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In the STAR episode The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and author of The Slow Traveller and regular contributor Jo Tinsley celebrate Twelfth Night and look for other reasons to cheer up what feels like the longest month of January. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett.  On the blog Candle Holder How To Wassail Well How to hold a Wassail Buttered bourbon apple cider Tangerine and nutmeg hot chocolate Blood Orange Posset Slow Orange Poppy Seed Cake In the January issue (163) on sale now The appeal of ice skating A winter of care and repair   In our In our A Year of Celebrations Anthology Gathering: Twelfth Night with the La Fête des Rois Candle holders    In previous issues, available to buy at picsandink.com Life lessons from the north: the value of age-old customs and community in enduring the long, dark winters. (Issue 151) Looking back why we are fascinated by the stars (issue 152) Snow lanterns (issue 138)   Learn more Candles: A modern guide to making candles by Ebi Sinter and Emmanuel Sinteh Watch out for the Quadrantid meteor shower between 28 December-12 January, peeking around 3-4 January 2026 Slow Down And Be Here Now by Laura Brand and Freya Hartas A Winter Dictionary: A Collection of Words for the Festive Season by Paul Anthony Jones Thanks to our partner for the Merry Midwinter season, the Marine Stewardship Council, which sets certification standards for sustainable fisheries and awards the blue ecolabel on fish and fish products. Find out more about the best fish to choose at msc.org and follow them on instagram @mscintheuk

If you’ve got some time off, now’s the chance to kick back a bit. Join Wellbeing Editor Rebecca FrankAuthor of The Slow Traveller and regular contributor Jo Tinsley In Episode 5 PAUSE, as they share ideas for carving out some time to relax and reset in this in-between bit of Christmas. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett.  On the blog How to do a jigsaw properly   In the January issue (163) on sale now Long views from tall towers Taking cues from the  people, animals and nature that surround us  Life lessons from David Attenborough Fish pie and cheddar mash   Learn more Is a gansey a Guernsey? Mindwandering: How It Can Improve Your Mood and Boost Your Creativity, by Moshe Bar (Bloomsbury Tonic) Fish pie hash    In previous issues available to buy at picsandink.com Wearing well: Mittens (issue 127) Panettone French toast (Issue 138) Favourite annuals (issue 138)   Thanks to our partner for the Merry Midwinter season, the Marine Stewardship Council, which sets certification standards for sustainable fisheries and awards the blue ecolabel on fish and fish products. Find out more about the best fish to choose at msc.org and follow them on instagram @mscintheuk

Join The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank as we get stuck into festive feasting. We’ll be talking turkey, side dishes, tipples and nibbles, how to explain Christmas Eve to kids with science and just why we love Boxing Day so much.  If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett.   On the blog  Root veg peel crisps  Christmas Eve explained   Cheese board pairings   Brussel sprout bhajias   Which Christmas character are you?  In the December issue (162) on sale now   Boxing day buffet – roast cranberry and mustard gammon, winter goat’s cheese salad, meringue nests with fruit and boozy cream Grow your own Christmas Day veg  Sprout slaw  Homemade blinis  In previous issues available at picsandink.com Kitschmas – snowball, devilled eggs, mozzarella and pineapple sticks (Issue 150) Why we love Boxing Day (Issue 150) In our A Year of Celebrations Anthology Side dishes as celebratory as the roast they surround  Thanks to our partner for the Merry Midwinter season, the Marine Stewardship Council, which sets certification standards for sustainable fisheries and awards the blue ecolabel on fish and fish products. Find out more about the best fish to choose at msc.org and follow them on instagram @mscintheuk

Join Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank and Author of The Slow Traveller and regular contributor Jo Tinsley as they help you discover ways to find your own little pockets of calm in the run up to Christmas. In this episode, we appreciate the quiet of the approaching solstice, press pause and take some time for ourselves before curling up with some winter reads.  If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett.    On the blog How to solve an Agatha Christie novel Books that Embrace the Cold Why We Love Cosy Crime In the December issue (162) on sale now Pressing pause: Whether it’s a few minutes to yourself or a day away, giving yourself time to do the things you enjoy this month will help prevent overwhelm  Kitchen therapy  Reading: awell-chosen book can bring moments of comfort, calm and cheer over the coming weeks. Modern eccentrics: Solstice revellers  My place: Festive foliage   Learn more Nature’s Calendar: The British Year In 72 Seasons by Kiera Chapman, Lulah Ellender, Rowan Jaines, Rebecca Warren (Granta)    In previous issues available at picsandink.com A day in December: images that captured the magic of this month (150) How to get on with your siblings as grown-ups (and have a more harmonious yuletide). (126) A winter walk is a breath of fresh air. (150) Tuning into the month’s micro-seasons (138) Thanks to our partner for the Merry Midwinter season, the Marine Stewardship Council, which sets certification standards for sustainable fisheries and awards the blue ecolabel on fish and fish products. Find out more about the best fish to choose at msc.org and follow them on instagram @mscintheuk

The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank talk treasure, including the things we decorate our homes with, the people we treasure at Christmas and ways to treasure the season. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett.   Thanks to our partner for the Merry Midwinter season, the Marine Stewardship Council, which sets certification standards for sustainable fisheries and awards the blue ecolabel on fish and fish products. Find out more about the best fish to choose at msc.org and follow them on instagram @mscintheuk On the blog Handmade gift ideas from thesimplethings.com Christmas crackers  template here Bay and lemon sea salt body scrub   Homemade tea bags Edible baubles Fairy cake baubles Gingerbread tree decorations     In the December issue (162) on sale now Make your own advent candle  Christmas playlist  Mini rosemary wreath decorations Eggnog – why everyone should try it Forest needles chai  Decorations from fabric scraps Weekend away – wreath making in the west country   In our A Year of Celebrations Anthology Crafternoon – festive bakes and gifts  Choosing the tree  Edible baubles and stained-glass biscuits Handmade Christmas crackers    In our wellbeing bookazine, Flourish Volume 4 Everlasting wreaths   Learn more How to have an eco-friendly Christmas: advice from The Wildlife Trusts, The National Trust and WWF Fish pie recipe carrying the MSC blue label by James Strawbridge   In previous issues available at picsandink.com Missing people at Christmas – Issue 150

Join The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and author of The Slow Traveller and regular contributor Jo Tinsley in the first episode of our Merry Midwinter season, where we are doing our best to find calm and contentment in the run up to Christmas. This episode we will be chatting about alternative approaches to advent calendars, the people working hard to preserve much-loved customs, the joy of a Christmas market and how to fill your home with festive scents.  If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett.  In the December issue (162) on sale now Weekend project advent candle  Alternative advent calendar ideas Keeping up traditions On the blog Natural Advent Calendar of Promises  Make your own advent calendar Living Advent Calendar Scented Pinecones Herbs & Spices playlist From A Year of Celebrations anthology Weekend project: make your own advent calendar   Learn more Window Wonderland in Shepton Mallet, Somerset A Winter Dictionary: A collection of words for the festive season by Paul Anthony Jones (Elliott & Thompson)   In previous issues available to buy at picsandink.com Looking back: Mid-century Christmas traditions (138) Finding the fairytale for free(ish) (138) Weekend project: Scents of the season: Use natural finds to fill your home with some favourite smells of winter (150) Christmassy Cities: Nuremberg (150), Bruges (Issue 126), Prague (162)  Easy Giving: simple ways you can help spread cheer (150)   For Christmas gift wrapped subscriptions click here and use code GIFTWRAP25    Thanks to our partner for the Merry Midwinter season, the Marine Stewardship Council, which sets certification standards for sustainable fisheries and awards the blue ecolabel on fish products. Find out more at msc.org and follow them on instagram @mscintheuk

Join The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes, Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank and regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley as they take an early evening walk together and ponder over the joy and comfort of a familiar ramble, consider why being outdoors helps us to talk more freely, and finish with a stroll in the footsteps of Jane Austen in Bath’s very own pleasure gardens.  If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things get 30% off and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing and music by Arthur Cosslett.  In The Simple Things In the October HUG issue (160) on sale now Magical creatures – an appreciation of the tawny owl   In the November SPICE issue (161) An Autumnal roast – it’s the season for roast dinners and this one is a winner Buy the November issue at picsandink.com from 16 October and on the newsstand from 22 October.   From Flourish, our wellbeing bookazine (Volume 3) How to do autumn well – foraging, feasting and conker fighting Outdoor therapy – how it works and techniques to try as your walk Flourish Volume 4 is coming soon and is available to pre-order with 10% off until 29 October   IN PREVIOUS ISSUES Which Jane Austen character are you? Fun quiz and events to suit your character. (Issue 154, April 2025) Moodscapes and walking routes – how different landscapes make us feel. (Issue 154, April 2025). Read more on our blog. Taken from The Walking Cure by Annabel Streets (Bloomsbury Tonic)  Buy current and back issues here   LEARN MORE Jane Austen 250 year anniversary events in Bath https://visitbath.co.uk/inspire-me/literary-bath/jane-austen-bath and beyond www.janeausten.co.uk The joy of a familiar walk by Alice Tatham (Issue 129) Follow Alice on Instagram @thewildwoodmoth      

Join The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank for our own mini harvest festival as they relish this time of abundance for cooking, gathering and squirreling away before the first frosts arrive.  If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing by Dhylyn Foster. Music by Arthur Cosslett.  On the blog Hedgrow fizz – foraged berries diluted with sparkling wine or water  Crab apple whisky  Crab apple and fennel seed leather In defence of the pear  How to stock a store cupboard  Lessons from Nigella Baked pear pies    In the October HUG issue (160) on sale now  Kitchen therapy – baked pear pies and a mindful drawing exercise Wine and cheese gathering – good wine and cheese pairings make for happy guests    In previous issues In the September TREASURE issue (159)  Plates to plot – share the harvest with friends by holding your own allotment feast with a tipple of warm apple cider and other seasonal dishes   Coming up in the November issue (161)  Smart ways to eat well. An extract from Shrewd Food: 60 Ways to Eat Yourself Healthy by Noonie Zand Goodarzi (Badger Books). Illustrations by Mudd Bexley November issue 161 will be available to pre-order at picsandink.com  from 16 October, on sale from 22 October.     Don’t give up your garden for winter: The natural world may be winding down but autumn is actually the start of the agricultural year, a time to plant and plan for the months ahead In Flourish Volume 3  Today, tomorrow to keep: pears  Chocolate pear cake and preserved pears in red wine  Pre-order the new Flourish Volume 4 with 10% off at www.picsandink.com until 29 October   How to subscribe to The Simple Things – for an immediate start subscription with 30%  go to off cover price go to  http://www.icebergpress.co.uk/subscribe

As the autumn equinox tips summer into autumn, Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frankand regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller, Jo Tinsley lace up their hiking boots and go exploring. From the joy of early autumn city breaks and solo travel to a walking meditation and games you can play with your dog. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing by Dhylyn Foster. Music by Arthur Cosslett.   ON THE BLOG  How to be a fearless traveller  Songs about dogs  Days out for You and Your Dog   How to trespass with good manners   TO READ The Book of Trespass: Crossing the Lines that Divide Us, by Nick Hayes The Slow Traveller by Jo Tinsley School for Dogs (And Their Humans) by Sophie Collins   IN THE SIMPLE THINGS  In October issue:  My Living: The dog walker   Wellbeing: Lessons in chemistry – how hormones help  Miscellany: Give the dog a game  Buy the October issue at picsandink.com from 18 September and on the newsstand from 24 September.   IN PREVIOUS ISSUES  Action stations: Hiking between stations or heading to the end of the line (159, Sep 2025) Dog days out: Around the UK are people and places going the extra mile for dogs (147, Sep 2024) Natural connection: A rope swing, a cairn and a den, these humble handmade features our landscape may just hold the key to improving our relationship with nature (147, Sep 2024) Good well hunting: Places for refreshment, healing and worship, wells and springs are magical places (158, Aug 2025) Buy current and back issues here   LEARN MORE  The Outdoor Swimming Society | Is it legal? The Outdoor Swimming Society | Right to Swim

In this third episode The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank turn their attention to what they have and where they live, enjoying treasures, finding fresh ideas at home and sampling a bit of Kveldsmat – the Norwegian tradition of evening breakfast. If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here  Editing by Dhylyn Foster. Music by Arthur Cosslett.    On the blog Greek Panzanella  Journalling ideas  Search ‘What I treasure’ on the blog for some of our published pieces from readers on a belonging that means a lot to them.   To browse Treasure tins – #concentratesofplace @tanyashadrickwriter Window swap In The Simple Things From the September issue – 159 Home Economics: Tomatoes – how to make the most of a seasonal glut of tomatoes  Wisdom: Emma Bridgewater on 40 years of preparing pottery and the special ritual of coffee and cake How to Kveldsmat – the Norwegian tradition of a late night snack My plot: Andrew Fusek Peters shares wildlife photography taken from his Shropshire garden. Fusekphotos.com @andrewfusekpeters and book Garden Safari (Graffeg)   In the October (160) issue  My Place: The corners of our home that mean the most – Kitchen tables  Keeping a commonplace book by Miranda Mills, author of The Country Commonplace Book (Batsford) Sunday best – the comfort and delight of Sundays by Daniel Gray author of Sunday Best: Travels through the day of restby Daniel Gray  (Harper North) Bramble basket project  Buy the October issue at picsandink.com from 18 September and on the newsstand from 24 September.   From earlier issues Letting go – just like nature, we need to shed in order to grow and flourish  (136) How to great a weekend retreat at home (142) Back garden campout – enjoy an end of summer camping trip without going away (110)

In this second episode at the start of the new school year The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and regular contributor Jo Tinsley indulge in a bit of schooldays nostalgia but also discuss why it’s a good time to take on new projects, find new habits, make something new and learn a few skills.  If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing by Dhylyn Foster. Music by Arthur Cosslett.    On the blog Things to do with Weird Veg Box Vegetables  Parsnip panpipes (yes, really)   To read Forecast: A diary of the Lost Seasons, by Joe Shute (Bloomsbury)   In The Simple Things From the September TREASURE issue (159)  The Slapdash Manifesto: General principles for good enough Wearing Well: Wristwatches Buy the September issue here   IN PREVIOUS ISSUES Revisiting team sports (Issue 147, September 2024) Veg box suppers: golden marrow marmalade, Moroccalili (Issue 111, September 2011) Wearing Well Backpacks (Issue 111, September 2021) Miscellany: How to win at conkers (Issue 136, October 2023) Clapping game lyrics A sailor went to sea, sea, sea To see what he could see, see, see But all that he could see, see, see Was the bottom of the deep blue sea, sea, sea A sailor went to knee, knee, knee To see what he could knee, knee, knee But all that he could knee, knee, knee Was the bottom of the deep blue knee, knee, knee A sailor went to chop, chop, chop To see what he could chop, chop, chop,  But all that he could chop, chop, chop Was the bottom of the deep blue chop, chop, chop

Today our theme is SAVOUR and we’re advocating letting summer linger on as long as possible, savouring the tastes, fruits and flowers of the season, finding holiday habits to carry on with and appreciating things to treasure. Hosted by The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here Editing by Dhylyn Foster. Music by Arthur Cosslett.  SHOW NOTES On the blog Fig and goat’s cheese bundles  Search ‘What I treasure’ on the blog for some of our published pieces from readers on a belonging that means a lot to them. To read Reading Between The Lines by Emma Bache (Quercus) In The Simple Things From the September issue New herbal non-alcoholic tipples series begins Handwriting and why it is good for you  Buy the September issue here   From the October issue Home Economics: Koromagae and clothes care when you switch from summer to winter. Buy the October issue at picsandink.com from 18 September and on the newsstand from 24 September.   In September 2024 issue – 147 Appreciating your garden at dawn, day and dusk In August 2025 issue – 158 Kitchen therapy: figs, blackberries, plums and damsons   From The Simple Things Anthology Volume 4: A Year of Celebrations Vineyard harvest supper Dahlias

It’s the final episode of our magical midsummer season and today all three of the Small Ways to Live Well podcast hosts have come together to talk about the most magical moments of this special time of year. Join Lisa Sykes (editor, The Simple Things), Becs Frank (Wellbeing editor) and Jo Tinsley (regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller) as we discuss midsummer feasts and rituals, wonderful places to enjoy the solstice, the art of storytelling, and how dreams help us process emotions (and how to decode them).   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 On the blog: Midsommartårta (midsummer strawberry cake) recipe Lemon basil spritzer recipe Wild midsummer cocktails    To read: Decode Your Dreams: Unlock your unconscious and transform your waking life by Ian Wallace (White Lion Publishing) Lucid dreaming – find out more about directing your dreams in our wellbeing bookazine, Flourish (Volume 3) buy it here The Slow Traveller : An intentional path to mindful adventures by Jo Tinsley    In The Simple Things From the June SOAR issue (156) Midsummer short story writing competition To celebrate National Flash Fiction Day this month we’re launching our search for your best short stories, themed around ‘The Longest Day'. Send your entry of 300 words max to [email protected] the heading MIDSUMMER MICROFICTION. Closing date 31 July. Full details in our June issue What happens at Stonehenge? Read about this and other seasonal ideas including making a fairy-lit garden room in our monthly Almanac Buy June issue here and on the newsstand until 24 June   In the July FRUIT issue (157)  Tomato leaf martini – a fabulously fragrant summer tipple Sleepless in summer – how to get the rest you need in the warmest months Magical creatures: Purple emperor butterflies Subscribers will receive the July issue from 20 June when pre-orders will also open at picsandink.com or you can buy on the newsstand from the 25 June. Find out how to subscribe here Check out The Simple Things Anthology Volume 4: A Year of Celebrations for any excuse to celebrate with the food, flowers and decorations for every occasion  

Welcome to Episode 5 of our Magical Midsummer season in the Small Ways to Live Well podcast from The Simple Things magazine. Join Editor Lisa Sykes and and Jo Tinsley, a regular contributor to the magazine and also, very appropriately, author of The Slow Traveller, as we discuss all things SLOW from taking our time to savour summer fruits and learning how to enjoy the fruits of our labours to working out the best ways to while away a summer afternoon. Plus, we’ll be sharing some wise advice on travelling slowly.  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 On the blog Recipe: Ploughman's scones Ice cube herbs Ice cube aftersun     To read The Slow Traveller: An intentional path to mindful adventures by Jo Tinsley  Ernest journal   Things to do Black Girls Do Run   In The Simple Things From the June SOAR issue (156) Looking Back: Radio Times. Whether the Top 40 or Desert Island Discs, we tune into the programmes that have ruled the airwaves – and our hearts – over the last 100 years  Kitchen Therapy: Take it outside. Lottie Stories shows us how to make Blossom Ice Cubes Wisdom: A question of sport. Long, light days encourage us to get outside and get moving, just like these women, who you’ll find doing what they love across the UK’s paths and roads, bridleways and waters.  Competition: Put pen to paper. To celebrate National Flash Fiction Day this month we’re launching our search for your best short stories, themed around ‘The Longest Day'. Send your entry of 300 words max to [email protected] the heading MIDSUMMER MICROFICTION. Closing date 31 July. Full details in our June issue Buy June issue here and on the newsstand until 24 June Subscribers will receive the July issue from 20 June when pre-orders will also open at picsandink.com or you can buy on the newsstand from the 25 June. 

You’ve arrived at Episode 4 in our Magical Midsummer season of the Small Ways to Live Well podcast from The Simple Things magazine. Join Lisa Sykes, editor of the magazine and Jo Tinsley, a regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller. The loose theme for this episode is carefree because if you can’t feel a little bit frivolous and ditch a few chores and responsibilities around midsummer, then when can you? So think of us as your suggestion box this week, an audible prompt to try things you haven’t done for years, wear something out of the ordinary or take a trip. We’ll also be celebrating festivals and tiny campsites, appreciating a magical creature as we have every episode this season and sharing a few moments of magic that will hopefully inspire you to capture your own. 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 On the blog; Camping Truths: Camping is full of highs and lows but somehow it’s always worth it. Here, some of the Simple Things team share some of their most memorable camping moments.    To read: The Slow Traveller : An intentional path to mindful adventures by Jo Tinsley  Tiny Campsites: 80 Small but Perfect Places to Pitch by Dixe Wills Mini Quilting by Laura Strutt   Things to do & make  The Big Retreat Festival, Pembrokeshire  Weekend Project: Pass holderand Belt bago or pouch template Greener Camping Club Nearly Wild Camping   In The Simple Things: From the June SOAR issue (156) My Living: The Festival. Amber Lort-Phillips on the realities of running a festival Wearing Well: Bucket Hats. More stories of the clothes we love! Buy June issue here and on the newsstand until 24 June Subscribers will receive the July issue from 20 June when pre-orders will also open at picsandink.com or you can buy on the newsstand from the 25 June. Find out how to subscribe here The Simple Things Anthology Volume 4: A Year of Celebrations Any excuse to celebrate with the food, flowers and decorations for every occasion and ways to mark the season Country shows: A day out with animal, vegetable and mineral appeal.    In previous issues of The Simple Things (back issues are available to buy here) Out