bars. Back garden campout featured in August 2021 issue (110) with Paprika & Parmesan Popcorn, Campfire Tacos, Frittata, Kohlrabi Slaw, Bean Salsa and Chipotle Mayo with Puffed Quinoa fridge cake. Plus Raspberry French Toasties and skillet granola for breakfast

Join us for our Easter Special episode of Small Ways to Live Well, the podcast from The Simple Things magazine Released on Good Friday, Team TST are recording live from a Blackdown Shepherd Hut in Somerset where they’ll enjoy cake and decorate an Ostereierbaum (Easter tree) before trying a sauna and cold plunge and warming up with rival hot chocolate recipes. Plus the signs that spring proper is here, stories of cute spring animals and making the most of April showers. Oh and we’re learning how ducks quack in other languages. Co-hosted by The Simple Things Editor, Lisa Sykes ; wellbeing editor Rebecca Frank and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley Our Easter Special and Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts . If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here. The May TEND issue is on sale at picsandink.com from 17 April, on newsstands 24 April Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. To read: Play spring bingo – signs that spring is really here Speak like a duck abroad To bake: Simnel cake recipe & history Hot cross buns recipe Gugelhupf – Austrian Easter cakes To make: Ostereierbaum (Easter tree) Dyed eggs Hot chocolate Tangerine & nutmeg Sea salt Spiced With pink peppercorns Orangey tipple To buy: M&S Simnel cake Blackdown sauna & cold plunge deck Beautiful mugs in the Blackdown hut for hot chocolate were by Florence Ceramics From The Simple Things: In the April JAUNT issue Rain gardens Easter buns of Europe Magical Creatures – mallards In our new anthology&

Feeling like spring has sprung? Join The Simple Things editor, Lisa Sykes, and wellbeing editor Rebecca Frank, who are marvelling at the first signs of spring with a hot picnic to go, enjoying the blossom in our gardens and finding out how different landscapes affect our wellbeing. If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here. Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. To read: The Walking Cure: Harness the life-changing power of landscape to heal, energise and inspire by Annabel Streets (Penguin Tonic) To follow: @wildwoodmoth – get inspired to take a photo a day on your regular routes with Alice Tatham @mirandakeeling – stopping to notice. Look out for an extract from Miranda’s new book The Place I’m In in our May issue To make: Cherry blossom origami as seen in the March MEND issue here Easter origami including rabbit egg holders, rabbits and chickens here To buy: Lumie Sunrise alarm clock (with birdsong) From The Simple Things: In the March MEND issue Learn with mother: four women discuss the unique qualities they inherited from their mother In the April JAUNT issue (on sale at picsandink.com from 20 March, on newsstands 26 March) Walk on the wild side: gather wild garlic to enjoy with friends and find new ways to cook with this easy forage Healing landscapes: thinking about where you walk and what you need will help you choose the right route for your mind and body From our March 2023 Light Issue (129) available to buy here First picnic of the year (with warming food while it’s still a bit nippy!) Plant a fruit tree in the garden (however small) for your own beautiful blossom. Find out how to plant a fruit tree

If you’ve got an urge to ‘sort things out’ we’re here to help cheer up a chore. The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley tackle a bit of spring cleaning, appreciate new life and share some fresh thinking on finding the balance between the comfort of things and clearing out. Plus do you know your laundry labels (honestly more interesting than it sounds) Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here . Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. THINGS TO MAKE & DO Revamp Your Woollies for Winter https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/revamp-woollies?rq=mending Homemade Cleaning Wonders https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/129-homemade-cleaning?rq=spring%20cleaning An excellent toolbox https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/good-tool-box?rq=spring%20cleaning Conker Laundry Soap https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/conker-soap?rq=laundry ON THE BLOG In praise of potting sheds Allotment Sheds Easy Eco Switch Ups TO READ Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Grams (Doubleday Books, 2022) Rough Patch by Kathy Slack (Little Brown 2025) TO LISTEN Spring cleaning songs IN THE MARCH ISSUE My Plot: Building a recycled shed Gathering: BYO project party Home economics: Patching and stitching. How to revive jeans, shirts and other wardrobe staples Identifier: Laundry symbols IN THE FEBRUARY ISSUE An ode to the library

Shrug off winter and wake up to spring – you’ll feel your energy levels rise while you listen to this episode. The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley will be talking rhubarb (literally) drinking some good coffee, making pancakes and discovering foraging for indoor people. Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here . On the blog: Rhubarb & Marzipan Cake Rhubarb Mimosas Rhubarb and ginger pavlova Rhubarb and custard crepes Birch sap wine From The Simple Things: In the March MEND issue Turning saps, buds and shoots into nourishing and reviving dishes and drinks Roasted Rhubarb and Cream Cake Chai Pancakes Laundry symbols identifier Manifesting, Coffee history – issue 128 Forced rhubarb recipes – issue 141 TO GO & DO: Olney Pancake Race , 4 March 2025, Skipping Day, Scarborough, 4 March 2025 Blackdown Shepherd Hut breaks TO FOLLOW: Rachel de Thample Jeska Herne, Lobster & Swan

If you’re looking for ways to comfort and soothe your winter weary mind and body, then pop the kettle on, curl up and join us. The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Rebecca Frank , are talking pies, toast and other comfort foods, and how growing veg is a mental and physical tonic. We’ll also be discussing sunrooms and citrus trees and the pillars of good health that will help to keep us on track as winter draws to a close. Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here . To read: Rough Patch: How a Year in The Garden Brought Me Back To Life by Kathy Slack (Robinson) How to Sleep Like a Caveman: Ancient Wisdom for a Better Night’s Rest by Merijn van de Laar (William Collins) On the blog: Marmite and cheddar Welsh Rarebit Nettle rarebit Reinventing the toastie Easter pie (Torta Pasqualina) Root veg, Marmite & cheddar pie Picnic pie Spring slaw To do: British Pie Week (3-9 March 2025) From The Simple Things: Issue 141 – Growing a lemon tree In the new March MEND issue (order via picsandink.com ) Life of pies - our favourite pies for picnics, parties, handy lunches and hearty dinners Things I learned from the soil : Between the bare beds of winter and the abundance of spring - Kathy Slack finds hope in the veg patch cycle

If you’ve got cabin fever and are ready to head out and about then we’re here to help Wellbeing editor, Rebecca Frank and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley, are taking some deep breaths as they head outdoors to blow (or even rinse off) the cobwebs with a bracing walk or a sauna and a cold dip. We will be also be finding ways to keep warm while appreciating nature and satisfying the urge to get growing again. Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things , a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live. If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the magazine at http://www.icebergpress.co.uk/subscribe and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here . Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett To read: Weathering: How the earth’s deep wisdom can help us endure life’s storms by Ruth Allen (Ebury) Just Add Nature: Embrace the healing powers of nature and increase your sense of wellbeing by Rebecca Frank (National Trust) To go and do: The Eden Project , Cornwall Sheffield Winter Garden The Japanese Gardens, Tatton Park , Cheshire The Japanese Garden, St Mawgan Cornwall Jack and Jill Windmills , West Sussex Cley Windmill , Norfolk The Line , London Beach Box Spa, Brighton Stamner Sauna Garden storytelling Oakhill Ponds, Somerset Ty Sawna , Gower Peninsula The British Sauna Society Glen Dye Cottages On the blog: The Swedish concept of Fika Beachcombing: Things you can take home from the seaside Yarn Bomber’s Toolkit In the February GLIMMER issue: Another Country: If holidays seem a long way off, get a tiny taste of travel thanks to landscapes, culture and food from aboard Jam Jar Gardens: Planting hyacinth bulbs in mason jars Flavour of the Weeks: Jenny Coates’ nature diary project Jenny Coates’ 52 Weeks of Nature Art

If you’re not yet ready to come out of hibernation then this episode is for you. Editor, Lisa Sykes , and wellbeing editor, Rebecca Frank are being kind to themselves, enjoying animal love stories, hugs and other tender gestures, learning how to seek out glimmers, make amends and discovering the importance of saying sorry. Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things , a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live. You can try an immediate start subscription at www.thesimplethings.com/subscribe and receive the current issue straight away, or buy current and back issues at https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things . If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for send us an email [email protected] Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett To read: Self-Care For Winter: Seven Steps To Thriving In The Colder Months by Suzy Reading (Aster) Talk: The Science of Conversation and The Art of Being Ourselves by Alison Wood Brooks (Penguin Life) How To Have Extraordinary Relationships by Lucy Cavendish (Hardie Grant) Why Buy Roses in February? Campaign from SSAW Collective about ethical ways of working with seasonal produce. To listen: Vardrypp – from a Norwegian reader, it's about the moment when the snow starts to melt / drip and you know winter is ending and spring is coming (March in Norway) Sunshine and Moonbeams by reader Louise Ashcroft Team TST’s mixtape playlist – all about the songs we remembered from mix tapes past To buy: Valentine’s Day alternative ideas: Scented narcissi www.scillyflowers.co.uk Devil’s ivy (Golden Pothos) String of hearts (Ceropegia Woodii) From The Simple Things: In the February GLIMMER issue : Kitchen therapy: feeding your senses Glimmers: small moments of joy Animal love matches Coming up in the March MEND issue (order via picsandink.com from 20 February) Making amends: how to say sorry Clementine Curd recipe Flourish – volume 3 of our wellbeing bookazine You can try an immediate start subscription at www.thesimplethings.com/subscribe and receive the current issue straight away, or buy current and back issues at https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things . If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for send us an email hello@picsandink.

Join in our special cook along episode as the team make Christmas cakes, large and small and a gluten-free pudding. In between stirring and mixing, The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes, Wellbeing Editor Becs Frank and regular contributor Jo Tinsley, will talk festive tipples, homemade gifts and advent calendars. As the cakes cook they’ll be reading seasonal microfiction. SPOILER ALERT! One of our stories in the second half of this podcast involves Santa Claus and if you have little listeners in earshot, it might not be something you want them around to hear if you want to keep the magic of Christmas going that little bit longer! To do: Listen to our festive playlists – search ‘Christmas Playlist’ on our blog for the Spotify links To buy: Gift subscriptions to The Simple Things Manifesto tea towel Christmas manifesto cards Subscribe to The Simple Things On the blog: Swedish glogg Simple homemade hanging decorations Stollen with dark rum and lemon marzipan Bath salts Galette Des Rois Mulled white wine From The Simple Things: Craft-a peel gathering – November 2023, Issue 137 – Stollen recipe, How to Dry Orange Slices and Painted Candles Mulling Spices for Wine gift idea – November 2022, Issue 125 Christmas microfiction winners – December 2023, Issue 138 Back issues are available to buy . If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for, send us an email [email protected] In the new December Christmas Cheer issue Hamper swap gathering Christmas food tidbits trivia Kitschmas retro drinks & nibbles To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett

In our Nourish episode Lisa Sykes, editor of The Simple Things magazine, chats to Wellbeing editor Becs Frank about hearty and healthy comfort food, domestic goddesses, why we all have a favourite mug and how to feed your skin in the winter months. Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things , a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live. To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett To read: Genius Gut by Dr Emily Leeming (Penguin) Regrown: How to Grow Fruit, Herbs and Vegetables from Kitchen Scraps by Paul Anderton and Robin Daly (Hardie Grant) On the blog: Hasselback Squash with chestnuts, pancetta & mushrooms https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/hasselback-squash Bedtime cake https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/bedtime-cake Bonfire treats Cinder toffee https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2015/11/4/recipe-cinder-toffee Rye & apple parkin https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/rye-apple-parkin?rq=parkin Smoked toffee apple bourbon https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2015/10/5/recipe-smoked-toffee-apple-bourbon?rq=bonfire From The Simple Things In the November JEWEL issue Carrot and Horlicks Tres Leches Cake Rye spiced pumpkin loaf Lemony parsnip houmous with sage An ode to our favourite mugs In the October WEAVE issue How domestic goddesses changed the way we cook Flourish – volume 3 of our wellbeing bookazine Back issues are available to buy at https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things . If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for send us an email [email protected]

This week, Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and regular contributor, Jo Tinsley seek out treasures of the season such as berries, hips, haws, pine cones and conkers; making magical land art; guerrilla gardening and seed bombs; growing unusual berries straight out of The Gruffalo ; and the subtle art of letting go. Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things , a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live. To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett To read: The Seed Detective: Uncovering the Secret Histories of Remarkable Vegetables by Adam Alexander (Chelsea Green Publishing) Finding Quiet Strength by Judith Kleinman (Quickthorn) Tiny Traumas by Dr Meg Arroll (Thorsons) The National Trust Book of Crumbles by Laura Mason (Harper Collins) To make: Damson cheese, hawthorn berry ketchup and salted sloes https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2014/09/10/fruits-hedgerow?rq=sloe Seed bombs https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/make-seed-bombs?rq=Seed%20bombs Pine cone bird feeder https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2016/12/14/how-to-make-a-pine-cone-bird-feeder?rq=Goldfinches From The Simple Things Magazine : October WEAVE issue https://picsandink.com/products/the-simple-things-issue-148-october?_pos=1&_psq=The+Simple+Things&_ss=e&_v=1.0 November JEWEL issue https://picsandink.com/products/the-simple-things-issue-149-november?_pos=2&_psq=The+Simple+Things&_ss=e&_v=1.0 Flourish – volume 3 of our wellbeing bookazine https://picsandink.com/products/flourish-volume-3?_pos=1&_sid=45c0aa519&_ss=r On the blog: Wellbeing | How to let go of being busy https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/wellbeing-let-go-busyness?rq=Letting%20go Recipe | Sticky sloe and nut clusters https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/sloe-nut-clusters?rq=sloe%20treacle%20tart Our remedy of the week | Rosehip syrup https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2015/10/7/recipe-rosehip-syrup-and-sloe-gin?rq=sloe Feature references Seeds of memories, Berried treasure and Let it sloe (with a recipe for Sloe treacle tart) published in November 2022 (issue 125) Letting go feature published in October 2023 (issue 136) Fall into place (land art by artist James Brunt) published in November 2023 (issue 137) Back issues are available to buy at https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for send us an email