The Simple Things

Taking time to live well
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Taking Time to Live Well

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Manifesto | Slapdash

Iona Bower September 30, 2025

Embrace our manifesto for living a life that’s not perfect but ‘good enough’

The word ‘perfect’ is banned from The Simple Things. It’s hard to live a slower, more fulfilled life when we are surrounded by unrealistic examples of a flawless existence. So, cakes are wonky, suggestions are could-do, not should do, food is slow, not for show. Yes, we make things look pretty and choose the most beautiful pictures because there’s a pleasure in that, but our weekend projects are ‘proudly homemade’ and we’re never striving to ‘impress our guests’ in our Gathering recipe ideas. Belongings are often more treasured because they’re imperfect and many of our favourite memories stem from things that went awry. When we talk to people about their plots, jobs, homes or cities, we ask about their mistakes, failures, problems and life lessons, as well as the good stuff. 

After a decade of advocating the simple things, we figured it was time to speak out for ‘good enough’ and urge everyone to experiment with a little bit of slapdash. So here is our Slapdash Manifesto. Stick it on your fridge or add it haphazardly to your pinboard, maybe order one of our patches (available in our online store soon) and stitch it badly to something that you’ll wear with pride. 

PRACTISE

Become a dabbler. Feel the joy in ‘having a go’ Just begin.

BE PRAGMATIC

Enjoy the journey. It’s the doing it, not the result, that matters.

FIND PERSPECTIVE

Everyone loves a trier. It’s the spirit of it that counts. You are your own worst critic.

LEARN TO PLAY

Relish it. Enjoy rather than endeavour. Make your own rules.

PAUSE

Stop for cake. Embrace no-dash slapdash. Go slow.

In Think Tags slapdash, manifesto, simple things
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The Simple Things letterpress print

Lottie Storey July 19, 2016

When it came to writing a manifesto for The Simple Things, it actually didn’t take long. We made a list of those special moments and and stuff that’s really important.

When we handed out the flyers at shows, we realised how universal they are. People wanted one to take home. So we asked Nomad Letterpress to hand-print a special poster.

Made using Zerkall 225gsm mould-made paper

Measures 380mm x 530mm 

Colours from the top: Teal, Watermelon, Blueberry & Ginger

The Simple Things letterpress print costs £22, unframed, and UK p&p is free*

Buy at icebergpress.co.uk/shop

*Check online for overseas postage prices 

 

Read more from the July issue:

Featured
Jul 25, 2016
Escape: Sand, sea, surf
Jul 25, 2016
Jul 25, 2016
Jul 19, 2016
The Simple Things letterpress print
Jul 19, 2016
Jul 19, 2016
Jul 15, 2016
Dogs in blankets with Laughing Dog
Jul 15, 2016
Jul 15, 2016

 

More Simple Things Shop posts:

Featured
Bodkincreates.jpg
Feb 3, 2021
Where to buy | espresso cups like the ones on our February cover
Feb 3, 2021
Feb 3, 2021
cover shot me.jpg
Dec 15, 2020
Where to buy | Knitwear like our January cover
Dec 15, 2020
Dec 15, 2020
COLOURWAY TEST1.jpg
Oct 15, 2019
Help choose our new manifesto
Oct 15, 2019
Oct 15, 2019
  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Order  our new Celebrations Anthology   Pre-order a copy of  Flourish 4 , our new 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 issue 49, july, manifesto, letterpress, shop
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Featured
  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Order  our new Celebrations Anthology   Pre-order a copy of  Flourish 4 , our new wellbeing bookazine   Listen to  our podcast  – Small Ways to Live Well
Aug 29, 2025
Aug 29, 2025

Buy, download or subscribe

See the sample of our latest issue here

Order our new Celebrations Anthology

Pre-order a copy of Flourish 4, our new wellbeing bookazine 

Listen to our podcast – Small Ways to Live Well

Aug 29, 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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