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Taking time to live well
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Wisdom | Mother Knows Best

David Parker March 27, 2025

Mothers do often seem to know best don’t they? This month, as we mark Mother’s Day, we thought we would share some wisdom from The Simple Things’ team’s own mums

“I remember when I was having a real wobble during exams and was woefully unprepared. Rather than telling me off for my lack of revision, Mum just gave me the biggest cuddle and told me that it didn't matter what results I got, the sun would still rise tomorrow and the world would still turn. Really simple, but it really resonated and was just what I needed to hear. She also used to say there was nothing a G&T and a pack of Walkers Ready Salted couldn't fix. I’d agree with that, too.”

Abbie Miller, Sub Editor

“My mum used to always say 'never go food shopping hungry', which is actually very good advice. She also told me when I was little that when you get money out of the cashpoint, a person is the other side pushing it through. I used to shout 'thank you' until I was about 10.” 

Rob Bidiss, Commercial Director

“‘Kiss the ugly frog’. That stuck with me! The idea is, if you've a load of tasks to do (in this case it was revision), start with the one you're most dreading as you'll feel relieved once it's done and the rest won't seem so bad!”

Jo Mattock, Commissioning Editor

“My favourite piece of advice my mum has ever given me is: ‘Never drink alone. If you’re on your own, pour yourself a drink and switch on The Archers, then you can have a glass of wine with everyone in The Bull!’. Genius.”

Iona Bower, Editor at Large

“My mum used  to say before I went out: 'Be good, and if you can't be good be careful'. Sound advice.”

Karen Dunn, Commissioning Editor

“My mum always said ‘everything feels better after a walk up the garden’. Whatever the problem was (tummy ache, friendships, homework) I was always told to go for a walk up the garden and it would feel better. She was right, too.” 

Rebecca Frank, Wellbeing Editor

“My mum doesn’t have just one pearl of wisdom but she does start most sentences with 'What you could do...' Among the funniest what-you-could-dos include  'what you could do is put a portable loo in your front garden rather than convert the under stair cupboard' and the time she suggested what my sister could do was combine her wedding with an event that happened the day before so she could re-use the flowers!”

Liz Boyd, Picture Editor

In our March issue, we met several women who have learned skills, passions and philosophies from their mothers, including Roisin Taylor and her mum Caroline, who passed on her passion for growing. You can read more about all the mums and their wisdom from page 56.

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

More Mother’s Day celebrations…

Featured
Mothers Wisdom.jpeg
Mar 27, 2025
Wisdom | Mother Knows Best
Mar 27, 2025
Mar 27, 2025
Mar 27, 2022
Recipe: Mothering buns
Mar 27, 2022
Mar 27, 2022
Simnel Cake Sam A Harris, Fitzbillies.jpg
Mar 21, 2020
Cake facts | Simnel cake
Mar 21, 2020
Mar 21, 2020

More from our March issue…

Featured
Mothers Wisdom.jpeg
Mar 27, 2025
Wisdom | Mother Knows Best
Mar 27, 2025
Mar 27, 2025
@the.narrows.project 2.jpeg
Mar 22, 2025
Outing | Music Rooms
Mar 22, 2025
Mar 22, 2025
Nettle crisps.jpg
Mar 15, 2025
Recipe | Salt & Vinegar Nettle Crisps
Mar 15, 2025
Mar 15, 2025
InFun Tagsissue 153, mother's day, mums
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  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

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
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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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