Sponsored post | We've got the scoop

Mackie’s of Scotland not only produces delicious ice cream, but does so with an impressive environmental ethos, too

When it comes to making a fantastic tub of ice cream, Mackie’s of Scotland knows that it takes far more than just experience and natural ingredients.

This fifth-generation family business also embraces a ‘sky to scoop’ philosophy, acknowledging that every element of the sky is needed – the wind and sun power the turbines and solar farm (providing more than double the energy needed to run its dairy), while the rain and sun grow the crops, which feed the cows, who in turn produce the fresh milk and cream needed to make its smooth and creamy ice cream.

And Mackie’s doesn’t just create its own energy, it also produces its packaging, fruit compotes and honeycomb on the Aberdeenshire family farm. All of which are essential to delivering that beloved Mackie’s taste.

While its flavour-making expertise has long made it a firm favourite throughout Scotland, until recently it was only its popular Traditional flavour which was widely available south of the border. That’s all set to change as Strawberry Swirl and Honeycomb flavours are now available nationwide in most Sainsbury’s stores, in addition to existing stockists. So as the weather warms and thoughts turn to tasty summer treats, why not reach for a tub of Mackie’s ice cream with the knowledge that those rays of sunshine – and the odd drop of rain – helped to create an ice cream made with a passion for sustainability, fun and great taste.

For more info and offers, visit mackies.co.uk. Learn how Mackie’s makes its Honeycomb ice cream on Inside The Factory, available on BBC iPlayer

Sponsored post | Herb Your Enthusiasm

Embrace your creative side with Ricola and give those green thumbs a workout so you’ll always have
herbs when you need them

Plant hangers are a great way to grow herbs and they can be a sustainable way to decorate, because to make them you can use materials you probably have lying around. All you need are a few old cans, paint, a drill, string, a spot of creativity and – if you like – music in the background while you work.

Make Herb Plant Hangers

Add some colour to your kitchen and a flavour burst to your food – it’s much easier than you think

You will need:
4 different herb plants (such as lemon balm, basil, thyme and mint)
4 big tin cans 6m-thick string (approx. 1.5m per can)
Scissors
Drill
Spray paint, in colours of your choice
A suitable base to work on

1 Remove the lids from the tin cans if they are still attached.
2 Wash out the cans and remove any labels.
3 Drill two holes opposite each other, 5-10cm from the top of each can. Be careful.
4 Spray the cans with different colours and leave them to dry for around two hours.
5 Now push a piece of string through the holes in each can.
6 Cut to adjust the length, depending on how high the herbs should hang, and tie knots to ensure the string stays in place.
7 Put the herb plants in the cans and hang them near a window.

Since 1940, Swiss company Ricola has been making sweets and cough drops using a blend of 13 healing herbs, including thyme, sage and peppermint (the actual recipe remains a closely guarded secret). For more on the whole Ricola range, visit ricola.com or follow on Insta: @ricola_uk

Sponsored post | Hut For All Seasons: Self-Build Satisfaction

Sometimes it’s not the finished product but the process that’s needed to get there that provides the most enjoyment, as Blackdown’s self-build customers will testify

You may have been playing the winter waiting game, itching to get busy in the garden – but April is finally here, the weather has turned a corner, and it’s time to enjoy all the potential that your garden has to offer for the year ahead.

For many, those plans extend way beyond a little garden maintenance and growing, with ambitious plans to create a unique space that can be cherished for generations to come. This is always a time of year when the talented folk at Blackdown Shepherd Huts see increased interest in their range of shepherd huts – from bespoke designs, to turnkey huts, to self-build options, there’s something to suit all needs.

And for some, that need is to get creative and realise a dream of building their own little corner of escapism. Often there’s a yearning to reconnect to skills learnt from older generations, or a burning ambition to build something meaningful.

And once your shepherd hut is finished, it can be enjoyed in so many ways – perhaps as a home office, additional space to hang out or host guests, or perhaps home to a small business such as a quirky B&B.

Whatever your dream, the team at Blackdown are on hand to support you through the process, from ordering the kit, through building the hut, to personalising your eventual space. With years of skill and knowledge, Blackdown’s video guidance or friendly voice at the end of a phone call can make all the difference to the enjoyment of the process. And for further inspiration, why not pay a visit to the Blackdown Display Garden in Ilminster, Somerset, to see just how special the finished product can be.

One pair who took advantage of Blackdown’s self-build set up is Jane and Richard from Mickleton in the Durham Dales, who now share their stunning location with guests at Toadlands Shepherd Huts (toadlandsshepherdhuts.co.uk). “Blackdown gave us the confidence to self-build a quality product all the way from idea to realisation,” says Jane. With such a sense of achievement to be gained from creating your vision, it’s not hard to see why Blackdown Shepherd Huts have provided so much enjoyment for so many years, and will continue to do so for many, many more to come.

For more information and inspiration, visit blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @blackdownshepherdhuts.

Sponsored post | Contain your Delight

Create blooming lovely floral displays with inspiration and a 20% discount from Sarah Raven

Spring has finally sprung and the welcome sight of blue skies and sunshine are now becoming more frequent, so, for many, it’s time to start planning and get planting, ready for the year ahead.

One of the easiest ways to spruce up your garden or outdoor space is with pots – a low maintenance transformation that will add colour and interest. And now is the time to plant up as we’ve teamed up with Sarah Raven to offer The Simple Things readers 20% off their top container collections.

Sarah Raven herself shares her rules of thumb when it comes to putting together the ideal display pot. “When putting together our container collections, I follow two overlapping recipes,” she says. “Firstly, I always think about colour – I’ll either harmonise and plant several plants of the same hue, or I’ll opt for contrast and will usually select two plants from the same colour palette and a third in as strong a contrasting shade as possible.”

Another key consideration is form and Sarah sticks to her failsafe ‘thriller, filler and spiller’ set up. “I’ll choose a crowdpleaser (the thriller), a quieter sidekick (the filler), and a trailer (the spiller) to soften the overall look.” With this easy-to-remember plan, you’ll be producing colourful containers to be proud of in no time. However, for more inspiration, go online or visit Sarah Raven’s Perch Hill base in East Sussex, on one of the pre-bookable open days, for tried and tested combinations.

For more information and inspiration, visit sarahraven.com or follow on Instagram: @sarahravensgarden.

ENJOY 20% OFF The Simple Things readers can enjoy 20% off online orders by using the code TST22MARX at checkout. Valid until 30 April 2022.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Offer valid until 30 April 2022. Subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Valid across the entire Sarah Raven website with the following exceptions: previous purchases, gift vouchers, gift wrap, courses, open days and sale items. Standard P&P charges apply. See sarahraven.com for dispatch times. For full terms and conditions, visit sarahraven.com/terms

Sponsored post | Discover the Wizardy World of Roots of Fantastical Matters

A brand new and completely unique literary adventure of fictitious enchantment and factual discovery

If you’re looking for clever ways to inspire your children to read enthusiastically and learn independently, the team behind International Elf Service has the perfect solution, and the most remarkable take on storytelling with Roots of Fantastical Matters.

A magical archive

Picture the most extraordinarily magical place. A fantastical world hidden behind a secret door in a spellbound forest. A wizardom where all things incredible and enchanting are carefully collected and stored in the most amazing archive of all time – from High Sorcerer’s potion recipes to Dragon Trainer diaries, Wizard lessons, Elf and Fairy shenanigans and every spell that’s ever been abracadabra’d!

Fascinating facts

Watch and enjoy the look on the faces of your young readers (even the more reluctant ones!) as they find these intriguing and interactive bundles of gossip-filled newsletters and wacky materials hidden mysteriously around their home every month. Delivered by parents (as if by magic) to curious children between 6 and 12 years of age.

Captivating characters

Roots of Fantastical Matters is an exploration into a top-secret underground realm, following a quirky collection of captivating characters including Twig (a Tree Elf and this year’s Trainee Archivist) and Great Spectacolore – the Infinite Wizard – who gives a sneak peek into what lies behind the magic. 

And a clever way to learn

However, it isn’t just an enchanting journey along the winding Conundrum Corridors, through the Library Labyrinth and into the Mystical Studies and Ologies Laboratory. Because cleverly hidden within this collection of cryptic chronicles, is a treasure trove of interactive STREAM-based activities (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art and Maths) that encourage children to create, explore, research, experiment and calculate ‘matters’ in the real world. It’s a perfect escape into the lands of fantastical faction – revealing the mysteries of magic while celebrating the wonders of learning.

To find out more about this personalised and eco-friendly gift of spellbinding childhood magic, visit internationalelfservice.com and enjoy a 20% discount using the code SIMPLEMAGIC

Sponsored post | Tabitha Eve "I want to make it the norm for people to buy reusable"

We caught up with Tabitha Eve founder Debbie Rees to see how keeping your impact on the planet small can produce big results

Morning. What beautiful products – how did it all begin?

I’ve always been aware of the need to make positive environmental and ethical choices and, as a keen scuba diver, I’ve witnessed the impact of plastic pollution in our oceans first-hand. During maternity leave I took up sewing and decided to make some items that could replace single-use or plastic products. One of the first things I made was the ‘None’ sponge – a washable dish sponge – then friends and family started asking me to make the same for them. The rest, as they say, is history – I left my career in finance and launched Tabitha Eve online.

And things just blossomed?

At first it was just me and my sewing machine at home, but it soon became clear that I needed more space – essentially my husband got fed up of living amongst packing boxes – so I moved into a separate studio and hired my first employees. We’re now a team of eight and we have over 500 stockists all over the world, which amazes me to this day.

Wow, that’s really impressive. You sound like a natural

Well, I’ve had to learn a lot of things on the job, such as barcodes and marketing. And something that I wasn’t familiar with was Tik Tok – I’m so grateful to the younger members of the team who showed me the ropes! As a small business, we change weekly – there’s always a new challenge to face or a new opportunity to explore. It can be nerve-racking, but mostly it’s all just part of the fun.

What are you most proud of?

The fact that we go that extra mile by providing products that are not only eco-friendly, but ethically made, too. The majority of our textile products are made by our UK-based team, all of whom are paid at least the minimum wage and have the opportunity to share in the business’s profits. I’m also hugely proud of the fact that we provide flexible working for those who need it – those with disabilities and parents who have to fit work in around childcare. I know I’d have found it almost impossible to return to the career I had before becoming a mum and I want to make sure that we provide an environment that’s 100% non-discriminatory and enables everyone to flourish.

You’re making a real difference

Well, I believe wholeheartedly in the power of business for good, not just for profit. We’ve run various charitable campaigns and have donated to a number of causes, both through product sales and also through wider objectives such as Green Friday. My ultimate goal is to produce beautiful, quality products that enable our customers to lead lives with a smaller impact on our planet – I want to make it the norm for people to buy reusable.

You have a great range, which products stand out for you?

The None sponge will always have a special place in my heart, but another favourite is our Reusable Nail Polish Remover pads. Did you know that one pack of five pads could replace 1,000 single-use cotton pads, saving around 80 bathtubs-worth of water! It’s not hard to see why they’re so popular.

Fantastic, we’ll be popping those on our wishlist. So, what does the year ahead hold for Tabitha Eve?

I want to expand our home and giftware range so that customers can gift more consciously and accessorise their homes ethically.

For info, visit tabithaeve.co.uk or follow on Insta: @tabithaeveco.

The Simple Things readers can enjoy 20% off online by using the code SIMPLE20 at checkout. Valid until 28 February 2022.

Sponsored post | Burning Ambitions with Woodsure

Make sure you’re using the most efficient fuels possible thanks to the Government-backed Ready To Burn certification mark

After the hubbub of the party season, the new year is often a time to reflect, to be kind to yourself and to make plans for the year ahead. During this quiet time, it’s natural to want to hibernate – to curl up in front of the soft glow of a wood-burner or multi-fuel burner and to take it easy. However, not all fuels burn the same and part of creating the ideal ambience is knowing what fuels are best to burn safely and efficiently without impacting the environment and surrounding air quality.

To make life easier, lookout for wood or manufactured solid fuels that carry the ‘Ready To Burn’ certification mark. This means they’ve been certified as suitable for immediate use and the wood doesn’t need to be dried out before burning. Ready To Burn wood fuel gives a better burn because it’s proven to have a 20% lower moisture content, meaning it creates less smoke than wetter wood, which helps to reduce pollution. Ready To Burn solid fuels also meet smoke emissions and sulphur content standards.

From this year, Ready To Burn fuels are even easier to find because the scheme is backed by DEFRA as part of The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020. The law now restricts the sale of wet wood sold in volumes under 2m³, which is the equivalent of about two dumpy bags. And for those who buy wood fuel in bulk, suppliers must now provide an advisory notice that the wood requires further drying before use.

So as you snuggle up in front of the fire, knowing the fuel you’re burning is the most appropriate for the environment should give you that warm feeling, both inside and out.

To find a trusted Ready To Burn wood fuel supplier, visit readytoburn.org.

Meanwhile, don’t forget to have your log burners and chimneys checked regularly in order to get the best from your fuel. Find a local HETAS Registered professional at hetas.co.uk.

Sponsored post | Earthborn: "It's the Little Things That Go That Extra Step"

We catch up with Cathryn Sanders, Earthborn’s Marketing Manager, to find out why their paints not only look good but are also an environmentally-friendly option

You’re known for your eco-credentials, but how did Earthborn come about?

We were established 20 years ago by our founder John Dison. After a career as a Town Planner specialising in historic buildings, and with a background in the family business of supplying the decorating trade, John wanted to pursue his passion for design and sustainability. At the time, there was little awareness about the health dangers of conventional paints and their environmental impact, so Earthborn has always been one step ahead of the game.

And is the rest of the industry now listening?

Thankfully, yes. People in general are much more clued up, thanks in part to climate change campaigners such as David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg. In terms of the industry, things like the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to our health and the environment, are now regulated, but there’s still plenty more that can be done.

Really? What sort of thing should we be looking out for?

Well, we take great care to use eco-friendly ingredients that are free from harmful emissions, and we’re incredibly proud to have been awarded the first UK licence of the EU Ecolabel for Indoor Paints and Varnishes. But it’s the little things that go that extra step – we’ve put a lot of thought into our packaging, too. For example, our colour cards are all painted with real paint and are made from eco-friendly materials and biodegradable glue, while our tins are made from 70% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable. Even our foam chip packaging is biodegradable and dissolves in water. Saying that, we know there’s so much more that can be done and we’re constantly looking at ways to improve our environmental practices.

Impressive! Your Claypaint really stands out, tell us more

It’s our hero product, if you like. As its name suggests, it has a high clay content, making it breathable with a unique matt finish and no smell. There’s a huge colour range, which all have a mellowness and a visual softness that work well with each other. Free from oils and acrylics, it has minimal preservatives and some have no titanium dioxide. While some colours have no added pigments, meaning they’re naturally occurring clay colours. They’re also vegan friendly, independently tested and certified as child and baby safe – so ideal for a nursery or playroom.

What else is important when choosing a paint?

One word: breathability. It’s so important for buildings to breathe, especially older ones. It’s a common mistake to use waterproof paints and materials designed to block moisture, however, these can exacerbate the problem, creating damp issues. Instead, look out for paints with a high level of breathability. Our products allow air and water vapour to easily flow through the surface so, if coupled with breathable building materials, moisture doesn’t become trapped, which can cause the paintwork to bubble, peel and eventually blow.

And now the question everyone wants to ask… what trends do you think will be popular this year?

We think that Edwardian décor will be a strong influence in 2022, in particular mixing the old with the new. Earthborn predicts that we’ll see a rise in beautiful pastel colour schemes, specifically lilac. That’s why Lily Lily Rose is officially Earthborn’s colour of the year. It’s a subtle shade of lilac, pink and grey and was created as homage to John Singer Sargent’s famous work Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose. A highly versatile shade with surprising depth, we’re sure that it’ll create a space that is both tranquil and on trend.

For more information, visit earthbornpaints.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @earthbornpaints for colour inspiration.

More from our blog…

Sponsored post | A little pinch of Christmas magic

Bring out the festive flavour with Maldon Salt’s famous pyramid-shaped flakes

With this most sociable of seasons almost upon us, thoughts turn to the inevitable get-togethers with friends and family and the gastronomic delights that will be served up.

At this time of year, there are plenty of foodie fads that can be taken with a pinch of salt, however, there’s one thing that’s never in doubt – the power of good seasoning. So this Christmas, seize the seasoning and add a pinch of Maldon Salt to your dishes to bring out the flavour.

A family-run business for four generations, the Osborne family consider themselves custodians of this ancient culinary tradition and continue to hand harvest the famous pyramidshaped flakes in the coastal town of Maldon, Essex. It’s these simple, timehonoured techniques that produce the salt that has come to be loved by chefs and home cooks the world over.

The brand – which celebrates its 140th anniversary next year – recently launched its striking new packaging that’s designed to look as good in your kitchen as it tastes in your food. Ideal to keep next to the cooker or on your table for fantastic flavour at your fingertips.

For more information and recipe inspiration, visit maldonsalt.com or follow on Instagram: @maldonsalt

Sponsored Post | Simple Christmas Gifting

In need of some gift ideas this Christmas? Inspiration is hopefully at hand. Whether it’s a gift for friends or loved ones, or something you’d like for yourself, we ‘ve compiled a list of unique and exciting gifts from brands that we love and that are doing ‘simple’ well.

Millican Bags

These Bags are Rubbish! Well… they are made from 100% recycled waste, keeping single use plastic out of landfill and making a lifelong companion on your back. Millican believes you only need one bag for life, so you own less and use forever, and they back that with free repairs for life! Responsible backpacks made for everything!

 For more information please visit: homeofmillican.com/collections/the-core-collection

Adventurous Ink

Adventurous Ink is the ideal gift for every outdoor lover, especially those who are hard to buy for! Delivering a surprise travel, adventure or nature book each month, carefully curated to maximise meaning and connection, it's the essential companion to a good life lived in the great outdoors. To look into subscribing and to find out more, please visit adventurousink.co.uk/gifts

Westmorland Sheepskins

They really love wool at Westmorland, not to mention sheepskin and other natural materials. Westmorland like using by-products, re-using materials and trying to minimise the use of plastic in their products and packaging. They have a super selection of sheepskin slippers for the whole family for Christmas, as a thank you, new home gift, or simply just to keep you cosy and save on heating.

Lifestyle, interiors, footwear and gifts from a British brand celebrating 40 years of family business in 2021.

Please visit westmorlandsheepskins.co.uk to have a browse and remember to enter ‘simplethings10’ at checkout to enjoy 10% off.

International Elf Service

Deliver the most unforgettable gift of Christmas Magic to your children (and you!) from the very 1st of December with a fabulous (and chocolate-free!) Advent Calendar Christmas Story, as told by the fantastical (and cheeky!) North Pole Elves. Discover – hidden around your home – daily instalments of their exciting and hilarious adventures, new every year, in a set of beautifully hand-illustrated, personalised and eco-friendly letters from the multi-award-winning International Elf Service. The perfect gift for the festive season, bringing all of the family together to make precious memories for the future. Magical Letters. Inspired by children. Delivered by grown-ups.

For more information please visit International Elf Service and you can enter the code SIMPLYMAGICAL15 at checkout to gain 15% off.

Sponsored post | Keen

Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, who are on a mission to make outside inclusive and accessible to all.

Founded in 2003, it launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the debut of the Newport adventure sandal and has continued to launch disruptive products and establish new standards for performance, comfort, and design. It continues to create game-changing products today, while actively working to Detox the Planet.

KEEN’s Detox the Planet Initiative was established in 2012 to take proactive action to identify and remove harmful chemicals in its supply chain and replace them with safe and effective alternatives. Committed to eliminating everything that shouldn’t be in their products and discovering eco-friendly alternatives, KEEN’s manufacturing process is PFC free, uses an anti-microbial odour control approach and they only partner with environmentally preferred Leather Working Group certified tanneries. They are also increasing the use of upcycled and recycled materials for a more circular product life cycle, along with other processes to lessen the impact on the planet.

By consciously creating their products, giving back through grant funding and donations to grassroots and non profit organisations and taking action by activating communities and individuals to protect the places they work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion to leave the world a better place. Learn more at keenfootwear.com.

For Autumn/Winter 2021 KEEN proudly present their most diverse collection of their iconic outdoor slipper – the Howser. The perfect antidote to Autumn’s cold and inclement conditions, this iconic hybrid blurs the line between house shoe and outdoor slipper, providing warmth and fit that works whether you’re strolling through the park, relaxing on a camping trip or chilling at home. Designed to comfort your conscience as well as your foot, the collection features a wide range of sustainable styles and colours featuring recycled PET or recycled wool uppers.

Consciously created to keep the environmental footprint to a minimum, all styles feature a pesticide and chemical free Eco Anti Odor treatment that uses natural probiotics that keep feet fresh but are totally safe for the environment. A fleece lining gives comfort and warmth, whilst a high traction rubber outsole leaves no mark wherever you roam.

Discover more about all the fabulous footwear on offer at keenfootwear.com.

Sponsored post | A Hut For All Seasons: cosiness awaits

As the weather turns and the days get shorter, create a snug sanctuary to retreat to with a
Blackdown Shepherd Hut

Autumn, a season of change, when the trees let go of summer’s growth with a magnificent display of colour. And, as the natural world prepares for winter by growing thicker coats, flying south, or burying food. We get busy too.

It’s when most of us find ourselves, planning and preparing for the months ahead. With shorter days and unreliable weather on the horizon, it’s more important than ever to feather your nest and to create a space to cultivate calm and creativity. A place where favourite hobbies and rituals can be embraced – a sanctuary away from the daily hustle and bustle of life.

Blackdown Shepherd Huts understands the importance of having a peaceful and flexible space in which to find the balance you need. A visit to Blackdown’s display garden in Ilminster, Somerset, will inspire you as to what could be with an array of shepherd huts that can be made completely bespoke to you and your needs.

Picture a typical British October day where the wet and windy weather no longer scuppers your fun. Instead, it becomes an opportunity to retreat to your little slice of shepherd hut heaven planted at the bottom of the garden. So, invite your friends over for a cosy games night, nestled around your Blackdown hut’s modular dining nook table – the ideal way to switch off and reconnect with those you love. Or perhaps leave the ‘to-do’ list in the house and escape to your hut for a crafternoon, blissfully removed from all interruptions.

However you prefer to unwind, Blackdown’s modular, hand-crafted designs mean that the discerning space of a shepherd hut can host a variety of activities, to be enjoyed with loved ones or on your own… the choice is yours.

For more information and inspiration, visit blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @blackdownshepherdhuts

Hobbies for your hut

As the nights draw in, here are some ideas to keep you occupied during the darker months

Satisfy that burning creativity
With its well-equipped kitchen, your Blackdown Shepherd Hut is the ideal place to try out an activity such as candle making. It can be blowing a hooley outside, but you’ll be snug as a bug creating beautiful candles to either gift or enjoy yourself.

Not such a half-baked idea
Keep your regular kitchen for the everyday and designate your hut’s hand-crafted kitchen as a mini bakery. Whip up a cake or loaf of sourdough and, while your creation is rising, you can flick through your favourite mag (The Simple Things, of course), free from distractions.

Game changer
Nothing creates memories more than a family games night. Grab the classics, switch on some music, and crank up the competitiveness. The cosy dining nook in the Turnkey Hut is the ideal place for some light competition and a lot of laughs.

Starry, starry night
Imagine sleeping under the stars, but in the comfort of your shepherd hut. Blackdown’s bespoke curved glass roof window provides the ideal vantage point for snuggling up and watching a fiery meteor shower, or perhaps the calming constellations.

Create a writing room
Whether it’s offloading your day into a journal or jotting down a few notes to a friend on a postcard, your hut can be the simple sanctuary needed to switch off and allow your train of thought to flow onto paper.

For cosy, read on…
Embrace a wet afternoon. Steal an hour or two to yourself, light a fire or simply a candle, and curl up with a good book and your imagination

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

More from our blog…

More autumnal inspiration…

Sponsored post | Karelia House

Sam Weir and Shirley Shearer give us an insight into Karelia House and how their family’s crafting business has evolved over the years

What a great selection of fabrics and yarns! How did Karelia House start?

Karelia House came about quite by chance, back in 2009. A family friend is a textile artist and she mentioned that there was nowhere in Perthshire to buy quality yarn and fabric. We already had an underfloor heating business with large premises, so we decided to open a craft shop there, too. It’s a real family business with all hands to the deck – even the family dogs, Mr Clive Basset and Magnus the black lab, make regular appearances on our social media and at live shows.

Mmmm, is that the waft of fresh-baked cakes we can smell?

Yes, people were travelling far and wide to visit us and, as we’re in a rural location, we thought it would be a good idea to open a coffee shop to cater for our customers. It’s become a real destination place with a huge selection of craft supplies, delicious food and spectacular views!

And how has Karelia House evolved since the early days?

We’ve always been creative – with both our supplies and how we run the business. In the past, we’ve taken Karelia House on the road, visiting the Isle of Mull, Arran and various knitfests around Scotland, so that remote customers could stock up on fabrics and yarn. We also run workshops and often work with local businesses such as florists or art galleries to provide something special to our customers.

Lockdown must have been tough – how did you adapt?

It was, we had to focus our efforts on our online business instead. However, we found that many people were still calling us up to place orders and to generally have a chat about what they were making. We’ve always been aware of the therapeutic benefits of knitting, crochet and sewing, and never more so than during the Covid pandemic. It was such a lonely time for so many that we decided to do weekly live social media posts, which we’ve continued with. We also organised classes on Zoom – and our virtual knit and natter is still going strong today.

It’s so lovely to see friendships blossom online. Inspirational. What a great service you provide to your customers

The whole team at Karelia House are crafters, so it’s easy to inspire others, either to find their next project or to encourage beginners to get started on something new. We also believe that if you want the best results, use the best ingredients, whether you’re knitting, crafting, cooking or anything really. We’re a Rowan flagship store – currently the only one in Scotland – and we stock Brother sewing machines, so we really are a onestop shop for crafting supplies.

Sounds like the ideal escape. Talking of which, tell us about Karelia Lodge

In 2019, we extended the brand and built Karelia Lodge, a stunning two-bed holiday retreat in Aberfeldy that overlooks where the rivers Tay and Lyon join. It really is a little bit of heaven on Earth – especially when you can lie in bed and watch the sheep and rabbits, all in spectacular surroundings.

You clearly love what you do

Yes, as a family, we have embraced our journey with all things Karelia House and look forward to new and exciting adventures. We want everyone to walk through our doors and to know that they’re being looked after and given first-class treatment. We love what we do, and, as a family, we do it well.

For more, visit kareliahouse.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @kareliahouse. For information on Karelia Lodge, visit karelialodge.co.uk

Sponsored post | The Real Olive Company

We caught up with The Real Olive Company co-founder Karin Andersson, over a cuppa, to find out what inspires her

Morning, busy week? What’s first on your to do list?
I tend to take charge of sorting the kids first, while my partner and co-founder, Ben, heads straight to the office for a ‘walk round’ with the team. I’m now Marketing Director, however, I’ve worn many hats over the years, from working on our market stall in the early days to hauling tins of olives from the back of lorries.

You’re clearly passionate about what you do, how did it come about?
We used to love visiting the European markets while on holiday and were blown away by the quality and choice of olives on offer. At the time, about 20 years ago, there was nothing like that in the UK and we wanted to recreate it over here, so we started selling at markets throughout England.

And did it snowball from there?
It did! Today, we mostly supply our organic olives directly to retailers, so we reach more people. It's our aim to ‘make life taste better by connecting people to the natural vitality of real food.’

Lunchtime – any prizes for guessing what’s on the menu?
Got it in one. Yes, there’s always olives involved. Ben and I make our lunches the night before – it’s usually a grain based salad with roasted veg, olives and some crumbled feta.

Back to work, what’s on the horizon for the company?
Hopefully, we’ll get out to visit our suppliers soon. In normal times, visiting our growers is a highlight of running an olive business, especially when ‘office meetings’ usually take place over Mediterranean food in a Greek taverna.

And after a busy day, how do you like to switch off ?
Whatever the weather, I love walking our crazy Cocker Spaniel, Saga. Being outdoors helps to clear my mind. Ben and I also love having friends and family over for food. We love it when everyone brings a dish, such as aubergines with feta, lamb patties, Spanakopita and, of course, olives.

See therealolivecompany.co.uk for more info or follow on Insta: @realoliveco

The Simple Things readers can enjoy 20% off online orders using code SIMPLE20* at checkout. *Offer valid until 31 October 2021.

Sponsored post | Unique Hideaways

Escape to nature with Unique hideaways.

Any time spent in nature, is always time well spent. From walking amongst green pastures to a wild swim at a secret cove, however we choose to immerse ourselves into our natural surroundings, can do a world of good to our mental and physical wellbeing.

Unique hideaways gives you the chance to escape to nature throughout the year, all while staying in a little bit of luxury. During a stay, you can feel yourself becoming more aware of your natural surroundings. Your senses become more attuned to how the world changes throughout the day, and we start to appreciate the smaller things in life. Like the glow from the fire on a cool winter’s eve or the sound of the waves slowly making their way to shore, as you sip your morning coffee on a sweet summer’s day. 

Each hideaway has its own unique character just waiting to capture your heart. From glamping in a shepherd’s hut in Somerset where you wake to the dawn chorus, to staying in a cliff top cabin in Cornwall where you end your day relaxing in the hot tub and admiring how the sky has transformed into a pastel palette of summer hues.

Unique hideaways offers a collection of one-of-a-kind places to stay in hidden corners across the UK. From a houseboat docked in a private quay to a bijou bolthole with countryside views, if it takes those on a journey to a place unknown to most, you can guarantee it’s in their portfolio of hidden havens. Take a look at their inspirations page and start planning your next adventure to nature’s paradise.

Sponsored post | Somewhere to Flock To

With summer in full swing, a Blackdown Shepherd Hut provides the ideal getaway to make lasting memories, whether glamping or at the bottom of your garden

August, it’s when most of us tend to make a little extra time to enjoy the best that summer has to offer – sunny days that stretch late into warm evenings, dining al fresco and an opportunity to gather good friends and family to both catch up and make future, long-lasting memories.

After the most unusual of years, exotic travel is still a while off, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create that holiday feeling, especially with the escapism that a Blackdown Shepherd Hut provides – be it in your garden or a rented hut at one of many glamping locations throughout the UK. See shepherdhutbreaks.co.uk for inspiration.

Even if this year’s summer holiday destination is not much further than the bottom of the garden, there are still plenty of ways to switch off, relax and take a break from life’s daily challenges. After all, a change is as good as a rest.

Lovingly crafted, a Blackdown Shepherd Hut offers a bespoke space for you to enjoy time with your loved ones. Picture a cosy hut around which to idle away the hours, with a wood-fired hot tub or a swinging day bed to stretch out on and catch up on that essential summertime reading. As the sun dips, get a fire pit going and gather around to keep the festivities rolling late into the night. For inspiration, visit Blackdown’s display garden in Ilminster, Somerset, where you’ll see its own fire pit, expertly crafted by Fire Pits UK. It’s the ideal opportunity to huddle in a little closer, share stories and good times and to toast marshmallows for a delicious evening sugar kick.

One thing’s for sure, a Blackdown Shepherd Hut is built to stand the test of time – as will the memories made spent enjoying these beautiful spaces.

Get the festivities flowing

Planning your own shepherd hut shindig? Here are a few ideas to create a memorable get-together

1 Bring out the blankets
Each Blackdown Shepherd Hut is cleverly designed to make use of every inch of space, so you’ll have plenty of storage for additional blankets and cushions. Great for cosying up as the evening temperature cools a little.

2 Don’t worry about the weather
Whether it’s an awning off the side of a Blackdown Retreat Hut, or a Blackdown handcrafted Oak Canopy, there’s a solution to the great British weather. With options including Blackdown’s Oak Canopy Swinging Day Bed, there’s also a comfy spot to relax, come rain or shine.

3 Pretty up your space
Collect a couple of blooms from the garden or some excess foliage and display in small vases, jars or even milk bottles. It’s a simple touch, but one that’s sure to delight your guests.

4 Savour the veggies
Colourful and caramelised on the grill, veggie kebabs will suit all tastes, either as a tasty main or a sensational side. And even if the heavens open, there’s always the hob in your shepherd hut to whip up a last-minute plan B.

5 Sweet like candy
A retro-style pick ‘n mix will go down a storm, as will ice cream or summer fruits. Simply grab a stack of bowls, serve up and satisfy that sweet tooth.

6 It’s cheesy, but… It’s a classic
For those who prefer something a little more savoury, serve up a cheese board with plenty of crackers, chutneys and grapes, all guaranteed to delight your guests.

For more information and inspiration, visit blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @blackdownshepherdhuts.

Sponsored post | Worth its Salt

With a bold new look Maldon salt continues to bring out the best in your cooking

What makes a truly delicious dish? Often, it’s that final twist – or pinch – of seasoning that really helps to bring flavours alive. For four generations, Maldon Salt has been handharvesting its famous pyramid-shaped salt flakes using the same, time-honoured techniques.

Based in the coastal town of Maldon, Essex, the Osborne family continue to produce a globally-recognised brand, loved by chefs and home cooks the world over. Used to enhance all manner of dishes, from savoury to sweet (see our tasty recipe below for Blackcurrant ripple ice cream) Maldon Salt continues to go from strength to strength. And, as it approaches it 140th anniversary, this family-run business is marking the occasion with a striking new look for its packaging, designed to look as good in your kitchen as it tastes in your food. Ideal to keep next to the cooker or on the table for fantastic flavour at your fingertips.

Blackcurrant Ripple Ice Cream

Serves 8
200g blackcurrants
2 tbsp sugar
Juice of ½ lemon
230g double cream
450g ricotta
800g condensed milk
2 tsp vanilla bean paste
Pinch of Maldon Salt

1 Start by making the blackcurrant ripple. Put the blackcurrants, sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan over a medium heat and allow to simmer for around 10 mins, or until it thickens and resembles jam. Tip the mixture into a bowl and place in the fridge to cool.
2 Meanwhile, to make the ice cream base, add the double cream to a large bowl and, using an electric or hand whisk, beat it until it forms stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ricotta, condensed milk and vanilla bean paste, along with a good pinch of Maldon Salt, then fold the double cream into the ricotta mix until smooth. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer.
3 After about 30 mins, remove the ice cream from the freezer and dollop some of the blackcurrant coulis across the top of it, then use a knife to ripple it through the ice cream. Return to the freezer and freeze overnight. Any leftover blackcurrant coulis can be drizzled over the ice cream just before serving. Cook’s note: If you don’t have fresh blackcurrants, frozen work just as well, although you may need to simmer the mixture for a little longer to thicken it. Try experimenting with other seasonal berries throughout the year, too.

Sponsored post | Travel Therapy in Austria

Find cultural and natural wonders in equal abundance with a break in beautiful Austria

With the world of travel starting to appear on the horizon once more, we can now begin to plan trips and adventures that for so long we could only dream about. Even just the planning and anticipation of a future getaway can boost our mood and positivity, fuelling the drive to get out more and exercise our newly-regained freedom to explore. When it comes to an inspired destination, there are few countries that can beat Austria with its mix of cultural cities and some of Europe’s most spectacular Alpine scenery as a backdrop. It’s a country that really does offer something for everyone and, with a strong sense of wellbeing and mindfulness at its core, you’ll return from a break in Austria feeling thoroughly refreshed and energised.

Having been voted the world’s greenest city in 2020, Austria’s capital Vienna offers culture and greenery in abundance. In fact, almost 50% of the city’s space is covered in parks, vineyards, woodland and gardens. Conscious that cities can be stifling, especially in the summer months, and that people need a cooler space to escape to, the Breathe Earth Collective was born. An urban oasis that allows for a few minutes of calm, surrounded by a small forest of tress, ferns and mosses and a refreshing 5-6˚C drop in temperature from the heat of the city. Graz, Austria’s second largest city, is also part of the scheme.

“When it comes to relaxing, it is nature that makes all the difference,” says Lisa Maria Enzenhofer, one of the key architects behind the initiative. “Green has a calming and relaxing effect and the love of plants, known as phytophilia, is innate to us humans.”

Breathe deep

Whether it’s seeking a short respite in the Breathe Earth Collective dome, or fully immersing yourself in some of Austria’s stunning countryside, the process of switching off and reconnecting with nature through your senses helps to focus the mind, boost happiness and ease any worries. Anywhere with a high density of trees and plant-life can have a beneficial effect, as not only do they release oxygen into the air, but also biochemicals called phytoncides. These phytoncides are produced to help trees warn other trees against danger and to ward off harmful bacteria, however they also have an anti-microbial effect on our bodies when inhaled, helping to boost the immune system. Commonly known as forest bathing, research has shown that simply stopping and taking time to be amongst nature, removing technology, and absorbing the sights, sounds and smells of your surroundings will help to reduce high blood pressure and levels of anxiety, while mood and creativity all receive a welcome boost.

Meanwhile, if water is your preferred therapy of choice, then consider one of Austria’s picturesque lakes. The city of Klagenfurt is located on the eastern shores of Lake Wörthersee, one of Europe’s warmest Alpine lakes, and the crystal-clear waters offer ample opportunity to relax and unwind.

Finding freedom

For many, jumping straight in for a spot of wild swimming will recharge the batteries and give that feeling of freedom, while for others, simply being near to water, or ‘blue space’ – be it on the shore or aboard a boat – will enable you to reap the therapeutic benefits. Studies have found that the gentle sounds associated with large bodies of water and the quality of light reflected back have a restorative effect on wellbeing.

With so much to discover, Austria has something to suit all our wellbeing wishes, whether that’s forest bathing, wild swimming, hiking through Alpine meadows or simply rediscovering your zest for adventure. Your only quandary? Deciding on where to plan a trip to first…

Osterreich Werbung/Michael Stabentheiner

Graz Tourismus/Robert Josipovoc

A mountain stroll from Salzburg

If you fancy getting active during your stay, the Mönchsberg mountain towers above the city and is loved by locals and tourists alike as an idyllic space to escape to. Locals recommend stocking up on freshly-baked Baumkuchen – a hollow spit cake made from yeast dough and dusted with cinnamon and sugar – and heading towards one of the many paths that will take you, at varied levels of exertion, to the summit. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Salzburg’s rooftops and a sense of silence and tranquillity that come from escaping the heat and the business of the city below.

Linz Tourismus/Robert Josipovoc

For more information, visit austria.info

Sponsored post | A Hut For All Seasons

Whether you’re after a holiday in the garden or maybe even a holiday business, Blackdown Shepherd Huts might just have the solution for you

Home is where the heart is – and over the past year, our homes have been so much more than we could ever have imagined. They’ve been our sanctuaries as well as being an expression of who we are and what we love.

With many of us having spent more time at home than ever recently, we’ve found ourselves pottering and rediscovering the joys of a simpler lifestyle. And as we head into summer, any time spent tending to the garden over the winter and spring is now paying dividends. So when it comes to enjoying the fruits of your labour, what could be better than a beautiful shepherd’s hut in which to enjoy the views? The team at Blackdown Shepherd Huts know how special our homes and gardens are, so have created a range of traditional shepherd huts that can be tailored to your needs. Whether you’re after a home office, extra space for yourself or guests, a business venture or simply somewhere to retreat to when you need a little ‘me’ time, Blackdown has the answer.

Escaoe the masses

Lovingly built at their workshop in Ilminster, Somerset, each bespoke hut is designed to utilise every last inch of space, offering style, craftsmanship and flexibility. In fact, Blackdown customers have often described their shepherd hut as ‘a holiday at the end of the garden.’

And with that in mind, a Blackdown hut may also offer the ideal opportunity for a new enterprise, with many huts having taken up residence as luxury glamping or bed & breakfast businesses, delighting guests with their quirky designs and modern comforts.

Not that you need any further convincing, but should you fancy road testing a Blackdown hut, you can find glamping locations throughout the UK on its sister site: shepherdhutbreaks.co.uk. Or perhaps experience them in the luxurious settings of The Fish hotel in the Cotswolds or overlooking the Exe estuary at Lympstone Manor, in Exmouth. And, as you unwind beneath the stars, be inspired by where a Blackdown shepherd hut could take you.

What’s your style?

From a bespoke design created to suit your needs to a ready-to-go turnkey hut, Blackdown Shepherd Huts are all built with the same passion and craftsmanship

1 The hotel lover You can explore Blackdown’s Brace Huts at beautiful hotels, like The Fish Hotel in the Cotswolds or in the grounds of Lympstone Manor in Exmouth.

2 The glamping enthusiast Escape in style with a shepherd hut staycation. Find sites and experiences throughout the UK at shepherdhutbreaks.co.uk.

3 The green-fingered grafter Whatever the weather, create a cosy retreat or sun-soaked garden room to sit back and enjoy the spoils of all your tender loving care.

4 The social butterfly For a dinner party or barbecue with wow factor, gather your loved ones to eat, drink and makes memories in a classic Blackdown Brace Hut.

5 The family timer Host family and friends throughout the seasons in a Turnkey hut that’s ready and waiting to delight your guests.

6 The DIYer Love a project? Awaken your inner artisan with a Blackdown Self Build Hut and revel in the satisfaction of really turning your dream into a reality.

7 The work bee Be it a home office or business space with a difference, there’s a shepherd hut set to inspire

For more information and inspiration, visit blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @blackdownshepherdhuts

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From our June issue…

Sponsored post | Coffee Made Simple

The new Taylors range is named with brilliantly logical ease, taking the hassle and confusion out of a refreshing cup of coffee

The world of coffee can be complex and baffling. Recreating your coffee-shop favourite at home can seem like a bit of a challenge – even when the past year or so has presented us with plenty of opportunity to practise.

Head to the supermarket coffee aisle and you’ll be met with a sea of different options, with obscure tasting notes, varying strengths and roast types all to be taken into account. Never mind all the various names and places of origin. So where exactly do you begin to find the one that’s right for you?

At Taylors of Harrogate, they’re on a mission to free coffee lovers from compromise and confusion. This in mind, they set their experts a challenge: make it simple to choose a coffee and prepare your favourite drink at home.

All in the name

The result is a new range, developed hand-in-hand with coffee lovers. Taylors sources the beans, roasts them to bring out the flavours, then blends them. There’s smooth Espresso, comforting Latte and Cafetière, the ideal blend for… well, take a guess. Latte and Espresso come in a choice of ground or beans, depending on your set-up at home. What a refreshing change. Now making your coffee, exactly as you like it, is as easy as ordering it at a coffee shop.

To find out more, visit taylorsofharrogate.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @taylors

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