Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things – Details, episodes & analysis

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

Promise and Possibilities 

In the third episode of our magical midsummer season, Rebecca Frank, Wellbeing Editor of The Simple Things, and Jo Tinsley, regular contributor and author of The Slow Traveller are celebrating the first day of summer and the things that make us shine at this time of year. Join us on a nostalgic trip to the British seaside, pick up some useful knowledge for growing your own pick of salad ingredients in pots and hanging baskets, and take some wise advice from our pick of wellbeing books for different times of life. 

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

BBQ sides – because it’s all about the side dishes and pickles really

Broad bean guacamole and kohlrabi slaw

Salty dill cucumbers 

To read or listen to 

Yoga for Stiff Birds by Marion Deuchars (Skittledog) – we feature a different stretch in the Miscellany section of the magazine each month.

Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown (Ebury)

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain (Penguin)

The Lido Guide by Emma Pusill and Janet Wilkinson (Boundless)

To find out more

Lidos – Discover your nearest lido by visiting The Outdoor Swimming Society website and browse ‘The Big Lido Map’ at All The Lidos 

Visit the lidos mentioned in the episode:

Shepton Mallet Lido 

Saltdean Lido 

Hathersage Swimming Pool 

Brockwell Lido 

Silver Nutmeg jewellery on Folksy

In The Simple Things

From the May TEND issue (155)

One Pot Food Forest – a mini food forest where all the seeds are sown at once but have different harvest dates so the planter evolves over time, offering a constant crop. 

From My Plot: A Wilder Way with Poppy Okotcha, author of A Wilder Way: How Gardens Grow Us (Bloomsbury)

Magical creatures: an appreciation of pondskaters

Buy the May issue here

From the June SOAR issue (156)

Shelf help – 18 classic wellbeing books recommended by our experts that offer wisdom throughout life’s changes and challenges. The collection includes Quiet by Susan Cain and Lost Connections by Johann Hari as mentioned in the podcast. 

Good vibrations – how chanting a mantra can help still a busy mind

Salad Days  - growing advice and recipes for homegrown salads from The Kew G

Promise & Possibilities 

It's half term, another bank holiday weekend so in this episode The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank are setting out to DISCOVER things new to them (and hopefully you) plus learning why stepping outside of our comfort zone is good for us. And because it is midsummer we’ll be celebrating a magical creature and finding a moment of magic to note and notice.

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. 

To discover

The Tweed Run 

Treasure Trails

Caring for God’s Acre – Love your Burial Ground Week 7-15 June

To read

Snorkelling Britain: 100 Marine Adventuresby Emma and Gordon Taylor (Wild Things Publishing)

On the blog

Maypole cake

How to maypole 

From the June issue (156)

Magical creature: Beavers

My Plot: Narrowboat nursery & tow-along greenhouse

Weekend away: staying in a lighthouse

Buy the June issue here and on newsstands from 28 May. 

From our new book: The Simple Things Anthology Volume 4: A Year of Celebrations
 
 

Whitsuntide recipes

Modern Eccentrics – Boss Morris, yarn bombers, mermaid, steam punks 

Treasure hunting

In previous The Simple Things

Whitsuntide gathering (May 2024 – 143)

Nature reserves (May 2023 – 131)

Churchyards for wildlife (July 2022 – 121)

Narrowboat home tour (August 2021 –110)
 Three campervans (July 2021 – 109)

Converted horsebox home (August 2024 – 146)

Promise & Possibilities 

Anything seems possible at the start of summer and in this first episode The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and Wellbeing Editor Rebecca Frank use their imagination to explore what a ‘could-do week’ looks like, find ways to make bank holiday journeys more bearable and the joy of being a regular, as well as making the most of elderflowers and roses and passing on some creative first aid. 

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

Rhubarb and rosewater tart

https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2016/4/13/recipe-rhubarb-and-rosewater-tart-with-cardamom-and-honey-cream?rq=rose

Elderflower champagne recipe

https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2014/06/06/recipe-elderflower-champagne?rq=elderflower%20

Rose petal and strawberry sandwiches

https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/silly-sandwiches?rq=rose%20petal

To read

Extra Mile guides to Delicious Alternatives to Motorway Services, Coastal cafes and Farm shops

Wild Swimming Hidden Beaches by Daniel Start (Wild Guides) 

Creative First Aid by Caitlin Marshall and Lizzie Rose (Murdoch Books) 

In The Simple Things

From the May issue  (155)

 Respect your elders – plan an elderflower foraging session then make cake, cordial and much more…

 The joys of being a regular – why revisiting regular favourite places results in so many happy returns

Buy the May issue here

From the June issue (156)

Could-do week – shake up your week to make time for the things you enjoy every day

The Longest Day microfiction competition

Buy the June issue at picsandink.com from 23 May and on the newsstand from 28 May. 

From The Simple Things Anthology Volume 4: A Year of Celebrations

Pushbike picnic : Vegetable crisps, three cheese & herb savoury muffins, Italian focaccia pressed sandwiches, apricot, blueberry and almond energy bars. 

Back garden campout featured in August 2021 issue (110) with Paprika & Parmesan Popcorn, Campfire Tacos, Frittata, Kohlrabi Slaw, Bean Salsa and Chipotle Mayo with  Puffed Quinoa fridge cake. Plus Raspberry French Toasties and skillet granola for breakfast

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&

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

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

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’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