Win your own personalised wall mural! (closed)

Future Admin April 3, 2013

You've successfully unlocked our latest competition, and oh my it's a good one! We're giving you the opportunity to win your own personalised wall muralworth between £200 - £600...

You have the option of choosing your mural from one of the many hundreds of fab designs already available on the Photowall website (including top designers such as Anna Backlund) or creating a custom mural using your own image.

The clever team at Photowall have also added a 'stick on, peel off' option to many of their murals meaning no wall damage for those rented rooms - ideal!

So if you want a chance to enter this fantastic giveaway click here now.

Make your own cinnamon and caramel sauce

Future Admin April 1, 2013

You may have spotted Ashley Fryer from Peach Trees and Bumblebees inside this month's Issue of The Simple Things, Ashley has now kindly joined us on the blog to share one of her favourite recipes! Take it away Ashley...

This gorgeous sauce is delicious warm and served over ice cream! I like to make it as a gift to take to dinner parties. It’s lovely given in a large jar with a big bow! Also excellent in banana splits and sundaes.

Indgredients

200g butter 140g soft brown sugar 397g can condensed milk 397g can caramel 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Put the butter, sugar, condensed milk, caramel and cinnamon in a pan. Heat on low until the butter melts – but make sure you don’t boil the sauce. Ensure the sugar has melted and stir until smooth and glossy. The trick is to keep the heat low and stir it constantly. If the worst happens and the sauce burns, you can always sieve it. Remove from the heat and whisk until very smooth. Pour into sterilised jars and allow to cool before sealing.

The story of the first Foodie Bugle

Future Admin March 28, 2013

Silvana De Soissons shares the journey of The Foodie Bugle from top website to print magazine.

In creating the very first print edition of The Foodie Bugle I decided to contact a number of food and drink writers, bloggers, producers, artists and farmers whom we had featured in the last two years, since the website at www.thefoodiebugle.com was created.

Many readers had contacted me in the past to say they wanted a print edition of all the features, reviews, articles, photos, interviews and essays we publish online, and so I decided to kick-start a collaborative project to bring this idea to light.

I was amazed at what a generous and kind community existed out there, really talented people offering their work to be part of this new venture. From photographers like Alyson Fennell, Lisa Barber, Tif Hunter, Pascale Cumberbatch, Sarah Maingot and Jason Ingram, to illustrators like Anna Koska, Beatrice Caillat and Annabel Lee, we were able to publish a really wide range of original and unique food and drink photographs and art work. This made all our articles about food and drink producers, writers, retailers and growers come to life and grab the attention, all printed in Britain, on organic, uncoated paper to make the magazine feel tactile and earthy.

Elisabeth Luard, an award winning food writer, unbeknownst to many of her readers, is also a very accomplished watercolour painter. About a year ago I went to visit her at her beautiful farmhouse in deepest, wildest West Wales, and she showed me the collection of paintings she had made for her new book, “A Cook’s Year in a Welsh Farmhouse”. From wildflowers to berries, produce from her vegetable garden, foraged mushrooms and fresh ingredients sourced from local markets and towns, Elisabeth spends a little time painting Mother Nature and all her bounty almost every day. She then uploads the images onto her Twitter stream and chats about her finds with her followers.

I thought it would be really interesting for our readers to enjoy her paintings on paper, and so I approached her to find out if she would allow me. She accepted, and so we went ahead. The results were really lovely, and many readers have commented on how pleased they were to see the paintings. Several readers have bought two copies: one to keep and one to tear out all the artwork and glue it to the wall.

You can purchase a copy of The Foodie Bugle from the website here: http://thefoodiebugle.com/shop Follow us on Twitter: @TheFoodieBugle

Want a chance to win a copy of the first ever The Foodie Bugle? Tell us in which year The Foodie Bugle was created in the comments below and we'll pick a winner at random!

The great egg hunt

Future Admin March 28, 2013

Looking for something to get out and do this weekend that's a little different? Join the alternative Easter egg hunt at the Design Museum from 29th March - 1st April from 10am - 4pm (no booking required!).

A printed trail will take visitors on an Easter journey throughout the museum's current exhibitions, crack the riddles and the clues and you'll be rewarded with a chocolaty prize and all egg hunters will be rewarded with a mini Rococo egg.

Design Museum Easter Exhibitions

Extraordinary Stories about Ordinary Things

Designers in Residence

Designs of the Year 2013

You can find out more about Rococo chocolates in Issue 4 of The Simple Things.

Make your own mason jar cocktail shaker

Future Admin March 28, 2013

Joy Uyeno from Frock Files shows us how to make a simple cocktail shaker ready for the weekend!

* You'll find the recipe for the perfect strawberry margarita inside Issue 8.

Lily Vanilli's top five baking tips

Future Admin March 27, 2013

What better way to spend Easter break than baking? But, before you head into the kitchen take note of these top tips from book author and baker Lily Vanilli.

- Don't skip the science bit - read up on how baking works, understanding why a particular method is in place will make you a much more intuitive baker.

- Practice makes perfect - I train my staff in the style of Mr Miyagi from the Karate Kid - study the basics over and over until you master them - then you can go on to do anything.

- Always check that you have the right pan size. People spend time and money getting the ingredients and method right, then tip the batter into any old pan they have and the cake has no chance.

- Mind the temperatures of your ingredients, it might seem like a minor detail in the recipe but in fact its crucial to getting a good bake - stick to the recipe's advice - cold butter for pastry, room temperature for cakes and so on.

- Invest in an oven mitt!

Got a passion for baking? Join Lurpak's Bake Club and take part in Lily's Chocolate Challenge this March!

Win one of 10 annual subscriptions to The Simple Things (closed)

Future Admin March 25, 2013

Real people are at the heart of The Simple Things so we decided to put them on the cover, and to celebrate our new look we're giving away 10 (yes 10!) annual subscriptions to the magazine. Click here to enter.

Top tips for growing tomatoes not seen in Issue 8

Future Admin March 23, 2013

We all know how disappointing the British summer can be. Ideally we'd all have greenhouses or poly tunnels, but if you have neither don't despair. Last year I grew one single cherry tomato plant in a pot on a sunny windowsill - it turned into a vast plant and produced more fruit than I believed possible. All I did was water regularly and feed it. The poor tomato suffers more than most outside in the rain, and is more likely to get tomato blight and an array of other viruses, most of which end up killing the plants.

There are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting a decent crop.

1. Be prepared to cosset them a little, feeding regularly and keeping them sheltered from cold wind.

2. Grow those varieties that suit your location. If they have to be outside choose cherry types such as Gardener's Delight, Sungold and Black Krim, all of which will ripen outside given some sun.

3. Try growing cherry tomato variety 'Tumbling Tom' in a hanging basket with basil for company. These will tolerate outside conditions in the summer, and are either red or yellow fruits.

4. Grow several varieties - that way you'll soon learn which grow best in your garden or which you prefer to eat. And you're more likely to produce a crop from a variety of different plants.

5. Be prepared to ripen fruit indoors on a sunny windowsill. Put them in a paper bag with a banana and this will help to ripen them. But any green tomatoes do make great chutney.

Free gifts when you subscribe today!

Future Admin March 22, 2013

Subscribe today and receive this exclusive gift pack worth £38!

Delivery direct to your door at no extra cost

Receive 13 Issues a year

Your exclusive gift set includes a beautiful matching kitchen apron, oven mitt and tea towl, all made from 100% organic cotton by Orchre & Ocre (www.ochreandocre.com). Subscribe now to get your free gift!

Exclusive! Behind the scenes on our new cover shoot

Future Admin March 22, 2013

People are at the heart of The Simple Things, so we decided to put them on the cover...

The urbanite who takes the time to show us round their city, the expert who shares their wisdom on specialist foods, the writer who helps send us off to bed, it is stories of life and people which fill our pages and make The Simple Things what it is.

Meet Teyha, Laura and John. Parents, friends, cooks, and the cover stars of this month's issue of The Simple Things.

Teyha lives with her daughter Isa (pictured below) in Nevada City California, where John works as a chef and lives with his girlfriend Laura and their son Desmond (also pictured below). The friends recently got together to share and enjoy a tasty Mexican buffet, a gathering we share inside Issue 8.

"It's always a pleasure to get together a bunch of friends for a lazy afternoon of cooking..."

"Mexican food for me is all about enjoying family..."

We use real people in our mag not models because The Simple Things is about life, and we wanted to celebrate that on the cover. What do you think?

Free Recipe! Baking biscotti with Elephantine

Future Admin March 21, 2013

To celebrate the release of Issue 8 today Rachel Ball from Elephantine has stopped by the blog to share her recipe for almond biscotti. We suggest you enjoy these biccies with a foamy latte and the newest issue of The Simple Things.

Almond Biscotti with Maple Glaze (makes a dozen)

1 1/8 cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cups white sugar 1 tsp baking powder a pinch of salt 1/4 cup chopped almonds 1 tsp orange zest 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract)

1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 Tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp milk

Preheat oven to 350˚F. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, almonds, and orange zest. Add the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well with a spoon (or your hands). Dump the dough onto a baking sheet (optionally lined with parchment paper). The dough will be very, very sticky. Form it into a rectangle about 3/4 inch thick. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Remove from the oven, cool slightly, then slice into 1/2 inch wide pieces. Set the biscotti back onto the baking sheet, laying them on their sides. Bake for 10 to 20 more minutes, turning over halfway through. Finished cookies should be hard & crunchy. For the glaze*, combine the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk. Mix well. Add more milk if it's too thick to easily pour. Drizzle over the cookies and let dry.

*Alternatively, you could make a lemon glaze instead. Or dip them in chocolate!

Don't miss: Rachel Ball showing us round her home town of Seattle in Issue 8 of The Simple Things.

The Simple Things Book Club: April

Future Admin March 21, 2013

Refreshing reads to help you pause, plan, and make an early night essential.

Turned Out Nice Again - Richard Mabey

Why we love it: Mabey explores our weather obsession in a fascinating mix of the scientific, historial, literary and mythological.

Hand Quilted With Love - Sarah Fielke

Why we love it: Fielke gives a whislte-stop yet informative tour of everything novice and advanced stitchers need to know, including guides to fabrics, equipment and sewing techniques.

A Good Egg - Genevieve Taylor

Why we love it: after realising her dream of keeping back-garden chickens, Taylor shares advice on how a garden and 'the girls' moods changes throughout the year, this lovely book is also packed full of tempting recipes which will leave you earning for a coop too.

Supergrains - Chrissy Freer

Why we love it: Chrissy introduces 12 ancient 'supergrains' with historical background and nutritional values. With over 100 recipes to bring these forgotten grains back to life in the kitchen.

Amity & Sorrow - Peggy Riley

An explosive tale of faith, sex and power.

Petite Mort - Beatrice Hitchman

Fans of silent films and historical fiction will delight in this chocolate box of a novel, which mixes love, lust, amd scandel with the stardust of 1900s Paris.

Frances and Bernard Carlene Bauer

Inspired by the relationship between Flannery O'Connor and Robert Lowell, Frances and Bernard is warm, intelligent and addictive.

The Banner of the Passing Clouds - Anthea Nicholson

Nicholson brings to life the drab, oppressive towerblock landscape of a crumbling state of USSR-ruled Georgia, but also the songs, humour and passions of its people in this tense, gritty novel.

Have you read any of these books? Join the conversation in the comments below.

Miscellany: pillow talk

Future Admin March 20, 2013

Do you prefer your pillows chopped or tugged? A nicely plumped cushion makes a room look all the more comfy and inviting, but which is your preferred method for perking up your pillows?

Cushions from Chocolate Creative

Let's look at the main contenders....

THE SHAKE - a method preferred by the likes of Buddy Holly, James Bond and the people of Harlem.

THE TUG - highly satisfying when applied to smaller pillows and cushions.

THE KARATE CHOP - love it or hate it? This technique divides opinion better than marmite.

THE DROP-'N'-HOP - one for poho enthusiasts and amateur trampoliners.

Which technique do you use to plump your cushions?

Don't miss: old wives' gardening tales, making the perfect sponge, 5 ways with asparagus and more in this month's Miscellany!

Five things for the weekend: St Paddy's Day

tkalyan March 15, 2013

A collection of makes and gifts inspired by St Patrick's Day...

Feta and thyme soda bread The Little Loaf | Irish cream brownies Butter Cream Blondie | Guinness soap All Things Herbal | Irish Manhattan Bon Appetit (photo by Tim Mazurek) | 4 leaf clover necklace Sevgl Charms

Two BIG reasons to sign up to our newsletter

tkalyan March 12, 2013

We've got some exclusive and exciting news to reveal to all the readers of our newsletter this week plus 10 annual subscriptions to The Simple Things magazine to giveaway - so make sure you're signed up to receive The Simple Things weekly! That's right folks, to say thank you for signing up to our newsletter we're giving away annual subscriptions to 10 lucky readers of our weekly newsletter. We're also going to be sharing some exciting news which you can only find out about if you're signed up in time to receive the newsletter on Thursday. What will it be? Find out later in the week!

Psssst! Don't forget to tell your friends, sign up on the right.

Five things for the weekend: bottles

tkalyan March 8, 2013

Five DIYs to try this weekend that make better use of an empty bottle.

1. Plastic bottle terraniums | 2. DIY geode bottle tops, Cupcakes and Cashmere | 3. Wine bottle bird feeder | 4. Bracelet stands | 5. Bottle chime from creationdesigns

Celebrate International Women's Day with Gudrun Sjoden

tkalyan March 8, 2013

Head down to their London store for an afternoon of festivities and celebration for International Women's Day

Gudrun Sjoden are celebrating IWD in style at their London store today with colourful offers, exciting surprises and, of course, something tasty to eat and drink. There will be a special appearance from Alys Fowler, who will be at the store from 4pm sharing her tips on planting for spring. Plus a free goody bags for those who attend with free copies of The Simple Things inside. An event not to be missed so stop by and say hey!

The Simple Things of Life Part.1

tkalyan March 7, 2013

A round up of some of some of our favourite little pleasures from the back covers of the last 7 Issues. Enjoy. Why not share your simple thing with us on our Pinterest board* or leave a comment below.

*To become a contributor to our group board tweet or Facebook us your Pinterest handle

Whip up a tasty tiramisu in time for the weekend

tkalyan March 6, 2013

Sukaina from Sips and Spoonfuls has stopped by to share this delicious recipe for a simple tiramisu. Whip this up in less than an hour to share and enjoy with friends and family.

Ingredients: 2 cups whipping cream 3 egg yolks * 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup mascarpone cheese 2 cups strong coffee approx. 25 ladyfingers cocoa powder to serve

Directions: Beat the whipping cream until stiff peaks form and set aside. Using the paddle attachment of the stand mixer, beat the the egg yolks and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Add the vanilla and mascarpone and beat on medium speed till combined. Fold the mascarpone with the whipped cream, taking care not to deflate the mixture.

Dip the ladyfingers quickly into the coffee. Layer glasses with the mascarpone followed by the ladyfingers alternatively starting and ending with the mascarpone. Refrigerate for four hours at least or overnight. Serve with a dusting of cocoa powder.

Makes approximately 8 glasses depending on the size.