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It's better to light a candle than curse the darkness

Lottie Storey December 21, 2020

A thought to mark the winter solstice. We first published this chalkboard in our October 2018 issue and somehow it feels even more pertinent today. Yule is traditionally a time to both embrace darkness and celebrate the return of the light, so we’re hunkering down with a candle tonight, enjoying the dark and the quiet and looking forward to spring, too.

Merry Yule! May the light burn brightly for you.

Buy this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe


More from our December issue…

Featured
Outdoorsy Xmas James Lampard.jpg
Dec 24, 2020
Think | Christmas Eve magic
Dec 24, 2020
Dec 24, 2020
Jigsaws pieceworkpuzzles.com.jpg
Dec 19, 2020
How to | do a jigsaw properly
Dec 19, 2020
Dec 19, 2020
VEG PEEL_ST Xmas Gin Crisp_CFrawley_01.JPG
Dec 15, 2020
Recipe | Root Veg Peel Crisps with Truffle Oil
Dec 15, 2020
Dec 15, 2020

More midwinter magic…

Featured
Stocksy Outing Fresh Air.jpg
Dec 14, 2024
Wellbeing | A Breath of Fresh Air
Dec 14, 2024
Dec 14, 2024
Skating Swans Alamy.jpg
Jan 8, 2022
How to | Ice Skate Without Embarrassment
Jan 8, 2022
Jan 8, 2022
Cobwebs Stocksy.jpeg
Jan 3, 2022
Science lesson | How frost is made
Jan 3, 2022
Jan 3, 2022
In Magazine Tags back cover, issue 76, october
Comment
blogpost pic.JPG

May Scrapbook Special Edition

David Parker April 23, 2020

We were INSPIRED when it came to making our new May issue. Necessity is the mother of invention and all that. You’ve been telling us (and we love to hear it) that The Simple Things offers some respite from stress, worry and boredom during this difficult time, so we set ourselves the task to fill the magazine with even more comfort, calm and cheer than usual. It’s a homemade scrapbook of our best work and favourite features that we think will help right now. And it is literally homemade, edited and designed by the team from our kitchen tables, sofas and bedrooms.

So what’s inside? Here’s a list that might tick your boxes…

Storecupboard cooking

Garden wildlife

Baking bread

Veg patch advice

Crafternoons

Ways to feel better

Bedtime stories

Plenty of Ideas for slowing down, enjoying what you have and making the most of where you live.
PLUS A 12-page compendium of puzzles, games, amazing facts and forgotten wisdom.

Our May Scrapbook Edition is available now for pre-order to be sent out from Monday 27 April, so you’ll get it delivered to your door before it officially goes on sale. We hope you enjoy it.

 

In Magazine Tags May 95, scrapbook, cover reveal, inspire, Issue 95
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Leap day thought : try something for the first time

Lottie Storey February 29, 2020

It’s leap year day today. How are you making the most of your ‘extra’ day in the year? Perhaps you’re just taking some time to yourself, to rest, read or enjoy making or doing your favourite thing. But with February 29th landing on a Saturday this year, we’re hoping to use the opportunity to try something for the first time, unencumbered by the daily routine.

A new thing can be as big or as small as you like, from a paddle-boarding lesson or an impromptu trip to a place you’ve never been to making a recipe you’ve never eaten before or picking up a book by an author you’ve not yet read.

If you’re also promising yourself to try something for the first time today, let us know how it went here. Happy extra day!

We first published this chalkboard in January 2016 but we thought it deserved another outing!

From our February issue…

Featured
Wintering pic.jpg
Feb 8, 2022
Reflection | Re-emerging
Feb 8, 2022
Feb 8, 2022
Darning.png
Feb 22, 2020
5 times fictional socks stole the show
Feb 22, 2020
Feb 22, 2020
etaylor copy.jpg
Feb 14, 2020
Love advice from romantic icons
Feb 14, 2020
Feb 14, 2020

More wisdom from our back page…

Featured
Back cover Michelle Rial from Am I Overthinking this Chronicle Books.jpg
Jul 23, 2019
July | a final thought
Jul 23, 2019
Jul 23, 2019
March chalkboard.JPG
Mar 27, 2019
March: a final thought
Mar 27, 2019
Mar 27, 2019
Feb chalkboard.jpg
Feb 27, 2019
February: a final thought
Feb 27, 2019
Feb 27, 2019
In Magazine Tags back cover, january, issue 43
1 Comment

The quieter you are, the more you hear

Iona Bower December 31, 2019

A moment of quiet to end the year

This chalkboard featured on the back cover of our October 2015 issue, but we thought it was worth looking at again. The last weeks of December can feel a bit fraught, even when they are full of fun, and a moment of quiet is sometimes all we need to calm our minds and be open to ‘hearing’ more. .

Whether you’re out on the tiles tonight, gathering with friends or celebrating the end of 2019 peacefully at home with a book and an early night, we hope you find a moment to practise being quiet and hearing a little better. Who knows what you might discover in a moment of silence?

Here’s to a peaceful 2020.

Buy this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

More from our January issue…

Featured
back cover.JPG
Jan 22, 2020
January | a final thought
Jan 22, 2020
Jan 22, 2020
No more sick days bath soak Shutterstock.jpg
Jan 18, 2020
Make | No More Sick Days bath soak
Jan 18, 2020
Jan 18, 2020
Snow day pic Alamy.jpg
Jan 15, 2020
Winter | a suggested snow day timetable
Jan 15, 2020
Jan 15, 2020

More moments of calm…

Featured
Apr 7, 2017
Think: Calm in a jiffy
Apr 7, 2017
Apr 7, 2017
Mar 20, 2016
Wellbeing: Finding everyday silence
Mar 20, 2016
Mar 20, 2016
Jan 27, 2016
Calm: February cover reveal
Jan 27, 2016
Jan 27, 2016
In Magazine Tags back cover, issue 40, issue 91, January, Quiet
Comment
the simple things gift subscription.png

Christmas gift subscription offer

Lottie Storey October 23, 2018

Christmas gift subscription offer from The Simple Things magazine. Treat friends and family to a gift subscription this Christmas and we'll do the wrapping and sending for you. Just £44 – saving 26%* on the usual cover price.

Read More
In Magazine, Christmas Tags issue 76, october, gift subs, gift idea
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Photograph: Jo Emmerson

Photograph: Jo Emmerson

Positive News from around the world | Balancing the books

Lottie Storey October 9, 2018

When she realised that collections of rare literary works are dominated by male authors, AN Devers set about redressing the balance


"They are as close to perfect objects as exist in the world," smiles AN Devers, describing her favourite subject - books. Five years ago, she was working as an arts journalist in New York City when occasionally buying a signed first edition by a favourite writer turned into a more serious habit. Devers started going to rare book fairs and quickly noticed a price discrepancy in modern first editions by men, and those written by women.

“I knew that the rare book world was considered rather old-fashioned, but I hadn’t realised there were so few women book collectors or dealers compared to the number of men who sell and collect," she says.

Not long after, Devers was struck by the idea for The Second Shelf: a rare book business focused on books by and about women. The collector trade is part of a supply chain, she explains, one that leads to readers’ bookshelves, universities, archives and libraries. Historically dominated by white, Western ‘bookmen’, women – particularly women of colour – have simply been deemed less collectable.

“I put it down to the gender bias that plagues nearly all fields,” she says. “Women’s contributions are typically undervalued across all areas of our life and professional experience.”

The only book she has given herself permission to keep “that I could – and should – sell” is a first edition of Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar. Written under the pseudonym of Victoria Lucas, it’s a work that Devers calls “tremendous and underrated”.

Earlier this year, Devers also launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. It was a way to communicate the gender imbalance issue and also to raise funds for her burgeoning business. She used the proceeds – 608 backers pledged £32,000 – to launch an online book shop. And she now also prints a quarterly publication: a magazine and rare book catalogue hybrid for people who share her passion.

AN Devers and some of her favourite books at Second Shelf (thesecondshelf.com).

Turn to page 52 of October’s The Simple Things for more articles written by our friends at Positive News, the magazine for good journalism about good things. See the world from a different angle; positive.news/subscribe.

  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

View the sampler here.

 

More to make you happy:

Featured
Playlist Feb.JPG
Jan 22, 2020
Playlist | Songs to put a bounce in your step
Jan 22, 2020
Jan 22, 2020
happy talk.jpg
Oct 16, 2018
Happy talk
Oct 16, 2018
Oct 16, 2018
happy-tst.png
Mar 8, 2018
How to be happy
Mar 8, 2018
Mar 8, 2018

More could-do lists:

Featured
Could do Feb.JPG
Jan 29, 2022
February | A Could-do List
Jan 29, 2022
Jan 29, 2022
Could do list.JPG
Dec 31, 2021
January | Could-do lists
Dec 31, 2021
Dec 31, 2021
Dec Could Do.JPG
Nov 20, 2021
A Could-Do List for December
Nov 20, 2021
Nov 20, 2021
In Magazine Tags positive news, october, issue 76
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could do list for autumn.jpg

A could-do list for October

Lottie Storey October 1, 2018

Things you might want to do this month (no pressure!)

  • Make toffee apples – or our liquorice shards

  • See how many different coloured leaves you can find

  • Tell a ghost story

  • Gather some hedgerow hips and haws for a bouquet

  • Call a friend for a proper chat instead of texting

  • Leave town for the day and go for a countryside walk

  • Think about all the good things you have in your life right now and write a list of some of them

What would you add? Come over and tell us on Facebook or Twitter. 

  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

View the sampler here.

 

More from the October issue:

Featured
back cover 76.png
Dec 21, 2020
It's better to light a candle than curse the darkness
Dec 21, 2020
Dec 21, 2020
SIM76.TODAY,TOMORROW,TOKEEP_Hazelnuts-Pesto-7353.jpg
May 9, 2020
Cook | hazelnut pesto and gnocchi with fennel
May 9, 2020
May 9, 2020
the simple things gift subscription.png
Oct 23, 2018
Christmas gift subscription offer
Oct 23, 2018

Christmas gift subscription offer from The Simple Things magazine. Treat friends and family to a gift subscription this Christmas and we'll do the wrapping and sending for you. Just £44 – saving 26%* on the usual cover price.

Oct 23, 2018

More could-do lists:

Featured
Could do Feb.JPG
Jan 29, 2022
February | A Could-do List
Jan 29, 2022
Jan 29, 2022
Could do list.JPG
Dec 31, 2021
January | Could-do lists
Dec 31, 2021
Dec 31, 2021
Dec Could Do.JPG
Nov 20, 2021
A Could-Do List for December
Nov 20, 2021
Nov 20, 2021
In Magazine Tags could do, october, issue 76
1 Comment
76 cover.png

Nourish | October cover reveal

Lottie Storey September 26, 2018

When all around is setting seed and shutting up shop for the dark months ahead, it’s tempting to follow nature’s lead and hunker down too. But look at what else this month offers – spectacular colours to inspire redecorating, fun in the form of spooky stories, and a harvest rich in fruit, nuts and vibrant squashes. Time to spend a busy afternoon in a steamed-up kitchen as the light fades. Self-care in autumn means nourishing your mind and body by looking out rather than in. And possibly buying a pair of new boots...

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe.

View the sampler here, buy back issues or try our sister mag, Oh Comely 

More from the October issue:

Featured
back cover 76.png
Dec 21, 2020
It's better to light a candle than curse the darkness
Dec 21, 2020
Dec 21, 2020
SIM76.TODAY,TOMORROW,TOKEEP_Hazelnuts-Pesto-7353.jpg
May 9, 2020
Cook | hazelnut pesto and gnocchi with fennel
May 9, 2020
May 9, 2020
the simple things gift subscription.png
Oct 23, 2018
Christmas gift subscription offer
Oct 23, 2018
Oct 23, 2018
SIM76.LOOKINGBACK_GettyImages-526897858.png
Oct 21, 2018
Halloween | Five great ghouls
Oct 21, 2018
Oct 21, 2018
SIM76.NEST_DSC_0201.png
Oct 20, 2018
Nest | Kangaroo paw
Oct 20, 2018
Oct 20, 2018
know-a-thing-or-two-trees.png
Oct 19, 2018
Know a thing or two... Trees and druid traditions
Oct 19, 2018
Oct 19, 2018
happy talk.jpg
Oct 16, 2018
Happy talk
Oct 16, 2018
Oct 16, 2018
SIM76.CAKE_175_portuguese_tarts.png
Oct 13, 2018
Recipe | Portugese custard tarts (Pastéis de nata)
Oct 13, 2018
Oct 13, 2018
SIM76.GARDENS_0532895.png
Oct 10, 2018
Five black plants
Oct 10, 2018
Oct 10, 2018
SIM76.POSITIVENEWS_Must credit Jo Emmerson.png
Oct 9, 2018
Positive News from around the world | Balancing the books
Oct 9, 2018
Oct 9, 2018
SIM76.MISCELLANY_Bed.png
Oct 8, 2018
Stories behind superstitions | The wrong side of the bed
Oct 8, 2018
Oct 8, 2018
how is this a gift.jpg
Oct 7, 2018
In what way is this a gift?
Oct 7, 2018
Oct 7, 2018
Pg73.png
Oct 6, 2018
Make | Silhouette portrait
Oct 6, 2018
Oct 6, 2018
SIM76.TODAY,TOMORROW,TOKEEP_Hazelnuts-Granola-7390.png
Oct 5, 2018
Recipe | Chocolate & hazelnut granola
Oct 5, 2018
Oct 5, 2018
SIM76.COMFORTOFTHINGS_home quandary pic.jpg
Oct 2, 2018
The Comfort of Things | An organised wardrobe
Oct 2, 2018
Oct 2, 2018
could do list for autumn.jpg
Oct 1, 2018
A could-do list for October
Oct 1, 2018
Oct 1, 2018
SIM76-home-hacks-heater.jpg
Sep 27, 2018
Home hacks | Make a terracotta heater
Sep 27, 2018
Sep 27, 2018
the rules of conkers.jpg
Sep 27, 2018
The official rules of conkers
Sep 27, 2018
Sep 27, 2018
SIM76.GATHERING_SimpleThingsSchiacciata1 copy.jpg
Sep 26, 2018
Recipe | Schiacciata di uva
Sep 26, 2018
Sep 26, 2018
76 cover.png
Sep 26, 2018
Nourish | October cover reveal
Sep 26, 2018
Sep 26, 2018
cryptsongs.png
Sep 19, 2018
Listen | Songs from the crypt
Sep 19, 2018
Sep 19, 2018
  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

In Magazine Tags cover reveal, issue 76, october
Comment
75 back cover.png

An expert in anything was once a beginner

Lottie Storey September 16, 2018

More from the September issue:

Featured
happy mail.png
Sep 25, 2018
Happy mail | 5 newsletters to subscribe to
Sep 25, 2018
Sep 25, 2018
SIM75.NEST_DSC_0236.png
Sep 24, 2018
Nest | Hydrangeas
Sep 24, 2018
Sep 24, 2018
SIM75.OUTING_E4GKJK.png
Sep 23, 2018
Old railway tracks
Sep 23, 2018
Sep 23, 2018

More back covers:

Featured
Back page lone wolf.JPG
Mar 24, 2021
March | a final thought
Mar 24, 2021
Mar 24, 2021
Back page.JPG
Feb 23, 2021
February | a final thought
Feb 23, 2021
Feb 23, 2021
Back cover.JPG
Jan 27, 2021
January | a final thought
Jan 27, 2021
Jan 27, 2021
  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

View the sampler here.

In Magazine Tags back cover, issue 75, september
Comment
positive news.png

Positive News from around the world

Lottie Storey September 6, 2018

Where statistics and optimism meet

  • 620k caged hens have been rehomed by the British Hen Welfare Trust since it was established in 2005. The Devon-based charity, supported by more than 500 volunteers, finds ‘retirement homes’ for hens otherwise destined for slaughter.

  • Out of 35m flights in 2017, only two were involved in accidents with fatalities. The figure, based on research by aviation consultancy To70, means there was a fatal accident rate of just 0.000006% – a record low.

  • 75% of Americans believe that immigration is good for their nation, new research by Gallup shows. It is the highest share of citizens to hold this view since 2001. Only 29% say immigration should be cut, the lowest share since 1965.

Turn to page 50 of September's The Simple Things for more articles written by our friends at Positive News, the quarterly magazine for good journalism about good things.

See the world from a different angle; positive.news/subscribe.

  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

View the sampler here.

 

More to make you happy:

Featured
Playlist Feb.JPG
Jan 22, 2020
Playlist | Songs to put a bounce in your step
Jan 22, 2020
Jan 22, 2020
happy talk.jpg
Oct 16, 2018
Happy talk
Oct 16, 2018
Oct 16, 2018
happy-tst.png
Mar 8, 2018
How to be happy
Mar 8, 2018
Mar 8, 2018

More could-do lists:

Featured
Could do Feb.JPG
Jan 29, 2022
February | A Could-do List
Jan 29, 2022
Jan 29, 2022
Could do list.JPG
Dec 31, 2021
January | Could-do lists
Dec 31, 2021
Dec 31, 2021
Dec Could Do.JPG
Nov 20, 2021
A Could-Do List for December
Nov 20, 2021
Nov 20, 2021
In Magazine Tags issue 75, september, positive news
Comment
angelina-litvin-32188-unsplash.jpg

A could-do list for September

Lottie Storey September 4, 2018

Things you might want to do this month (no pressure!)

  • Print your favourite summer photos
  • Wear clothes that make you feel happy (and give away any that don’t)
  • Spend more time with the people you love
  • Start a new notebook of thoughts and ideas
  • Notice summer making way for autumn
  • Enjoy the restoring of calm and order
  • Set yourself a mini physical challenge. Write down reasons to give it a go

What would you add? Come over and tell us on Facebook or Twitter. 

  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

View the sampler here.

 

More from the September issue:

Featured
happy mail.png
Sep 25, 2018
Happy mail | 5 newsletters to subscribe to
Sep 25, 2018
Sep 25, 2018
SIM75.NEST_DSC_0236.png
Sep 24, 2018
Nest | Hydrangeas
Sep 24, 2018
Sep 24, 2018
SIM75.OUTING_E4GKJK.png
Sep 23, 2018
Old railway tracks
Sep 23, 2018
Sep 23, 2018

More could-do lists:

Featured
Could do Feb.JPG
Jan 29, 2022
February | A Could-do List
Jan 29, 2022
Jan 29, 2022
Could do list.JPG
Dec 31, 2021
January | Could-do lists
Dec 31, 2021
Dec 31, 2021
Dec Could Do.JPG
Nov 20, 2021
A Could-Do List for December
Nov 20, 2021
Nov 20, 2021
In Magazine Tags could do, issue 75, september
Comment
75 TST cover.png

Restore | September cover reveal

Lottie Storey August 30, 2018

There’s an energy

that arrives with September; an urge to learn, to make, to buy but also to restore order after a laissez-faire summer. The satisfaction of a job well done can cheer up any chore and brings a chance to enjoy favourite parts of your home at their best. Take time, too, to appreciate the lingering season before autumn proper. It’s a month for outdoor swimming; harvesting peppers, chillies and tomatoes; long walks and weekends away. Restorative quiet never felt so good.

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe.

View the sampler here, buy back issues or try our sister mag, Oh Comely 

More from the September issue:

Featured
happy mail.png
Sep 25, 2018
Happy mail | 5 newsletters to subscribe to
Sep 25, 2018
Sep 25, 2018
SIM75.NEST_DSC_0236.png
Sep 24, 2018
Nest | Hydrangeas
Sep 24, 2018
Sep 24, 2018
SIM75.OUTING_E4GKJK.png
Sep 23, 2018
Old railway tracks
Sep 23, 2018
Sep 23, 2018
SIM74.TTTK_Relish-8992.png
Sep 20, 2018
Recipe | Preserved roasted peppers
Sep 20, 2018
Sep 20, 2018
SIM75.WHATITREASURE_P1010136.png
Sep 18, 2018
What I treasure | My inherited recipe books
Sep 18, 2018
Sep 18, 2018
75 back cover.png
Sep 16, 2018
An expert in anything was once a beginner
Sep 16, 2018
Sep 16, 2018
SIM75.handwriting_background.png
Sep 15, 2018
Handwriting taster
Sep 15, 2018
Sep 15, 2018
ethical fashion_ copy.png
Sep 13, 2018
Know a thing or two... Ethical fashion
Sep 13, 2018
Sep 13, 2018
SIM75.MYPLOT_DSC05480.png
Sep 11, 2018
My Plot | Natural born swimmers
Sep 11, 2018
Sep 11, 2018
new shoes.png
Sep 10, 2018
Stories behind superstitions | New shoes
Sep 10, 2018
Sep 10, 2018
SIM75.CAKE_Silken Pear Cake-2.png
Sep 9, 2018
Recipe | Silken pear cake
Sep 9, 2018
Sep 9, 2018
Autumn_Virgo_Libra_Scorpio_Final.png
Sep 8, 2018
September horoscopes | Virgo
Sep 8, 2018
Sep 8, 2018
[Made+Good] Stoneware everyday-pasta-budha bowls (lifestyle), £38.png
Sep 7, 2018
The Comfort of Things | Handmade home
Sep 7, 2018
Sep 7, 2018
positive news.png
Sep 6, 2018
Positive News from around the world
Sep 6, 2018
Sep 6, 2018
angelina-litvin-32188-unsplash.jpg
Sep 4, 2018
A could-do list for September
Sep 4, 2018
Sep 4, 2018
75 TST cover.png
Aug 30, 2018
Restore | September cover reveal
Aug 30, 2018
Aug 30, 2018
75Herb-self-watering.png
Aug 30, 2018
Garden hacks | Make a self-watering herb garden
Aug 30, 2018
Aug 30, 2018
75 roominations.png
Aug 29, 2018
Roominations
Aug 29, 2018
Aug 29, 2018
75 playlist.png
Aug 22, 2018
Listen | Songs of the streets
Aug 22, 2018
Aug 22, 2018
75-tomato-recipe.png
Aug 22, 2018
Recipe | Borlotti Beans, fermented tomato, basil & chickpeas
Aug 22, 2018
Aug 22, 2018
tst reader survey.png
Aug 22, 2018
The Simple Things survey 2018
Aug 22, 2018
Aug 22, 2018
  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

In Magazine Tags cover reveal, september, issue 75
Comment
tst reader survey.png

The Simple Things survey 2018

Lottie Storey August 22, 2018

It’s been a while since we’ve asked you about The Simple Things. We’ve published the magazine for four years now and we’d love to know what you like (or don’t like) about it. Which covers and features you preferred and whether you buy every issue, or just now and again. We also want to know a little more about you, too, so we can make sure we’re publishing what you like to read. We’d also love to know which is your favourite room and why.

By taking part, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win £200 of John Lewis vouchers. Just go to bit.ly/TSTSurvey18

Thanks for your support

From all at The Simple Things

  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

View the sampler here

 

More from the September issue:

Featured
happy mail.png
Sep 25, 2018
Happy mail | 5 newsletters to subscribe to
Sep 25, 2018
Sep 25, 2018
SIM75.NEST_DSC_0236.png
Sep 24, 2018
Nest | Hydrangeas
Sep 24, 2018
Sep 24, 2018
SIM75.OUTING_E4GKJK.png
Sep 23, 2018
Old railway tracks
Sep 23, 2018
Sep 23, 2018
In Magazine Tags reader survey, issue 75, september
4 Comments
74 back cover.png

You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf

Lottie Storey August 12, 2018

More from the August issue:

Featured
SIM74.MYPLOT_IMG_0730.png
Aug 28, 2018
Six medicinal herbs worth growing
Aug 28, 2018
Aug 28, 2018
SIM74.COMFORT_MINI MODERNS Pavilion Reed Diffuser - Gin Fizz 200ml.png
Aug 26, 2018
The Comfort of Things | A guide to home fragrance
Aug 26, 2018
Aug 26, 2018
SIM74.HOMETOUR_Bureaux_House_Pod_Idladla_17.png
Aug 24, 2018
The tiny house movement
Aug 24, 2018
Aug 24, 2018

More back covers:

Featured
Back page lone wolf.JPG
Mar 24, 2021
March | a final thought
Mar 24, 2021
Mar 24, 2021
Back page.JPG
Feb 23, 2021
February | a final thought
Feb 23, 2021
Feb 23, 2021
Back cover.JPG
Jan 27, 2021
January | a final thought
Jan 27, 2021
Jan 27, 2021
  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

View the sampler here.

In Magazine Tags back cover, issue 74, august
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could do list for august .jpg

A could-do list for August

Lottie Storey August 1, 2018

Things you might want to do this month (no pressure!)

  • Exercise when it’s cool in the mornings

  • Eat a little lighter this month

  • Write a postcard or letter once a week

  • Dive into deep water

  • Listen to live music

  • Flavour water with fresh fruit and herbs

  • Enjoy being idle

  • Write down three things you don’t know or understand and make finding out about them your goal for this month

What would you add? Come over and tell us on Facebook or Twitter. 

  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

View the sampler here.

 

More from the August issue:

Featured
SIM74.MYPLOT_IMG_0730.png
Aug 28, 2018
Six medicinal herbs worth growing
Aug 28, 2018
Aug 28, 2018
SIM74.COMFORT_MINI MODERNS Pavilion Reed Diffuser - Gin Fizz 200ml.png
Aug 26, 2018
The Comfort of Things | A guide to home fragrance
Aug 26, 2018
Aug 26, 2018
SIM74.HOMETOUR_Bureaux_House_Pod_Idladla_17.png
Aug 24, 2018
The tiny house movement
Aug 24, 2018
Aug 24, 2018

More could-do lists:

Featured
Could do Feb.JPG
Jan 29, 2022
February | A Could-do List
Jan 29, 2022
Jan 29, 2022
Could do list.JPG
Dec 31, 2021
January | Could-do lists
Dec 31, 2021
Dec 31, 2021
Dec Could Do.JPG
Nov 20, 2021
A Could-Do List for December
Nov 20, 2021
Nov 20, 2021
In Magazine Tags could do, issue 74, august
Comment
74 cover tsts.png

Savour | August cover reveal

Lottie Storey July 25, 2018

August is the slowest month, a chance to recharge. At home there are early finishes and afternoons spent idling, while being away brings its own r&r. A river picnic is something to savour – picking blackberries and eating ice-cream, too. Long car trips are rarely a pleasure but here also is a chance to embrace slow: leaving the motorway to explore, playing silly car games, or driving a camper van just for the joy of it. Savouring summer can involve making a journey in more ways than one.

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe.

View the sampler here, buy back issues or try our sister mag, Oh Comely 

More from the August issue:

Featured
SIM74.MYPLOT_IMG_0730.png
Aug 28, 2018
Six medicinal herbs worth growing
Aug 28, 2018
Aug 28, 2018
SIM74.COMFORT_MINI MODERNS Pavilion Reed Diffuser - Gin Fizz 200ml.png
Aug 26, 2018
The Comfort of Things | A guide to home fragrance
Aug 26, 2018
Aug 26, 2018
SIM74.HOMETOUR_Bureaux_House_Pod_Idladla_17.png
Aug 24, 2018
The tiny house movement
Aug 24, 2018
Aug 24, 2018
SIM74.GALLERY_p.188_Hideouts_CanopyandStars.png
Aug 21, 2018
House in a tree
Aug 21, 2018
Aug 21, 2018
SIM74.TRYITOUT_IMG_1630.png
Aug 19, 2018
Life Skills | Flower arranging
Aug 19, 2018
Aug 19, 2018
SIM74.TTTK_Relish-8992.png
Aug 17, 2018
Recipe | Sweetcorn relish
Aug 17, 2018
Aug 17, 2018
IMG_0594.JPG
Aug 15, 2018
Join our lending library
Aug 15, 2018
Aug 15, 2018
credit-vic-phillips-tgle-2016-195-2.png
Aug 15, 2018
Reader offer | 10% discount on tickets to The Good Life Experience!
Aug 15, 2018
Aug 15, 2018
Mirror.png
Aug 15, 2018
Stories behind superstitions | Broken mirrors
Aug 15, 2018
Aug 15, 2018
SIM74.GATHERING_River Picnic-10.png
Aug 14, 2018
Recipe | Pea & herb falafel
Aug 14, 2018
Aug 14, 2018
74 back cover.png
Aug 12, 2018
You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf
Aug 12, 2018
Aug 12, 2018
SIM74.LOOKINGBACK_GettyImages-855591474.png
Aug 11, 2018
How to buy a camper van
Aug 11, 2018
Aug 11, 2018
SIM74.OUTING_M725MN.png
Aug 10, 2018
Eat better service stations
Aug 10, 2018
Aug 10, 2018
Campstove.png
Aug 9, 2018
How to build your own camp stove
Aug 9, 2018
Aug 9, 2018
chickweed aloe aftersun ice cubes.jpeg
Aug 8, 2018
Ice cube aftersun
Aug 8, 2018
Aug 8, 2018
david austin roses offer.jpeg
Aug 6, 2018
*David Austin® fragrant, repeat-flowering English roses
Aug 6, 2018
Aug 6, 2018
cornflowers.jpg
Aug 5, 2018
Nest | Cornflowers
Aug 5, 2018
Aug 5, 2018
Wild blackberry & rose petal sponge.jpg
Aug 4, 2018
Recipe | Wild blackberry & rose petal sponge
Aug 4, 2018
Aug 4, 2018
NP_Allentown_card2_selects-66webres_1.jpg
Aug 2, 2018
*National Allotment Week with Nature's Path
Aug 2, 2018
Aug 2, 2018
could do list for august .jpg
Aug 1, 2018
A could-do list for August
Aug 1, 2018
Aug 1, 2018
annie-spratt-78044-unsplash.jpg
Jul 31, 2018
Facti (facts about cacti)
Jul 31, 2018
Jul 31, 2018
  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

In Magazine Tags cover reveal, august, issue 74
Comment
73 TST back cover.png

Old ways won't open new doors

Lottie Storey July 15, 2018

More from the July issue:

Featured
SIM73.MAKES_HG_Sunshine Spaces_28391.png
Aug 26, 2022
Make | Outdoor canvas hammock
Aug 26, 2022
Aug 26, 2022
SIM73.TREASURE_WhatITreasure1.png
Jul 24, 2018
What I treasure | My walking boots
Jul 24, 2018
Jul 24, 2018
SIM73.IDEAS_Stocksy_txp683f47de3ky100_OriginalDelivery_339275.png
Jul 23, 2018
Think | Sixth sense
Jul 23, 2018
Jul 23, 2018

More back covers:

Featured
Back page lone wolf.JPG
Mar 24, 2021
March | a final thought
Mar 24, 2021
Mar 24, 2021
Back page.JPG
Feb 23, 2021
February | a final thought
Feb 23, 2021
Feb 23, 2021
Back cover.JPG
Jan 27, 2021
January | a final thought
Jan 27, 2021
Jan 27, 2021
  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

View the sampler here.

In Magazine Tags back cover, july, issue 73
Comment
happiness.png

Project Happiness | The winning patch

Lottie Storey July 3, 2018

AS SPRING ARRIVED we produced a set of four sew-on badges (you can buy them, see page 23 of July's The Simple Things), each reflecting an everyday action that can enrich your life. The first four were on the themes of be active, connect, keep learning and take notice.

We asked readers to design the fifth Happiness Patch, in the style of our series, on the theme of give. And you rose to the task – we had over a hundred patch designs submitted 

The winning design ‘Share with Others’ (above) by Lauren Bowers is being made into a real patch and she wins a fantastic VIP glamping festival package with The Good Life Experience (thegoodlifeexperience.co.uk).

All good things come to those who wait and, if you’re a subscriber, the wait will be worth it, as we’ll be sending you one of Lauren’s patches with your September edition of The Simple Things.
We’ll also be selling the ‘Share with Others’ patch online from the end of August and donating all the proceeds to The Trussell Trust, which works to end hunger and poverty in the UK by co-ordinating a 420-strong network of foodbanks, and now provides money advice and fuel banks, too. Some 13 million people live below the poverty line in Britain and the number is growing each year.

Subscribe before 13 August 2018 to receive a free ‘share with others’ patch.

  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

View the sampler here.

 

More from the July issue:

Featured
SIM73.MAKES_HG_Sunshine Spaces_28391.png
Aug 26, 2022
Make | Outdoor canvas hammock
Aug 26, 2022
Aug 26, 2022
SIM73.TREASURE_WhatITreasure1.png
Jul 24, 2018
What I treasure | My walking boots
Jul 24, 2018
Jul 24, 2018
SIM73.IDEAS_Stocksy_txp683f47de3ky100_OriginalDelivery_339275.png
Jul 23, 2018
Think | Sixth sense
Jul 23, 2018
Jul 23, 2018
SIM73.TTTK_Plums-2665.png
Jul 21, 2018
Plum cordial
Jul 21, 2018
Jul 21, 2018
SIM73.MYPLOT_VIEW FROM HUGELKULTURE ON LEFT DOWN TO WISHING CIRCLE.png
Jul 20, 2018
My Plot | The 7 layers of a forest garden
Jul 20, 2018
Jul 20, 2018
IMG_4258.jpg
Jul 17, 2018
Where to get wild
Jul 17, 2018
Jul 17, 2018
73 TST back cover.png
Jul 15, 2018
Old ways won't open new doors
Jul 15, 2018
Jul 15, 2018
SIM73.COMFORTOFTHINGS_Lights 4 funMovie Night Glamping Lifestyle.png
Jul 14, 2018
The Comfort of Things | A guide to outdoor lighting
Jul 14, 2018
Jul 14, 2018
outdoor art.jpg
Jul 13, 2018
Unexpected treasures | Outdoor art
Jul 13, 2018
Jul 13, 2018
In Magazine Tags july, issue 73
Comment
could do list.png

A could-do list for July

Lottie Storey July 2, 2018

Things you might want to do this month (no pressure!)

  • Spend a little more time over your meals
  • Get up with the sunrise and nap in the afternoon
  • Gather some kids and build a dam
  • Indulge your ice-cream craving
  • Listen to the sound of the waves
  • Make bedtime for reading and cuddling (and not screens)
  • Write down the songs that make you the happiest. Make this your summer playlist and share with your friends...

What would you add? Come over and tell us on Facebook or Twitter. 

  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

View the sampler here.

 

More from the July issue:

Featured
SIM73.MAKES_HG_Sunshine Spaces_28391.png
Aug 26, 2022
Make | Outdoor canvas hammock
Aug 26, 2022
Aug 26, 2022
SIM73.TREASURE_WhatITreasure1.png
Jul 24, 2018
What I treasure | My walking boots
Jul 24, 2018
Jul 24, 2018
SIM73.IDEAS_Stocksy_txp683f47de3ky100_OriginalDelivery_339275.png
Jul 23, 2018
Think | Sixth sense
Jul 23, 2018
Jul 23, 2018

More could-do lists:

Featured
Could do Feb.JPG
Jan 29, 2022
February | A Could-do List
Jan 29, 2022
Jan 29, 2022
Could do list.JPG
Dec 31, 2021
January | Could-do lists
Dec 31, 2021
Dec 31, 2021
Dec Could Do.JPG
Nov 20, 2021
A Could-Do List for December
Nov 20, 2021
Nov 20, 2021
In Magazine Tags could do, july, issue 73
Comment
73 July The Simple Things cover.png

Discover | July cover reveal

Lottie Storey June 27, 2018

Not everyone likes surprises, but we can all appreciate a new discovery. It might mean visiting
a new city or opening your eyes to outdoor art but simpler pleasures too, like trying a new author or an all-veggie barbecue. There are also unexpected treasures to seek out within yourself; hone your sixth sense, learn outdoor skills, become a more mindful gardener. You could start this voyage by taking every meal you can outdoors, then watch and wait as nature creates patterns before your very eyes. A month of adventure awaits.

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe.

View the sampler here, buy back issues or try our sister mag, Oh Comely 

More from the July issue:

Featured
SIM73.MAKES_HG_Sunshine Spaces_28391.png
Aug 26, 2022
Make | Outdoor canvas hammock
Aug 26, 2022
Aug 26, 2022
SIM73.TREASURE_WhatITreasure1.png
Jul 24, 2018
What I treasure | My walking boots
Jul 24, 2018
Jul 24, 2018
SIM73.IDEAS_Stocksy_txp683f47de3ky100_OriginalDelivery_339275.png
Jul 23, 2018
Think | Sixth sense
Jul 23, 2018
Jul 23, 2018
SIM73.TTTK_Plums-2665.png
Jul 21, 2018
Plum cordial
Jul 21, 2018
Jul 21, 2018
SIM73.MYPLOT_VIEW FROM HUGELKULTURE ON LEFT DOWN TO WISHING CIRCLE.png
Jul 20, 2018
My Plot | The 7 layers of a forest garden
Jul 20, 2018
Jul 20, 2018
IMG_4258.jpg
Jul 17, 2018
Where to get wild
Jul 17, 2018
Jul 17, 2018
73 TST back cover.png
Jul 15, 2018
Old ways won't open new doors
Jul 15, 2018
Jul 15, 2018
SIM73.COMFORTOFTHINGS_Lights 4 funMovie Night Glamping Lifestyle.png
Jul 14, 2018
The Comfort of Things | A guide to outdoor lighting
Jul 14, 2018
Jul 14, 2018
outdoor art.jpg
Jul 13, 2018
Unexpected treasures | Outdoor art
Jul 13, 2018
Jul 13, 2018
THE_SEA_flat_CMYK.jpg
Jul 12, 2018
Six amazing sea creatures
Jul 12, 2018
Jul 12, 2018
SIM73.FRESH_A171104_173_Papillote_16511.png
Jul 10, 2018
Recipe | Shellfish in parcels
Jul 10, 2018
Jul 10, 2018
aaron-lee-378203-unsplash.jpg
Jul 8, 2018
Life Skills | Sea kayaking
Jul 8, 2018
Jul 8, 2018
Jelly Fish.png
Jul 6, 2018
Natural first aid | Jellyfish stings
Jul 6, 2018
Jul 6, 2018
SIM73.GATHERING_Peach & Mushroom Burger.png
Jul 4, 2018
Recipe | Peach & portobello mushroom burgers
Jul 4, 2018
Jul 4, 2018
happiness.png
Jul 3, 2018
Project Happiness | The winning patch
Jul 3, 2018
Jul 3, 2018
could do list.png
Jul 2, 2018
A could-do list for July
Jul 2, 2018
Jul 2, 2018
SIM73.NEST_Nigella on blue 1.png
Jun 28, 2018
Nest | Nigella
Jun 28, 2018
Jun 28, 2018
Star.png
Jun 28, 2018
Stories behind superstitions | Wishing on a star
Jun 28, 2018
Jun 28, 2018
SIM73.CAKE_176_icecream_cake.png
Jun 28, 2018
Recipe | Black cherry, chocolate and meringue ice cream cake
Jun 28, 2018
Jun 28, 2018
73 July The Simple Things cover.png
Jun 27, 2018
Discover | July cover reveal
Jun 27, 2018
Jun 27, 2018
73 competition.png
Jun 20, 2018
Competition | Win a day on a River Cottage cookery course with Quicke’s
Jun 20, 2018
Jun 20, 2018
  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

In Magazine Tags cover reveal, july, issue 73
Comment
  • Blog
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Featured
  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well
Feb 27, 2025
Feb 27, 2025

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See the sample of our latest issue here

Buy a copy of our latest anthology: A Year of Celebrations

Buy a copy of Flourish 2, our wellbeing bookazine

Listen to our podcast - Small Ways to Live Well

Feb 27, 2025
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The Simple Things is published by Iceberg Press

The Simple Things

Taking time to live well

We celebrate slowing down, enjoying what you have, making the most of where you live, enjoying the company of of friends and family, and feeding them well. We like to grow some of our own vegetables, visit local markets, rummage for vintage finds, and decorate our home with the plunder. We love being outdoors and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with a job well done.

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