If you’ve got cabin fever and are ready to head out and about then we’re here to helpWellbeing 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 HutsSmall 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 CosslettTo 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, BrightonStamner Sauna Garden storytelling Oakhill Ponds, Somerset Ty Sawna, Gower Peninsula The British Sauna SocietyGlen 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 aboardJam Jar Gardens: Planting hyacinth bulbs in mason jarsFlavour of the Weeks: Jenny Coates’ nature diary project Jenny Coates’ 52 Weeks of Nature Art

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 HutsSmall 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.comEditing & music by Arthur CosslettTo 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 AshcroftTeam TST’s mixtape playlist – all about the songs we remembered from mix tapes pastTo buy:Valentine’s Day alternative ideas:Scented narcissi www.scillyflowers.co.ukDevil’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 bookazineYou 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.

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 linksTo buy:Gift subscriptions to The Simple ThingsManifesto tea towelChristmas manifesto cardsSubscribe to The Simple Things  On the blog: Swedish glogg Simple homemade hanging decorationsStollen with dark rum and lemon marzipanBath saltsGalette Des RoisMulled 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.comIn the new December Christmas Cheer issueHamper swap gatheringChristmas food tidbits triviaKitschmas retro drinks & nibblesTo subscribe or order a copy of the magazine visit thesimplethings.comEditing & music by Arthur Cosslett

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.comEditing & music by Arthur CosslettTo 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 & mushroomshttps://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/hasselback-squashBedtime cake https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/bedtime-cakeBonfire treatsCinder toffee https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2015/11/4/recipe-cinder-toffeeRye & apple parkin https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/rye-apple-parkin?rq=parkinSmoked toffee apple bourbon https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2015/10/5/recipe-smoked-toffee-apple-bourbon?rq=bonfire From The Simple ThingsIn the November JEWEL issueCarrot and Horlicks Tres Leches Cake Rye spiced pumpkin loafLemony parsnip houmous with sageAn ode to our favourite mugsIn 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

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.comEditing & music by Arthur CosslettTo 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 sloeshttps://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2014/09/10/fruits-hedgerow?rq=sloeSeed bombshttps://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/make-seed-bombs?rq=Seed%20bombsPine cone bird feederhttps://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=1.0November 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 bookazinehttps://picsandink.com/products/flourish-volume-3?_pos=1&_sid=45c0aa519&_ss=r On the blog:Wellbeing | How to let go of being busyhttps://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/wellbeing-let-go-busyness?rq=Letting%20go Recipe | Sticky sloe and nut clustershttps://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/sloe-nut-clusters?rq=sloe%20treacle%20tart Our remedy of the week | Rosehip syruphttps://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/2015/10/7/recipe-rosehip-syrup-and-sloe-gin?rq=sloeFeature referencesSeeds 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 '>

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.comMusic and editing by Arthur CosslettTo go:Somerset carnivalshttps://www.somersetcountycarnivals.comTo 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 projectshttps://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-candlesFrom The Simple ThingsOctober 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=1.0Flourish – volume 3 of our wellbeing bookazinehttps://picsandink.com/products/flourish-volume-3?_pos=1&_sid=45c0aa519&_ss=rOn the blog:Turmeric ballshttps://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/turmeric-balls?rq=turmericHot cranberry toddyhttps://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/cranberrytoddy?rq=cranberry%20toddyRevamp your woollenshttps://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/revamp-woolliesFeature referencesThe 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

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%20cakeBobbing Apples Cake – https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/bobbing-apples-cake?rq=apple%20cakeNightwalking 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-octoberNovember JEWEL issue – https://picsandink.com/collections/the-simple-things/products/the-simple-things-issue-149-novemberThe Greenhouse gathering featured in our October 2022 issue - 124 (edited)

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.comEditing 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.comEditing 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.comEditing 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.comEditing 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.comEditing by Arthur Cosslett.

Episode 1 – UNWINDThis 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.comEditing by Arthur Cosslett.

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...

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 MindTo 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 TonicTo subscribe to The Simple Things Magazine, click here...

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...

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

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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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