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Taking time to live well
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WIN a woodland cabin break with Forest Holidays

Future Admin July 24, 2013

Picture yourself in a woodland cabin where Argyll’s pine-clad mountains meet the shores of Loch Long, or in an idyllic setting on the edge of an ancient millpond, deep in a Cornish wooded valley. It could happen with the help of this luxury prize from Forest Holidays.

The winner can choose a break at a three-bedroom ‘Silver Birch’ self-catering cabin at any of eight Forestry Commission Estates throughout the UK (subject to availability).

Relax in your cabin with private outdoor hot tub and have the freedom of the forest. Take in the scenery at your leisure or with a Forest Ranger who will help you explore, spot animals or even show you where the wild garlic grows. If you’re feeling energetic, there are amazing locations for cycling or canoeing.

How to enter Enter online  by 30th August 2013 for a chance to win cabin rental worth up to £1000. The prize must be taken by 28th February 2014, (excluding bank holidays or school holidays). Fees apply for activities. Even if you are not lucky enough to win this time around, you can still enjoy a special offer.  Go to www.forestholidays.co.uk and enter the code SIMPLE 10% off breaks taken during 2013.

Offer ends 31st August 2013.

In Escaping Tags giveaway, holidays, prize, win
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Meet writer Lucy Clarke from issue 12

Future Admin July 18, 2013

Catch up with this month's cover star Lucy Clarke as we talk beach huts, traveling and old journals.

What inspired you to become a writer?

It was a decision I made when I was 23, I'd studied English Literature at University and always loved reading, but it was only after I went traveling and had some space to figure out what I wanted to do I knew, though it took until I was 30 to get my first writing deal.

How did the idea for The Sea Sisters come about?

The book was inspired by my own travel journals, I always keep one when I go away and thought it would be interesting to base a book on finding someone else's and the reasons why.

Where's your favourite place to work?

By the beach, my family have a beach hut in Dorset you can stay in until October, I spend all summer writing there, even on the rainy days when it's not so nice. Though it's been lovely in this weather!

What do you love most about writing?

This is an easy one for me, the absolute freedom. I travel a lot and can write anywhere but even more so it's the freedom I have to create something I imagine.

When you're not working would you prefer to spend your time growing, cooking, making or traveling?

What has been your favourite place you've traveled to?

Tazmania, I went there two winters ago - it's a really beautiful wild and rugged little island and the set of my next book.

What's your simple thing?

A really beautiful journal, my favourite is an old brown leather-bound Mulberry one with thick pages.

Lucy's new book The Sea Sisters is part of Richard & Judy's book club this year and is available to buy here.

Follow Lucy on Twitter: @lucyclarkebooks  www.lucy-clarke.com

In Uncategorized
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July book club: The giving garden

Future Admin July 11, 2013

Nothing beats growing your own, whether that's on a patio., in a window box or even just a pot, this month inside The Simple Things we give you some tips on how to turn the tiniest of spaces into big harvests, but if you need a little more inspiration here are our top five books on how to get the most from your garden/trolley/tub etc

Teeny Tiny Gardening Emma Hardy

If you can't go out, go up, Emma Hardy shows you how to make herbs, vegetables and salad leaves thrive in pots on balconies and doorsteps, no garden needed.  The book retails at £14.99 but readers of The Simple Things can get a discount call 01256 302699 quote GLR 8BN to purchase a copy at the special price of £12.99 including free P&P!

 

 

 

 

Good Companions Josie Jeffery

The ancient practice of companion planting is a simple, eco-friendly method of combining species that help each other out. Revived by American back‑to-the-land activist Bolton Hall in the early 20th century and taken up by the Good Lifers of the 1960s and 1970s, it’s perfect for busy modern gardeners too. Good Companions: The Mix & Match Guide to Companion Planting explains the history and benefits of the technique, and offers top combining tips, such as dandelions and fruit trees, or clover and cabbage. Flipbook pages help you to mix and match your chosen plant, whether tomato, peach or plum, with the best partners to nourish its roots, deter pests and enhance flavour – all totally chemical-free. Keen gardeners and novices alike will find much to learn and use in Jeffery’s highly readable guide.

 

 

The Speedy Vegetable GardenMark Diacono & Lia Leendertz

Time is of the essence with this bright little book, which promises crops within weeks, days and even hours. The Speedy Vegetable Garden offers tips on how to sow, nurture and harvest 50 quick grows, such as the herb cilantro, which takes 14 days, or fennel, edible after ten. It also offers alternative varieties of traditional slow-growing plants, such as dwarf French beans, which take 60 days, or early potatoes, ready in 75. Perfect for the busy urban gardener, plants can be grown in pots and on windowsills for quick, healthy sustenance.

 

 

 

HOMEGROWN REVOLUTION James Wong

Superfoods are big business, but ironically they can also be tricky to find. With his new book, James Wong shows how simple it is to grow unusual greens, veg and herbs at home. He’s also keen to point out that many of these crops are easier to grow than what he dubs ‘wartime ration book’ allotment crops. He shows how to grow a quirky selection, including cucamelons, Tasmanian mountain pepper, quinoa and red strawberry popcorn. Each ingredient comes with how to grow, harvest and eat them. And, most importantly, a great set of recipes is included too.

 

 

 

Gifts from the Garden Debora Robertson The garden can provide an infinite source of inspiration, and in her book, Debora Robertson takes herbs, flowers, fruit, vegetables and nuts to make special and unusual gifts to give away. You can learn how to make decorated stationery, herbal face wash and even marigold cheese, with flowers and ingredients that you have grown yourself. All the instructions and recipes in the book are beautifully laid out, with great photography and lots of extra tips and suggestions. Plus there are ideas for taking things from your garden and using them as embellishments for when you are wrapping the gifts you’ve made.

In Growing Tags Book Club, gardening, growing, herbs, round-up, vegetables
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Things to do in July

Future Admin July 10, 2013

Our list of music, film, events and festivals not worth missing in July, see you there?

Photography: Carly Lesser and Art Drauglis

Shucking knives out! Whitstable Oyster Festival cracks open on 27th July

The world’s largest classical music festival clears its throat on 12th July

Pack a festival hamper for Latitude from 18th-21st July

Take a trip with Greg ’n’ Aud as Roman Holiday returns to the big screen on 19th July

Join in with the hot hot fun at Birmingham Chilli Festival from 19-20th July

In Living Tags activities, festivals, local events, summer outings, things to go out and do
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Janis' cake in the house: Pistachio raspberry loaf

Future Admin July 10, 2013

Photographer, design buff and native Vancouverite Janis Nicolay shares the recipe for her favourite loaf cake to keep in her home over the summer. Bake and enjoy.

Pistachio Raspberry Loaf - makes one 3.5 x 8 inch loaf

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar 2 teaspoons orange zest 2 eggs 2 cups all purpose flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 cup milk 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries 3/4 cup chopped pistachios Icing: 1 1/4 cups icing sugar, sifted 2-3 tablespoons orange juice

Preheat oven to 350f/180c. Line a loaf tin with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium bowl, beat the orange zest, butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and beat well. Sift the flour and baking powder over the butter mixture, then add the milk, and fold through. Fold in the pistachios and raspberries, making sure not to over mix. Pour mixture into tin and bake for about 55-60 minutes, or until a skewer, inserted in centre, comes out clean. Allow to cool for a few minutes, before turning out onto to a cooling rack. To make icing, sift icing sugar into a medium bowl. Add orange juice and stir until smooth. Pour over cooled loaf.

You can see more from Janis and her home town of Vancouver inside issue 12, and don't forget to visit her on her blog Pinecone Camp for more beautiful design, bakes, DIY and travel.

In Eating Tags blogger, cake, fruit, nut, recipe, summer
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Calling all passionate amateur interior designers

Future Admin July 9, 2013

When a new issue of The Simple Things lands on your mat are the first pages you flick to home inspiration and home tours? Is your simple pleasure making the most of where you live, and do you have a natural eye for design? If so, read on, because BBC TWO are on the look out for Britain's best amateur interior designers for a new show and we have details of how to apply.

BBC TWO are searching for Britain's best amateur interior designers, so if you're passionate about interior design and think you have the ability to transform other people's homes into special and unique spaces apply to take part in their new television series on which contestants will compete to be named the UK's best amateur interior designer.

If you think you have what it takes please call 0207 534 2018 or email designing@studiolambert.com in order to receive an application.Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply

In Living Tags homes, interior design
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Love to Craft? Try Gathered by Mollie Makes

Future Admin July 6, 2013

Gathered by Mollie Makes is your weekly fix of quick craft ideas to make and enjoy available on the iPad - and now the iPhone too! Each week inside the magazine you can expect:

• Two exclusive craft projects • Interviews with designer-makers • A roundup of our favourite things, including vintage treats, our book of the week, buyers’ guides, plus more • Videos to inspire you and your work • A free, downloadable wallpaper for iPhone and iPad

Gathered by Mollie Makes costs £1.49 an issue, or you can subscribe for a 1-month (£2.99) or 1-year (£19.99) and, if you subscribe to a 1-month or more you get 5 FREE issues!

Try Gathered by Mollie Makes now and get crafting over the weekend!

In Making Tags Apple, craft, design, digital magazine, DIY, Gathered, iPad, iPhone, special offer
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The perfect summer lunch: Gazpacho

Future Admin July 4, 2013

Honour the tomato with this cold Spanish soup. Top with croutons and Serrano ham for a perfect lunch.

Serves 6 6 large tomatoes 2 red peppers, deseeded and chopped 2 yellow peppers, deseeded and chopped 1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped 3 spring onions, chopped 1 large garlic clove 1 tbsp sherry vinegar, or a splash to suit your taste A splash garlic olive oil 1 tbsp good olive oil 1 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1. Put the tomatoes into a bowl of boiling water with small crosses cut into them to help the skins to peel off. Remove the skins, wait until the tomatoes are cool and chop finely. 2. Chop everything up, removing the green part of the spring onion and deseeding the cucumber. If you have a blender or food processor, add all of the vegetables and blitz. Otherwise just carry on chopping until a paste-like consistency is reached. 3. Add the oils, sugar, sherry and paprika and taste. Add additional seasoning if it needs it. Serve toppings in separate bowls so people can help themselves.

In Eating, Making Tags featured, lunch, recipe, vegetables
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Issue 12 moodboard: If wishes were fishes

Future Admin July 2, 2013

A round-up of products we love from around the web inspired by the new issue of The Simple Things.

Column one: fishing hook bracelet UGothooked, weird fish notepad Jaquelinafreitas, column two: fish bowl Clayopera, abstract tiles Tillissimo, catch of the day mugs Not On The High Street, column three: star fish pillow ChloeandOliveDotCom, whale t-shirt CandyBarrel

Don't forget to pick up a copy of issue 12 inside which River Cottage's Head Chef Gill Meller give us the low down on sustainable fish.

In Uncategorized Tags ceramics, design, fashion, round-up, shop, simple things, style
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WIN! A year of organic veg boxes with The Simple Things

Future Admin July 1, 2013

Thanks to our friends at Abel & Cole, we're giving you the chance to win a year of organic veg boxes with Issue 12 of The Simple Things out tomorrow. You'll find details of how to enter and a delicious seasonal recipe inside the mag, so make sure you get your hands on a copy!

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Sponsored post: A summer escape in Somerset

Future Admin June 28, 2013

Somerset Yurts is run by husband and wife team, Mark and Emma Cavill along with our two young boys, Will and Tommy. Having spent 10 years in hectic corporate life around the Thames Valley, we decided the time was right to move back to Mark’s family farm and settle down in our beloved West Country. Spending many weekends traveling back and forth from Somerset to Berkshire, while we were still working, we really grew to appreciate the slower pace in Somerset, the countryside, big skies, and peace that the farm provided. We started hatching plans to share this slice of rural tranquillity with people looking for a break from their daily stresses; and knew that yurts, combined with the beautiful Somerset countryside, would provide a really unique ‘glamping’ experience, so Somerset Yurts was born!

Our farm is a dairy farm, with around 120 cows over 300 acres. We love showing guests around our farm, introducing our cows and calves, and showing the milking process. Children particularly love this, and it’s great to see them getting a grasp of where their milk, cheese, butter, cream and yoghurt comes from.

You will find your yurt nestled in a beautiful, peaceful field that boasts stunning, uninterrupted views over Taunton Vale and the Blackdown Hills beyond. In such serene surroundings you’ll soon unwind and find yourself immersed in the countryside.

Our four yurts are all luxuriously furnished with a double bed, double futon, dining table, throws, rugs, and a wood burner to keep you cosy and warm during your stay. You'll also find a BBQ and gas stove in your private picnic area, or you could opt for campfire cooking over the communal fire pit.

The Dutch Barn is the unsung hero of Somerset Yurts. Home to a spacious and fully equipped communal kitchen/dining area, and a large bathroom with proper flushing loo’s and hot power showers – the perfect partner to your lovely yurt!

The Simple Things readers can enjoy 10% off their Somerset Yurts glamping escape using SPRING13 in the voucher code area of the booking form.

Visit www.somersetyurts.co.uk or call 07811 350176 for more information

In Escaping, Living Tags camping, featured, outdoors, outing, special offer, Sponsored story
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Ten summer songs

Future Admin June 27, 2013

A new playlist inspired by our new issue out on 2 July, our followers on Twitter and the first few days of summer.

Enjoy.

In Uncategorized
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Revealed: The cover of Issue 12

Future Admin June 26, 2013

This month we're joined by River Cottage's Gill Meller as our expert on British fish, escape on a Swallows and Amazons adventure, and gather for a barbie on the beach at sundown...

P.S. If you'd like an exclusive preview inside the mag, make sure you sign up to our newsletter this week.

 

In Uncategorized
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Sponsored post: Learn a new skill for free with The Amazings

Future Admin June 24, 2013

Have you heard of The Amazings? It’s an online platform for skill-sharing, where older teachers (over 50s, AKA ‘Amazings’) teach the younger generation skills for life. Whether that’s carpentry, crochet or jewellery making.Classes have been running in London for over a year now but the exciting news is The Amazings has recently launched online craft classes, meaning you can take part from anywhere in the world.

There are currently 8 online classes available , and you can choose from: Make Your Own Natural Beauty Products Retro Hair Dos Make A Mosaic Flower Pot Make an Heirloom Patchwork Quilt How to Make an Altered Book Upcycle a Man’s Shirt into a Summer Dress Make a Butterfly Pendant From Silver Metal Clay Loom Knit Your Own Beanie and Bobble Hat

Normally classes start from £8 but for a limited time you can get your first class for free if you sign up using this link.

New classes will be added every week and a little birdy told us there’s going to be a Big Knitting class, Wet Felting class and Millinery class coming up soon, so be sure to keep an eye out!

In Living, Making Tags craft, experts, featured, free, online classes, special offer, Sponsored story
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Pitching tents this summer, the dos and don'ts

Future Admin June 24, 2013

Heading to Glastonbury this week? Or perhaps you're preparing for the first camping trip of the year, either way here's a recap of everything you've forgotten since the last time.

1. Lay the flysheet (outer layer) flat, ensuring doors and so on are zipped up.

Think: "I could be at home now, catching up on Borgen." Say: "Nobody panic! It's all coming back to me." 2. Feed the poles carefully through the sleeves and bend them up to form the tent's 'skeleton'. Lock the ends of the poles into the metal rings at the edge of the tent.

Think: "The manufacturer's given us the wrong poles." Say: "We'll be on the beach within five minutes!"

3. Look for loops on the corners, sides and guy ropes, and stake these out with tent pegs and a mallet, keeping tension equal all around. Now secure the inner tent into place using the toggles provided.

Think: "Why are we listing violently to one side?" Say: "Ta-daaa!"

Alternatively – get a pop-up tent.

Taken from Issue 10 of The Simple Things,  download a back issue now.

Photography: XPeria2Day

In Escaping Tags camping, extract, featured, festivals, magazine, outdoors
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Win tickets to the Grow It Yourself UK gathering!

Future Admin June 24, 2013

Hailed the 'Glastonbury for Growers' by Mark Diacono, the GIY (Grow It Yourself) Gathering is the event not to be missed if you love, or would love to start growing your own food, and we have four tickets to give away!

Join Maddy Harland, Rachel de Thample, Mark Diacono and The Simple Things contributor Alys Fowler on the 20 July in Birmingham for a special day to inspire and support UK food growers. You'll have a chance to meet and quiz expert growers, pick up tips from demonstrations, and take part in discussion and debate about local food and the community food growing movement.

The GIY Gathering will bring together 300 like minded growers together to mark the launch of GIY in the UK, which is an emerging global network of community food growers made up of interconnected food-growing groups of over 50,000 people and 800 individual community food projects. And thanks to the people at Carbon Gold, we have four tickets to give away!

Speakers include BBC gardening presenter and author Alys Fowler; Abel & Cole food editor, author and urban gardener Rachel de Thample; photographer, author and smallholder Mark Diacono; food writer, gardening journalist and author Lia Leendertz, Paul Clarke (Pop Up Farm), Michael Michaud (Sea Spring Seeds founder), Michael Kelly (GIY founder), Dr David Shaw (Savari Trust) and Maddy Harland (Permaculture Magazine).

CLICK HERE TO ENTER NOW!

The GIY UK Gathering takes place in the University of Birmingham on Saturday 20 July 2013 from 9am to 5pm, and tickets for the day cost £25. Tickets and more information are available from www.giyinternational.org

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Sponsored post: Happy glampers in Herefordshire

Future Admin June 20, 2013

If your tastes run to a touch of up-market camping accommodation set amid the glorious Herefordshire countryside, then look no further than our chic new Glamping units.

We have two high-class bell tents, which are sited on raised wooden decking. The tents are spacious and well equipped, with luxuries not normally found when camping. These include king-sized beds, a heated shower room and a separate loo.

And the comfort doesn’t end there. With compact kitchen area complete with fridge, kettle, toaster and microwave, glasses, crockery and other utensils are made available as part of the package. We’ll complete your stay by providing bedding and other necessary linen. And there is plenty of storage space too so no need to live out of damp rucksacks!

Outside each of our tents is a seating area with table and chairs where you can’t help but relax and take in the surrounding landscape. Unwind in your own private space and perhaps enjoy a BBQ.

Our units are located in three acres of serene scenery but within easy distance to the market town of Leominster. Just a few miles away you can take advantage of a variety of pubs and restaurants.

Vist the Herefordshire Glamping site you find out more or ring: 01568 720371

In Escaping, Living Tags camping, featured, living, outdoors, sponsored, sponsored blog
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Strawberry, pineapple and mint frozen yoghurt

Future Admin June 19, 2013

We've arguably found the most summery recipe for frozen yoghurt in existence, so if the weather lets us down we can always enjoy summer in a bowl.

Serves: 4 (makes 1 litre) Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes

You’ll need: 450g strawberries 1 tbsp lemon juice 130g caster sugar 250g whole milk, unset yoghurt 2 tbsps of freshly chopped mint and four extra sprigs for decoration 1 fresh pineapple

What to do: Slice the strawberries into small pieces and place them with the lemon juice and sugar in a saucepan and warm gently, mixing well with a wooden spoon.

Mash the strawberries with the back of a wooden spoon as the sugar dissolves and the mixture warms.

Set the cooked strawberries aside to cool, covered.

Mix together the yoghurt and mint in a bowl and then add the strawberries.

Spoon the yoghurt mixture into four individual serving glasses, moulds or plastic ice-lolly moulds and freeze for at least three hours, or overnight.

When ready to serve, take the serving glasses or moulds out of the freezer. Dip into warm water to unmould the yoghurt on a plate. Serve with finely chopped fresh pineapple and decorate with fresh mint.

*This recipe was taken from Sweet Eve, visit their website for more recipes.

In Eating, Making Tags fruit recipe, make, recipe, summer
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Wordless Wednesday: A journey through Southern Italy

Future Admin June 19, 2013

Dreaming of getting lost between olive groves, discovering secret caves on the coastline, and marveling at the Baroque architecture.

To find out more about Puglia visit the Inntravel website.

In Escaping, Living Tags cycling holiday, explore, featured, outdoors, travel, walking, Wordless Wednesday
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Spoil yourself with 15% off at Idyll Home

Future Admin June 13, 2013

For the next two weeks the lovely people at Idyll Home giving every reader of The Simple Things 15% off their gorgeous home and garden accessories.

You've probably spotted Idyll Home before inside The Simple Things as their furniture and accessories are often featured in our 'Things To Wake Up And Want', we've always been big fans of their selection of unique things for the home and so are really pleased to say you can now get 15% off online as a reader of The Simple Things.

To claim your discount use the code simplethings15 at the checkout.

Happy Shopping!

In Living Tags discount, exclusive, for the home, furniture, gift idea, home, interior design
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The Simple Things is published by Iceberg Press

The Simple Things

Taking time to live well

We celebrate slowing down, enjoying what you have, making the most of where you live, enjoying the company of of friends and family, and feeding them well. We like to grow some of our own vegetables, visit local markets, rummage for vintage finds, and decorate our home with the plunder. We love being outdoors and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with a job well done.

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