Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2023 i The Simple Things

BELONGINGS Mum bought me my first autograph book when I was 11. In the 1970s, they were all the rage in my convent school in India and it was abarometer of popularity to be asked to contribute. I wanted famous signatures, though, and I dreamt of being a professional autograph hunter. Bottle green, my book had ‘Autographs’ written in gold on the cover and gilt edged pages that I thought was the acme of sophistication. In my mind’s eye, I was already successfully sharp-elbowingmy way through crowds towards a celebrity, who’d reward my persistence. Acknowledging the possibility of this happening, however, I wrote my foreword, addressing it to friends to ‘leave a sweet rememhranre here.’ As it happened, I did collect some ‘famous’ signatures. Most memorably, Sherpa Tenzing Norgay*, well…

‘I’m forever living for a glimpse of sunshine’ @_oceancity living ‘What today looks like for me’ @bethandthebobbins ‘My fave mag and fave project on a Sunday avo while the little one sleeps’ @hush_and_huggle ‘It’s important to take time out when it’s needed’ @katyhowephoto ‘A well chosen magazine and tea and biscuits’ @dimpsey_glamping ‘A post run hot choccy & a new mag’ @hm _coates ‘I make an effort to give myself an early night or morning with this’ @smithscountrycottage Tea and November’s issue of The Simple Things…and breathe…’ @aclarissamulholland ‘I’m hoping this year I can take a bit more care of myself and slow down a little’ @tinkhickman 'Friday evening treats' @samanthatyler88 ‘SNUG - keeping cosy while waiting for baby to arrive’ @daintydora ‘Crochet, cuppa and this month’s @simplethingsmag’ @robinsandrainbows Available…

Peace looks possible in Ethiopia after Ethiopian government officials and representatives of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) came to a truce. It brings hope of an end to a two-year long civil war. 125 trees will be planted in the first ‘urban forest’. Work’s started on Roots In the Sky, a 1.4 acre space filled with trees and over 10,000 plants on the roof of what was once London’s Blackfriars Crown Court. DIVERSE HISTORY Researchers believe that early Medieval Britain might have been as racially diverse as it is today. A third of the DNA from the Updown girl, uncovered by archaeologists in Kent, is African - similar to that found among the Esan and Yoruba people of modern day Nigeria.…

From the delicate crust formed on a puddle that crunches underfoot, to NNllennia-deep glaciers at the Poles, ice is a spectacular phenomenon. • Frozen landscapes - which cover around 10% of the planet - appear motionless, but it’s a mistake to think they’re standing still; they merely move at a different pace. Fast flowing rivers become creeping, calving glaciers; garlands of twinkling icicles form drip by drip in caves where water once gushed through crevices, and icebergs drift languidly through dark seas. Ice-bound terrain has always attracted adventurers, from the thrill of reaching hostile snowy peaks to ascending frozen waterfalls, suspended in motion. And it’s gripped our imaginations, providing a dramatic backdrop for stories, from folktales to modern literature. Ice plays a role in preserving the past. Tundra and polar…

See more of Helga’s line of work at helgastentzel.com and on Instagram: @helga.stentzel "I WANT TO MAKE PEOPLE SMILE AND APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF THE MUNDANE”…

Sitting in a rocking chair on the veranda, wrapped cosily in a blanket, all you can see is forest and snow and the splendid vista of Mont Blanc. It’s easy to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere - except hidden behind the tall pines is a ski slope and a small hamlet lies just a couple of minutes walk away. A few kilometres down the road is the charming medieval village of Megéve, known as the pearl of the Haute-Savoie region, in the heart of the French Alps, but here at the chalet the atmosphere is completely different. Take a few steps from the door and you find yourself in a calm glade surrounded by forest, with a stream flowing just below. It was this wild and natural…

Sam Rodwell, owner of Stem & Co, a houseplant shop in Cieethorpes, had a bright idea for houseplant growers during lockdown. “No-one could connect or be together,” she explains. “Propagation Club was something to occupy us, it took your mind off anxious worrying during lockdown. It was a chance to focus on the here and now.” Each month, Propagation Club members receive a box containing something to grow - it could be an experiment, such as growing the same plant in two mediums, or a good-natured challenge, like growing the longest chilli. Most importantly, though, Propagation Club is about talking to other members about growing, sharing tips and a passion for houseplants. “I love how plants can connect you with people from different backgrounds or walks of life.” Club members aren’t…

Starry eyed DOWN TO A TEA TOWEL Fond(ue) of tray el and cheese? French designers Misteratornic have combined the two in gloriously retro style. The result is emmentally ace. £10.50 from home-landing.co.uk MATCHBOXES PUZZLE (answers on page 124) There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort" Jane Austen, in Emma Technically called a ‘pilcrow’, this has been around since Ancient Greek times, though its name comes from Medieval times - when it was commonly used like a paragraph break is today, marking a shift between ideas or speakers. WHAT TO DO WITH SALT PRACTICAL: Fill a bowl with a strong saltwater solution and leave candles to soak for a few hours to make them drip less, and therefore last longer. PLAYFUL: Get sculpting with salt dough: combine 125g…

CUT OUT AND KEEP Hasselback potatoes and. kale in saffron dal Serves 4-6 6 medium baking potatoes 6 tbsp olive oil 4 garlic cloves, peeled 1 large onion, peeled 2 tsp curry 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp fennel seeds 1/2 tsp chilli flakes 1 tsp freshly grated ginger 1 good pinch saffron threads lOOg red lentils, washed 1 x 400g tin of coconut cream 2-3 kale leaves, finely chopped 1 Preheat the oven to 200C/Fan 180C/Gas 6. Cut all the potatoes in 4mm slices going three-quarters of the way through. (Place a chopstick on either side to prevent from cutting all the way through.) 2 Place on a baking tray, cut side up, and sprinkle with salt. Press 1 garlic clove into 4 tablespoons of oil. Stir and pour over the…

GOOD THINGS TO EAT Blood orange posset Dating back to the 16th century, possets are one of the simplest desserts to make. Blood orange juice adds both flavour and a bright yellow hue to this pretty posset. Serves 4 500ml double cream 150g caster sugar 2-3 blood oranges, zested and juiced To serve: 4 x 150g glass jars (bowls or glasses will work if you don’t have jars) 1 In a pan, gently bring the cream and sugar to the boil over a low heat, stirring until the sugar’s dissolved 2 Boil the mixture for 3 mins, or until it’s thickened, then remove from the heat and stir in the orange juice (you’ll need 75ml) and most of the zest (leaving some for a garnish). 3 Divide the mix between the…

RAMBLEJACK Serves 12 290g dried dates, chopped 315g chopped walnuts 480g gluten-free oats (a mixture of jumbo and porridge/rolled is good) 1 tsp salt 260g golden syrup 200g coconut oil 200g soft light brown sugar For the topping: 80g dark chocolate 1 tbsp desiccated coconut 1 Preheat the oven to 200C/Fan 180C/ Gas 6 and line a 22 x 33 x 5cm baking tray. 2 Make a date jam by combining the dates with 290ml of water in a large pan over a medium heat and cooking until the dates have broken down to form a soft paste. Set aside. 3 Blitz your walnuts in a food processor breaking them into a rough rubble, then mix with the oats and salt in a large bowl. 4 In a separate pan, warm the golden syrup, oil and brown sugar over a medium…

*There’s no better way to get to the heart of a city than through the people who live there. Every month we ask someone, clearly in love with their city, to take us on a personal tour and tell us what makes it so special. You may feel inspired to visit one day, but for now just sit back, relax and enjoy some armchair travel. How long have you lived in the city? I moved to Adelaide when I was 12 to start boarding school and it’s been home ever since. Before that I lived in a small town called Wirrulla, which is about 700km away and has a population of fewer than 100 people. Tell us what makes your city unique Adelaide sits on the traditional lands of the…

In Mukuru, one of the largest slums in Kenya’s capital of Nairobi, Chariot Magayi made her living selling charcoal for stoves. Across Africa, 700 million people use solid fuel to cook on open fires, but they give off toxic chemicals and aren’t safe. For years, Charlot struggled with respiratory infections, but it was in 2012, when her daughter suffered severe burns from a charcoal-burning stove that she took action. After studying at night school, she founded Mukuru Clean Stoves in 2017. Rather than burning solid fuel, they run on processed biomass, which creates 90% less pollution than an open fire. They’re cheaper, too. Her idea’s been so successful that she recently won the prestigious Earthshot Prize for her contribution to clean air, scooping the £1 million prize. “We have an…

A Blanket is a lovely thing, redolent of cooler days when you need to layer over the warmth. In Britain (with the notable exception of Welsh blankets) we’ve a rather staid and utilitarian history of blankets. Luckily, around the world the bla nket is a much more decorative affair. In many countries blankets have their own decorations, colours and meanings. They are woven about with cultural significance and tradition. And as much weaving is and was done by women - blankets are tangible examples of women’s craft and history. WELSH WONDERS Those aforementioned Welsh blankets - often seen draped over vintage Ercol look so modernbut have their origins in the mid 19th century. Then, striped and plaid blankets were handwoven on narrow looms and the strips sewn together. By the…

What do you love about houseplants? I love how rewarding it is to care tor them. They’re forever changing and growing. A new leaf or a flower emerging always excites me. I also love the tranquil environment that they create. My children are on the Autism spectrum and they benefit from having plants around - they have a very grounding and calming effect. They also love the sensory experiences plants bring - smells, textured leaves, shadows on the walls cast by hanging plants. Plants create an indoor oasis. What plants would you recommend for starting an indoor garden, and why? Start with just three plants then slowly build your collection. I started with Scindapsus pictus (satin silver pothos), Dischidia nummularia (string of nickels) and the stunning Aeschynanthus japhrolepsis (lipstick plant).…

Bookshop browse ALL IN THE MIND Mind Food: Plant-Based Recipes For Positive Mental Health by Lauren Lovatt Lauren Lovatt’s recipes are designed to foster a sense of mental wellbeing. Packed full of flavour, the dishes use seasonal ingredients, are plant-rich and filled with fibre, wholegrains, vibrantly coloured vegetables, vital proteins and essential fats. Having struggled with mental health issues, and aware of the connection between food and mood, she serves up meals that are designed to soothe, chill, uplift and focus the mind. Winter warmers include Toasted Walnut Oat and Rosemary Berries for a brain-boosting breakfast and Smoked Mushroom and Celeriac Tacos for dinner, with a slice of Squash and Walnut Drizzle Cake for dessert. (Leaping Hare Press) Shopkeeper of the month Stationery heaven Purveyors of design-led stationery, cards &…

"Once the fire is lit the room comes alive and everyone is fighting for space in front of it, pets included. Our daughter loves to sit in front of the fire to read, which I imagine many children have done here over the last century. The space is timeless and the fire has such an amazing therapeutic effect. The whole room becomes moody, calming and invites you to reflect. The logs crackling and the flames dancing make the whole space magical and I love to watch it reflecting off the walls and mirrors. I imagine it makes the room look how it was when our home was first built - a very grand and special room.” Carly Rock, East Yorkshire (5) the_high_ road_home "When we knocked out the old gas…

"what makes someone a star?” Finn asks, gazing wistfully out of the window at the bare ground slowly emerging from under last night’s thin covering of snow. I frown at him, unclear what he’s getting at. “You mean like famous people on TV?” “No,” said Finn. “What would make someone like me a star? Only I wasn’t picked for Star of the Week last term. When I got one word wrong in my spelling test, Mrs Cuthbertson told me what the missing letter was, but she hasn’t told me what I’m missing to be a star.” I glance away for a second, trying not to let him see how much this breaks me. “You’re not missing anything, sweetheart,” I say, reaching out to ruffle his red curls. “I expect it’s…

Take a moment with some well-chosen words Aide-mémoire Thirty days has September, April, June and November, Unless a leap year is its fate, February has twenty-eight but all the rest have three days more, excepting January, which has six thousand, one hundred and eighty-four. Effortlessly capturing the feeling that January will never end, Brian Bilston's Aide-mémoire is delivered with his signature wry wit. Posted on social media and widely shared, Brian's subjects are as varied as women's rights, failed love affairs, phone chargers, the plight of refugees or a handy reminder of how many days there are in each month. Things to ponder: How does the humour of his work make his serious subjects more accessible? Are there any childhood prompts or rhymes you think are ripe for a funny…

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is an amped-up form of snap with lots of shouting and even gorilla impressions. It should be simple, but the time pressure and keeping things straight reduces even the smartest person to being almost unable to function. (£10.99) Ticket to Ride In Ticket to Ride you're building train routes across continents or countries. It’s a simple concept, but the tension comes when your opponents snatch a vital route from you just before you finish it! We recommend the Europe (£44.99) or London (£21.99) versions - the London version uses buses and is a little smaller and quicker, but just as fun! Pandemic For some reason, the Pandemic game has been super popular for the past couple of years. In it,…

PAINT FOR UKRAINE Artists create folk art-inspired works When artist and colourist Annie Sloan heard that some of the works of Ukrainian folk art painter Maria Oksentiyivna Prymachenko had been destroyed in the current conflict in Ukraine, she asked fellow creatives who'd been inspired by Prymachenko to create their own pieces in her style and in her honour, “It started with the 12 painters and then gained momentum and escalated all around the painting community,” she explains. “Many pieces were sold for Ukrainian charities." It’s proved to be a beautiful way both to show support and to celebrate Ukraine's history and heritage. "I think that art, and folk art in particular, is the lifeblood of a country,” Sloan adds. “Even in terrible times like war, art is important for people’s wellbeing.…

Seven-year-old Tiana Akoh-Arrey wrote a book to encourage other young girls to love their natural hair. My Afro: Twin Best Friends follows Tia and her best friend Aaoki, who have matching afros, as they struggle to style and manage their hair for school. Over 700 copies have sold since Tiana’s book was published in December 2021. subscribe to quaterly mags and find more Happy News at: thehappynewspaper.com @thehappynewspaper Illustration: @rachelsuzanneillustration…

Honesty Always the best policy when it comes to dried flowers. Originally from the Balkans, its Latin name means ‘moon shaped’, but it’s also known as the ‘money plant’ in southeast Asia and ‘silver dollars’ in the US. In spring, it appears with heart-shaped leaves and clusters of purple flowers which turn into round, silvery seed pods as summer ends. To preserve your own, cut on a dry day, place in an empty vase then after a couple of weeks peel the seed casing and brush away the seeds.…

Winter can be a tricky time for plants, with less light and erratic temperatures. Most also slow their growing. Jade suggests some ways to see them through to spring. • Water less frequently, and with room-temperature water to avoid shocking your plants. And be aware soil can dry out more quickly in heated rooms • Frequently wipe foliage with a damp cloth to remove dust. This helps plants absorb what light there is more easily • Move plants away from draughty windows, air vents and radiators, which could stress them with sudden temperature changes. And if you have underfloor heating, place them on a plantstand. • Place plants on windowsills so they receive extra light. However, if there’s a radiator directly underneath, choose another bright spot to protect the plant…

PROUDLY HOMEMADE KNITTED THROW Get your arms out to create a blanket with nothing but yarn. Just make sure you have a cuppa before you begin. You will need: BEGIN BY CASTING ON: 4kg ball of Mammoth Yarn, an extra chunky arm knitting yarn (makes a 150cm2 or a 120cm x 180cm blanket) 1 Make a loop at the end of your yarn with the tail end over the top of the working yarn.2 Take one hand and reach through to pull the working yarn through the loop.3 Thread your arm fully through this loop.4 Tighten slightly with your spare hand, leaving a little slackness as this stitch will end up further up your ar.5 Create your next loop as before and thread through onto your arm. Repeat until you…

REFLECTION Here in Iceland, in the (mostly) quiet days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, fairy lights frame the darkness outside, the aroma of biscuits furls around the house, waistbands are tight and, lounging on the sofa in their woollen socks, families are deep in their new books. For this nation of book lovers, the annual Jólabókaflóð, the ‘Yule Book Flood’, is over. A period which begins in November with the thud of Bökatidindi onto the doormat - a free catalogue of new books which has been delivered to every household since 1944 - and ends with a pile of books, wrapped and ribboned, under the Christmas tree. A culture of gifting books dates back to World War II, when Iceland was newly independent from Denmark. As one of the…