Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live. Hosted by the Editor, Lisa Sykes, in Season 1 she’ll be sharing tea & cake with colleagues and contributors in The Hibernacle – a winter retreat where you can pretend for a time that the outside world doesn’t exist.  Each episode offers a different take on thriving in winter.  

It’s a tonic for the coldest and darkest months that encourages you to put real life on hold for a while and adjust to a slower pace to reset and re-energise for the year to come. Released weekly from 21 January this six-week companion will take you from Twelfth Night through to the first day of spring. 
 
 To find out more about the magazine visit thesimplethings.com 

This week in The Hibernacle, Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes shares tea and cake with Wellbeing Editor Becs Frank as they seek out crumbs of comfort and ways to feel better in winter. Join them as they talk hot drinks and warm places for cold days, discuss the merits of saunas and which old fashioned remedies really work. There will time to out the kettle on and pause for a moment with an original short story.

The Hibernacle is supported by Charnwood Stoves

This week in The Hibernacle, Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes shares tea and crumpets with Wellbeing Editor Becs Frank as they talk about how to literally keep calm and carry on through the whole of winter. From quiet pastimes and absorbing hobbies to how we look after ourselves and keep our stresses at bay. There will time to out the kettle on and pause for a moment with an original short story.

The Hibernacle is supported by Charnwood Stoves

This week in The Hibernacle, Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Becs Frank don their jolliest jumpers and share good cake as they discover small ways to make winter a bit more merry. Think good mood foods and gatherings, seasonal celebrations and the urge to grow things. And why wearing bright things can help. Put the kettle on and pause for a moment with an original short story.
The Hibernacle is supported by Charnwood Stoves

We look ahead in The Hibernacle this week; exploring the power of positive thinking, the benefits of armchair travel, stating intentions, making plans and spending time with our hopes and dreams, in our WISH episode.
Hosted by Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank .
The Hibernacle is supported by Charnwood Stoves

This week we take a wander in the Hibernacle. We are seeking ways to overcome the lack of daylight and bad weather to lead us out of winter hibernation. Expect beachcombing, microclimates and lunchtime adventures. NB. Please check the laws around beachcombing for your own location.

Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes is chatting with Jo Tinsley, regular contributor to the magazine, Editor of Ernest Journal and author of The Slow Traveller and fellow outdoors fan.

The Hibernacle is supported by Charnwood Stoves

This week  we discuss simple things to marvel at during winter.
In the last of this season, we embrace the season’s bleak but dramatic landscapes, why we love a small hill, natural spectacles, frost and ice and make mention of dragons…

Join us in The Hibernacle, hosted by Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes with Jo Tinsley, regular contributor to the magazine, Editor of Ernest Journal and author of The Slow Traveller.

The Hibernacle is supported by Charnwood Stoves

This week we are sharing chocolate and cake with Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank. Join them as they chat about why we love an inessential meal, how a treat lifts your mood, the joy of fresh eggs, time away from the to-do list and whether it’s better to save for something special. There will be time to put the kettle on and pause for a moment with an original short story.

A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the subscription box from Mind

Click here to find out more about the The Simple Things Magazine

This week Lisa & Becs are feeling curious and ready to try something new. 

Join them to explore spring foraging and experimental cooking, picking up the things they tried in lockdown and discovering why being curious is good for all of us. 

Pop the kettle on and pause for a moment with an original short story plus we’ll hear from Mind, which is supporting A Spring Tonic through Pause, the monthly subscription box.

To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com

Join the discussion about could-do lists and spontaneous day trips, following a quest, unusual sources of inspiration and the best ways to play truant... oh, and satisfying stuff you can do in a day.  In this episode Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes seeks out small ways to seize the moment with regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley. Relish a moment of calm yourself and listen to this week’s original short story. 

A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the subscription box from Mind

To subscribe to The Simple Things Magazine, click here...

How does fresh air, fresh food and a bit of fresh thinking sound?

This week Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank look for small ways to bring in spring. They start by opening the windows, trying some homespun cleaning and pegging out the washing. There’ll be chat about homegrown herbs and adding a twist to favourite meals. And why cycling is a good thing.

Join them to hear this episode’s original short story and discover just what’s in their first Pause subscription box from Mind, which is supporting A Spring Tonic

To subscribe to The Simple Things Magazine, click here...

When is a weed not a weed, the wonder of bluebells and the precarious life of a tadpole. Learn how to bloom this spring, as Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes looks for small ways to flourish with regular contributor and Editor of Ernest Journal, Jo Tinsley. Discussing life lessons from nature, join them as they chat about hedgerows weeds we like and why growing things is good for you. There will be time to listen to an original short story and to take a tea break with the sun on your face.

A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the subscription box from Mind

To subscribe to The Simple Things Magazine, click here...

In the last episode of this season Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank are feeling the joys of spring through small ways to be happy. Join their chat about the dawn chorus and birdsong, why singing is good for everyone, revisiting pastimes from your childhood, good friends and cooing over new life. As always, there will be an original short story to take a moment with.

A Spring Tonic is supported by Pause, the subscription box from Mind 

To subscribe to The Simple Things Magazine, click here...

Episode 1 – UNWIND

This week, Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes, finds ways to slow down with Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank. Join them as they discuss active rest, holiday packing, why blue space is the answer and the joy of a good book. There will be time to put the kettle on, pause for a moment and dream of holidays with an original short story before enjoying an impromptu picnic.

Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.

To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com

Editing by Arthur Cosslett.

In this episode we dress like we’re on holiday, all the better to feel sunshine vibes. Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank explore how and why we unfurl and blossom like flowers in high summer, share some tasty ways with berries and cherries and pick a few flowers. Plus good bugs & bad bugs.

Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.

To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com

Editing by Arthur Cosslett.

Slow adventurer Jo Tinsley is back with The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes appreciating some of the best ways to waste time when you can this summer. First stop is at the beach where they collect sea glass and hagstones, make a sundial and explore rockpools. Then it’s back home to not get busy in the garden and linger outdoors into the night. Have a go at our collective nouns quiz, just because…

Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.

To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com

Editing by Arthur Cosslett.

If you fancy an afternoon to drift and make plans from your deckchair, think of this episode as your permission slip. Join the Simple Things’ Editor, Lisa Sykes and regular contributor, Jo Tinsley to find the right headspace, dream of a different way of life, explore the appeal of islands and indulge in a spot of nostalgia. Enjoy the read-aloud short story with a recommended summer tipple and test your knowledge of Agatha Christie characters.

Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.

To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com

Editing by Arthur Cosslett.

They don't call August silly season for nothing.

The Simple Things’ Wellbeing  Editor, Becs Frank, is back with Editor, Lisa Sykes eating ice cream and lollies and playing big kid games in the park. They’re going barefoot and trying some messy projects in a bid to find the fun and adventure. A spot of laughter yoga, anyone?

Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.

To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com

Editing by Arthur Cosslett.

This episode we take a moment to enjoy the final throes of summer before the return to routine and the start of another season. The Simple Things Editor, Lisa Sykes, and Wellbeing Editor, Becs Frank are taking stock and setting intentions but also working out how to make summer stretch a little bit longer.

Expect a tipple or two and could-do lists for the year ahead. Plus a final original short story to wrap up our Everyday Holidays season.

Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.

To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com

Editing by Arthur Cosslett.

Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Becs Frank light candles, discuss ways to save daylight and keep melancholy at bay, marvel at autumn colours and the science behind them. The kettle’s on, there is a selection of good cake and time to pause for a seasonal short story.

Editing by Arthur Cosslett.

To go:

Westonbirt arboretum – https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretumTo read:

Japanese Art of Living Seasonally: An invitation to celebrate every day by Natalie Leon (Watkins Media)

Damn Good Dumplings by Stratis Morfogen (Page Street Publishing)On our blog:

Apple Cinnamon Rose Cake – https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/recipe-apple-amp-cinnamon-rose-cake?rq=apple%20cake

Bobbing Apples Cake – https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/bobbing-apples-cake?rq=apple%20cake

Nightwalking playlist – https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/nightwalkplaylist?rq=NightFrom The Simple Things:

October WEAVE issue – https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things/products/the-simple-things-issue-148-october

November JEWEL issue – https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things/products/the-simple-things-issue-149-november

The Greenhouse gathering featured in our October 2022 issue - 124 (edited) 

Wellbeing Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Becs Frank and regular contributor, Jo Tinsley discuss our fascination with fire, spicy foods for eating and healing, mending winter woollens and ways to make an autumn walk more ‘awe’ inspiring. Plus a short short on creative autumn pastimes.

Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.

To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com

Music and editing by Arthur Cosslett

To go:
Somerset carnivals
https://www.somersetcountycarnivals.com

To read:
Enchantment Reawakening wonder in an exhausted age by Katherine May (Faber & Faber)

Awe: The Transformative Power of Everyday Wonder by Dacher Keltner (Penguin)

To make:
Pumpkin projects
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/pumpkin-beer-keg?rq=beer%20keghttps://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/pumpkin-bird-feeder?rq=beer%20kegDip dye candles:
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/make-dip-dye-candles

From The Simple Things
October WEAVE issue -
https://picsandink.com/products/the-simple-things-issue-148-october?_pos=1&_psq=The+Simple+Things&_ss=e&_v=1.0November JEWEL issue –
https://picsandink.com/products/the-simple-things-issue-149-november?_pos=2&_psq=The+Simple+Things&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Flourish – volume 3 of our wellbeing bookazine
https://picsandink.com/products/flourish-volume-3?_pos=1&_sid=45c0aa519&_ss=rOn the blog:

Turmeric balls
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/turmeric-balls?rq=turmeric

Hot cranberry toddy
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/cranberrytoddy?rq=cranberry%20toddy

Revamp your woollens
https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/revamp-woollies


Feature references
The Christmas Craft Gathering and Know a Thing or Two Spices features appeared in November 2023 (issue 137)

Looking up feature appeared in October 2023 (issue 136)

Know a Thing or Two Wool appeared in November 2021 (issue 113)

Know a Thing or Two Fungi appeared in November 2020 (issue 101)

Back issues are available to buy at https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things

If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for send us an email hello@picsandink.com

This week, Editor of The Simple Things magazine, Lisa Sykes and regular contributor, Jo Tinsley seek out treasures of the season such as berries, hips, haws, pine cones and conkers; making magical land art; guerrilla gardening and seed bombs; growing unusual berries straight out of The Gruffalo; and the subtle art of letting go.

Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.

To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com

Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett

To read:

The Seed Detective: Uncovering the Secret Histories of Remarkable Vegetables by Adam Alexander (Chelsea Green Publishing)

Finding Quiet Strength by Judith Kleinman (Quickthorn)

Tiny Traumas by Dr Meg Arroll (Thorsons)

The National Trust Book of Crumbles by Laura Mason (Harper Collins)

To make:

Damson cheese, hawthorn berry ketchup and salted sloes

https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2014/09/10/fruits-hedgerow?rq=sloe

Seed bombs

https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/make-seed-bombs?rq=Seed%20bombs

Pine cone bird feeder

https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2016/12/14/how-to-make-a-pine-cone-bird-feeder?rq=Goldfinches 

From The Simple Things Magazine:

October WEAVE issue 

https://picsandink.com/products/the-simple-things-issue-148-october?_pos=1&_psq=The+Simple+Things&_ss=e&_v=1.0

November JEWEL issue 

https://picsandink.com/products/the-simple-things-issue-149-november?_pos=2&_psq=The+Simple+Things&_ss=e&_v=1.0

 
Flourish – volume 3 of our wellbeing bookazine

https://picsandink.com/products/flourish-volume-3?_pos=1&_sid=45c0aa519&_ss=r

 
On the blog:

Wellbeing | How to let go of being busy

https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/wellbeing-let-go-busyness?rq=Letting%20go

Recipe | Sticky sloe and nut clusters

https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/sloe-nut-clusters?rq=sloe%20treacle%20tart

Our remedy of the week | Rosehip syrup

https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2015/10/7/recipe-rosehip-syrup-and-sloe-gin?rq=sloe

Feature references

Seeds of memories, Berried treasure and Let it sloe (with a recipe for Sloe treacle tart) published in November 2022 (issue 125)

Letting go feature published in October 2023 (issue 136)

Fall into place (land art by artist James Brunt) published in November 2023 (issue 137)

Back issues are available to buy at https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for send us an email

In our Nourish episode Lisa Sykes, editor of The Simple Things magazine, chats to Wellbeing editor Becs Frank about hearty and healthy comfort food, domestic goddesses, why we all have a favourite mug and how to feed your skin in the winter months.

Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.

To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com

Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett

To read:

Genius Gut by Dr Emily Leeming (Penguin)

Regrown: How to Grow Fruit, Herbs and Vegetables from Kitchen Scraps by Paul Anderton and Robin Daly (Hardie Grant)

On the blog:

Hasselback Squash with chestnuts, pancetta & mushrooms

https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/hasselback-squash

Bedtime cake
 https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/bedtime-cake

Bonfire treats

Cinder toffee https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2015/11/4/recipe-cinder-toffee

Rye & apple parkin https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/rye-apple-parkin?rq=parkin

Smoked toffee apple bourbon https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2015/10/5/recipe-smoked-toffee-apple-bourbon?rq=bonfire

 
From The Simple Things

In the November JEWEL issue

Carrot and Horlicks Tres Leches Cake 

Rye spiced pumpkin loaf

Lemony parsnip houmous with sage

An ode to our favourite mugs

In the October WEAVE issue 

How domestic goddesses changed the way we cook

Flourish – volume 3 of our wellbeing bookazine

Back issues are available to buy at https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things. If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for send us an email hello@picsandink.com

Join in our special cook along episode as the team make Christmas cakes, large and small and a gluten-free pudding. In between stirring and mixing, The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes, Wellbeing Editor Becs Frank and regular contributor Jo Tinsley, will talk festive tipples, homemade gifts and advent calendars. As the cakes cook they’ll be reading seasonal microfiction.

 
SPOILER ALERT!

One of our stories in the second half of this podcast involves Santa Claus and if you have little listeners in earshot, it might not be something you want them around to hear if you want to keep the magic of Christmas going that little bit longer!
 
To do:

Listen to our festive playlists – search ‘Christmas Playlist’ on our blog for the Spotify links

To buy:

Gift subscriptions to The Simple Things

Manifesto tea towel

Christmas manifesto cards

Subscribe to The Simple Things 

On the blog: 

• Swedish glogg 
• Simple homemade hanging decorations
• Stollen with dark rum and lemon marzipan
• Bath salts
• Galette Des Rois
• Mulled white wine

 From The Simple Things:

Craft-a peel gathering – November 2023, Issue 137 – Stollen recipe, How to Dry Orange Slices and Painted Candles 

Mulling Spices for Wine gift idea – November 2022, Issue 125 

Christmas microfiction winners –  December 2023, Issue 138 

Back issues are available to buy. If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for, send us an email hello@picsandink.com

In the new December Christmas Cheer issue

Hamper swap gathering

Christmas food tidbits trivia

Kitschmas retro drinks & nibbles

To subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.com

Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett

If you’re not yet ready to come out of hibernation then this episode is for you. 

Editor, Lisa Sykes, and wellbeing editor, Rebecca Frank are being kind to themselves, enjoying animal love stories, hugs and other tender gestures, learning how to seek out glimmers, make amends and discovering the importance of saying sorry.

Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts

Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.

You can try an immediate start subscription at www.thesimplethings.com/subscribe and receive the current issue straight away, or buy current and back issues at https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things. If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for send us an email hello@picsandink.com

Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett

To read:

Self-Care For Winter: Seven Steps To Thriving In The Colder Months by Suzy Reading (Aster)

Talk: The Science of Conversation and The Art of Being Ourselves by Alison Wood Brooks (Penguin Life)

How To Have Extraordinary Relationships by Lucy Cavendish (Hardie Grant)

Why Buy Roses in February? Campaign from SSAW Collective about ethical ways of working with seasonal produce. 

To listen:

Vardrypp – from a Norwegian reader, it's about the moment when the snow starts to melt / drip and you know winter is ending and spring is coming (March in Norway)

Sunshine and Moonbeams by reader Louise Ashcroft

Team TST’s mixtape playlist – all about the songs we remembered from mix tapes past

To buy:

Valentine’s Day alternative ideas:

Scented narcissi www.scillyflowers.co.uk

Devil’s ivy (Golden Pothos)

String of hearts (Ceropegia Woodii)

 From The Simple Things:

In the February GLIMMER issue: 

Kitchen therapy: feeding your senses 

Glimmers: small moments of joy 

Animal love matches 

Coming up in the March MEND issue (order via picsandink.com from 20 February)

Making amends: how to say sorry 

Clementine Curd recipe 

Flourish – volume 3 of our wellbeing bookazine

You can try an immediate start subscription at www.thesimplethings.com/subscribe and receive the current issue straight away, or buy current and back issues at https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things. If you can’t find the issue you’re looking for send us an email hello@picsandink.

If you’ve got cabin fever and are ready to head out and about then we’re here to help

Wellbeing editor, Rebecca Frank and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley, are taking some deep breaths as they head outdoors to blow (or even rinse off) the cobwebs with a bracing walk or a sauna and a cold dip. We will be also be finding ways to keep warm while appreciating nature and satisfying the urge to get growing again.

Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts

Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.

If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the magazine at http://www.icebergpress.co.uk/subscribe and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here.

Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett

To read:

Weathering: How the earth’s deep wisdom can help us endure life’s storms by Ruth Allen (Ebury)

Just Add Nature: Embrace the healing powers of nature and increase your sense of wellbeing by Rebecca Frank (National Trust)

To go and do:

The Eden Project, Cornwall 

Sheffield Winter Garden 

The Japanese Gardens, Tatton Park, Cheshire 

The Japanese Garden, St Mawgan Cornwall 

Jack and Jill Windmills, West Sussex 

Cley Windmill, Norfolk 

The Line, London 

Beach Box Spa, Brighton

Stamner Sauna Garden storytelling 

Oakhill Ponds, Somerset 

Ty Sawna, Gower Peninsula 

The British Sauna Society

Glen Dye Cottages

On the blog:

The Swedish concept of Fika 

Beachcombing: Things you can take home from the seaside 

Yarn Bomber’s Toolkit 

In the February GLIMMER issue: 

Another Country: If holidays seem a long way off, get a tiny taste of travel thanks to landscapes, culture and food from aboard

Jam Jar Gardens: Planting hyacinth bulbs in mason jars

Flavour of the Weeks: Jenny Coates’ nature diary project Jenny Coates’ 52 Weeks of Nature Art

If you’re looking for ways to comfort and soothe your winter weary mind and body, then pop the kettle on, curl up and join us.

The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor, Rebecca Frank, are talking pies, toast and other comfort foods, and how growing veg is a mental and physical tonic. We’ll also be discussing sunrooms and citrus trees and the pillars of good health that will help to keep us on track as winter draws to a close.

Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts 

Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts

If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here. 

To read:

Rough Patch: How a Year in The Garden Brought Me Back To Life by Kathy Slack (Robinson) 

How to Sleep Like a Caveman: Ancient Wisdom for a Better Night’s Rest by Merijn van de Laar (William Collins)

On the blog:

Marmite and cheddar Welsh Rarebit

Nettle rarebit

Reinventing the toastie

Easter pie (Torta Pasqualina)

Root veg, Marmite & cheddar pie

Picnic pie

Spring slaw

To do:

British Pie Week (3-9 March 2025)

From The Simple Things:

Issue 141 – Growing a lemon tree

In the new March MEND issue (order via picsandink.com)

Life of pies - our favourite pies for picnics, parties, handy lunches and hearty dinners

Things I learned from the soil: Between the bare beds of winter and the abundance of spring - Kathy Slack finds hope in the veg patch cycle

Shrug off winter and wake up to spring – you’ll feel your energy levels rise while you listen to this episode. The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley will be talking rhubarb (literally) drinking some good coffee, making pancakes and discovering foraging for indoor people. 

Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. 

Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts

If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here. 

On the blog:

Rhubarb & Marzipan Cake 

Rhubarb Mimosas

Rhubarb and ginger pavlova

Rhubarb and custard crepes

Birch sap wine 

From The Simple Things:

In the March MEND issue

• Turning saps, buds and shoots into nourishing and reviving dishes and drinks 
• Roasted Rhubarb and Cream Cake
• Chai Pancakes 
• Laundry symbols identifier

Manifesting, Coffee history – issue 128

Forced rhubarb recipes – issue 141

TO GO & DO:

Olney Pancake Race, 4 March 2025, 

Skipping Day, Scarborough, 4 March 2025

Blackdown Shepherd Hut breaks                          

TO FOLLOW:

Rachel de Thample

Jeska Herne, Lobster & Swan

If you’ve got an urge to ‘sort things out’ we’re here to help cheer up a chore. The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley tackle a bit of spring cleaning, appreciate new life and share some fresh thinking on finding the balance between the comfort of things and clearing out. Plus do you know your laundry labels (honestly more interesting than it sounds)

Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts

If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here. 

Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett.  

THINGS TO MAKE & DO

Revamp Your Woollies for Winter

https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/revamp-woollies?rq=mending

Homemade Cleaning Wonders

https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/129-homemade-cleaning?rq=spring%20cleaning

An excellent toolbox

https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/good-tool-box?rq=spring%20cleaning

Conker Laundry Soap

https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/conker-soap?rq=laundry 

ON THE BLOG

In praise of potting sheds

Allotment Sheds

Easy Eco Switch Ups

TO READ

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Grams (Doubleday Books, 2022) 

Rough Patch by Kathy Slack (Little Brown 2025)

TO LISTEN

Spring cleaning songs

IN THE MARCH ISSUE

My Plot: Building a recycled shed

Gathering: BYO project party

Home economics: Patching and stitching. How to revive jeans, shirts and other wardrobe staples Identifier: Laundry symbols

IN THE FEBRUARY ISSUE

An ode to the library

Feeling like spring has sprung? Join The Simple Things editor, Lisa Sykes, and wellbeing editor Rebecca Frank, who are marvelling at the first signs of spring with a hot picnic to go, enjoying the blossom in our gardens and finding out how different landscapes affect our wellbeing. 

If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here. 

Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts

Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. 

To read:

The Walking Cure: Harness the life-changing power of landscape to heal, energise and inspire by Annabel Streets (Penguin Tonic)

To follow:

@wildwoodmoth – get inspired to take a photo a day on your regular routes with Alice Tatham

@mirandakeeling – stopping to notice. Look out for an extract from Miranda’s new book The Place I’m In in our May issue 

To make:

Cherry blossom origami as seen in the March MEND issue here

Easter origami including rabbit egg holders, rabbits and chickens here

To buy:
Lumie Sunrise alarm clock (with birdsong) 

From The Simple Things:

In the March MEND issue 

Learn with mother: four women discuss the unique qualities they inherited from their mother

In the April JAUNT issue (on sale at picsandink.com from 20 March, on newsstands 26 March)

Walk on the wild side: gather wild garlic to enjoy with friends and find new ways to cook with this easy forage 

Healing landscapes: thinking about where you walk and what you need will help you choose the right route for your mind and body 

From our March 2023 Light Issue (129) available to buy here

First picnic of the year (with warming food while it’s still a bit nippy!)

Plant a fruit tree in the garden (however small) for your own beautiful blossom. 

Find out how to plant a fruit tree

Join us for our Easter Special episode of Small Ways to Live Well, the podcast from The Simple Things magazine 

Released on Good Friday, Team TST are recording live from a Blackdown Shepherd Hut in Somerset where they’ll enjoy cake and decorate an Ostereierbaum (Easter tree) before trying a sauna and cold plunge and warming up with rival hot chocolate recipes. Plus the signs that spring proper is here, stories of cute spring animals and making the most of April showers.  Oh and we’re learning how ducks quack in other languages. 

 Co-hosted by The Simple Things Editor, Lisa Sykes; wellbeing editor Rebecca Frank and author of The Slow Traveller,  Jo Tinsley

Our Easter Special and Season 5: Return of the light is supported by Blackdown Shepherd Huts. 

If you are in the UK, you can choose an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here. The May TEND issue  is on sale at picsandink.com from 17 April, on newsstands 24 April

 Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett. 

To read:

Play spring bingo – signs that spring is really here 

Speak like a duck abroad 

To bake:

Simnel cake recipe & history

Hot cross buns recipe

Gugelhupf  – Austrian Easter cakes

To make:

Ostereierbaum (Easter tree) 

Dyed eggs

Hot chocolate
Tangerine & nutmeg
Sea salt
Spiced
With pink peppercorns 
Orangey tipple 

To buy:

M&S Simnel cake

Blackdown sauna & cold plunge deck 

Beautiful mugs in the Blackdown hut for hot chocolate were by Florence Ceramics 

From The Simple Things:

 In the April JAUNT issue 

Rain gardens

Easter buns of Europe

Magical Creatures – mallards
 
 

In our new anthology&