DJ: Frances Ambler
Illustration: Shutterstock
Our soundtrack to December. Take a listen here.
Or have a look at previous Christmas playlists here, here and here.
Photography by Ali Allen
Recipe | Walnut and Rosemary Dauphinoise
This decadent dauphinoise is given a depth of flavour by parboiling the potatoes in stock and then the texture and taste of walnuts on top. Serve it alongside the Christmas turkey and other sides from our Home Economics feature in our December issue, as a side to any meat dish, or on its own, on the sofa under a blanket any time you like.
Serves 6
1.5kg floury potatoes (like King Edward or Maris Piper), peeled and cut in 1cm slices
750ml veg or chicken stock, warmed
4 garlic cloves, chopped
4 sprigs of rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp butter
400ml cream
75g walnuts, crushed
1 Preheat the oven to 200C/Fan 180C/Gas 6. Place the potatoes in a large pot (save the peels for potato skin crisps – a great pre dinner snack or good for Boxing Day). Cover with the warm stock and boil until just tender.
2 Place the garlic and rosemary in a large baking tray in the oven with the butter.
3 When the potatoes are tender, gently spoon them into the dish with the butter, which should now be melted. Scatter the garlicky herbs over with a good pinch of pepper and a little salt, if needed, as you layer in the potatoes. Pour in the cream so it just covers the top of the spuds, if needed top up with the stock from cooking the potatoes.
4 Scatter the walnuts on top. Slide into oven for around 30 mins to cook through, thicken and brown the top.
Find the rest of our recipes for Christmas Dinner (and clever ideas for using up the leftovers, too) in our December issue. The recipes are by Rachel de Thample and the photographs are by
Ali Allen.
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Sponsored Post | The Gift of Giving
Enjoy our round-up of some of our favourite gift ideas to treat loved ones (or perhaps yourself) this festive season…
Delayed Gratification
The ideal gift for these hectic times, Delayed Gratification is a Slow Journalism magazine that offers perspective and hindsight on major news events. Give a gift subscription and four times a year a loved one will receive a gorgeous print magazine that reflects on the news that mattered, with fascinating stories, photojournalism and infographics. No sensationalism – just considered, reflective journalism, packaged beautifully. Save £5 on an annual subscription with code SIMPLEGIFT. Valid until 31 Dec 2024.
Famileo
Looking for a thoughtful gift for a relative who doesn’t have a smartphone or social media account? Subscribe to Famileo and your family’s digital photos are printed and posted out as a monthly newsletter. One £5.99/month subscription allows an unlimited number of relatives to share photos and messages via the app and Famileo takes care of the rest. The Simple Things readers can enjoy 50% off the first 3 months, on subscriptions taken out before 31 December 2024, use code TST24 at checkout.
Garden Trading
Carefully curated for hobby lovers, Garden Trading’s Christmas gift ranges promise to bring glad tidings, well beyond the big day. Whether you’re after a spa experience at home, to treat your favourite chef, or to nurture some green fingers, Garden Trading’s beautiful collection is brimming with luxurious gifts and festive stocking fillers, taking the hard work out of present buying and giving you plenty of time to celebrate in style.
Gudrun Sjödén
Gudrun Sjödén’s latest offering is a sumptuous take on the Norwegian heritage Hallingdal rose, via Indian block print and Greek floral embroidery, turning winter gatherings into unique moments thanks to beautiful clothes and homewares. Every Christmas, Gudrun Sjödén supports a chosen project and this year it’s championing Swedish organisation Handarbetets Vänner (Friends of handicrafts).
gudrunsjoden.com, or follow #gudrun50
KEEN
KEEN’s KNX collection delivers versatility and effortless style. These barefoot-inspired sneakers provide a natural feel and seamless fit that hugs and moves with your foot. A flexible, high traction outsole offers lightness underfoot, allowing you to connect with the environment around you. Consciously crafted using KEEN.FUSION, they’re free of PFAs and feature a supple, leather upper sourced from LWG environmentally preferred sources – this collection is as light on the planet as it is underfoot.
National Trust Books
Packed with new features and advice, The National Trust Gardener’s Almanac 2025 by Greg Loades (rrp £9.99) remains a wonderful gift for any gardener. Discover the secret to successful, stress-free gardening all year round, with month-by-month information, inspiration, tips and trivia to help make the most of the gardening year. This practical and inspiring book is as vital as a good pair of gardening gloves. Available wherever you buy your books.
Rebecca Torrance Card Subscription
Let someone know you love them with beautiful little works of art. A Rebecca Torrance Card Subscription spreads joy, as your loved one receives new lino-printed cards each month. Or why not treat yourself with a stunning range of cards that are a present in themselves. Discover Rebecca’s new range of festive prints, which add a touch of elegance to your season’s greetings. All Rebecca’s bold and contemporary designs are hand-printed using traditional lino-printing techniques.
Rex London
Christmas stockings are like people; it’s what on the inside that counts! Nothing says festive magic quite like waking up to a stocking full of treats – and what could be more magical than seeing the look on little faces when Christmas morning arrives. It brings untold festive joy to adults, too! Rex London’s huge range of affordable stocking fillers includes traditional toys, nostalgic novelties and cheeky gifts that will fire imaginations, spark creativity and bring guaranteed giggles to Christmas morning.
Saskia’s Flower Essences
Saskia’s The Night Before Christmas Magic Drops have become a Christmas Eve tradition in many households. Designed to promote a calm and peaceful night’s sleep, they’re natural and safe for all ages. Whoever you’re shopping for this Christmas, Saskia’s Flower Essences offers small, affordable gifts created to help get the most out of life, including Saskia’s award-winning blends of flower essences*, which are now available in 5ml bottles.
saskiasfloweressences.com (*£4 + p&p)
Scilly Flowers
A gift box of sustainable, scented narcissi, grown in the Isles of Scilly, is a thoughtful way to send Christmas greetings to loved ones. These beautiful flowers flourish in the traditional fields dotted across Scilly and are grown without any additional heat or light. Sent direct from where they’re grown to any UK doorstep, and wrapped in paper to minimise waste, they’re a thoughtful and environmentally conscious choice, as well as being great value, too.
scillyflowers.co.uk; T: 01720 422169
Slightly Foxed
If you love books, you’ll love Slightly Foxed – a beautiful magazine for book lovers. Each quarter it introduces good books from the past and present, covering fiction, non-fiction, poetry, tales from the world of publishing and more. If you love to read – or know someone who does – why not give Slightly Foxed a whirl, either as a treat for yourself or as a gift. Slightly Foxed is offering The Simple Things readers 50% off all new gift subscriptions until 31 December 2024. Simply use code SIMPLEGIFT24 at checkout.
Take The Slow Road: Scotland
Give the gift of discovery and inspire a love for Scotland’s enchanting scenery this Christmas with Take The Slow Road: Scotland (Bloomsbury, 2nd edition) by Martin Dorey. This beautifully updated book explores the best driving routes, great places to stay, things to do, and sights to see, all while travelling responsibly. Whether seeking adventure, serenity, or inspiration, this book offers endless opportunities to write your own Scottish story. Embrace the journey, slow down, and savour Scotland’s natural beauty.
The Theatre, Chipping Norton
Looking for a fun gift all the family can enjoy? Get ready for a GIANT adventure at The Theatre Chipping Norton. Jack And The Beanstalk runs until 12 January 2025, offering laugh-out-loud comedy, dazzling costumes, and endless surprises. Join Jack in the Viking kingdom of Smorgasbord, with a talking cow and a band of musical-horned helmets, on his quest for true love and world peace! This family-friendly show is ideal for all ages, so book your tickets now and experience the magic of panto!
Valiant
Looking for the ideal gift for stove owners this season? Valiant’s innovative Premium 4 Stove Fan might be the answer. Compact yet powerful, this uniquely engineered fan increases airflow by up to 70%, ensuring your living space warms up quickly. Just 199mm tall, it operates at a low starting temperature of 50°C and requires no batteries – place it on your stove and it works like magic. Get 10% off all online orders, simply use code TST10 at checkout. Valid until 31st December 2024.
Voxblock
Bring stories to life with the Voxblock Gift Pack – ideal for ages 3 to 12. This screen-free audiobook player encourages a love of reading without the distractions of screens and wi-fi connection. The pack includes everything needed to get started: the Voxblock player, one audiobook, a charging cable, and a protective case, all for £59.99. The design means even young kids can use it independently, fostering imagination and literacy. Loved by parents looking for a calm, tech-free alternative to entertain and educate their little ones this Christmas.
What On Earth magazine
Not sure what to buy the child in your life this Christmas? Why not give the joy of discovery with a subscription to What On Earth! Magazine. Our award-winning magazine is a fun and fact-filled way for 7-14 year olds to fall in love with reading and learning. Every issue covers all the topics kids love, including animals, space, nature, discoveries and inventions through amazing facts, fascinating features, photos and illustrations, as well as quizzes, puzzles and jokes. Subscribe today and save 10%, plus get a FREE gift.
Competition | Win a weekend in a Shepherd's Hut
We have a relaxing break in a Blackdown shepherd hut up for grabs, so you can enjoy all the home comforts with nature on your doorstep, thanks to Dimpsey glamping
As the festive season rolls in and we approach the final crescendo of the year, celebrations fill the social calendar and spending valuable time with loved ones takes centre-stage. Whether it’s sipping bubbles, surrounded by sparkling fairy lights at parties or getting together for bracing winter walks, crunching through frosty fields, followed by cosy afternoons in front of the fire, life is full. But as December slips into January, things slow down to a more sustainable pace and thoughts turn to plans and ambitions for the new year ahead.
If you’re longing to pencil in a treat to look forward to – something a little more peaceful than activities of late – then a glamping break might be just what you’re after. The Simple Things has teamed up with our friends at Blackdown Shepherd Huts and glamping retreat, Dimpsey, to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a two-night off-peak stay for two in Hither, a beautifully crafted shepherd hut in Chard, Somerset, together with a 60-minute relaxing massage* for one guest.
With all the comforts of a high-end break, including sumptuous beds, cosy wood-burners and UK-made artisan pieces throughout, a shepherd hut stay at Dimpsey combines the best of luxury living with the simplicity of nature just outside your door. So, you can relax and embrace the opportunity to totally switch off and recharge your batteries, ready to tackle all the adventures that are yet to come later in the year.
For more information, visit dimpsey.co.uk and blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk, or follow on Instagram: @dimpsey_glamping; @blackdownshepherdhuts.
* An additional massage can be booked and paid for independently.
How to enter
For your chance to win a two-night stay at Dimpsey glamping retreat, worth £375, click the button below and answer the following question by the closing date of 7 January 2025.
Q: What is the name of the shepherd hut in Chard, Somerset that the winner will stay in?
Terms and conditions
The competition closes at 11.59pm on 7 January 2025. One winner will be selected at random from all correct entries received. The winner cannot transfer the prize or swap for cash. Massage is for one winner only. An additional treatment can be purchased separately. Subject to availability. The off-peak break must be taken by 30 June 2025 and excludes Christmas, New Year, Easter, school holidays and weekends. Details of our full T&Cs are on p125 and online at icebergpress.co.uk/comprules.
Photography by Laura Pashby
Meteorology | Types of Fog
Because there’s more to fog than you might think…
Fog is made up of tiny water droplets, suspended near the earth’s surface. But there are several different types of fog. Here are a few you might spot.
Valley Fog
When cold, heavy air settles into a valley with warm air above it condenses to form fog which can sometimes hang around for days at a time.
Radiation Fog
Clear skies and calm, cold conditions cools the air close to the ground, creating condensation and fog. As the sun warms the earth, it ‘lifts’.
Advection Fog
This happens when warm, damp air meets with a cold surface, cooling the air. You often see it at sea when tropical air moves across cool waters.
Coastal Fog
Advection fog can itself cause coastal fog, when warm air moves over the cool sea, usually over the east coast of the country, where it’s known as ‘fret’, or as ‘haar’ in eastern Scotland.
Upslope Fog (aka hill fog)
Cold air is blown up a slope by the wind, cooling further the higher it rises, and taking in moisture, which then condenses and becomes fog.
Evaporation fog
When cold moves across warm water such as a swimming pool, steam fog occurs. You can see the same effect when cold fronts move over warm seas at the end of summer.
A note on Mist
The main difference according to the Met office, is in how far you can see through them. If you can see less than 1,000 metres away, they call it fog and if you can see further than that it’s mist.
If you’re inspired to see, feel and maybe photograph more fog, you might like to read our feature ‘Mist Opportunity’ in our November issue. It’s taken from Chasing Fog: Finding Enchantment In A Cloud by Laura Pashby (Simon & Schuster).
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Recipe | Hasselback Squash with Chestnuts, Pancetta & Mushrooms
Photography by Kirstie Young
Serving a winter squash whole, or at least virtually intact, really brings home how majestic a vegetable they are. This roasting technique gives them maximum surface area to caramelise for extra deliciousness.
Serves 4
1 large winter squash (approx. 2kg whole weight)
6 bay leaves
4 thyme sprigs
25 sage leaves
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 fat garlic cloves, unpeeled
180g vacuum-packed chestnuts
250g pancetta
1 tsp thyme leaves, chopped
200g mix of wild and cultivated mushrooms
1 Preheat the oven to 185C/Fan 165C/Gas 4-5. Halve the squash lengthways and scoop out the seeds. Turn both halves cut side down, then use a very sharp knife to slice 1cm slits in the flesh across the squash, taking care not to cut all the way through. I like to place a wooden spoon on each side of the squash to stop my knife before it reaches the chopping board.
2 Transfer to a baking tray, cut side down. Stuff the bay leaves, the sprigs of thyme and 10 sage leaves into the slits then drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season generously. Roast the squash for 1 hr.
3 After an hour, add the garlic cloves and chestnuts to the tray and return to the oven for a further 15 mins.
4 Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the remaining sage leaves and fry for 2 mins, turning halfway, until they stop fizzing, which means the water has cooked off. Remove from the heat, drain, and leave to cool on kitchen paper, where they’ll turn crispy. Set aside.
5 Next, in the same frying pan, fry the pancetta over a medium heat for 5 mins. Add the chopped thyme and the mushrooms, tearing any large ones as you go. Turn the heat up a touch and fry for 5 mins more.
6 By now the squash, chestnuts and garlic should be ready, so remove the tray from the oven. Tip the chestnuts into the pancetta, squeeze the flesh from the garlic skins and stir into the pancetta mixture.
7 Lift the squash onto a serving dish. Tumble the pancetta mixture over and around the squash, then top with the crispy sage and serve.
Cook’s note: This can be made vegan by replacing the pancetta with chopped hazelnuts.
This recipe is from our November Tales From the Veg Patch pages, in which Kathy Slack cooks up a seasonal feast. The other recipes include Smoky Squash Beans & Chorizo Stew, Quick Squash Chips with Herby Mayo and Rye Spiced Pumpkin Loaf.
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More from our November issue…
Cinder Toffee recipe: Lia Leendertz. Photography: Kirstie Young
Recipe: Cinder Toffee
Shards of crunchy cinder toffee are made for sharing – but we doubt they’ll last long
Cinder Toffee
330g caster sugar
1 tablespoon black treacle
4 tbsp water
15g butter, plus more to grease tray
pinch of salt
1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda
1 Butter a 24cm-square baking tray and set aside.
2 Put all the ingredients except the bicarbonate of soda into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat gently, stirring until all the sugar crystals have dissolved. This takes a while but don’t move on to the next stage until the mixture looks like a completely smooth sauce, grit free.
3 Turn the temperature up slightly so that the mixture gently bubbles, using a sugar thermometer to monitor its temperature.
4 When the temperature reaches 138C, take the pan off of the heat and tip in the bicarbonate of soda, then whisk thoroughly so that it is well dispersed through the mix. The mixture will bubble up and grow and you will need to move fast, tipping it out onto the greased tray.
5 Leave it to cool and set completely, then break it into shards and eat.
This recipe was first published in issue 41 (November 2015)
We have more food ideas to enjoy around the fire in the November issue of the Simple Things, on sale now.
November's The Simple Things is out now - buy, download or subscribe.
More Bonfire Night delights…
More from the November issue…
Sponsored Post | Float Away on a Le Boat holiday
Le Boat is for those who seek more freedom, and spontaneity; an opportunity to connect in new ways, both big and small. Le Boat invite you to do things differently from your usual with our unique self-drive boating holidays.
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Destinations
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Discover more at leboat.co.uk
Photography by Jonathan Cherry
Tipple | Fig Leaf Horchata
Horchata, a traditional Mexican drink, is a blend of rice milk, cinnamon and sugar that makes a comforting sip, whether you drink it warm or cold. It’s an excellent tipple for sipping around the bonfire, too. Add toasted marshmallows if you don’t scoff them straight off the stick...
Serves 8
3 ltr almond milk (we used Rude Health almond milk)
5 cinnamon sticks
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 fig leaves (optional, but they add a deliciously unique flavour)
45ml amaretto shot per person (optional)
Toasted marshmallows (optional)
1 Add the almond milk, cinnamon sticks, maple syrup and fig leaves to a large fireproof pan. There’s a nip in the air, so all the more reason to pop an extra marshmallow in your horchata… or perhaps a splash of amaretto?
2 Gently warm through over a low heat. You want to heat the ingredients slowly so that they infuse their flavour into the milk without evaporating too much of the liquid away. Stir occasionally to ensure the milk doesn’t catch on the bottom of the pan.
3 Taste and check the sweetness, if you have a sweet tooth, add a little more maple syrup.
4 Once ready, leave to cool, then place in the fridge until needed. When ready, reheat gently. To serve, ladle the liquid into your favourite mug, add a shot of amaretto if desired, and add a toasted marshmallow or two.
Cook’s note: We've used Rude Health here because the base of their milks is organic rice milk, making this a much speedier version of the classic, where you have to soak rice in water overnight before blending it.
This recipe is from our November ‘Gathering’ feature, Dark and Chilli Nights, a menu for a Mexican(ish) get together around a fire. The menu also includes Chipotle Chill Pork Shoulder Tacos, Lime Pickled Onions, Pickled Slaw, Pulled Wild Mushroom Chipotle Tacos, Smoky Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Avocado, Basil & Jalapeno Cream, Jalapeno Salsa Verde, Chipotle Crumb and Churros with Chocolate Orange Dipping Sauce. The recipes are by Amy Moore and the photography by Jonathan Cherry.
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Photography by Alamy
Reading | Fenland Fiction
Mountains and rolling hills are inspiring but there’s something about a flat landscape that’s a bit special. Here are a few books that allow you to immerse yourself in the UK’s flat, low-lying areas and dream under big skies.
Waterland by Graham Swift
Set in the Fens of eastern England, Waterland follows the story of Tom Crick but also spans 240 years of his family’s history. The flat countryside of the novel is almost the main character in this haunting, watery story.
Fen by Daisy Johnson
Weird, wonderful and… flat, this collection of short stories takes inspiration from Graham Swift and lover of fairytales, Angela Carter, and celebrates myth, magic and eels.
Coot Club by Arthur Ransome
Dick and Dorothea head to the Norfolk Broads to learn how to sail with Tom Dudgeon. But Tom has embroiled himself in trouble, having set adrift a motorcruiser moored among his beloved coots’ nests, and belonging to a bit of a rotter.
The Wild Fens Murder Mystery Series by Jack Cartwright
Detective Inspector Freya Bloom has moved from her London post to a position in rural Lincolnshire, where she doesn’t always fit in with the locals, who are wilder than the fens themselves about Freya’s arrival.
The Belton Estate by Anthony Trollope
Trollope was not a fan of the Fens but his portrayal of them in one of his lesser-known novels is still a joy to anyone who knows the area. When Belton himself walks to and from Denver Sluice, Trollope remarks drily that “a country walk less picturesque could hardly be found in England.”
Death of an Expert Witness by PD James
One for fans of Inspector Dalgliesh. When a girl’s body is found in a field the lab begins to investigate but soon one of their own is done away with too. Dalgliesh is called to the dark and gloomy Fens to solve the murders.
Hereward the Wake by Charles Kingsley
The author of The Water Babies also wrote this historical novel based in the then very watery Fenlands, way before they were drained and became the flat lands they are now. This book looks back to a time when the marshes were sodden with myth and magic. If you thought The Water Babies was damp and a bit creepy… think again…
The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L Sayers
This Lord Peter Wimsey novel is set in the Lincolnshire Fens and the plot revolves around bell ringing… and murder, of course.
Fen Boy First by Edward Storey
Storey has written movingly about the Cambridgeshire fens where he grew up, largely in poetic form but this memoir is equally beautiful and very evocative of the magical, dramatic flat lands of England.
Flatland by Edwin Abbot Abbot
Sadly you won’t find Flatland on a map but if you’re a fan of the flat you will love this satirical novella, set in the two-dimensional ‘Flatland’; a commentary on the hierarchy of Victorian culture.
This blog was inspired by our Outing feature ‘Flat Out’ from our November issue, in which we discover the beauty of this country’s flat landscapes.
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Make | Dip Dye Candles
Illustration: Christina Carpenter
This simple project will bring light and colour to dark days now the evenings are longer
You will need: two empty food tins; plain taper candles; old crayons (or new ones, paper coverings removed and broken up) in two colours; old candle stumps or wax pellets from a craft shop.
1. Put the candle stubs or wax pellets and some broken-up crayons in each of the tins; one colour per tin. Blue candles with yellow and hot pink dips look great, but do as you please. The higher the ratio of crayons to wax, the deeper the colour.
2. Stand the tins in a pan of water and bring to the boil, stirring. Once melted together, take the tins out and stand on a heatproof surface.
3. Dip one end of your candle into one of the colours and the other end into the other colour. Shake off any excess and hold until the wax begins to harden. Place the dipped candles on greaseproof paper until completely hard.
The kitchen table project above is taken from our November Almanac pages by Iona Bower, which each month feature seasonal things to note and notice, plan and do.
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Photography by Ali Allen
Wellbeing Recipe | Honeyed Blood Orange & Bay Truffles
Eating for wellness should never be about feeling worthy. Especially in winter when we need all the comforts we can get.
Here’s a recipe that includes natural ingredients that will help ward off winter bugs, but is also comfort on a plate. These Honeyed Blood Orange & Bay Truffles are a pleasure to make on a blustery afternoon and go beautifully with a massive cup of tea and a box set on the sofa.
Whipped into a glossy ganache with a hint of honey, these truffles are full of calming ingredients and immune-boosting properties, too. Because a little of what you fancy does you good.
Makes 12 truffles
90g dark chocolate, finely chopped
1-2 tbsp honey
1 blood orange
6 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
Pinch of flaky sea salt
1 Set a heatproof bowl over a small pan half filled with simmering water. Add the chocolate and 1 tablespoon of honey and allow it to gently melt – don’t stir as it can cause the mixture to split. Remove from the heat just before all the chocolate has melted.
2 While the chocolate melts, use a veg peeler to strip 3 long pieces of peel from the orange and place in a separate saucepan. Juice the orange and measure 100ml, then add the juice to the orange peel. Save 1 bay leaf for garnish and tear the edges of the remaining bay leaves, scrunching a little to help them release their natural oils and fragrance, then add to the pan along with the cinnamon and simmer for 10 mins.
3 Take the juice off the heat. Remove the bowl of chocolate from the pan. Set a fine sieve over the chocolate and pour the warm spiced orange juice over the mixture. Gently fold together until you have a glossy mixture. Taste and add more honey, if needed. If your chocolate splits, vigorously whip in 1 tbsp of boiling water (or hot cream) until the chocolate comes back together into a silky ganache.
4 Line a small loaf tin with greaseproof paper. Gently spoon the truffle mixture into the tin and pop it in the freezer to set for 10 mins.
5 Cut into little squares and finish with a dusting of flaky sea salt, a little grated orange zest and some fine slivers of bay leaf.
The truffles recipe is from our November feature, Winter Wellness, by Rachel de Thample, with photography by Ali Allen. The feature includes lots more delicious recipes to fend off winter bugs, including Chinese Chicken Soup, Black Garlic Marmite, Lemony Parsnip Houmous with Sage, Cavolo Nero Risotto and Pomegranate Fizz. You can find more easy ideas for supercharging your winter eating below and you’ll find all the recipes in the November ‘Jewel’ issue, in shops now.
More ways to super charge your winter eating.
Solar-power your mushrooms
Mushrooms are like sun sponges. They contain a compound called ergosterol which, when exposed to sunlight, transforms into vitamin D. Any mushrooms can be exposed to sunlight at any point to enrich their vitamin D content, even dried mushrooms from the supermarket that have been grown indoors under artificial light. Put the mushrooms in sunlight for 6-8 hours at any point up to a month before consuming them and they’ll experience the heightened levels of vitamin D. A good reason to incorporate more mushrooms into your diet in the winter, when sunlight is scarce and vitamin D levels are low.
Boost brassicas
The brassica family includes Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage and cauliflower, and most of their health benefits are reaped when eaten raw – however, if you chop them 40 minutes before cooking, they produce a powerful antioxidant called sulforaphane. If you cut and cook straight away, the sulforaphane doesn’t have time to develop, so being organised means you get more from every bite.
Garlic without the breath
Chop or crush it and set aside for 10 minutes before using. This preserves the allicin in the garlic, keeping it intact during cooking. Research shows that allicin lowers blood sugar and cholesterol and, when you eat cooked garlic, you also avoid punchy raw garlic breath or the intense heat of raw consumption.
Squeeze lemon on your greens
History is rich with recipes tailored for health, especially in the East and much of the Mediterranean, where adding a squeeze of lemon to a salad or dark leafy greens is the go-to final flourish to make greens sing. Not only does the citrus enhance the taste but vitamin C-rich ingredients like lemon help you absorb more iron from foods like greens, which are a rich source.
Add cumin to dishes
Spices not only add warming comfort to food, but many are also great for digestion. Cumin is a particularly wonderful aid for cleansing the small intestine, which plays an important role in digestion in terms of nutrient absorption. Cumin is also thermogenic, so it can help boost your internal temperature, and improve circulation, thus serving as a proper winter warmer.
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Sponsored Post | Q&A with Gudrun Sjoden
With a big celebration in the pipeline, we catch up with Gudrun Sjödén, queen of colour, quirk and individuality, to discover what keeps her inspired after fifty years at the helm of her own brand
Welcome Gudrun, we hear you’re in celebratory mood…
Absolutely! We’re celebrating fifty amazing years of creativity! That’s half a century of designing clothes for women who are not afraid to stand out from the crowd.
That’s incredible. How did it all start?
I’ve always been fascinated by clothes. While studying at Stockholm’s University College of Arts, Crafts and Design, there was a strong focus on textile handicrafts, which had a huge impression on me and shaped my creative style. My first job was in classic tailoring, however, it was the late Sixties and fashions were cutting-edge, innovative and fun – I was itching to get out there and make my own mark on the industry.
In 1974, I registered the Gudrun Sjödén trademark and created my first collection – active leisure wear in natural materials. It was such an adventure! Two years later, I opened my first store in Stockholm and things took off from there.
Your designs are so distinctive, what inspires you?
I’ve always been inspired by my heritage and my travels, whether it’s traditional Nordic folk art, the natural hues of the Swedish countryside or the richer, more jewel-like tones of places such as Morocco. I see my collections as a love letter to colour.
I love contrasts and surprising combinations – nothing run-of-the-mill – simply functional, multi-seasonal pieces that are flattering for all ages and all figures. However, what I love the most is meeting customers who are so enthusiastic, they’re a huge driving force for me.
You clearly love what you do. What drives you on?
Creating sustainable, eco-friendly clothes is our main focus and at the core of everything we do. At Gudrun Sjödén, we believe that the first step in minimising the adverse environmental impact on humanity is to reduce consumption, so all of our made-to-last designs are intended to be worn until threadbare. They’re heirloom pieces that should be passed on from generation to generation for a new lease of life with every new owner.
Inspiring stuff. What achievements really stand out for you?
We’ve been using organic cotton – my favourite fibre – for almost three decades now. We established a working relationship with a supplier in Northern Greece back in the 1990s and have been growing together ever since. In fact, as part of our commitment to better environmental practices, our supplier switched to new machines and the cotton farmer switched to new crops – a process that takes three years. We’re always looking to reduce our carbon footprint in everything that we do. Where possible, we recycle and have reduced the use of plastic and packaging, we use chlorine-free paper in all our printed materials, and we opt for sea or rail transportation rather than air or road for our garment shipments. Gudrun Sjödén has also supported our suppliers to establish water-saving digital printing techniques in order to produce our colour-rich classics, without ever compromising on quality.
What a breath of fresh air! So, back to your anniversary plans…
We recently held an interactive exhibition in Stockholm, charting our journey from the very beginning, and there will undoubtedly be lots more celebrations to come throughout the year, with plenty of colour. As with everything, my aim is to spread joy and to add fun and sparkle to everyday life.
For more information and inspiration, visit gudrunsjoden.com and follow at: @gudrunsjoden.ldn
Photograph by Alamy
Mini Adventures | The Night Sky
There’s all kinds of magic to be seen in the night sky. Here are a few mini adventures you can have among the stars… without even leaving home
Track the International Space Station
NASA has a handy map and tracker of the ISS to follow its course. It shows where the Space Station is right now, as well as its path 90 minutes previously and where it’ll be in 90 minutes’ time. spotthestation.nasa.gov/tracking_map.cfm
Watch bats
The Bat Conservation Trust is a wonderful organisation with lots of information about bats together with ways that you can support and see these amazing animals year-round. bats.org.uk
See meteors
The Orionid meteor shower is most intense on 21–22 Oct, though you may see it for a week either side of these dates. The meteors are tiny pieces of debris from Halley’s Comet burning up as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere at 41 miles per second.
The ideas above are taken from our feature ‘Overnight Delivery’ in which Dan Richards takes us on a night walk around Galloway. His book Overnight: Journeys, Conversations And Stories After Dark (Canongate Books) will be published in March 2025.
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More night sky adventures…
More from our blog…
DJ: Frances Ambler
Illustration: Anneliese Klos
Playlist | Jewels
Shimmer and shine, glinting and gleaming, our latest playlist celebrates jewels, jewellery and precious metals – you can have a listen here.
It’s taken from our November JEWEL issue, which is on sale from 31 October. Order a copy in the Pics and Ink shop.
Competition | Win a hamper from Suma worth £300
Whether you have a walk-in pantry, a larder unit or a simple storecupboard, show it some love with Suma Wholefoods
So often, convenience trumps quality, which is why there’s something deeply rewarding about slowing down and making thoughtful choices for yourself and the planet. When life gets hectic, having a cupboard full of simple ingredients allows us to make meals that bring comfort and nourishment. Suma Wholefoods – a worker-owned co-operative based in Yorkshire – is committed to providing organic, Fairtrade, and sustainable products that help you make nourishing meals while staying true to your values.
Ingredients that matter
One of the joys of a Suma Wholefoods pantry is knowing that each item is ethically, fairly and sustainably sourced, ideal for those seeking more mindful living. Imagine opening your cupboard and finding whole grains like organic quinoa, bulgur wheat, and arborio rice, ready to nourish body and soul. Staples in any kitchen, they’re a great starting point for comforting stews, risottos, or grain bowls and can be easily adapted to whatever seasonal produce you have in.
Then, there are the pulses. Suma’s range of lentils, chickpeas and beans is great for those looking for simplicity. A jar of lentils can quickly become a warming soup or a hearty stew, giving you sustenance on even the busiest of autumn days. They’re affordable, versatile, and packed with plant-based protein – keeping you and your family full and happy.
Beyond the basics
No pantry or storecupboard is complete without the essentials that bring depth and warmth to your dishes. Suma’s organic tinned tomatoes, beans, and coconut milk are the simple foundations for easy, nourishing meals. These basics, paired with Suma’s range of dried herbs and spices, allow you to effortlessly create rich, flavourful meals that feel special without excess time and or effort.
Suma’s range of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits make a healthy snack or can be added to dishes for extra texture and nutrition. Try sprinkling chia seeds on your breakfast oats or tossing almonds into a salad for an easy dash of goodness.
Treat yourself, mindfully
There are also times when it’s essential to indulge a little. A mug of coffee and a home baked treat offers a simple way to unwind during a busy day, reminding you of the joy in small, mindful pleasures. Suma’s Fairtrade-certified organic Peruvian coffee, grown by a co-operative of women farmers, provides an ideal pick-me-up. Well balanced and smooth, this coffee not only tastes great but also supports sustainable farming communities. Pair it with a homemade flapjack made from organic Scottish jumbo oats and sweet medjool dates – simple, yet satisfying, and packed with fibre and slow-release energy for a healthy boost. Ethical and sustainable, food done fairly.
Win a £300 Suma hamper
If this all sounds like your cup of tea… or coffee… or flapjack even, you’ll be pleased to hear that The Simple Things has teamed up with Suma to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a hamper packed with a selection of Suma’s finest goodies, worth over £300. Brimming with whole grains, pulses, delicious snacks and ethical treats, it’s your chance to fill up your storecupboard with the best that Suma Wholefoods has to offer. An ideal way to start your journey towards simpler, more sustainable living. Scroll down to enter…
For more information and inspiration, visit suma.coop
How to enter
For your chance to win a Suma hamper, worth £300, click the button below and answer the following question by the closing date of 4 December 2024.
Q: What county are Suma Wholefoods based in?
Terms and conditions
The competition closes at 11.59pm on 4 December 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.
Competition | Win £500 to spend at Garden Trading
As we batten down the hatches and snuggle up indoors, there’s no better time to treat your home to an autumnal refresh. Whether you’re serving hearty, home-cooked meals or simply settling in for a peaceful evening, Garden Trading’s latest collection of homewares, lighting, furniture, and timeless accessories brings warmth and comfort the moment you step over the threshold.
Cosy autumn days provide a great opportunity to create a memorable dining experience at home. From classic to contemporary, Garden Trading’s new collection blends natural textures with quality craftsmanship, offering a range of styles and finishes that let you curate the heart of your home to reflect your unique taste. This season, statement pieces like the Bayur wood freestanding furniture make their debut. While the Walcote range – launched in celebration of Garden Trading’s 30 years of beautifully crafted designs – brings a country kitchen aesthetic to life.
To help inspire your next home update, The Simple Things has teamed up with Garden Trading to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a £500 gift voucher. Enter today for the opportunity to spruce up your living space and style a home that looks and feels as warm and welcoming as the season itself.
For more information and inspiration, visit gardentrading.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @gardentradingcompany.
How to enter
For your chance to win £500 to spend at Garden Trading, enter our competition by clicking the button below and answering the following question by the closing date of 4 December 2024.
Q: What is the name of the range launched in celebration of Garden Trading’s 30 years?
Terms and conditions
The competition closes at 11.59pm on 4 December 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.
Weekend Project | Templates for your felt mittens and slippers
Cosy slippers and colourful mittens, stitched with Scandi style, will keep you warm all winter
You can make the winter warmers pictured above with the instructions and kit lists from our Weekend Project in our October issue. But first you’ll need the templates (with stitching patterns), which you can click to print below and scale up or down as needed.
Click here for the slippers template and stitch guide
Click here for the mittens template and stitch guide
More from our blog…
More things to make and do…
How to | Revamp Your Woollies for Winter
Spend a Sunday getting your woollies out of mothballs and freshening them up ready to do their duty again as the weather cools
Washing woollies
Modern machines are not a friend to woollies – we’ve all had that bad experience where we’ve accidentally put it on a dry spin and that beautiful woollen jumper has come out horribly shrunk. We’d advise only ever hand-washing your beautiful knits and leaving them to air-dry. If that sounds like a lot of work, the good news is that pure wool doesn’t need to be washed frequently. Rather than washing the full garment, try spot- cleaning any marks instead – there’s a guide at woolmark.com/care on what type of treatment works best for what kind of stain. When storing woollens, it’s best to fold rather than hang them, as they keep their shape better. If you need to pack them away, use vacuum-sealed bags or cloth bags and it’s worth checking on them in the summer months to make sure no bugs have made their way in. Rather than using mothballs, cedar blocks are a natural alternative that smell nice and keep moisture out.
Bobbles, begone!
A common problem with knitwear is bobbles. As you wear clothes, the fibres stretch and break from the friction of being worn, as well as from washing and drying. This creates small balls of fibres. While you can’t stop this from happening, using a liquid detergent, washing woollens inside out and air-drying them can all help to prevent too many forming. To remove bobbles, you can find electric fabric shavers online. A lint roller or Sellotape can also work, but may pull on the threads, so be careful. It’s best to use a lint remover or a new razor – the blades make easy work of bobbles.
The advice above is taken from our October Home Economics feature on mending woollens. You can find it on page 46 of the issue.
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Wellbeing | Feeding the Mind
Supporting your gut microbiome will provide your brain with the nutrients it needs to function well, enabling you to think faster and clearer.
Studies have shown links between higher levels of good bacteria and improvement in learning new information and problem solving. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are produced in the gut to help with digestive function while also having an indirect effect on the part of the brain that influences mood, appetite and energy.
“The focus is shifting from the brain to the gut as we learn that it’s not just about how our brain affects our body but how our gut can,” says Dr Emily Leeming, dietitian, microbiome scientist and author of new book Genius Gut. “There’s a growing understanding of how important the gut-brain connection is in health and disease, where disruptions in the gut can manifest as symptoms in the brain and vice versa.” For example, 80% of people with Parkinson’s disease also have constipation, a symptom which can appear as much as 20 years earlier than other warning signs.
The simplest and most effective way to ensure a healthy microbiome is to feed your gut with more of the foods that it loves and less of those that can deplete the good bacteria. A healthy microbiome isn’t about “a specific nutrient or individual meal or weekend reset, but thinking about the bigger picture and a way of eating that you can sustain,” says Emily. It’s about eating more of the good stuff and reducing the less good, ideally without rules or restrictions.
This extract is from our feature ‘Inside Out’ from our October issue, in which Rebecca Frank looks into the ways in which helping our digestion can improve our wellbeing.
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