If your Christmas decorations are still up do take them down to avoid bad luck in 2013!
Read MoreThe Selby meets Annie Novak the urban farmer
Three stories up in the air, the power of an idea & fresh food are growing…

You have probably heard of Todd Selby, the brains and photographer behind the revolutionary project The Selby, which offers an insider’s view of creative individuals in their personal spaces. Perhaps less familiar however, is Eagle Street rooftop farm, a 6,000 square foot green roof organic vegetable farm located atop a warehouse in Brooklyn.
At Eagle Street, Annie Novak and Ben Flanner supply locals with an onsite market during New York City’s growing season, as well as running a range of farm-based educational and volunteer programs. Head farmer Annie grows everything from rare types of kale to radishes, and also keeps hens and bees on the rooftop.
Eagle Street farm is America’s first commercial rooftop farm, the project is a figurehead of the potential for refitting green spaces back into our cities, and The Selby really captures the beauty and spirit of the place, a simple and Eden-like getaway high above the concrete jungle that is New York – look at these pictures and try not to smile!
To see more of the views of Eagle street taken by Todd, don’t forget to visit The Selby, and if you would like more information about the farm visit Eagle Street’s website.
Meet The Amazings
As one of the most overused words in the English language, you could argue the term ‘amazing’ has lost some of its sentiment, but not when it comes to this truly incredible group of people...
Like something out of a marvel comic, The Amazings have been brought together for their invaluable set of skills in order to pass on what they know to the next generation. They are doing this by providing us with courses and classes ranging from the classic to the curious, with lessons in woodturning, bookbinding, interior design, and even perfume making available in and around London.
without colour we are lost
The Amazings was born out of a simple idea. Society has always learned from its elders. But along the way that connection between generations is often lost – which means sometimes losing rich, valuable, and rare skills. Skills such as those of Christina, The Amazing's resident interior designer, who has spent the last ten years creating beautiful spaces for people to live in with a focus on colour, attention to detail, and the notion of space.
Christina, Interior Designer from The Amazings on Vimeo.
One off classes start from as little as £15 and what’s more, the team are offering 20% off all courses until 7th January, simply enter the code ‘FacebookHQ’ at the checkout when you visit The Amazings’ website. So perhaps this year we should all try something old, to learn something new!
Don’t forget to like and follow The Amazings on Facebook and Twitter for daily updates from the team.New Year Activities: Volunteer for the RSPCA and help make a real difference...
Enrich your life and community in 2013 by volunteering for the world's oldest animal welfare organisation. From household pets to badgers, foxes and livestock, the RSPCA has been working tirelessly on behalf of the UK's animals since 1824, and you can become a part of it...
Read MoreA free copy of Holly Becker's new book when you subscribe!
Just subscribe to The Simple Things to receive a copy of designer Holly Becker's brilliant book, Decorate Workshop – what a deal! Here's a peek inside Holly's second interior design masterwork...
Read MoreWordless Wednesdays: Dipping a toe into the New Year...
So it's 2013, and a New Year means fresh horizons, but it's good to take it steady...
Read MoreNew Year's Day: Reflecting upon 2012, and planning 2013...
Our columnist Susannah Conway offers two really practical ways for you to take stock of 2012 and forge ahead into 2013 without making the traditional (inflexible!) New Year resolutions – download her Unravelling Workbook and Monthly Planner for free...
Read MoreThe Simple Things Issue 5 is out today, packed with ideas for a brilliant New Year!
Baking, making pasta, playing in the snow, gardening, caring for birds in Winter, crafting a paper candle shade, exploring Montreal... these are just a few of the huge range of ideas in Issue 5, to help you get 2013 off to an inspiring start and make the coldest months of the year the cosiest and most pleasurable!
Read MoreWordless Wednesdays: Boxing Day walkies, anyone?
After all of that rich food and drink, maybe a stroll is in order?
Read MoreSeason's greetings from The Simple Things team!
The Simple Things team wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – find out what each of us will be doing today...
Read MoreShop Love: White Stuff – making Christmas shopping a bit easier!
White Stuff get our vote as the high street chain who are doing the most to take the heat out of festive gift shopping, with their in-store cinemas, Christmas grottoes and free mince pies & mulled wine...
Read MoreThe Simple Things is now available on Google Play for Android!
If you've got an Android phone or tablet, you can now get The Simple Things anytime and any place you want!
Read MoreBest of British: Old Town – elegance & industry, with love from Norfolk...
Handmade clothing, amazing furnishing fabrics and more from Holt's own emporium of understated, timeless style...
Read MoreWordless Wednesdays: Evening lights...
An evocative shot by Jennifer Sarkilahti of odetteny.blogspot.co.uk...
Read MoreShop Love: Red Bird Makes – treats from the street (or Etsy!)
When we happened upon Joanna Kang's beautiful lasercut wooden jewellery at a street market, and struck up a conversation, we instantly knew that we had to share her wares with you...
Read MoreRoddy & Ginger: Q&A with Virginia Armstrong – fabric, wallpaper and so much more...
With its Lucienne Day, Scandinavian and Spanish influences, Virginia's range of furnishings, stationery and other household essentials is one of our favourites. Here she chats about her influences, design obsessions and also offers a 10% discount via her webstore and Etsy shop – enjoy!
Read MoreSimply Crochet: Check out our brand new sister magazine!
Packed with inspiring designs, easy-to-follow projects and much more, the first issue of Simply Crochet came out on January 10th! Click to read all about it...
Read MoreBest of British: Vivien of Holloway – vintage style for Christmas and beyond...
Want to dazzle like Marilyn Monroe, make like you're in Mad Men, or dress 1940s-1950s vintage to impress at the ball, bar or party? Step right this way, as affordable and wearable glamour awaits...
Read MoreWordless Wednesdays: Winter colour at Kew Gardens...
A beautiful shot by our very own Jane Ackroyd...
Read MorePash Directory: Q&A with co-founders Shelley & Paula – it's just our type of place...
From salvaged furniture to vintage prints and handmade items, this shop in the North Yorkshire town of Easingwold is home to a brilliantly eclectic selection of beautiful things. Here we chat to co-founders Shelley Kay and Paula Mansfield about their inspirations, latest finds and more.
Read More


