The Simple Things

The Simple Things is a beautiful, useful, quirky and fun magazine about taking time to live well. We cover mindfulness and microadventures, eating and growing, forgotten wisdom, home life and slow moments. It's for people who love their lives but want to take the pressure off and remember what’s really important. We like tea & cake, learning stuff, being outside and the satisfaction of a job well done. Do you?

A could-do list Roam

Editoral

SEPTEMBER ALMANAC • Seasonal thoughts & things to help you enjoy the month

Catch of the day • PACK UP A PICNIC, ROUND UP YOUR FRIENDS AND HEAD TO THE NEAREST QUAYSIDE FOR A CELEBRATION OF SEAFOOD

WINES FOR PICNICS

For the record • We all have an idea of what we think a British autumn looks like. But our seasons are changing, along with nature’s patterns. The simple act of watching and noting can help to influence us for the better argues Joe Shute

CAKE IN THE HOUSE • You can make this cake with any of the plum family, or indeed cherries, and it’s best eaten warm from the oven (after a quick cool down).

My day in cups of tea • We asked sunshine bringer Jo Want to tell us a bit about her day in cuppas, a believer in a brew always tasting better on the water

A simple thing...

SMALL CHANGE

GOOD THINGS • POSITIVE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

If you can’t stand the heat… • WHO NEEDS A KITCHEN? YOU CAN EASILY GET BY WITH NOTHING MORE THAN FIRE AND A FRYING PAN FOR TASTY OUTDOOR FOOD

Magical creatures • AN APPRECIATIONOFTHE RED KITE

Go your own way • EVERYONE’S IDEA OF A CHALLENGE IS DIFFERENT. THESE WOMEN PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF WHAT ADVENTURE IS, AND WHO THE OUTDOORS IS FOR. BE INSPIRED TO JOIN THEM IN TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRY SOMETHING NEW

I had a little nut tree

KNOW A THING OR TWO SECONDHAND • A rummage through all things vintage proves secondhand doesn’t mean second best

WHERE TO SHOP SECONDHAND

9 WAYS TO MAKE SECONDHAND STYLE WORK FOR YOU

Veg box suppers • AS AUTUMN’S BOUNTY BEGINS TO BE DELIVERED, EMBRACE THE HARVEST WITH DISHES TO ENJOY TODAY AND IN THE COLDER TIMES TO COME

WHAT I TREASURE • Dad’s typewriter

LAUSANNE • CAROLINE BISHOP TAKES US ON A CLIMB UP FROM THE SHORES OF THIS LAKESIDE CITY THROUGH MEDIEVAL STREETS

CAROLINE’S PERSONAL TOUR

SPACE TO THINK • FOR MOST, IT’S SIMPLY A PLACE TO POTTER, BUT THE HUMBLE SHED HAS ALSO INSPIRED CREATIVE GENIUS

WEARING WELL • Stories of the clothes we love

Yoga moments • THE CALM OF YOGA CAN BE FOUND IN JUST A FEW QUIET MINUTES – AND YOU DON’T EVEN NEED A MAT

Where the magic happens • DOWN IN THE WOODS YOU MAY FIND A SMOKING KILN, WHERE ESTELLE ST JOHN-SMITH PRACTISES THE ALCHEMY OF TURNING WOOD INTO CHARCOAL

How hard can it be... TO SOLVE A TREASURE HUNT • CAN SOME AMATEUR SLEUTHING ADD AN EXTRA THRILL TO A DAY OUT? WE TAKE TO THE STREETS WITH TWO CLUE-BASED TRAILS

Treasure hunts to try

A simple thing...

FOOD FOR THOUGHT • A simple recipe, with an interesting twist

Once upon a time • THE BOOKS WE READ AS CHILDREN SHAPED US. TALES OF ADVENTURE, FLIGHTS OF FANTASY AND THOSE SET CLOSER TO HOME ALL HAVE A PLACE IN OUR HEART. SITTING COMFORTABLY? THEN LET’S BEGIN.

ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY?

LIVE BY THE BOOK: WISE WORDS IN KIDS’ CLASSICS

Finding a new direction • HOW YOU EXPERIENCE A PLACE DEPENDS ON YOUR VIEWPOINT. WHETHER YOU’RE EXPLORING SOMEWHERE NEW, OR STEPPING OUT IN A FAMILIAR SPOT, THESE CREATIVE PROMPTS CAN HELP YOU SEE IT WITH FRESH EYES

FLOWERS IN THE HOUSE • Bringing blooms indoors: it’s what every home needs

WINDOWS TO THE WORLD • A LOVE OF LIGHT AND A STEELY DETERMINATION TO BUILD BY...