How To | Build a Nesting Box

Nesting season starts this month. If you’d like to encourage small birds to make their home in your garden, roll out the red carpet for them with a homemade nesting box.

This nesting box project by The Woodland Trust is a lovely, simple box to make that you can complete in an afternoon. Visit their page for the full instructions and to find lots more inspiration for encouraging birds to visit your outdoor space.

You will need

• A plank of untreated wood, measuring 1.4-1.5m in length, 15cm in width and at least 15mm thick for insulation

• A saw, drill, screws and nails

• A pencil and tape measure

• A strip of rubber

How to make the nest box

1. Measure, mark up and then saw your wood into the following six sections:
   • 2 Sides: one cut at 25cm x 15cm x 20cm, and another cut at 20cm x 15cm x 25cm (both pieces needs cutting at a diagonal so that the roof piece sits on a slant - this is for rain to run off)
   • Front – 20cm x 15cm x 20cm
   • Roof – 21cm x 15cm x 21cm
   • Back – 35cm x 15cm x 35cm
   • Base – 12cm x 15cm x 12cm

2. Use a drill to make a round entrance hole in the front piece. It should sit near the top and the size of the hole depends on the species you’d like to attract – 32mm is great for house sparrows, 25mm for blue tits.

3. Drill some small holes into the base to help with drainage.

4. Once all the wood is cut, sand it to ensure it’s safe for the birds.

5. Nail everything, excluding the roof, together.

6. Attach the roof using screws. Use a waterproof rubber strip as a hinge so that the roof can be easily lifted up for cleaning.

7. Decorate your box with non-toxic water-based paints to finish it or leave it as is.

If you’ve been inspired to invite more birds into your garden, you’ll want to read our feature ‘Chirp Appeal’ in our February issue, from page 106.

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Recipe | Cheese Fondue

How do you fondue? Think oozy, creamy and elastic, rather than too stringy.

Serves 6–8

2-3 garlic cloves, peeled
200ml dry white wine
Juice of ½ a lemon
400g gruyère, grated
200g emmental, grated
Fondue pot with heater (optional)

1 Rub the inside of a large saucepan (or fondue pot, if using) with the garlic cloves.

2 Add the wine and lemon juice and bring to a simmer, then start adding handfuls of the grated cheese, whisking between additions.

3 When all the cheese is added, change to a wooden spoon and use a figure of eight stirring method. When ready to serve, transfer the melted mixture to your fondue pot and bring to the table. The heater should keep the cheese warm but it may occasionally need re-stirring to keep the cheese loose. If you don’t have a fondue pot, bring your saucepan to the table and place on a trivet.

4 If the cheese cools down too much, you can reheat it and bring it back to the table. Enjoy it immediately by using skewers to dip chunks of bread, veg or potatoes into the fondue, but never dip meat into a communal pot.

FON-DOS
• Only dip bread and potatoes into your fondue – veg at a push, but never meat.
• Use a fine grater for cheeses that are firm enough to grate, crumble or finely dice softer cheese and avoid ready-grated cheese as these melt less easily.
• If you’re not using an electric fondue, heat the mix in a pan on the stove and transfer it to a table-top warmer when ready.
• If the mixture begins to separate or split, add a little lemon juice.

This recipe is just one of the ideas from our feature ‘Cheese Please!’ from our February issue, which also includes recipes for side platters of roast potatoes, veg, bread and meats as well as a Beetroot Puree with Smoked Salmon, Raclette and a Black Forest Gateau.

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Recipe | Migliaccio (Shrove Tuesday Cake)

Traditionally baked in Campania, Italy, for Shrove Tuesday, its name is from the miglio (millet) once used to make it, now replaced by semolina.

Serves 12

Ingredients

400ml whole milk
¼ tsp salt
180g semolina
60g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
3 medium eggs
250g caster sugar
250g ricotta, drained
Zest of 1 unwaxed orange
Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
2 tsp vanilla bean paste
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp orange blossom water
100g dark chocolate chips
Icing sugar, for dusting

To Make

1 Preheat the oven to 180C/Fan 160C/ Gas 4. Grease a 23cm springform tin and line with baking paper.

2 Put the milk, 400ml of water and salt in a pan and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and gradually add the semolina, whisking vigorously. Keep whisking for 2-3 mins to produce a thick paste, then take the pan off the heat and, while hot, add the butter. Stir well, then pour into a wide tray. Line the surface with plastic wrap and set aside to cool.

3 Put the eggs and sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk at high speed until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture looks pale and frothy. With the mixer still going, add the ricotta, a spoonful at a time. Remove the plastic wrap from the semolina and break into chunks. While the mixer is still going, add the chunks to the egg mixture in batches, making sure each one is incorporated before adding more.

4 Add the orange and lemon zest, vanilla, cinnamon, and orange blossom water to the mixture and whisk.

5 Add the chocolate chips and fold in by hand with a spoon or spatula.

6 Spoon the batter into the tin and level the surface. Bake on the bottom shelf of the oven for 85-90 mins, or until the edges start browning and the surface turns golden with large cracks; it’ll have a slight wobble if shaken. Leave the cake to cool in the tin – it’ll deflate as soon as it leaves the oven, but this is normal. Once cool, transfer to a serving plate and dust with icing sugar before serving.

Cook’s note: Migliaccio can be stored in an airtight container or the fridge, but it should always be wrapped in plastic wrap to avoid drying out. It’s best served at room temperature.

Taken from Giuseppe’s Easy Bakes by Giuseppe Dell’Anno (Quadrille). Photography: Matt Russell

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Sponsored | Spring Getaways with Classic Cottages

With the days starting to stretch out before us, we’re looking ahead to spring. It’s the perfect time of year for a holiday cottage stay, we think. Whether you’re dreaming of an Easter getaway, a May half term escape or simply a weekend away, spending those long, leisurely days exploring a new corner of the UK.

Here’s a round up of top countryside and coastal cottages in the UK with Classic Cottages, perfect for that spring getaway.

The Hollies

Lake District | Sleeps 10

The Hollies is a rather fabulous getaway, sitting just moments from Lake Windermere. Spend your spring holiday discovering the waterfalls, mountains and forests of the Lake District, then return to The Hollies to unwind in the pretty courtyard garden.

Bennerley House

Cornwall | Sleeps 6

Sitting right on the waterfront in the vibrant town of St Mawes, a spring holiday at Bennerley House is sure to be one you won’t forget in a hurry. We particularly love the uninterrupted views of the water, and the cottage’s fantastic location - ideal for spending your days exploring the magic of the Roseland Peninsula.

Garden Cottage

Yorkshire | Sleeps 4

Garden Cottage, nestled on the edge of the North York Moors, is perfect for Yorkshire adventures. Head to the nearby foodie town of Malton for a delicious lunch after a morning walk across the moorland. This cosy hideaway is the perfect place to return to after a day of springtime adventures; unwind by the log fire or head out to the courtyard to soak up your rural surroundings.

The Blue Hemmel     

Northumberland | Sleeps 6

If you're craving peace and seclusion for this year's getaway, The Blue Hemmel ticks all the boxes. Switch off your phone and savour your remote location - perfect for days spent wildlife watching and unforgettable nights spent stargazing.

The Swallows

Devon | Sleeps 6

Nestled in a wonderfully tranquil setting, enjoy all the magic of spring with a stay at The Swallow. Spend it exploring the market towns and moorland walks of beautiful Dartmoor, swimming in lakes, and relaxing in the glorious garden.

Rose House

Pembrokeshire | Sleeps 8

If you’re craving a holiday by the water this spring, let us introduce you to Rose House. In a dreamy setting in the heart of Pembrokeshire, explore the county’s incredible beaches, before hopping in the hot tub for a sunset dip. Plus, you’ll find the charming local pub just a short stroll along the shoreline.

Castlemans Coach House

Sussex | Sleeps 8

Moments away from the picturesque village of Sedlescombe, spend your spring at the beautiful Castlemans Coach House. Sussex really is quite wonderful at this time of year, and you’ll find many of its idyllic vineyards and gardens within easy reach of the cottage.

The Summer House

Cotswolds | Sleeps 6

Fall in love with the exquisite interiors and magical location of The Summer House. Perched amongst the pear and apple orchards in the Cotswold countryside, embrace the return to outdoor living with a special stay here.

Classic Cottages has an exclusive collection of over 1,300 self catering holiday cottages across the UK, from sea view escapes in Cornwall to shoreside retreats in Scotland.

Make | Kitchen Face Masks

Natural balms and lotions are good for your skin but making them is good for your soul, too. If you’re new to homemade skincare, here are a few masks you can make with just a few kitchen ingredients - and they all take 15 minute or less to whip up.

Avocado, Banana & Honey Revitalising Mask

1 Using a fork, mash a banana and avocado together. Stir in 1 tbsp of honey.

2 Apply to your face and leave for 15 minutes. Remove with lukewarm water.

2-in-1 Nourishing Treatment with Egg

1 Separate an egg and, in a bowl, mix the yolk with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp brewer’s yeast. Mix well.

2 Apply to the hair, focusing on mid length to ends, wrap in a towel and leave to work.

3 Meanwhile, beat the egg white and apply it to the eyelid and eye contour area using a cotton wool pad. To the rest of the egg white add 1 tbsp honey and a splash of almond or olive oil and spread over the face and neck.

4 Rest for 10 minutes then rinse in the shower.

Potato Power

1 Wash and peel a potato. Place some of the skins in the freezer.

2 Grate the potato and add 1 tbsp powdered milk or 2 tbsp yogurt. Spread the mixture over your face.

3 Take the skins out of the freezer and place them around your eyes (on the lids and underneath the eye), then relax for 15 minutes. Remove the mask with warm water

If you feel ready for some slightly more complex homemade beauty makes, don’t miss our feature, ‘Homemade and Healing’ in our February issue, which is in shops now. As well as these kitchen face masks there are also instructions to make Ylang Ylang Flower Hair Creme, Honey and Olive Oil Beauty Balm, Kaolin and Mint Toothpaste and a Natural Deodrant Stick. The ideas are all taken from Organic Beauty: An Illustrated Guide To Making Your Own Skincare by Maru Godas (Smith Street Books).

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Outing | Hunting for Dragons

February 10th marks the beginning of Lunar New Year and the year of the dragon. Britain also has a long and fascinating dragon history. If you’d like to walk in the scaly footsteps of dragons, here are a few places you might like to try hunting one down.

● Dinas Emrys, North Wales Under this Iron-Age hillfort in Gwynedd sleep the Saxon white dragon and the Welsh red dragon, symbols of both ancient conflict and Britain’s intermingled cultures.

● Dragon Hill, Oxfordshire Legend says that St George killed the dragon on this hillock below the Uffington White Horse. Apparently, no grass grows on its top due to the dragon’s spilled, poisonous blood.

● Orkney & Shetland, North Sea Hero, Assipattle, killed a sea dragon called Mester Stoor Worm. Its teeth formed the islands of Orkney, Shetland and the Faroes, while its body became Iceland.

● The Quantocks, Somerset Legend has it a terrible lizard known as the Gurt Worm was dispatched near here – the severed halves of its writhing body now form the Quantock Hills.

● Exe Valley, Devon Not all the UK’s fantastical monsters have been slain. Every night, a dragon residing in Devon’s Exe Valley is said to fly between the Iron Age forts at Dolbury Hill and Cadbury Castle to protect buried treasure. In a fiery twist, Dolbury Hill is the remnant of an extinct volcano.

This Dragon-Hunting Guide is taken from our ‘Know A Thing or Two’ feature on the creatures in our February issue by Nick Hunt. You can read more by turning to page 69.

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Fun | Literary (and fictional) Lockets

Lockets have a long history as symbols of loyalty and tokens of love. They were also often used to secrete treasures, from memories to hair to poison! Here, we pay tribute to some famous lockets from books, theatre and film. 

1. Catherine’s Locket in Wuthering Heights

Catherine’s locket represents the two men in her life who loved her in very different ways. When Heathcliff finds Catherine’s dead body, he discovers the locket around her neck contains a lock of Edgar Linton’s hair. Heathcliff pulls it out and replaces it with a lock of his own hair to claim Catherine as his. Nelly Dean later intertwines the two locks of hair and replaces them inside the locket. 

2. Sara’s Locket in A Little Princess

When Sara Crewe’s widowed father is called up to fight in World War One he leaves her at boarding school with a doll called Emily and her mother’s locket, which he promises will keep them connected by magic. Of course, the evil headmistress confiscates the locket and Sara must retrieve it and prove that all little girls are princesses to someone. 

3. Slytherin’s Locket in the Harry Potter series

This locket was enchanted so that only a Parcelmouth (a speaker of ‘Snake’) could open it. Harry steals it from Dolores Umbrage little knowing that it is one of the horcruxes he is searching for - objects that each contain a piece of the evil Voldemort’s soul. Much wizarding angst ensues.

4. Annie’s Broken Locket in Annie

Left by her parents in a New York orphanage, little orphan Annie knows nothing of her mother and father other than the fact that she was left with a note saying they would return for her and half a locket so they could prove they were her parents when they returned. And the rest… is musical theatre history. 

5. Fantine’s Locket in Les Miserables

Desperate to raise money to pay for her dangerously sick daughter’s medicine Fantine sells first her locket and then her hair, before turning to prostitution and then destitution. (Personally, we’d have gone for the hair first, but desperate times call for miserables measures.) 

In our February issue, our Wearing Well page is dedicated to our love of lockets. You can carefully open it and peer inside on page 59 of the issue. 

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Sponsored post | Bring in Spring with Gudrun Sjödén

Gudrun Sjödén’s latest collection will inject a burst of joyful colour into your wardrobe, inspired by Swedish seasonal hues

Fall in love with a rich collection that doubles as a nature journal of the diverse Nordic landscape of Sweden, thanks to Gudrun Sjödén’s latest spring offering.

The ethereal palette of northern Sweden inspired ‘Notes From The North’ (pictured below), a playful capsule that evokes midnight sun, snow-capped mountains and cotton flowers. Soft pastels and experimental spray dye techniques create watercolour print effects that evoke spring feelings.

Burst into bloom in the ‘Hepatica’ collection. The small blue flower that signals early spring in Sweden inspired a luscious series of botanical prints in a fresh palette of pink orchid, ink blue and apple green. Create a unique layered look by playing with harmonising and contrasting shades and patterns.

The ‘Southern Spring’ line (pictured below) was inspired by shimmering sandy dunes and rolling fields of rye. The open landscape of Sweden’s southernmost county, Skåne, was captured in a sequence of designs in soft shades and bold accents. Build a versatile and striking spring wardrobe by blending earthy, muted tones with splashes of vibrant brick red and porcelain blue.

Tactile, natural textures of organic cotton, linen and warm alpaca wool blends are ideal for a layered look to suit spring’s ever-changing weather. Gudrun Sjödén has chosen textiles and production techniques that respect the environment, all with a vision to create sustainable clothes that can be enjoyed for years – and generations – to come.

For more information and inspiration, visit gudrunsjoden.com or follow on Instagram: @gudrunsjoden.ldn; #gudrunista.

Plan | A 'Grand Tour'

In the spirit of rich young men (and occasionally women) of centuries gone by, why not spend a winter’s afternoon planning a route for a Grand Tour of Europe? 

Whether it’s simply an idle but enjoyable dream or the first step to making a European trip a reality, planning a big adventure is always time well spent. These days, it’s surprisingly easy to flit from one European city to the next and see a huge amount in just a week or two. Back in the days of Grand Tours it would have been the trip of a lifetime; something that would finish your education and perhaps inform a career. Or a life’s work if you were Canaletto. 

In our February issue, we found out just how easy it is to travel Europe by rail, and, in the spirit of the Grand Tour, we’ve taken it as inspiration for a more modern way to travel, with a contemporary Grand Tour Itinerary. But first, what was the Grand Tour, exactly? 

A rite of passage for many aristocratic young things from the 16th to the 19th centuries, a ‘Grand Tour’ was a way of exploring the art and culture of Europe. The idea was to come home well rounded, better educated and with an intriguing sense of culture about you, having picked up a few charming European habits, which you would crowbar into conversation wherever possible… ‘Ah yes, I started drinking espresso while I was in Venice, actually’... 

Usually, leaving from Dover, often with a tutor (and servants to carry your luggage if you were fortunate), you would first travel to France, taking in Calais and Paris, before moving on through Switzerland. Having crossed the Alps, much of your ‘tour’ would have been spent in Italian cities such as Turin, Florence, Rome, Pompeii and Venice. Usually one would return home through German cities, then Austria (of course stopping at Vienna) and through Flanders and Holland before crossing the sea back to England. 

With the advent of interrailing, the internet and underwear that can be hand washed in a basin and dries within hours, you can spread your wings a little further, of course. Here’s our suggested itinerary for a 2024 Grand Tour via Inter Rail. 

A Modern Grand Tour

There are endless itineraries you could use, but if time and money were no object, this would be our contemporary Grand Tour, taking in some traditional stops and many new ones that we don’t think any European Tour should be complete without. 

1. London

2. Paris

3. Barcelona

4. Nice

5. Monaco

6. Rome

7. Florence

8. Venice

9. Ljubljana

10. Salzburg

11. Budapest

12. Prague

13. Berlin

14. Hamburg

15. Malmo

16. Aarhus

17. Amsterdam

18. London

You could do just three countries at a time for a slower pace, or you can plan your very own itinerary on the Inter Rail website. Now all you have to do is find a tutor and some staff to follow you about carrying your luggage. Bon voyage!

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Sponsored post | Q&A with Timber

Timber Festival takes place this July, so we donned our warmest woollies and caught up with Creative Director Rowan Cannon to see how planning is going

Morning Rowan, tell us a little about Timber

Timber Festival began back in 2018 with a partnership between Wild Rumpus CIC (the non-profit arts organisation who produce the festival) and The National Forest Company. The aim was to connect people with the local landscape, once scarred by years of open cast mining, but now a thriving newly planted forest! Timber is a weekend-long festival, which encourages those who visit to rethink their relationship with nature, and to unplug and recharge under the trees. This year’s festival will be so special, we’re already looking forward to July!

We see that your ‘office’ isn’t your normal 9–5 set-up

Ha, yes, the Wild Rumpus team work from a beautiful woodland workspace where our connection with nature is quite literally at our fingertips, influencing every planning meeting and programme decision. As an organisation, we’ve grown and developed in surprising and interesting directions, with each team member shaping the festival in their own unique way, from the recycling stations to the Saturday headliner. The event is curated by people who care deeply about each element, and that shines through.

Wow, your passion really shines through

Oh, I hope so. One of the things we’re most proud of is ensuring we work in a sustainable way, we’re passionate about positively influencing our supply chains to offer greener options themselves. Everything that comes onto the festival site first has to get past Aileen Ging, our Sustainability Lead, from the power we use, to waste management and toilets. And it doesn’t stop once we wave off our final festival goers. In fact, last year’s solid waste from the composting loos travelled just 14 miles and is almost ready to be used to nourish local soil!

After an eventful few years, how has Timber evolved?

Timber had a joyous origin, and we really celebrated trees and nature during the first two years. However, post-covid, the community that comes together at the event feels so much more connected, more urgent and more caring. I really believe that the festival goes beyond celebrating the National Forest and our connection to nature – it explores how we interact with the world and each other. It really is a place where, through music, art, circus, workshops and wonder, we can start to imagine a hopeful new world.

That’s powerful – what sort of impact do you think the event has on its festival goers?

Timber is all about hope. Looking joyfully to nature, trees and forests while exploring what a regenerative future might look like. This, for us, is the source of all passion, from seeing families enjoy time together in the outdoors to facilitating breathtaking outdoor theatre performance, and encouraging festival goers to dance, craft, eat and experience the restorative power of nature.

Tell us a fun fact about the festival

It takes place on an old coal mine! Walking the Feanedock site is testament to the power of nature and how it can regenerate and grow in the most unexpected of places. Over the past 30 years, more than eight and a half million trees have been planted throughout the 200 square miles of the National Forest – now, if that’s not a story worth sharing, we’re not sure what is!

And what puts the biggest smile on your face after all the hard work over a year?

We work hard to create a weekend that welcomes, inspires and enthralls those who call Timber their festival home, so the greatest thrill comes from seeing hundreds of people leave the festival feeling energised and restored, and ready to take on the world!

Timber Festival takes place 5–7 July 2024 at Feanedock, The National Forest. For more info and to buy tickets, visit timberfestival.org.uk or follow on Instagram: @timberfestival.

“Timber encourages those who visit to rethink their relationship with nature, and to unplug and recharge under the trees”

Wellbeing | Keep the Ability to Sleep Well

Whether it’s having 20:20 vision or being able to touch your toes, it can come as a shock when the things you’ve always found easy don’t feel quite so effortless any more.

Now we’re living longer, it’s more important than ever that we take steps to protect and maintain the health of our brains and bodies, and it’s more within our control than you might think.

DON’T LOSE SLEEP

You’ve slept through since you were a baby but then stop being able to fall asleep easily and 4am becomes your new wake-up time. Denise Iordache, sleep specialist and therapist at joyspacetherapy. com says, “A primary contributor to change in sleep patterns in middle age is hormone fluctuations. Oestrogen plays a crucial role in regulating sleep patterns and its reduction may lead to disturbances in the sleep/wake cycle.” Throw in hot flushes, night sweats and anxiety and bedtime can start to feel like a nightmare. Production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, also decreases with age and blue light has been shown to affect melatonin levels. Lifestyle circumstances that increase stress levels can also cause sleep disturbance, including career demands, financial worries, care-giving responsibilities and so on. “Mental health factors such as anxiety or depression may become more prevalent during this life stage, further impacting sleep quality,” says Denise.

KEEP GOOD SLEEP HABITS

Establishing a consistent sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, will help. A calming bedtime, free of stimulants, will also signal to the body that it’s time to wind down. Swapping blue light exposure from the TV, iPad and other devices for a mellow yellow lighting from lamps, candles or a fire before bed also helps to increase melatonin and can make you feel sleepy. “Another tailored approach involves mindful stress management,” says Denise. “Deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness practices or gentle yoga before bed promotes a more tranquil transition into sleep.” Spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol can all disrupt sleep. Instead, opt for sleep supportive foods like a warm milky drink, magnesium-rich nuts or melatonin-producing cherries.

This extract was taken from our feature ‘Use It Or Lose It’ by Rebecca Frank from our January issue. You can read more, including how to keep your balance, memory, confidence, sight, strength and flexibility from page 84. The January issue is in shops now, or you can buy it from our online store and have it delivered to your door.

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Playlist | Tender

Our latest playlist is inspired by our February 24 issue, TENDER. Take a listen here.
You can order a copy of the TENDER issue from our shop Pics and Ink.
We publish a playlist in each issue of The Simple Things – have a browse of them all here.

Competition | Win a Year's Supply of Scented Flowers

Just imagine the smile on the face of someone who receives a gift box of scented flowers through the post on a dull mid-winter day. Enter our competition and you could be the lucky reader who wins 12 boxes of scented narcissi to send to your friends – however, we won’t judge if you choose to enjoy a few yourself.

Grown on the picturesque Isles of Scilly, just off the Cornish coast, the ‘Tazetta’ narcissi – a scented cousin of the daffodil – flourish in small sheltered fields from October to Easter. The Isles of Scilly are unique in being able to grow flowers outdoors throughout the winter months, without the need for any additional heat or light. This means that as the flowers are also delivered directly from where they’re grown, they have a considerably lower carbon footprint than those grown in heated glasshouses or flown in from further afield, making the scented narcissi a really thoughtful gift to brighten a loved one’s day, whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or just to let a friend or family member know that you’re thinking about them.

Once the scented narcissi season comes to an end in late spring, Scilly Flowers owners, Zoe and Ben Julian, and their loyal team of flower pickers at Churchtown Farm on the island of St Martin’s, turn their attention to the summer crop of scented pinks. Similar to carnations, pinks have a subtle hue and a delicate fragrance.

On an island, fresh water is a particularly precious resource, and the pinks are grown in coir-filled tubs that reduce the need for irrigation. Once on display, these blooms will brighten any room and are a reminder of the joy that is home-grown in Scilly.

For more info, visit scillyflowers.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @scillyflowers.

How to enter

For your chance to win a year’s supply of scented flowers (12 boxes of flowers to share over the year), enter our competition by clicking the button below and answering the following question by the closing date of 13 March 2024:

Q The tazetta is what sort of flower?

Terms and conditions: The competition closes at 11.59pm on 13 March 2024. One winner will be selected at random from all correct entries received and notified soon after. Flower substitutions may be made depending on availability. The winner cannot transfer the prize or swap it for cash. Details of our full terms and conditions are on p125 and online at icebergpress.co.uk/comprules.

Competition | Win one of two Weleda Skin Bundles each worth over £150

Nourish your skin with Weleda’s superheroes

Weleda has long been trusted for its ethical skincare. In fact, over the past 97 years, its Skin Food range has become a firm favourite for anyone looking to soothe and comfort rough, dry skin – it’s no wonder that someone, somewhere, is snapping up a tube every 10 seconds.

Combining botanical extracts, plant oils and natural waxes, the Skin Food formula intensely nourishes skin and, as its popularity continues to grow, so too does its product family. Alongside Skin Food Original and Skin Food Light, there’s Skin Food Lip Balm to protect dry, chapped lips, Skin Food Body Lotion with its quick absorption and long-lasting moisturisation and, for some indulgent skin pampering, there’s Skin Food Body Butter.

Over the past year, four new products have also joined the fold – there’s Skin Food Nourishing Day and Night Creams, Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm, while Skin Food Ultra-Light Dry Oil works to boost hydration and radiance with a simple spritz. Set to become just as iconic as the rest of the line-up, they’ve scooped an incredible 16 awards since their launch.

No matter your skincare needs, every Skin Food product is NATRUE-certified natural and made with sustainable ingredients from UEBT-certified responsible sources.

What you could win

There are two bundles to be won, each worth over £150 and featuring the full Skin Food line-up:

Skin Food Nourishing Day Cream

Skin Food Nourishing Night Cream

Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm

Skin Food Ultra-Light Dry Oil

Skin Food Body Lotion

Skin Food Body Butter

Skin Food Lip Balm

Skin Food Original (75ml)

Skin Food Original (30ml)

Skin Food Light (75ml)

Skin Food Light (30ml)

How to enter 

For your chance to win one of two Weleda Skin Food bundles, worth over £150 each, enter by clicking the button below and answering the following question by the closing date of 13 March 2024.

Q: For how long has Weleda Skin Food been available?

For more info, visit weleda.co.uk or follow on Insta: @weledauk. You can also discover ideas and recommendations from Weleda’s many Skin Food superfans at the Skin Food TikTok channel: tiktok.com/@weledauk.

Terms & Conditions The competition closes at 11.59pm on 13 March 2024. One winner will be selected at random from all correct entries received and notified soon after. Subject to availability. The winner cannot transfer the prize or swap it for cash. Details of our full terms and conditions are on p125 and online at icebergpress.co.uk/comprules.

Tips | Tidal Treasure-Hunting

Winter, particularly after a bit of wild weather, is a great time explore your nearest tideline. When the sea bed has been stirred up, all sorts of treasures are washed up for you to explore, from sea urchins and sea glass to garnets and even coconuts from far shores. Here’s how to make the most of a coastal winter treasure hunt.

Check tide times: The ideal time to visit is 2–3 hours before low tide. The lowest tides, when more of the beach is exposed, coincide with the new and full moon.

Be prepared: Wrap up warm and bring waterproofs. Carry zip-lock bags for your finds – and bacterial hand gel!

Be responsible: Collect natural things sparingly as they provide food and shelter for seashore creatures. There are restrictions on removing pebbles as these prevent coastal erosion.

Give something back: Pick up pieces of plastic on your visit.

Stay safe: Always check the weather forecast. Keep clear of cliffs. Don’t touch jellyfish, as they can sting even when dead.

Thes tidal treasure-hunting tips are taken from our feature, ‘Tidal Treasures’ by Vanessa Wright, in our January issue. Pick up a copy from shops or our online store to read more about exploring your nearest tideline this winter.

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Why We Love | Cosy Crime

When the outside world feels a bit bleak, there’s nothing like escaping into a cosy book and cosy crime is as comforting as it gets

4:50 From Paddington by Agatha Christie (HarperCollins) Crime wouldn’t necessarily be your immediate go-to for a comfort read. But, in their neat solutions to difficult problems, and where a sense of order is reached in a chaotic world, they offer an escape from the messy reality of life. For a gentle whodunit that still offers a satisfying brain tease, Agatha Christie is an excellent choice.

The ‘Miss Marple’ mysteries, featuring Christie’s famous sleuth, have a particularly cosy feel, and 4:50 From Paddington is one of the best. A friend of Miss Marple’s arrives for a visit in a terrible state: on her train from Paddington, she witnessed a woman being strangled in a passing train (this may not sound that comforting, but keep reading!). As no corpse is discovered, the police refuse to investigate, but Miss Marple believes that a crime has been committed. Feeling her age, she asks for help from the young, intelligent Lucy Eyelesbarrow, who wrangles a job as housekeeper at a large country house in the area.

Through their alliance, Miss Marple and Lucy uncover surprising secrets, and arrive at the truth of what happened on that fateful train journey in a particularly satisfying ending.

IF YOU LIKE THIS YOU COULD ALSO TRY: The Unexpected Inheritance Of Inspector Chopra by Vaseem Khan (Mulholland Books). In this Mumbai-based mystery, Inspector Chopra’s retirement is complicated by the arrival of a baby elephant bequeathed to his care and an accidental death that Chopra is convinced is, in fact, murder.

This extract is taken from our feature ‘The Comfort Zone’ from our January issue, with words and photography (above) by Miranda Mills. Turn to page 51 of the issue to rediscover cosy reads from childhood favourites and comic classics to rural escapes and period drams.

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Recipe | Coconut Marmalade Slices

Slice up to have a citrus-coconut piece to hand – works for any time, any place, anywhere.

Makes around 20 slices

You will need:
200g plain flour
25g icing sugar
50g polenta or cornflour
150g butter, cold and diced
1 egg

For the topping:
200g caster sugar
75g ground almonds
110g desiccated coconut
200g butter, softened
Zest of 1 Seville orange
125g polenta or cornflour
2 large eggs
2 heaped tbsp marmalade

1 Make the pastry by putting the flour, icing sugar and polenta (or cornflour) into a large bowl or food processor.

2 Add the diced butter and either rub it in with your fingertips or, if using a food processor, pulse until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg and mix again until the mixture comes together to form a dough.

3 Preheat the oven to 200C/Fan 180C/Gas 6 and grease and line the base and sides of a 23cm x 33cm tin with greaseproof paper.

4 Roll out the pastry and carefully line the tin (if it breaks, just patch it back together with your fingers). Prick all over and bake blind for about 15 mins. Leave to cool while you make the topping. Meanwhile, reduce the oven temperature to 170C/Fan 150C/Gas 3.

5 For the topping, beat together the sugar, almonds, coconut, butter, zest and polenta (or cornflour), then beat in the eggs.

6 Spread a thin layer of marmalade over the pastry base and spoon the topping carefully over the top. Bake for 30 mins, or until golden brown and set. If the bake starts to brown too much during cooking, cover loosely with foil halfway through. Once cool, slice into wedges.

This recipe is taken from our feature ‘That’s My Jam’, which includes several recipes made using marmalade such as Simple Orange Cake With Marmalade and Blood Oranges, Roast Chicken Thighs with Marmalade & Sweet Potato and Marmalade Bread & Butter Pudding. The recipes are by Phillipa Vine and photography by Anna Rubingh.

More cakes to make…

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Quiz | When Should You Take Your Decs Down?

Photography by Kath Sadler-Smith @hilltopcottagehome

Is it bad luck to take your decorations down before Twelfth Night? Will your neighbours judge you unfairly if your lights remain up into January? We’ve devised a clever and scientific  quiz that tells you when to take your decorations down, based on your personality. 

Q1: What’s the moment that tells you Christmas is here?

A. When I sit down on the shortest day of the year to open all the cards that have been arriving for weeks. I can’t bear them all hanging around for days on end so I save them to enjoy all in one go not long before the big day.

B. It’s when I close down the computer at 5pm on Christmas Eve and go and open the sherry. 

C. That first frost, usually mid-way through December. When I wake up and see a frosty lawn, I know it’s time to get the Carols from King’s CD out to play with my morning tea. 

D. The clocks go back. 

Q2: When do you put your Christmas tree up?

A. The second or third weekend in December. Any earlier and it starts shedding needles everywhere, plus you can’t really dust properly with the tree up so I leave it as late as my family will put up with so I know the place is clean for guests arriving.

B. On Christmas Eve, just in time for the first day of Christmas, of course! Anything before that is Advent and trees should not be up in Advent as far as I am concerned. It’s a bit ‘common’ isn’t it? 

C. December 1st, or the weekend nearest that. I’ll make sure I have loads of greenery and lights up for the whole month, too. I like to embrace the cold and dark of November but once December arrives it’s open season on the twinkly lights and candles!

D. WHICH Christmas tree? Because I do like a real one and that has to last until Christmas Day, so goes up a couple of weeks before. But I have a fake tree in every room and they go up as soon as I put the Halloween things away… 

Q3: What’s your favourite part of Christmas?

A. Waking up on Christmas morning when everything looks clean and sparkly and ready for the day ahead. 

B. The bit in between Christmas and New Year… friends and feasting, mixed in with slow days and quiet walks. 

C. I just love the whole season and marking all the ‘mini’ celebrations as they come and go, from Advent to Yule to Christmas itself and eventually Twelfth Night. 

D. The build up. I can’t start early enough and I just love the slow build of excitement, the carols playing in shops, lights starting to go up and spreading out my shopping and Christmassy outings all through December to make it last. 

Q4: What was your Christmas Dinner like? 

A. Something easy. I don’t believe in making life difficult for oneself. We did a turkey crown this year and pre-prepped veggies. Took half the time, was totally delicious and no one had to slave over the oven for seven hours!

B. I’m afraid I think turkey is a bit of a modern invention, so we had a traditional goose, followed by plum pudding, and very Dickensian it was too!

C. We actually had our main meal on Christmas Eve to take some of the main pressure off the day. We went for a Scandi-style fishy feast with Jansson’s Temptation and Salmon Gravlax. 

D. Well, we’d had turkey when we put the first trees up at Thanksgiving of course. And then we’d had Christmas Beef when the in-laws came for ‘third Christmas’... So by the 25th we all fancied something a bit different and had a three-bird roast. 

Q5: How does January make you feel? 

A. I’m a bit relieved to be ‘back to normal’ to be honest! I’ve cleared the decks, deep-cleaned the house and am enjoying simple food and some quiet weekends. Bliss!

B. We’re in the midst of our end-of-the-season celebrations still. We never take the decorations down until Twelfth Night, and we traditionally Wassail on the 17th so although Christmas is over, there are still lots of special days to mark.

C. While it’s nice to have the house back to normal, I do find January a bit dank and so I always leave up a few simple white lights and bring in plenty of candles to keep that twinkly feeling going a little longer. Soon the snowdrops will be out and the days will feel like they are starting to lengthen again. 

D. I like to hang on to Christmas as long as possible to battle the January blues. I’m afraid my tree is still up - it’s so cheering to see the lights twinkling in the window when I come home from work. Ever since the pandemic, we’ve left our outside lights up all year round to cheer passers by. So for me, January is still Christmas really - it’s all about attitude. 

Mostly As: The eager de-dresser

You should take your decorations down on Boxing Day. All the ‘stuff’ starts to stress you out fairly quickly at Christmas. You’re generally a tidy and organised type and while you love the festive period, the idea of losing important items under piles of paper chains and sweeping up Blue Spruce needles before breakfast each morning starts to make you twitchy a couple of weeks in. If you know that you only have to live with the chaos for a short while, you can throw yourself into it with more gusto, however. Once the big day is out of the way, get busy with the Hoover and bin bags, and enjoy having your space back again. If you want to retain a sense of festivity, you could always bring in some greenery for a Wassailing wreath for January, or add a few candles to mark Twelfth Night, but keep it simple and Low Key.

Mostly Bs: The traditional de-dresser

Take your decorations down on Twelfth Night. Christmas is all about the traditions for you, so why deviate from them when it comes to decorating? Embrace the ‘rules’ and maybe host an Epiphany party the day after the decs come down. Just because Christmas is over, doesn’t mean the fun has to stop.  

Mostly Cs: The romantic de-dresser

You should take your decorations down at Candlemas, which falls on 2 February, the day all the church’s candles for the year are blessed. In pre-Christian times, the similar festival of light, Imbolc, was celebrated at the same time. Either way, this point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, as things begin to thaw and the light returns, seems like a meaningful moment to cast off winter and look forward to Spring. It’s a particularly good time for old romantics like you, as it also allows you to hold on to the lights, twinkles and festive greenery of Christmas for just a little longer… at least until you can almost see Spring around the corner.

Mostly Ds: The post-pandemic ‘let’s make the most of it’ de-dresser

You should never take your deccies down. You love Christmas and live with it in your heart all year round. But most of all, you love the pleasure it brings other people. Untraditional it may be, but if your light-up reindeer in the front garden makes children smile on their way to school in June, who are we to say you are wrong? Maybe try toning it down just a little between February and October, just to feel the lights glow a little brighter through Winter. And perhaps take them down for a dusting now and then throughout the year. But otherwise, crack on. Some people only wish it could be Christmas every day. You make it happen. 

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Sponsored Post | Cosy cabin hideaways to escape to in 2024

Our friends at Unique Hideaways offer some lovely ideas for cabin breaks during 2024!

Escapes in 2024 are all about recharging the soul somewhere beautiful, whether through tranquil walks that connect you with nature or long soaks in a bubbling hot tub under the stars. With a collection of cosy cabins to choose from, Unique hideaways has everything you need for a dreamy stay in a hidden corner of the UK. Here are a few of our favourites for 2024…

The Bird Box in Cornwall

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From the beckoning fire pit to the outdoor bathtub that waits to wrap you in its delicious depths, The Bird Box (pictured above) offers a heavenly stay. The beautiful Cornish countryside promises many soul-stirring walks before turning your feet towards your enchanting cabin to unwind beside the wood burner with the dog curled at your feet.

The Lean To in Powys

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This former threshing barn has been lovingly converted into a sumptuous cabin for an endlessly cosy stay. Nestled in the wild Welsh countryside, The Lean To (above) boasts stylish and oh-so-welcoming interiors that make for a wonderful family retreat back to nature or a romantic escape for two. Pack your favourite pair of walking boots to make the most of the cosy cabin’s incredible location.

The Nest in Devon

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Tucked into the clifftop and enjoying reaching views across the glittering water and swaying treetops, The Nest (above) offers a spellbinding stay in Devon. Spend your days soaking up the sun on the terrace, before cuddling up on the sumptuous sofa for an evening of heavenly bliss as you gaze out across the moonlit scene beyond.

Matilda in Sussex

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Combining history with vibrant colours and a deliciously cosy atmosphere, Matilda (pictured above) is a bespoke bolthole that’s perfect for soaking up the history of Sussex. The decor alone will take you on a journey through the ages, with pieces inspired by local events and folklore telling a myriad of stories for you to explore during your stay.  

Rancher’s Hut in Devon

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Rich, earthy tones wind their way through the interiors of Rancher’s Hut (above), crafting a perfectly cosy space where you can truly unwind. Subtle hints of the Wild West shine through the decor, pairing perfectly with the cabin’s off-the-beaten-track feel. Solar-powered underfloor heating keeps toes toasty, while the hot tub, sunken fire pit, and pizza oven all make for unforgettable al fresco evenings in any season.

The Potting Shed in Staffordshire

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From the wood burner that casts the cabin in a warming glow to the outdoor bathtub offering blissful moments surrounded by nature, The Potting Shed enjoys a dreamy spot nestled in the quiet countryside of Staffordshire. Wildflowers cover the ground surrounding the heavenly hideaway, while the nearby woodland beckons for dappled strolls.

Wildwood Hideaway in Cornwall

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Nestled in peaceful woodland near Cornwall’s rugged north coast, Wildwood Hideaway makes for a magical retreat into nature. With nothing but 200 acres of tranquil countryside for company, distractions are soulfully simple here, from reading your favourite book in the gently swaying hammock to nights curled in the flickering warmth of the wood burner.

Explore the full collection of cosy cabins at Unique hideaways to find your perfect 2024 escape.

How To | Wassail Well

In our January issue we met some Wassailers and were inspired to give it a go ourselves. The idea behind Wassailing is to bless the trees for the coming year and see off evil spirits that may diminish its crop. But mostly it’s just to have a bit of bonkers British fun in dank January. Here’s how to Wassail well. 

For your Wassail, you will need:

A slice of toast (soaked in cider if you like)

Ribbons in Wassailish colours (green, white and red, generally, but do Wassail as you wish)

Some suitable music. If you happen to be friends with a folk band, that is excellent but a playlist on Spotify will do equally well

A saucepan and wooden spoon

Mulled cider or apple juice (recipes below)

A firepit if you have one

How to Wassail:

1. Get your Wassailing music on while you make your Wassailing mulled cider or apple juice. 

2. Once it’s simmering nicely, head outside with your ribbons and tie them to your intended tree. The point of a Wassail is to thank the trees and to ensure a good harvest for next year by seeing off evil spirits from them. 

3. Ban your saucepan with a wooden spoon around the tree to ‘wake up’ the tree and drive evil spirits away. 

4. Light a fire if you like (a candle in a jar will do) and get your warmed cider out. Pour everyone a cup, then pour one on the roots of the tree, and also soak a piece of toast in some of the cider and place it carefully in the tree’s branches. The idea is that birds will take pieces of the Wassailed toast, be well fed and then hang about in the tree, ridding it of insects during the coming year. 

5. Once warmed and cheered by cider, gather together around the fire (or candle) and sing your Wassail songs. 

A song for your Wassail

This ‘Somerset Wassail’ is fairly easy to get the hang of. If you need help with the tune, try listening to The Wassail Song by John Kirkpatrick on Spotify.

1. Wassail and wassail all over the town
The cup it is white and the ale it is brown
The cup it is made of the good ashen tree
And so is the malt of the best barley

Chorus: For its your wassail and its our wassail
And its joy be to you and a jolly wassail

2. Oh master and missus, are you all within?
Pray open the door and let us come in
O master and missus a-sitting by the fire
Pray think on us poor travelers, a traveling in the mire

Chorus

3. Oh where is the maid with the silver-headed pin
To open the door and let us come in
Oh master and missus, it is our desire
A good loaf and cheese and a toast by the fire

Chorus

4. There was an old man and he had an old cow
And how for to keep her he didn't know how
He built up a barn for to keep his cow warm
And a drop or two of cider will do us no harm

Chorus

5. The girt dog of Langport he burnt his long tail
And this is the night we go singing wassail
O master and missus now we must be gone
God bless all in this house until we do come again

Make Wassail Spiced Cider

A bottle of cider (or apple juice if going non-boozy)

Slices of fruit (eg apples and oranges)

1 star anise

1 cinnamon stick

Brown sugar to taste

a few cloves

A small grating of nutmeg

Pile all the ingredients into a large pan or slow cooker and gently mull, then keep warm until you need it.

In our January issue we met some Wassailers and were inspired to give it a go ourselves. The idea behind Wassailing around Twelfth Night* is to bless the trees for the coming year and see off evil spirits that may diminish its crop. But mostly it’s just to have a bit of bonkers British fun in dank January. Here’s how to Wassail well.

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