June cover reveal

The promise of summer is a measure of hope. We eagerly await its sunshine, which brings outdoor living, picnics and trips to the sea. So now it’s here, let’s make the most of it. Set a table in the garden and gather friends in the long evening light. Stay up late to see the stars or rise early and run while there is still dew on the grass. Be busy in the veg plot but make time to smell the roses. Take a moment for a midsummer celebration with fresh cheese, honey and homegrown berries. The glass is always half full when you remember The Simple Things. 

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From the June issue:

If you obey all the rules you miss out on all the fun

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

View the sampler here

Wild: May cover reveal

That’s you, right there on the cover. Take a moment, put your hands behind your head and soak up the view. There’s no rush. Nibble a slice of cake from your backpack and watch the birds while you munch. Where are you? Scandinavia, Bavaria or a spontaneous picnic at the British seaside? Back home, there’s a jug of flowers on the table, a cat on the mat and the feel of a wood floor beneath bare feet. Embrace the wild and the free, like you’re the May Queen. Find The Simple Things all around you at springtime.

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

View the sampler here

We read to know we are not alone

Turn to page 38 of April's The Simple Things for an interview with Nic and Juliette Bottomley of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights.

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

View the sampler here

Wisdom: April cover reveal

Let rain never stop play – put on some mood music, pack a nice lunchbox and head outdoors. Go on, have a poke around a park, garden or hedgerow. Get your hands dirty and find good things to nibble. When you come home to a hot bath and banana bread, you’ll enjoy it all the more. Pop on a jumpsuit, browse your bookshelf and learn something new. Take time to find some headspace or stretch your limbs. It’s spring and all’s well. Feeling better now? That’s The Simple Things for you.

View the sampler here

The best things in life aren't things

Image: Katharine Davies

Create the perfect workspace with The Stuff of Life

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.

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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.

Share: March cover reveal

If you like your spring weekends bright and breezy, fresh and clean, full of fun and flowers, then you’re in the right place. First, let’s start the day right with eggs – fresh, baked or chocolate? We’ll peg out the laundry, pop on a pair of loafers or some cool trainers and take the dog for a walk, stopping to admire the blossom as we explore the neighbourhood. There’ll be time for tea, with something from the biscuit tin, and to find a quiet spot with the crossword before a long family lunch and Easter games. Share the moment with us, share The Simple Things

The March issue of The Simple Things is out today - buy, download or subscribe

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The essential winter beach kit

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!

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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

Supper on the sofa with The Stuff of Life

Home Truths, our monthly magazine series on what really goes on inside a home, discusses ‘Suppers on the Sofa’ in our January issue. As the long month draws to an end we can think of nothing better than curling up on the sofa, a tray on our lap and our favourite box set at the ready.  

Our shopkeeper, Louise Gorrod, has selected some must-have products from The Stuff of Life for those wishing to treat themselves to an evening supper away from the dining table.

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Images from top, left to right: Navy & White Tray by Home Address, £15.00 | Dipped Bowl by Home Address, £15.00 | Gold Cutlery by Home Address, £30.00 | Dot Linen Napkin by The Linen Works, £13.50 | Solid Birch Stool by Stuff of Dreams, £149.00 | Deco Sofa by Archer + Co, £2,300.00 | Sherbert Blue Blanket by Mourne Textiles, £96.00 | Groove Lamp by Stuff of Dreams, £155.00 | Comet Moth Rectangular Cushion by Kith & Kin, £56.00.

Top image by ciaodesserts

Calm: February cover reveal

Who says the end of winter has to be gloomy? Treat it as a time of calm before the outdoor pleasures of spring. Conserve your energy with a green tea by the fire, hot allium soup, or a slice of seed cake. Need a boost? Try hugging a hot water bottle, hanging a houseplant or flipping a pancake. Cabin fever? How about puddle jumping or a windswept walk on an empty beach. Reach inside yourself to find kindness in your heart and peace in your mind. If it’s contentment you seek then look no further than The Simple Things.

February's The Simple Things is out today - buy, download or subscribe now. View the sampler to see what's inside.

Escape: January cover reveal

If ever there was a time for comfortable pleasures, it’s the new year. See old friends for tea, share plates of hearty food and afterwards, make plans. There are new neighbourhoods to explore and a project to throw yourself into. Need to escape the dark days? Seek out snow, hold a fondue or find sunshine in a fiery salad if the southern summer is too far away. Lose yourself in a play or poem and, if it all gets too much, sit down to supper on the sofa. The Simple Things will see you through. 

January's The Simple Things is out today - buy, download or subscribe now.

Merry: December cover reveal

You’ll know its here when you can smell the scent of cinnamon, cloves, spruce and pine. The lights too are a clue, twinkling on the tree or glowing brightly outside. Embrace the preparations and nod to festive times past; string a wreath of hawthorn or bay, burn a Yule log and sing carols. Make a party out of making presents, then cross your fingers for snow. Come the day itself there’ll be plum pudding and a jolly table to share your crackers. May your December be merry and your Christmas full of The Simple Things.

December's The Simple Things is out today - buy, download or subscribe now.

Comfort: November cover reveal

Weather is what defines November. The joy of a crisp, bright day, just right for a walk among the autumn colours. Wrap up warm on a cold night for spicy food under the stars. On a rainy afternoon, will you hole up on the sofa with a homemade hot chocolate and toast or perhaps some cake and ale? Light a fire and try out a new skill – subversive cross stitch, anyone? Learn to mend things and make them last. On a grey day, make breakfast in bed and tell a story. There’s comfort to be had in The Simple Things. 

November's The Simple Things is out today - buy, download or subscribe now.

October's The Simple Things PLUS pressed leaves craft ideas

On sale now, October's The Simple Things is all about the FORAGE. With such a beautiful cover, we've been inspired to get outside, hunt for colourful leaves and put them to crafty use. 

Try one of the ideas from our pressed leaves Pinterest board and let us know how you get on - share your pictures with us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Follow The Simple Things's board Pressed leaves on Pinterest.

Read more:

From the October issue

Make a homemade reed diffuser

Pinterest ideas

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

Mellow: September cover reveal

Linger awhile. These are the last precious days of summer. Why rush through them when there is an Indian feast to share, cake to eat and pickles to relish? Pick up your sketchbook and take time to draw what you see. Explore a wild ruin and let your imagination go for a wander.
Kick back in a rocking chair and read a poem or a thriller – or simply daydream. These are the mellow days of long grass and honey roast vegetables. Unhurried days, full of The Simple Things. 

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