Black Friday: Alternatives to the shopping frenzy

Lottie Storey November 25, 2016

This Friday is Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving in the US that has become the biggest shopping day of the year.

But while many fight it out in the aisles, there are alternative ways to spend your day

Want to join them? Here are some ideas for alternatives to Black Friday:

This Friday, The Wild Network is challenging us to #OptOutside and get some #WildTime as an antidote to the spendathon of the busy shopping day. Here are ten ways to get outside.
How about making Christmas the homemade way? Head to our Pinterest board for some handmade decoration ideas or browse our making projects.
The Simple Things Sunday Best campaign celebrates quiet ways to reconnect with friends, family and home. Try one of our ideas.
If you are shopping, opt for local, independent makers rather than the big stores. It really makes a difference.

Do you have alternative ideas for Black Friday? Join the conversation over on Twitter and Facebook.

Words: Lottie Storey

A Whiter Shade of Pale

louise gorrod August 25, 2016

Fresh, calm and effortlessly stylish, white homewares are guaranteed never go out of style. Our shopkeeper, Louise Gorrod, shares her pick of the palest home accessories from The Stuff of Life.

Attention to detail is key. Linens are pre-washed for ultimate softness and hand thrown ceramics fresh from the potters wheel - timeless products that are a pleasure to use everyday.

Images from top, left to right:

Marble Chopping Board from Home Address, £25.00 | Everyday large mug by Emma Lacey, £25.00 | Hurricane Lantern by The Glam Camping Company, £28.50 | Fläpps leaning shelf by Ambivalenz, £226.92 | Linen napkin by The Linen Works, £8.75 | Linen waffle towels from The Linen Works, from £19.00 | Handmade Organic Teapot by Linda Bloomfield, £84.00 | White stoneware platter from Home Address, £30.00 | Linen bathrobe from The Linen Works, £120.00

Summer Breeze

louise gorrod August 4, 2016

Living needs to be easy in the summer months and that means our homes too. Our shopkeeper, Louise Gorrod, has trawled the shelves at The Stuff of Life to bring you her pick of simply crafted products.

‘This pick perfectly captures the informality of living by the sea - from soft washed linens in faded blue, tactile ceramics in washed aqua and cool enamelware in chalky white – they’re the perfect accessories for an easy breezy home this summer’.

Images from top, left to right: Washed Blue Linen Napkin from LinenMe, £8.99 | Giant Straw Basket from Cachette, £16.00 | Cantine Plates from Home Address, £12,00 | Everyday Large Mug by Emma Lacey, £27.00 | Linen Tablecloth from Home Address, £70.00 | Water cups from Quince Living, £9.00 | Linen Bath Robe by The Linen Works, £120.00 | White Enamel Cutlery from Cachette, from £6.50 | Denim Light Wash Cushion by From Brighton With Love, £50.00.

sofa.com Alderney Armchair in Design Lab Occipinti Wisteria White and Purple.jpg

Flower Power

louise gorrod July 11, 2016

Our shopkeeper, Louise Gorrod, is putting on a flower show indoors with her pick of bold floral products from The Stuff of Life.

‘From painterly wisteria prints on upholstery fabric to a simply sketched monochrome rose print - this summer blooms aren’t just for the garden. Here are a selection of my favourite floral products from The Stuff of Life that will never wilt or fade.

Images from top, left to right: Wisteria upholstery fabric by Occipinti, £56.00 per/m | Rose is a Rose Print by One Must Dash, £55.00 | Summer Wallpaper by Sian Zeng, £35.00 per roll | Navy Khanga Flower Drawstring Bag by Lou Hopper, £55.00 | Floral Flutter Cushion by Kith & Kin, £56.00 | RHS Passion Flower Linen Tea Towel from Ulster Weavers, £7.50 | Joules Floral Cup from Quince Living, £12.50 | Flower Field Skirt Apron from Quince Living, £28.00 | Wisteria Tea Cosy by Occipinti, £26.00

Spring clean

louise gorrod March 17, 2016

Finally we are beginning to see signs that spring is on its way. Daffodils, blossom, Easter eggs and, dare we say it, the odd sunny day.

While it might not be time to put away our winter coats just yet, it is time to think about welcoming the new season into our homes. What better way to do so than with a spring clean. Whether you plan to set aside an entire weekend to clean from skirting board to ceiling or you’re just going to resolve to give those curtains a spin in the washing machine, our Shopkeeper, Louise Gorrod, has the selected the perfect cleaning kit from The Stuff of Life to make those chores a little more enjoyable.

Images from top, left to right: Organic cotton ironing board cover by Orche and Ocre, £18.00 | Linen laundry bag by The Linen Works, £28.00 | Vintage style enamel wash bowl by The Glam Camping Company, £9.99 | Linen kitchen towels by LinenMe, £10.99 | Birch wood round brush by Cachette, £20.00 | Handcrafted scrubbing brush by Cachette, £12.00 | Set of 3 Kaleidoscope storage boxes by Cambridge Imprint, £18.00 | Organic cotton peg bag by Orche and Ocre, £12.00 | Natural belly basket by Olli Ella, £25.00.

Create the perfect workspace with The Stuff of Life

louise gorrod February 26, 2016

Inspired by our workspace feature in the February issue, our Stuff of Life shopkeeper, Louise Gorrod, has taken a screenbreak to bring you her pick of workspace products.

From space-saving bookshelves and seating to decorative notebooks for all those ‘To-Do’ lists, The Stuff of Life will make your 9 to 5 run more smoothly.

Images from top, left to right: In Flight Print by Quince Living, £26.00 | Fläpps Shelf by Ambivalenz, from £119.23 | Jungle Fever Notebook by Kith & Kin, £3.50 | Gold Wall Clock by Home Address, from £75.00| Mini Book Rack by Agustav, from £75.00 | Memo Card & Envelope by Alfie’s Studio, £1.50 | Fläpps Folding Chair by Ambivalenz, from £173.08 | Recycled Pickle Jar Light by Cachette, £42.31 | Concrete Holder by Cachette, £20.00.

The essential winter beach kit

louise gorrod February 11, 2016

Inspired by our February issue, in which Clare Gogerty takes us on an exhilarating journey to some of our finest winter beaches, our shopkeeper, Louise Gorrod, has compiled the essential The Stuff of Life winter beach kit for those wishing to head coastal and blow away those late winter cobwebs.

Warm layers, wellington boots, waterproof coats and bags, a packed lunch to feast on and your own portable tea making facility will set you up nicely for such an adventure.

For those not willing to brave the sand and shingle quite so early in the year, there are some great coastal inspired homewares and stationery products on the shop too. Don't forget to send us a postcard!

Images from top, left to right: Seasalt tea towel by Ulster Weavers, £6.50 | Oilcloth bag by Ulster Weavers, £19.00 | Organic print sweatshirt by Lost Shapes, £32.00 | Wellington Boots by Story Horse, £35.00 | Raincoat by Story Horse, £40.00 | Yay! lunchbox by Quince Living, £7.50 | Ghillie Kettle by The Glam Camping Company, £47.50 | Pack away bucket by The Glam Camping Company, £19.95 | Set of coastal greeting cards by Alfie’s Studio, £8.00

Mugs: Where to buy similar to those on November's The Simple Things

Lottie Storey November 21, 2015

We didn't source the mugs on the cover of the November issue, but since we've had so many queries about them, Louise (our wonderful Stuff of Life Shopkeeper) has found some great alternatives.

Check out www.nativeandco.com, www.maudandmabel.com and www.nomliving.com for their ceramic mugs - sea salt hot chocolate at the ready!

And you lot over on Facebook have been sharing your suggestions too. Try the following:

Julia Smith Ceramics

Seasalt Cornwall

Pyaar

Carmel Eskell Ceramics

Leach Pottery

Charlotte Storrs Stoneware

Paul Mossman Pottery

Let us know if you find any others!

The Simple Things Home Tour November 2015 issue

The Stuff of Life: Home Tour Inspiration

louise gorrod November 9, 2015

White walls in the home are smart, modern and a blank canvas, but have you ever hankered after something a little more dramatic? If you’ve read the home tour in our current issue, you too might be tempted to move over to the darker side of the paint chart.

Peter Win’s Shoreditch flat has won us over: dark and moody grey with startling pops of colour, texture and beautiful decorative objects. Inspired by this beautiful home we’ve shopped The Stuff of Life to get the look. It’s time to get bold indoors. You can read the full feature and see more images of Peter’s flat in the November issue of The Simple Things, available now.

Images from top, left to right: Summery Quilts by Lisa Watson, from £245.00 | Black & Gold Brass Bowl by Home Address, £24.00 | Edible Botany Calendar by Alfie’s Studio, £12.50 | Gold Wall Clock by Home Address, £65.00 | Rose Bowl Vase by Home Address, £20.00 | Everyday Mug by Emma Lacey, £27.00 | Quick Brown Fox Wallpaper by Identity Papers, £65.00 per 10m roll | Sunflower Oblong Cushion by Stuff of Dreams, £30.00 | Wild England Limited Edition Print by Occipinti, from £28.00 | Belly Basket by Olli Ella, £25.00 | Faux Fur Throw by The Glam Camping Company, £230.00 | Red Vintage Lampshade by ByMarie, £25.00.

lampshades by humblesticks from the stuff of life

Light up your life with The Stuff of Life.

louise gorrod October 26, 2015

So the clocks went back yesterday meaning our evenings will now get darker all the sooner. It needn’t be all doom and gloom though – with the right lighting you can create a warm and cosy home. Over at The Stuff of Life we have the perfect selection of lighting to see you through the darker months.

From a statement design to a colourful drum shade, a new ceiling pendant can really uplift a living space, while a stylish table lamp will transform dark corners into cosy corners.

Group together a small cluster of tea lights or candlesticks, stock up on candles and create a cosy glow in the evening. Or if you’re feeling crafty, why not create your own lampshade? One of these DIY lampshade craft kits is all you need.

Images from top, left to right: Lampshade selection by Humblesticks, sold with a lamp base, £160.00 | Bike Lampshade by ByMarie, £45.00 | Geometric Beech Suspension Light by Cachette, from £43.00 | Recycled Can Suspension Light by Cachette, from £43.00 | Purple & Pink Vintage Lampshade by ByMarie, £45.00 | Bright Lanterns Demijohn Lamp by Humblesticks, £160.00 | Blue Paisley Vintage Lampshade by ByMarie, £ 25.00 | The Groove Lamp by Stuff of Dreams, from £155.00 | Pink & Brown Block Flower Shade by Lou Hopper Shop, £35.00 | Petal Lanterns by Quince Living, from £12.00 | Mercury Tea Lights by The Glam Camping Company, £7.50 for a pack of 4 | Bakula Candle Stick by Quince Living, £18.00 | Mini Jelly Mold Tea Light by From Victoria, £16.00 | Lampshade Craft Kit by Quince Living, £20.00

Passing on traditions: Putting the clocks back

Lottie Storey October 24, 2015

Thank you Apple and all your techie friends for changing the way we officially end summertime and embrace dark nights and more sleep. Somehow you just ‘know’ when British Summertime ends and adjust the clocks on our phones, laptops and tablets accordingly. Spoilsports. Now we have only the memories of mishaps caused by forgetting to put the clocks back (or forward). We know it always happens at 2am the last Sunday of October in the UK but that never stopped someone you knew being an hour out of step right into the following Monday.

However, not every clock is digital and there’s something of a ritual about marking the changing of the seasons by altering the hands of a clock or watch. And come Christmas, a well- meaning relative is bound to point out the one clock no-one could be bothered to change and the rest of the family has learned to live with.

There’s an established lobby for aligning us with the continent by keeping daylight saving time all year round, but in parts of Scotland the sun wouldn’t rise until 10am in winter; farmers, milkmen and newspaper delivery kids aren’t keen. No, how much better to stay out of step until spring when the return of light evenings ushers in the sequel: Putting The Clocks Forward.

Need a new clock? Try one of these from The Stuff of Life shop - clockwise (ha ha) from top left:

Gold wall clock / 3 piece wooden clock / Pallet wood clock / Wooden clock set

From the October issue

Passing on traditions

From The Stuff of Life

October's The Simple Things is on sale - buy, download or subscribe now.

Recipe: Roasted root vegetables with a fruit vinegar glaze

Lottie Storey October 23, 2015

The addition of fruit vinegar to a pan of roasted vegetables gives them a little extra something. The bright colour and sweet-and- sour tang are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds alike. You can mix and match with other vegetables such as fennel or sweet potato, and serve on its own or with a roast or some chops.

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES

SERVES 4
1.5kg mixed carrot, parsnip, beetroot and celeriac (in whatever proportions you like)
2 sprigs thyme
75ml olive oil
25g butter
2 red onions, peeled and cut into 6 wedges
1 bulb garlic, broken into individual cloves, skin on
3 tbsp raspberry vinegar*
salt and pepper

1 Heat the oven to 200C/ Fan 180/400F. Peel the root vegetables and cut them into largish chunks.
2 Put them in a roasting
dish with the thyme, pour over the olive oil and mix well to coat the vegetables.
3 Add the butter in small pieces over the top and season with salt and pepper.
4 Roast for half an hour, then add the onion and garlic cloves.
5 Turn the vegetables and baste them, ensuring that everything is well coated and browning evenly.
6 Roast for another half an hour, then splash in the fruit vinegar, mixing well.
7 Cook for 10 mins, until the vegetables are soft in the centre and coated with a shiny, caramelised glaze.

* For a raspberry vinegar recipe, also from Fern Verrow, visit thesimplethings.com/blog/raspberryvinegar

Recipe from Fern Verrow: Recipes from the Farm Kitchen by Jane Scotter and Harry Astley (Quadrille).

For beautiful enamelware, have a look at The Stuff of Life, The Simple Things’ shop. Here are four picks.

Clockwise from top left:

Enamel coffee pot / Enamel espresso cups / Four season bowls / White enamel cutlery

From the October issue

Autumn recipes

From The Stuff of Life

October's The Simple Things is on sale - buy, download or subscribe now.

New products line the shelves at The Stuff of Life.

louise gorrod October 12, 2015

Over the past few weeks we’ve seen a number of new products filling our shelves at The Stuff of Life. There are now several new brands to discover as well as a fresh offering of products from some our most popular brands.

How about a new art print for the bedroom or a set of knitted cushions to revive a tired sofa? Maybe your kitchen is crying out for a new set of chopping boards, or how about replacing those greying tea towels with a linen roller towel? All these products are on my wish list.

The Stuff of Life has new products across all its departments that include Wellbeing, Style, Escaping, Reading and Making. Browse the shop for yourself and let us know what’s on your wish list. Happy Shopping!

Images from top, left to right: For Rest Print by One Must Dash, from £35.00 | Small Ash & Brass Trug by Jane Crisp Bespoke Designer Maker, from £175.00 | Russian Cushion by Hattie Kerrs Knitwear, from £52.00 | Linen Roller Towel by The Linen Works, from £29.00 | Recycled Pickle Jar Light by Cachette, from £42.31 | Hand-carved Trees by Forge Creative, from £36.00 | Porcelain Hanging Planter by From Victoria, from £24.00 | Autumn Wallpaper by Sian Zeng, from £250.00 | Serving Boards by Forge Creative, from £40.00 each.

The Stuff of Life: The Linen Works

louise gorrod July 29, 2015

It’s been a few short months since we first opened the doors of our online shop, The Stuff of Life. Although the paint is barely dry we are fast filling our shelves with some great products. I’m going to be regularly popping over here to the blog to bring you some of my shop picks for the season.

For me, this is the season for eating alfresco whenever the opportunity arises. Doesn’t even the most modest of meals always taste better when eaten outdoors? Picnics and lingering garden dinners are what the warmer longer days call for. When eating outside I still like to 'set the table' and make the simplest of meals an occasion: a simple cloth and napkins is all it takes. Our shop features a generous choice of table linen, including a beautiful range of Italian washed-linen in soft muted colours by The Linen Works. From the pretty Dot Linen and the fresh Arles Stripe to the timeless Linen Hemstitch, the quality of all the designs are second to none. To be quite honest, once you’ve owned a real linen table cloth, you’re never cover your table with anything else.

Click here see the full collection, which also includes bedding and clothing.

Find many more beautiful and useful things at The Stuff of Life shop - shop.thesimplethings.com

August's The Simple Things is on sale - buy, download or subscribe now.

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Feb 27, 2025

Black Friday: Alternatives to the shopping frenzy

A Whiter Shade of Pale

Summer Breeze

Flower Power

Spring clean

Create the perfect workspace with The Stuff of Life

The essential winter beach kit

Mugs: Where to buy similar to those on November's The Simple Things

The Stuff of Life: Home Tour Inspiration

Light up your life with The Stuff of Life.

Passing on traditions: Putting the clocks back

Read more:

Recipe: Roasted root vegetables with a fruit vinegar glaze

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES

Read more:

New products line the shelves at The Stuff of Life.

The Stuff of Life: The Linen Works

Read more:

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES

Read more:

The Simple Things

Taking time to live well