Sponsored post | Nature done well

For a fresh-air break where you can enjoy hills, woodland and coast in comfort, with or without the kids, head west to fforest in Wales

A holiday connecting with nature needn’t involve draughty canvas, muddy waterproofs and a 10-mile hike to find good coffee. Get the best of both worlds and head somewhere you can enjoy the beauty and stillness of nature knowing there are a few of modern life’s essentials to hand.

One holiday expert that manages this balancing act well is fforest. Surrounded by a nature reserve and set in its own 200 acres of rural bliss, the main site is minutes from the beautiful beaches of the west Wales coast – and that’s pretty much all you could ask for in terms of comfort. 

You choose

The varied accommodation has options for couples, families or groups of friends. Or there’s the Onsen Dome, a rather special choice, where everything is designed with comfort in mind: solid wood floor, woodburning stove, made-to-measure furnishings, a gorgeous countryside view from the giant bay window and your very own Japanese-style bathhouse with soaking tub – a world away from everyone and everything. What’s great for keeping the adults happy isn’t always what the children want to do every day. That’s only natural. At fforest, they’ve everything covered, from relaxation to activity, creativity, solitude or community fun. Plus, throughout the year there are special events such as fun-packed breaks with the children (and the dog), romantic getaways, festivals of food and creativity or time for reflection or learning new skills.

Family fun

Easter, Whitsun, summer and halloween are the times when things are geared especially towards the children, with seasonal activities that everyone will enjoy, as well as guided walks, canoe trips through the Teifi gorge, home-cooked food, the huge camp firepit, film nights, a cedar barrel sauna in the woods and local ales in their tiny stone pub. 

A new kind of holiday

Even festival-going families are catered for at fforest – with Gather, Wales’s smallest, most intimate festival, a family-friendly week of creative adventures in nature, music, arts, making, growing and simple pleasures. There are also workshops, talks and films, with fantastic food from both the fforest team and guest chefs. For this event, you can bring your own tent or campervan.

A very grown-up affair

For a proper child-free escape, as well as the Onsen Dome, there’s Ty Fforest Farmhouse (ideal for groups), the crog lofts, the garden shacs or the hill shacs. Or time your stay with one of fforest’s grown-up events: Feast, a celebration of local food and drink, in spring and winter, where you’ll tuck into eight courses served at long tables in the cedar barn.  Glow, a creative weekend where women come together to learn and share skills, ideas and stories. Gran ffondo, a four-day retreat for cyclists, based at fforest. Spend days flying through wooded valleys, over hills and along the coast. At night, relax in the pub or around a fire to a great soundtrack, of course.

10% OFF THE QUIETER TIMES

The Simple Things readers can book a Shine Bed and Breakfast midweek stay for 2020 in any fforest accommodation with 10% off. Great for pre-school families, grown-ups, or for an active break exploring the beaches and coast path of Cardigan Bay. Check-in is at the fforest stone pub on Monday (for a two or four-night stay) or Wednesday for a two-night stay. Book using the code SIMPLE10 at coldatnight.co.uk

Terms & conditions The discount code can be applied to any Shine bed & breakfast holiday from 15 June to 24 July 2020 and 31 August to 18 September 2020 for stays at fforest, subject to availability. fforest’s standard cancellation policy applies. General T&Cs can be found on the fforest website coldatnight.co.uk

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More nature done well…

Sponsored post | Go with the slow

From the elegant Loire valley to India’s spice hills, there’s a holiday already planned for you here

When it comes to holiday inspiration to spark a new decade of discovery, Yorkshire-based experts Inntravel are full of ideas. Here are 10 possibilities for 2020 (and beyond)

A slow holiday – whether on foot, by bike or by rail – enables you to take yourself away from the everyday, and gives you the freedom to go at your own pace. The recipe is never quite the same, but Inntravel ensures that four key ingredients – leisurely discovery, beautiful scenery, delicious regional food and welcoming, characterful accommodation – are always part of the mix. Add to this meticulously planned routes and expertly compiled guides, and you can be sure of getting the most from your time away.

These carefully crafted, self-guided holidays (no groups!) are highly flexible and can be tailored to individual needs. Meet local people, savour delicious food and wine, and enjoy fine hospitality as you explore beautiful countryside and vibrant cities – feeling revitalised and refreshed as a result.

1 The best of Slovenia
Inntravel’s cultural journey by train feels like this pocket-sized country’s ‘greatest hits’. You travel from the Alps to the Adriatic, with time to admire picturesque Lake Bled – and Europe’s loveliest capital, Ljubljana – en route.

2 India’s intoxicating south Spice hills, coast and backwaters
This fascinating journey through Karnataka and Kerala reveals four very special communities.

3 Manor houses of the Minho
The Portuguese believe the verdant Minho to be the most beautiful corner of their country. After a week’s gentle walking here, with stays at historic mansions, you’ll be inclined to agree.

4 Austria’s lakes and mountains
Strolling through Salzkammergut enables you to experience probably the best scenery that the Austrian Alps have to offer.

5 Mountains and villages of Mallorca
A spectacular week’s walking in the island’s north-western corner will blow away all your preconceptions and leave you longing to return.

6 A walk in the Black Forest
The Black Forest is loved by Germans for its enchanting walking trails and its Hansel and Gretel charm. Fine gastronomy is an additional treat.

7 Châteaux of the Loire
On this leisurely cycling route through France’s picturesque Loire Valley, there are magnificent châteaux to visit and elegant wines to enjoy.

8 Pedalling through Puglia
Discover the unspoiled landscapes of Italy’s ‘deep south’ on this cycling holiday through timeless countryside and along both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts.

9 Zermatt and the mighty Matterhorn
On this varied four-night walking break, explore chic Zermatt before wandering amid the splendour of the High Alps, admiring the Matterhorn’s iconic peak.

10 Hills and dales of Yorkshire
Walk from the imperious ruins of Middleham Castle to the elegant streets of Richmond as you take in a very special corner of Yorkshire, Inntravel’s home county

FREE BETTYS LUXURY GIFT BOX full of fine continental treats (worth £75) for each Inntravel holiday booking of six nights or more made by 31 March 2020. Exclusive to readers of The Simple Things. Quote ‘The Simple Things’ at time of booking.

For more on Inntravel’s extensive collection of Slow Holidays, visit inntravel.co.uk or call 01653 617777 to speak to their expert team.

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More ways to go slow…

Sponsored post | Soothe your body and mind

A splash of pampering Himalayan Pink Salt Bath Soak and Body Wash makes any bath or shower an event

As autumn makes an appearance the idea of a long soak seems suddenly very appealing. JASON Pink Salt 2 in 1 Foaming Bath Soak and Body Wash is a luxuriously nourishing cleansing product formulated to soothe both body and mind. Its delicate blend of essential oils is just the boost you need whether you’re in the shower preparing to tackle the day ahead or winding down in the bath for the evening. The ingredients include:

Lavender oil: relaxing and refreshing when you need a moment of calm.
Bergamot fruit oil: a zesty aroma that’s energising and uplifting.
Clary sage oil: said to help bring a youthful appearance to the skin.
Himalayan pink salt: used in a variety of wellbeing practices from sole water to pink salt lamps, the salt is rich in minerals including soothing magnesium and hydrating potassium to help soothe away physical and mental tensions.

Now all you need to do is decide between bath and shower. Pour a generous amount into a warm bath as it runs, or apply to damp skin with a wash cloth or shower pouffe and massage gently over your body.

You can buy a bottle of this new indulgent bath & body and get 20% off your first purchase by using the code SIMPLE20. Just click here. Happy bathing!

Sponsored post | Envirokidz cereals from Nature's Path

Bring a bit of wild to your family’s breakfasts this summer

Organic cereal expert Nature’s Path now has three children’s cereals available in its ever popular Envirokidz range.

 Gorilla Munch, Leapin’ Lemurs and Choco Chimps use fun animal names, interesting facts and drawing activities on-pack to inspire children to care about the world they live in. 1% of sales are donated to support endangered species worldwide.

 Each animal featured on an Envirokidz pack represents an endangered or vulnerable species that Nature’s Path helps through its donations. Choco Chimps, for instance, (pictured above) raises money for the Jane Goodall Institute, which creates educational resources for local countries in Africa and promotes the importance of environmental stewardship.

 Gorilla Munch supports the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, saving gorillas through community patrols and educating and empowering children to be the stewards of the rainforest. And finally, Leapin’ Lemurs helps the Lemur Conversation Foundation and the creation of an Envirokidz Centre, which in turn provides a community and education space in Madagascar.

 And as well as helping endangered species, Envirokidz cereals taste great too. Every product is dairy free, gluten free, vegan and organic. They’re made with simple ingredients, such as crunchy corn balls, peanut butter and fair trade cocoa, with no artificial ingredients or colourings added.

 All three flavours can be bought at Morrisons, with selected products also available at Ocado and at Tesco and Asda stores nationwide, priced around £2.99.

For more information visit www.naturespath.com.

Sponsored post | The Only Way Is Ethics

Abel & Cole is committed to food sourced from organic farms. Ed Ayton from its Green Team explains

How did it all start?

It was 30 years ago (aah, the 80s!) that Keith Abel ditched law for veg and never looked back. He started with a bag of spuds, selling door to door. Before long, a chap called Bernard Gauvier, who we still work with today, offered him some organic potatoes. Organic spuds became spuds and eggs, and then spuds, eggs and vegetables, and so Abel & Cole’s organic veg box was born.

What are the biggest changes that have happened since then?

Going digital in the early 00s. We went from going door to door to selling online. It’s meant we can share our love of organic food more easily.

What are you most passionate about?

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention what started it all – a love of organic. It’s at the heart of everything we do. We’re about food as it should be, free from artificial fertilisers, herbicides and GM feeds – food that meets UK certified organic standards. Real commitment is needed to go organic, and you can taste the difference.

Tell us about the eco credentials you’re most proud of.

We have a lot to be proud of! For starters, the packaging innovations we’ve made. We avoid it altogether where possible, and invest a lot into reusing, recycling and reducing what we do use – we’ve calculated that our fruit and veg deliveries use 71% less plastic than the major supermarkets. Instead of polystyrene boxes we use wool to insulate the cold items in our deliveries, and we’ve also developed alternatives such as our compostable carrot bags. If any of our customers aren’t able to recycle or compost something we’ve sent, we’ll pick it up the next week and do it for them.

Celebrating seasonal food and prioritising UK farmers reduces our energy costs. Working closely with our suppliers to plan their harvests together, being flexible and seasonal with what goes into our boxes, and inspiring our customers with delicious leftover recipes, are some of our strategies for reducing food waste. In our pursuit of offering the most sustainable service we can, everything is considered: even our paper newsletters are FSC-certified, carbon-balanced and printed using vegetable ink.

How do you keep ahead of the competition?

By sticking to our values and always asking what we can do better. Through working directly with our growers, makers and bakers, we can continue to bring our customers new and exciting organic food. We can offer technical and financial assistance to support their innovation (like unheated polytunnel growing, to achieve what could be the first commercial, organic sweet potato crop in the UK), or help them through their organic certification process.

What’s next for the company?

Lettuce just look into our crystal ball... We continue to innovate, whether that’s developing our packaging, being part of the Clean Van Commitment (helping the UK put more electric vans our roads) or building on our work as a socially responsible B Corp. We’ve never been ones to rest on our laurels – it’s what’s kept us going since the 80s

More from our June issue…

Sponsored post | La Vialla

Organic Italian food has never been so delicious thanks to pioneering biodynamic farm La Vialla

How often do you sit down with a great bowl of pasta and a fine glass of wine and know precisely what you’re eating? Knowing where your food comes from and exactly what’s in it is a luxury that’s largely been wiped out by mass production. Fattoria La Vialla offers a (wonderful) way back to products and ingredients that are big on taste, small on waste and come from an ethical, family-run company.

This farm and wine estate in the Chianti area of Tuscany is run by three brothers, Antonio, Bandino and Gianni Lo Franco. Fattoria La Vialla is a role model for biodynamic farming on a large scale: its 1,600 hectares are home to vineyards, olive groves, vegetable gardens and pastures, as well as crop fields. Around half of the site is preserved as forest that helps to offset the farm’s already low CO2 output, making La Vialla carbon neutral. As a pioneering enterprise that marries sustainability with preserving cultural heritage, the farm is a focus for various university research projects.

Ethical credentials, however, do not a nice bowl of pasta make. Luckily, the proof of La Vialla’s methods is in the tasting. You can buy La Vialla’s wines, sauces, pasta, extra virgin olive oil, pecorino cheese and honey online direct from the farm. Wines are low in sulphites; sauces have few ingredients and no added preservatives, and its oils, vinegars and pastas are reassuringly – and deliciously – rustic.

To find out more, visit lavialla.it/uk.

WIN A HAMPER

Now, La Vialla is offering readers of The Simple Things the chance to win one of their hampers, chock full of delicious organic Tuscan food and drink. The competition is online at thesimplethings.com/blog/lavialla.

More from our May issue…

Sponsored post: Visit Bath

Plan a break to this beautiful city during its ten-day feel-good festival this February

Bath is celebrating wellbeing and health across the city with a new feel-good ten-day programme of events, offers and activities, running from 1 -10 February 2019.

From special spa activities and offers, live sport, mindfulness walks and yoga sessions, to retail therapy and food and drink events, there’s something for everyone. Feel-Good February will also see the BNP Paribas Women’s Tennis Fed Cup headline from 7–9 February at Bath University.

With a focus on mind, body and soul, other events planned include; a Power of Sleep talk with an Aromatherapy Associates Wellness Expert at The Gainsborough Hotel,  a relaxation session and lunch with L’Occitane at The Bath Priory Hotel, a special wellness exhibition, ‘Why Museums Matter’ at The Holburne Museum, rooftop Aquasana at Thermae Bath Spa, free one-hour bathing sessions at the Cross Baths, an evening with Natura Bissé at No. 15 Great Pulteney, creative workshops at Julia Davey Ceramics, mindfulness walks at Dyrham Park, Tai Chi on the Terrace of the Roman Baths, restorative Yoga at the YMCA, a ‘Feel-Good’ wine tasting event at wine bar Le Vignoble and a 10% discount on Wild Swim Bike Run guided walking and cycling tours.

 Bath has been synonymous with wellbeing since the Romans constructed the Roman Baths to enjoy the mineral thermal spring waters. Experience breathtaking architecture and views, great sporting activities, craft workshops, 15 museums, a wide variety of independent bars, cafés and vibrant restaurants and eclectic independent shops.

READER OFFERS

Combine a visit to Bath with a stay in one of the luxury 5* hotels or a cosy independent boutique hotel or B&B. The Country Living Hotel will be offering ‘Blow Away the Cobwebs’ package deals – 2 nights’ accommodation for two people with a three-course dinner on the first night. The Royal Crescent Hotel will be offering a 20% discount on all treatments for multi-night stays booked during Feel-Good February and The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel will be offering a ‘Get Real’ wellness retreat combining spa treatments, nourishing cuisine, superfood cocktails and innovative movement sessions.

For the full programme of events go to: visitbath.co.uk/feel-good

Sponsored post | Yawn

We’re all for anything that makes life a little less frantic and a little more simple, and never more than at this time of year.

Yawn makes the very cosiest night and loungewear, toasiest socks and dreamiest dressing gowns that are just the job for a bit of well-deserved quiet time at home over the festive period.

Every item at Yawn is cut with comfort in mind and made from 100% bespoke cotton, and with quirky prints all hand-illustrated in Yawn’s design studio using ink, charcoal and water. Look out for the trademark hidden messages and illustrations that add a bit of joy to every item.

From cosy twill pyjamas to soft cotton blankets, every piece is designed to feel thoroughly cosy and joyful - inside and out. Just made for quiet days at home, some gentle pottering and some high-quality rest and relaxation.

Whether you’re treating yourself (and why not?) or a friend or loved one, Yawn has plenty of ideas on their wishlist for inspiration.

Find out more at loveyawn.com. The Simple Things readers can also get 10% off all purchases at Yawn until the end of this month at loveyawn.com. To apply the offer, simply enter the code TSTXYAWN10 at the checkout before the closing date, 31 December 2018. See the December issue for more details. Full terms and conditions can be found at loveyawn.com.

*David Austin® fragrant, repeat-flowering English roses

We’re offering readers of The Simple Things 10% OFF every time you order with us before 30 September 2018, quoting code SP6.

David Austin’s English Roses combine exceptional beauty and delicious fragrances with outstanding health, reliability and vigour. Flowering in flushes throughout the summer, they will transform your garden whether planted in a traditional rose border, a large container or in a mixed cottage garden style planting. For help selecting your roses, contact our rose experts.

Visit: www.davidaustinroses.co.uk
Call: 0800 111 4699

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More from the August issue:

*National Allotment Week with Nature's Path

ORGANIC CEREAL PIONEER NATURE’S PATH IS SUPPORT THIS MONTH’S NATIONAL ALLOTMENT WEEK. HERE’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

Nature’s Path, the organic gluten-free cereal pioneer, is a champion of the outdoors. In fact, its guiding ethos is ‘Always leave the earth better than you found it’, something that’s shared by anyone with a love of gardening. The company’s commitment to the environment is rooted in sustainability and it is an active supporter of community and urban gardening initiatives. It also maintains a large garden at its HQ – with produce distributed among its staff.

APPRECIATING PLOTS

That’s why the family firm is pleased to be supporting this year’s National Allotment Week, 13–19 August. Organised by The National Allotment Society, National Allotment Week celebrates allotment plots up and down the UK, encouraging everyone to explore what their local community can offer in terms of growing your own.

The week highlights the benefit of allotments – from getting active outdoors, to producing your own food, to meeting and socialising with a range of people locally. Vital for wildlife, these ‘green corridors’ also safeguard land that would otherwise be built on. Just one metre of land can support hundreds of different species.

GROWING FOR EVERYONE

This year’s theme is ‘Living and Growing’. It highlights the importance of growing your own food and bringing gardening into your life. And if there’s a waiting list for an allotment in your area? Don’t be put off. Without waiting lists, allotment authorities cannot assess demand, so it’s great to show as much interest as possible, so that more plots can be made available. And, in the meantime, even growing herbs on your windowsill or tomatoes in a hanging basket can help hone your horticultural skills.

For further details on National Allotment Week and allotments near you, visit nsalg.org.uk. To find out more about Nature’s Path, visit naturespath.com.

Nature’s Path organic gluten-free cereals are some of the most popular in the UK – including its biggest seller, Mesa Sunrise, a delicious cereal flake made with organic corn, flax, quinoa and amaranth. Or try the newly launched Superflakes. As the first organic sprouted grain, superfood cereal on the market, they are the ideal way to start your day. Mix in some home-grown strawberries or raspberries, add a dollop of yogurt and a drizzle of honey – and enjoy a delicious summer breakfast.

*Sponsored post

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More from the August issue:

*Saffron | Why it’s Viridian’s Ingredient of the Year

Saffron, which comes from the stigmas of the delicate Crocus sativus flower, has a long history in traditional healing and as a culinary spice.

Cultivation and use of saffron dates back more than 3,500 years. Historical texts suggest Cleopatra, used saffron in her baths for its cosmetic properties. Egyptian healers used this spice for treating gastrointestinal ailments, and the Romans used it as a deodorizer.

However, in modern times its health properties have attracted considerable scientific interest. Chief among them are studies on its uplifting and antidepressant activity, trials on relieving symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and research into enhancing cognitive ability. 

There are three main bioactive compounds in saffron: safranal - a major component responsible for its unique aroma, picrocrocin - responsible for saffron’s bitter taste and crocin - the coloured compound. 

Did you know crocus sativus is native to Southwest Asia, but the most-prized saffron is cultivated in Iran? The flowers usually produce three stigmas which are gently hand-harvested in October, farm workers then carefully separate these rust red strands from the petals. It is this labour-intensive harvest that is responsible for its costly reputation. Indeed, weight-for-weight, saffron is more expensive than gold.

So, there is a lot more to this vibrant ancient spice than meets the eye. 

Saffron is ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition’s Ingredient of the Year 2018.

*Sponsored post

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View the sampler here.

More from the August issue:

Schools Allotment Week

For the first time this year, schools around the country are getting the chance to show off their gardening skills with the launch of Schools Allotment Week.

From 16th to 22nd July, The National Allotment Society will be celebrating schools in the UK who have an impressive allotment plot on an allotment site or in their school grounds. In particular, they’ll be looking for schools with a range of crops, ones who use the produce they grow and also that consider bio-diversity and the role of predator and pollinators on their allotment.

One winning school will be revealed during the Week itself, with a trophy and plaque awarded along with gardening seeds and £250 of gardening vouchers from Nature’s Path. 

Nature’s Path, the organic and gluten-free cereal pioneer, is a champion of the outdoors. Its guiding ethos is ‘Always leave the earth better than you found it’, something that’s shared by anyone with a love of gardening.

The company’s commitment to the environment is rooted in sustainability and it is an active supporter of community and urban gardening initiatives. It also maintains a large garden at its HQ – with produce distributed amongst its staff.

As such, the family firm is proud to be supporting Schools Allotment Week. In fact, it actively encourages the education of kids and families about the environment and our planet. 1% of the revenues of its Envirokidz cereal is given to nominated animal charities who are working hard to save endangered animals, protect their habitats and educate kids worldwide. Schools Allotment Week is another important campaign that can teach our future generations about the value of taking care of the environment around us.

As well as Schools Allotment Week, Nature’s Path is this year supporting National Allotment week on 13th to 19th August. This year’s theme is ‘Living and Growing’. It highlights the importance of allotments and of growing your own food and incorporating fruit and vegetable gardening into your lives.

For further information on Schools Allotment Week and National Allotment Week visit https://www.nsalg.org.uk/news-events-campaigns/schools-allotment-week-16-22-july-2018/

For further details on Nature’s Path visit www.naturespath.co.uk

Travel | The other Algarve

Explore the quiet side of south-west Portugal with Inntravel

The Algarve’s more obvious attractions are well known: sun, sea and sandcastles, villas with pools and water parks galore. And while there’s nothing wrong with these, Inntravel, the Slow Holiday people, take a different approach to this beguiling corner of southwesternmost Europe. They get well off the beaten track, and use footpaths – and some wonderful places to stay – to help you discover some of Portugal’s lesser-spotted delights.

COAST OF MANY COLOURS

Inntravel are the UK’s leading provider of self-guided walking holidays. Their hotel-to-hotel route, A Coast of Many Colours, takes you across the Algarve - from its honeyed, southern coast through an agricultural heartland to the wilder, western shores - and is one of the most enticing in their entire collection.

A world away from the region’s busy resorts, you can discover for yourself the unspoiled landscapes of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, characterised by dramatic cliffs, pristine coves and quiet, rolling pastures. The colours are many and varied: long stretches of golden sand give way to grey-and-red jagged rocks before softening to a paler orange and rose as the coastal edge turns northwards.

Inland, the green hills are home to drifts of winter blossom, plantations of quince and oranges, and flower meadows carpeted with citrus-yellow Bermuda buttercups. It all feels delightfully remote.

FROM RUINS TO RETREAT

When he first set eyes on the village of Aldeia da Pedralva, visionary developer António Ferreira saw past the deserted houses, decaying walls and neglected streets... “I discovered Aldeia da Pedralva when I was looking for a holiday house. I worked in advertising, which was very stressful. I felt tired and my health wasn’t brilliant, so I thought that renovating a holiday home would be a good project to distract me. A colleague told me to go and see Aldeia da Pedralva, an oldrural village in ruins, where he had already bought a house to rebuild.

“I went there with my wife and we instantly fell in love with the place, so much so that we actually bought three houses. It made me look at the village from a different perspective and made me realise that there must be other workaholic people like me who need to disconnect from the real world. Pedralva (pictured above) was the perfect place to make this happen – a tourist project based around nature, detoxing – and surfing. Pedralva lies in the ‘other’ Algarve, part of a Natural Park with amazing wildlife, landscapes and wild beaches. It’s a place where you really feel that time has stopped.”

Today, António’s dream has become a reality, though it remains fundamentally a traditional place at heart – the houses are simply furnished in keeping with the spirit of the original village. Thanks to the vision, passion and tireless work of one man, Aldeia da Pedralva is alive once more...

SEE FOR YOURSELF...

Choose Inntravel’s walking holiday, A Coast of Many Colours (including a night in Pedralva), to discover the Algarve’s ‘quiet side’. From £670pp, inc 7 nights’ B&B,

4 dinners, 3 picnics & detailed route notes. Until 31 May 2018. Visit inntravel.co.uk or call 01653 617000; visitalgarve.pt.

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More from the January issue:

More travel:

Reader offer: National Art Pass for £10

We’ve teamed up with Art Fund to offer The Simple Things readers a special offer: a three-month National Art Pass for £10. 

From Cardiff Castle and Kensington Palace to the V&A and Tate Modern – the National Art Pass gives you free entry to over 240 museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK as well as 50% off entry to major exhibitions.

National Art Pass also gives you discount in a number of museum shops and cafes. Life is sweet with coffee and cake, and sweeter still with a National Art Pass discount.

An annual National Art Pass costs £65 but The Simple Things readers can now take advantage of a special trial offer: a three-month National Art Pass for just £10.

To start your three month trial, simply visit artfund.org/thesimplethings

More from the April issue:

Enter our competitions:

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View the sampler here

*Sponsored post: Coffee brewing with Origin Coffee

Coffee brewing is a ritual. A few moments to savour peace and immerse yourself in what you're doing. These short films, created by Origin Coffee – one of the UKs leading speciality roasters - have been born with this in mind. Covering four of their home brewing favourites, the AeroPress, Kalita Wave, Chemex and the classic cafetiere, they serve as a start point and to set the scene. There are so many variables at play in brewing a great cup of coffee – your water, grind size, your equipment - so feel free to play around with the weights and brew times to get your perfect cup.

Coffee subscriptions and brew equipment available at www.origincoffee.co.uk   

Cafetiere brewing

This short film guides you through making a great cup of coffee with a home brewing favourite, the cafetiere. In this guide we’re using an Espro, which we think’s one of the best available.

Chemex brewing

This short film heroes the beauty of the Chemex, the perfect multi-cup home brewer.
 

AeroPress brewing

This short film guides you through brewing with one of our all-time favourites, the AeroPress. Portable, virtually indestructible and the producer of a great cup of coffee both indoors and out. 

Kalita Wave Brewing

This short film features our current one-cup favourite and the pour-over of choice at our Shoreditch coffee shop brew bar. 

From the February issue:

More coffee posts:

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*Sponsored post: Learn Something New - Turning Your Hobby Into A Creative Career

Ever dreamed of turning your passion into a job? More people than ever are taking the plunge, whether it's as a sideline or a full-time living. It'll involve some dedication, but with the right foundation, it's possible to make a career out of your art and crafts.

1. Draw up a budget

Launching a business can feel daunting. So start jotting down numbers first. How much do you need to cover bills, food, and rent? What can you trim?

Give yourself a "magic number". That's the figure you have to earn each month to keep yourself fed, clothed and housed. That will help you choose how much to work, and how much to charge.

2. Don't be scared to start slow - and develop your craft

If you're worried about taking the leap, why not challenge yourself to commit to your craft in your free time, and leave your job in six months if it develops well? Some also choose to keep some part-time work to prop up their creative income.

Also, don't be afraid to keep learning. Learn from your peers, test new approaches, and maybe even consider a distance learning course at the Open College of the Arts to develop your talents? They offer courses in painting, textiles, photography, drawing, illustration, textiles, creative writing and more!

Image: Ruth Goury

3. Explore your niches

It may feel strange, but being specific about what you can do is often better than saying you can "do everything".

Be clear about what you can provide for someone, and they're more likely to contact you with requests. It also plants ideas in their heads if they like your work, but can't think of a reason or an excuse to hire you.

You may need to take unusual jobs or try something different while starting out. But identifying the niches that work for you can be the difference between accepting anything, and getting the commissions you love.

4. Get yourself online (and offline)

Set up a website, with legible font, attractive pictures, and clear examples of your work. Sign up to the social networks that your target audience loves. People will look you up online to check if you look trustworthy before getting in touch.

If your clients aren't online, try promoting in magazines, museums, or shopping centres. Test what brings in enquiries, and try different approaches.

Image: Beverley Duckworth

5. Build your network

Networks are vital. These are the friends, contacts and colleagues who will give you a shot when you're starting out, or recommend you to someone who can.

Nurture these networks. And when you find your niche, seek out the groups that will be most valuable to you, and build new relationships.

6. Set your price - and value your time

So how much should you charge? It's not an easy question, and it may take time to get comfortable with a response.

So ask people. Find people in similar work, and discover how much they'd charge. Ask friends and colleagues. And don't afraid to make some decisions based on how much time, effort and materials you've put into your product or service. You've got to make a living. If you're spending four hours making individual birthday cards that you're selling for £3, you're going to be exhausted and poor.

And while free gigs might seem like "good exposure", don't make it a habit. You're an artist, and a professional, and your work has value. Don't sell yourself short.

To learn or improve on a skill that you can turn into a career, take a look at one of our courses at oca.ac.uk or browse our prospectus.

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Pukkapedia: Herbs to help rebalance

Many of us take the new year as a cue to give our bodies an MOT, with rebalancing what we eat as good a place as any to start. Nature’s medicine cabinet contains many cleansing plants.

Fennel, a key ingredient of Pukka’s Detox tea, is great for easing nausea and indigestion and can help to reduce the other physical effects of alcohol. A warm cup of fennel tea will help to relieve digestive ailments, making it a handy hangover tonic and a gentle cleanser.

Marvellous matcha
Matcha is made from a special type of powdered green tea. It’s packed full of antioxidants which help to fight free radicals built up by pollution, exposure to alcohol and those not-so-healthy party foods. Sip this tea, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon, the next time you feel the need to rebalance your body. Or try Pukka’s Clean Matcha Green.

Turn to page 15 of January’s The Simple Things for more rebalancing herbs, including Mint, Ginger, Rosemary, Chamomile, Parsley and Turmeric.

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Sponsored post: Pukka's herbal encyclopedia – cinnamon

Full of sweet and stimulating essential oils, cinnamon is a long-time favourite for invigorating and warming the whole body, while generally making life more delicious. Cinnamon’s sweet spiciness comes from a combination of potent compounds including cinnamaldehyde and coumarin which gives this herb its distinctive flavour. Pukka teams cinnamon with star anise and ginger to create a warming, deeply spiced tea.

Soothing and nourishing

In traditional medicines, cinnamon is thought to benefit a cold and sluggish digestion, metabolism and circulation. In Ayurveda, India’s ancient health system, the bark of the tree is used as a major digestive herb. It is wonderfully warming, sweet and pungent. Additionally, cinnamon appears to strengthen nutritional absorption as well as playing an important role in balancing blood sugar and reducing insulin resistance.

Some history

Until the 16th century the origins of cinnamon were a fiercely guarded secret;  global trade was controlled by wealthy Arabs who protected their monopoly and justified exorbitant prices by fabricating extraordinary tales, including how cinnamon was only found in giant birds’ nests perched on insurmountable mountain peaks, or in deep canyons guarded by flying snakes! To produce the traditional spice we see today, the bark is harvested and then either powdered or rolled into characteristic quills. The making of cinnamon quills is a traditional art in some countries.

Turn to page 23 of December's The Simple Things for this month's Pukkapedia and more on spices. 

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Sponsored post: Herbs to help you sleep

Many conventional sleeping tablets actually inhibit REM sleep and should only ever be used short term. Natural relaxants, such as herb-based teas and supplements, are safe and will help to calm a restless body and mind as well as encourage undisturbed and refreshing sleep.

Nature’s natural sedative

Valerian is a strong nervine and sedative to the central nervous system, relaxing tense muscles while also encouraging an undisturbed sleep, healthy sleeping pattern and ameliorating stress. It promotes relaxation by enhancing GABA neurotransmission; it relaxes the heart, treating palpitations, tightness and high blood pressure, reduces the time to sleep onset and improves sleep quality. Valerian can also help with withdrawal from conventional medications used to treat insomnia. Valerian is the key ingredient in Pukka’s Night Time capsules.

GLOSSARY

REM: A kind of sleep that occurs at intervals during the night and is characterised by rapid eye movements, more dreaming and bodily movement, and faster pulse and breathing. REM sleep is important because it is the restorative part of our sleep cycle. 
Nervine: A plant remedy that has a beneficial, calming effect on the nervous system.
GABA: A type of protein that helps suppress the circuits in the brain (neurotransmitters) that cause anxiety. 
Melatonin: A hormone found naturally in the body that influences you to feel sleepy.

Turn to page 87 of November's The Simple Things for this month's Pukkapedia and more on sleep. 

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Sponsored post: Pukkapedia - Pukka's herbal encyclopedia

Turn to page 49 of October's The Simple Things for your free sample of Pukka tea. Put the kettle on, brew up and read on to discover why its ingredients are so beneficial. 

IMMUNITY

Autumn glow

This season is a good time to consider how herbs can play a role in our wellbeing. More people use antibiotics at this time of year, as they’re commonly prescribed for upper respiratory tract infections, even though most coughs and flus are caused by viruses. But there are simple, natural solutions.

Purple magic

Elderberries are the autumnal fruit of the elderflower. They’re full of anti-viral, anti-inflammatory constituents including vitamin C, anthocyanins, lignans and flavonoids. Research shows that this humble hedgerow plant can deactivate 10 strains of flu virus as well as hasten recovery time.

As a syrup, its soothing qualities help calm irritated mucous membranes and coughs. Elderberry’s anti- spasmodic, airway-clearing properties ease painful spasms whilst gently clearing catarrh from the respiratory tract and sinuses. Pukka’s Elderberry Syrup is made from concentrated juice of elderberry with 10 other herbs. One daily dose supplies 12,000mg.

Other herbal heroes

Try these powerful herbs, teas and remedies next time you feel a chill.

Ginger: Grate some fresh ginger into a mug of hot water and lemon. Or sip Pukka’s Lemon, Ginger and Manuka Honey tea as soon as you feel a cold coming on.

Trikatu: This mix of ginger, black pepper and long pepper helps to blow away the cold. Mix half a teaspoon with honey to sweeten it or add to your favourite herbal tea. 

Andrographis: A great all-round winter boost. Take two capsules twice a day. 

Echinacea: This popular flower can help maintain the immune system. Try Pukka’s warming Elderberry and Echinacea tea.

Discover more about Pukka’s incredible organic herbs at pukkaherbs.com

GLOSSARY

Antibiotic
A substance that can destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, especially bacteria. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Common antibiotics include penicillin and erythromycin.

Lignans
Chemical compounds found in plants that have antioxidant (stopping damage from free radicals) properties.

Anti-inflammatory
A substance that reduces signs of inflammation or swelling

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