Sponsored post | Easter and Alfresco Dining

With lockdown restrictions easing, our outdoor spaces are set to become the backdrop to some epic gatherings, so we asked the experts at Macknade to share their top tips for al fresco entertaining.

Terrific Tables
Make your outdoor table a work of art! For an Easter theme, hand decorate eggs as a centre piece, or as a cute alternative to name cards. Seasonal bouquets from Macknade’s florist will add pretty touches to your table and are now available to order online for local delivery!.

Beautiful BBQs
Gone are the days when burnt burgers and undercooked chicken were the typical British BBQ fayre. The Big Green Egg has hatched! So much more than the average BBQ and available from Macknade in a variety of sizes, they’ll revolutionise the way you cook outdoors.

Fabulous Feasts
Huzzah for the Macknade Easter Recipe Box! Designed to feed six, each dish can either be cooked outside or prepared in advance with minimal fuss, so you can spend more time with your loved ones. Each recipe box comes with a choice of main course, featuring either aubergine and Kentish potato moussaka, butterflied leg of lamb with a salsa verde, or char siu marinaded pork rib eye. There’s also a variety of extras available, including a selection of wines to pair with your dishes, seasonal vegetables, a scrumptious lemon posset with rhubarb compote and a cheese board.

Perfect Picnics
Not all of us have gardens, so find a perfect spot in the park with your loved ones to enjoy eating al fresco. Pick up some delicious cheeses from Macknade’s Delicatessen counter, order a deli box online, or opt for a Colomba cake to share, plus a bottle or two of wine and you’re all set for the perfect celebration.

To order online or to visit Macknade in Faversham or Ashford, head to macknade.com.

Sponsored post | International Elf Service

Each December night, a magical letter appears mysteriously around your home … ready for the children to find, shriek excitedly and discover what's been happening with the Elves in the North Pole. All together, these letters form a magical Christmas Story.

 If you’d love to sprinkle your Christmas with even more magic this year, then step into the magical world of International Elf Service – where delightful storytelling and illustrations are combined with the excitement of family traditions, precious family time, inspiring imagination, and creating childhood memories to treasure forever.

These Gold Award-winning collections of secret, personalised, eco-friendly Christmas Elf Letters from the North Pole include a truly stunning, personalised, chocolate-free and experience-rich Advent Calendar-style collection of letters – Elfie’s Christmas Advent Letters Ultimate Story Bundle (2020 Edition) 

Appearing mysteriously around the home each day through December, each magical letter opens a door into the Elf world as they share their top secrets with the children about what pranks and adventures they are up to in the run up to Christmas!

Secretly delivered (by grown ups!) along with a map of the Elves Christmas Village and a letter from Father Christmas, each daily letter tells a magical Christmas story taking children and families on truly unforgettable literary journeys - a wonderful way to bring a huge dollop of Christmas magic into your home!

With exciting new themes, mysteries and adventures happening each year, children can follow the hijinks of these endearing little Elves year after year, escaping to a world of Magical Wind Machines, Cinnamon Mines, and Emergency Pyjama Meetings.

Adorned with beautiful hand-drawn illustrations, each spectacular Christmas Elf Letter, created using 100% recycled paper, is covered with splats, smudges, and splodges that you’d expect from busy Elves who always make a huge amount of mess!  

And for the grown ups…you get to secretly unwrap each sustainable gift box that has been lovingly assembled by hand and beautifully wrapped using a soft, cotton Candy Cane cord bow for an extra dollop of festive delight! Have a sneak peek at the letters and brown envelopes tied with rustic jute twine that sit upon natural wood-filler spirals sourced from pine and spruce managed forests (more commonly known as wood shavings from the Elves’ workshop!)

International Elf Service personalised, eco-friendly Christmas Elf Letters are the most wonderful Christmas tradition to bring even more magic, joy and family togetherness into your home at this extra special time of year.

Reader offer

Join us on this wonderfully magical Christmas journey each year at internationalelfservice.com

Use SIMPLYMAGICAL20 when ordering to receive 20% off your order

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From our November issue…

Sponsored post | Avalon Organics

A little about essential oils in beauty for everyday self care

We all know the power of fragrance, and how certain smells can evoke a feeling, trigger a memory or change our mood. Essential oils are highly concentrated oils extracted from plants and are used in beauty not only for their aromatherapeutic properties but also their skin and hair-enhancing qualities. Whilst the Ancient Egyptians are often credited with the invention of essential oils, other ancient civilizations were using essential oils around the same time, including Indian, Chinese, Greek and Roman.

Some Popular Essential Oils and Their Beauty Benefits

Lavender
One of the most revered essential oils in beauty and health products, lavender has powerful anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties, not to mention the calming aromatherapeutic properties of the oil. Its anti-inflammatory properties mean lavender oil is often called upon in formulations for acne and other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. In hair care, lavender essential oil may help hair grow thicker and faster, whilst its anti-inflammatory properties may help with scalp conditions such as dandruff and itchiness.

Lemon
We all know how uplifting the smell of a zesty lemon can be, well when we diffuse lemon essential oil it can enhance our concentration and have an energising effect, as well as removing toxins from the air. In both skin and hair care, lemon has a balancing effect on oil production, so is great for those who suffer from greasy hair and shiny faces. When it comes to body care, use lemon essential oil products in the bath or shower to improve your mood and tone the body, and even reduce cellulite.

Rosemary
A member of the mint family, rosemary has long been touted for a range of health and beauty benefits. Studies have shown that rosemary extract can improve cognitive memory function in ageing brains, as well as combatting the signs of ageing in the skin.In skincare, rosemary can help protect skin from UV rays and free radical damage, increasing elasticity and reducing sagging and age spots. When it comes to hair care, rosemary essential oil offers superior cleansing properties, as well as helping keep the scalp healthy and moisturised.

Peppermint

The active ingredient in peppermint is menthol, and has been proven to help with headaches and pain relief. Many also swear by peppermint oil for relief from gastrointestinal ailments such as IBS and acid reflux. When applied topically, peppermint oil has a natural cooling effect which can soothe irritation and inflammation, and can be an effective cleansing agent thanks to its natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties. In hair care, peppermint oil can help with any dryness or itchiness on the scalp, and may even stimulate hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the hair follicles.

Tea Tree

Tea tree is one of nature’s most potent antibacterial and antiseptic agents, and as such is used in many therapeutic beauty products. You will commonly find it in hair care products used to treat conditions such as itchy scalp, dandruff and psoriasis, due to its antibacterial properties. Likewise in skincare, tea tree oil is a hero ingredient for many suffering from acne, and is often used directly on the skin to treat breakouts, as it inhibits bacterial growth by mixing with our skin’s natural oils, preventing them from becoming food for the bacteria. When it comes to nails, tea tree oil’s antifungal properties may help in reducing the growth of trichophyton rubrum, a fungus that causes nail fungus and athlete’s foot.

Avalon Organics offer a range of essential oil-led hair, bath & body care products, available in store at Waitrose and online at waitrose.com Indulge your senses with some aromatherapeutic self care every day, and your skin and hair with the power of botanical-based beauty products. As well as the lead essential oil, all shampoo and conditioner formulas are enriched with Quinoa Protein, Aloe, Babassu Oil and Vitamin E, and all products are NSF-certified to contain organic ingredients, and EWG VERIFIED™, which means it meets the Environmental Working Group's strict ingredient standards and features the EWG VERIFIED™ seal on its label.

From our November issue…

Sponsored post | Jason Haircare

Hair and skincare experts JASON share their hair care tips for the colder months

Whilst we often think about how the colder weather affects our skin and change products accordingly, can you say the same about your hair?  Hair can also be affected by the winter weather, we just don’t feel it like we do our skin. Read on to discover more.

Firstly, the low humidity in the cooler months can dry our hair out. The dryness in the air raises the cuticle, zapping out moisture and leaving hair looking and feeling dry, as well as brittle and prone to breakage. Extreme environmental elements can also contribute to this: moving between the cold outdoors into centrally heated homes and offices dries hair out and can lead to the dreaded frizz. To minimise these extremes, it is best to don an extra layer and only resort to turning the heating on if you really have to. Using a humidifier can help keep moisture in the air (as well as your hair!).

What we eat plays an important part in our hair health too. As the temperature drops our diet may not always be as complete and balanced as in the summer months. Winter finds us craving carbs, stodge and comfort food over healthy salads and fruits. This can leave our hair looking dull and feeling lacklustre. For great hair, ensure you are eating a protein-rich diet. Biotin has been identified as an important ingredient for hair growth, and can be found in a variety of foods but only a few contain particularly rich sources of it, including raw egg yolk, liver & leafy green vegetables such as Swiss chard.

Other external factors which may affect your hair health include:

Pollution, which damages our hair the same way it does our skin. If you live in the city, you might want to consider wearing a hat or scarf to protect hair from exposure.

Over-use of products, which over time can build up, causing dullness and adding dead-weight to hair. When looking for products, look for natural and organic types formulated with botanicals and  free from harsh chemicals that may strip your hair’s natural oils. If you are a daily hair washer, try to reduce the frequency of washes, start by going to every other day and see where you end up. The fact is, many of us wash our hair too frequently and this upsets the balance.

Over-styling, which can cause dryness and frizz. In the winter months particularly, try to limit use of heated styling devices and go for more natural looks - curls created with plaits and pins, natural waves and more up-dos.

Finally, make sure you are using the right hair care products for your hair type. New and improved reformulations with clinical testing from JASON mean that you can be sure that your hair is being given the best possible care. JASON is inviting you to see the results for yourself and join their JASON Hair Care Challenge. As an introductory offer, you can buy the shampoo and get the conditioner free till 15th November. You will also be automatically entered into a prize draw when you share your results with the opportunity to win a year’s supply of JASON hair care products. Click here to discover the new formulas and find the right products for your hair to get started on your #JASONHairChallenge !

From our November issue…

Sponsored post | Seasonal Snuggles

As the temperature drops, thoughts turn to staying snug and towards the magic of the season

BLACKDOWN SHEPHERD HUTS

Curl up with a hot chocolate knowing that a cosy winter can be depended upon with a Blackdown Shepherd Hut. A calming space to just sit and listen to the crackle of the log fire and to feel the warmth weave through the hut as the sheep’s wool insulation wraps its toasty arms around the walls. Whether you’re after an additional family space, a garden retreat or something quirky for your dream business, these hand-crafted luxury huts offer you a sanctuary to escape to and to tune back into yourself. Find out more at blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk.

INTERNATIONAL ELF SERVICE
Each December, daily magical letters mysteriously appear, ready for children to find and discover what the Elves are up to in the North Pole. Stunning, hand-illustrated, personalised, eco-friendly letters from International Elf Service: Gold Award-winning Advent Calendar, with new adventures every year. Bring Christmas magic into your home and create precious childhood memories. Magical Letters. Inspired by children. Delivered by grown-ups. Enter SIMPLYMAGICAL20 at checkout for 20% off. Internationalelfservice.com.

EUROSTOVE
With winter just around the corner, there’s no better way to combat the chill than to cosy up in front of the mesmerising flicker of a stove fire. The Nestor Martin Harmony range of wood and multifuel stoves, available from Eurostove, offer both comfort and the latest in combustion technology. They burn efficiently and already conform to the forthcoming Eco Design directive, due to come in to effect in 2022. Available in a range of sizes, they’re the ideal addition to any room. For more information on Eurostove’s full range, visit eurostove.co.uk

BORN PEACEFUL
At this time of year, the Danish concept of Hygge is never more appealing. There’s no direct translation into English, but it’s the idea of feeling happiness, joy, contentment, warmth and tranquillity, like when you’re cuddled up with a loved one in front a roaring fire, or perhaps soaking in a candlelit bath. Born Peaceful’s Hygge blanket can help achieve this state of cosiness with its beautiful yoga and relaxation blanket. Made from ultra-soft non-pilling fleece and finished with wool whip stitch, it features the brand’s dove design and thoughts on the true meaning of hygge. To find out more, visit bornpeaceful.com.

Sponsored post | Yorkshire Tea

As the nights draw in and the days get colder, one of the most comforting things is to wrap your hands around a warming drink. Yorkshire Tea have three speciality brews to cheer you this winter.

Toast & Jam Brew is the newest member of the Yorkshire Tea family, in a bright pink box that is guaranteed to cheer your kitchen. Perfect for mornings, it is a strong breakfast blend  with a smattering of toasty, jammy flavours to give the start of your day a lift. But it is equally good any time, especially when you come in from the cold.

Biscuit Brew in its golden box is a tea that tastes like biscuits – because good things happen when those two flavours combine. It's a magical mug of malty goodness that won’t get crumbs on your jumper but will put a smile on your face.

Bedtime Brew is a decaf tea with a difference. We’ve crafted a special blend that doesn’t lose its flavour when we remove the caffeine. Blended with vanilla and nutmeg to make it extra cosy, it is a tea you can happily drink before bedtime.

At the heart of each is the Yorkshire Tea blend, a proper brew, pure and simple. Great quality with loads of flavour. Every day, we taste up to a thousand teas sent to us by growers from around the world to make sure everything is just right.

We blend them together, layering the complimentary flavours of 10-20 different teas to create a uniquely balanced and consistent brew. Then we add a bit of Speciality Brew magic, to produce teas that will warm and cheer you.

All of our products are 100% carbon neutral, from tea bush to supermarket shelf, too.

For more information on our speciality brews, please visit .yorkshiretea.co.uk/our-teas. Toast & Jam Brew is currently exclusive to Asda, but look out for it alongside Bedtime Brew and Biscuit Brew in all good supermarkets later in the year .

From our October issue…

Sponsored post | clear conscience shopping

Shop with your heart as well as your head with ethical retailers who put you and the environment first

Akamuti

Inspired by nature, Akamuti is a natural, organic and ethical skincare brand with no preservatives or nasties added. Created using luxurious butters, nourishing waxes, golden oils and pure distilled aromatics, these beautiful creams, moisturisers and balms are designed to make your skin glow naturally. All products are made in small batches to ensure everything is as fresh and as nourishing as possible, and every product is handcrafted and brimming with botanical goodness to help you enjoy healthy, happy skin from top to toe. akamuti.co.uk

Charnwood

Did you know that from 2022, all new stoves sold in the UK must adhere to low emission levels? Charnwood has been designing and manufacturing wood burning stoves on the Isle of Wight for nearly 50 years, offering sustainable masterpieces to heat your home. The Aire 7 is its latest release and sets the benchmark for clean-burn stove technology, with exceptional efficiency, very low emissions and, thanks to its large feature window, the best ever view of the fire – ideal for snuggling in front of. charnwood.com

Earthborn Paints

With nearly 20 years’ experience, Earthborn has been proudly producing eco-friendly paints that are free from added VOCs and harmful toxins, as well as being vegan friendly, highly breathable and child-safe, too. Earthborn is also the first company in the UK to hold the EU Ecolabel – an independent accreditation awarded for environmental excellence. So, with its beautiful range of paint colours, you can create stunning décor and a better future for our planet. earthbornpaints.co.uk

Osolocal2u

Want to whip up restaurant-quality meals at home? Try Osolocal2u and shop the ingredients to make mouthwatering recipes like this Hot Smoked ChalkStream® Trout Tagliatelle. Osolocal2u is a sister company to restaurant supplier 4DegreesC, so you get access to produce used by cutting-edge chefs, much of it locally sourced. With essential and exotic ingredients, there are plenty of tasty treats, too, and don’t forget to check out the website’s recipe section for extra food-spiration. Shop before 30 August 2020 and enter SIMPLE at checkout to receive 10% off your first order. osolocal2u.com

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Sponsored post | Staycate safe in the sun

Be ready for staycations this summer with safe products for the whole family from Jason

Most of us love to be out in the sunshine, but we’ll most likely be making the most of our gardens this year. However, overexposure to UV rays can permanently damage our skin. We all know we should be wearing sunscreen, but knowing what to look for in a product and how to use it effectively can be confusing. To help, we’ve put together this guide to choosing sunscreen to keep you and your family safe this summer.

Firstly, always look for a broad spectrum product with a high SPF, which offers both UVA and UVB protection, such as those from Jason. Be sure to apply 20 minutes before going out in the sun, and ideally stay out of the sun between 11am and 4pm.

A study has shown that on average we only apply 25-50% of the amount of sunscreen we are supposed to in one application. We should apply at least 30 ml of sunscreen with every all-over body application: the equivalent of a shot glass full. Be sure to re-apply at least every two hours, even more frequently if you are hitting the (paddling) pool, although most sunscreens these days offer some kind of water resistance. Jason sunscreens are water resistant for 80 minutes*.

As well as protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays, Jason’s biodegradable formulas feature antioxidant-rich botanicals to help protect, repair and nurture your skin, including green tea, grape seed and olive fruit extracts. Choose from Family SPF45, Kids SPF45, Mineral SPF30 or Facial SPF20.

If you do spend too much time in the sun, soothe skin with Jason Soothing 98% Aloe Vera Gel. Made with soothing, hydrating aloe vera gel, plus allantoin to reduce tenderness and Vitamin B5 to replenish skin. For extra refreshing relief, store the tube in the fridge.

To find out more and buy Jason’s sun care products, visit the summer shop.

*with the exception of the Facial Sunscreen.

Sponsored post | Mackie's Summer of Simple Pleasures

Baking, sitting outside with an ice cream, reading… Mackie’s believe that the simple things in life are best

Simplicity is a very much theme that runs through their business, brand and products. Their real dairy ice cream is made with fresh milk, cream and no artificial ingredients and it’s all produced on their fourth- generation family-run farm in Aberdeenshire using milk from their own herd of cows.

Mackie’s also believe that it’s the things that are often overlooked in our hectic, modern lives that matter most. But they’ve recently become more important than ever. In a recent survey, an overwhelming 94% responded “yes” to the question “Would you say you've found a new appreciation for life's simple pleasures since lockdown began?”. And 90% reported that as we leave lockdown, they will actively seek out simple pleasures more often than before.

That’s why Mackie’s are making make summer 2020 the season to seek out, savour and celebrate the simple pleasures in life. They’ll be offering customers ideas and inspiration for how to get little lifts from the simple things in life, as well as opportunities to win a whole host of simple pleasures inspired prizes. To find out more and to enter visit mackies.co.uk/simplepleasures.

In the meantime, if you need a little simple inspiration, the staff of The Simple Things have shared some of their Simple Summer Pleasures…

“Being outdoors at the beginning and end of the day. I like to get up early when it is still cool and potter round my garden. And in the evening, the build up to sunset, with the sound of the dusk chorus, seems to stretch time – it’s a good time for a walk or simply to sit on a bench with a drink in hand and appreciate summer.” Lisa Sykes, Editor

“Stepping out from my tent on to still dewy grass is one of my favourite things about camping in summer, although the crackle of a campfire as the sun goes down is a close second.” Karen Dunn, Commissioning Editor

“Throwing the kids in the car and heading down to the coast to hunt for treasures amongst the rockpools. We don't normally call it a day until the sun starts to set and that's our cue to grab fish and chips for dinner and an ice cream for pudding.” Abbie Miller, Sub Editor

“Going to bed with a good book and a cool drink, with the windows open, when it’s still light. I used to hate going to bed when it was light when I was a child. Now I feel like it’s a stolen part of the day.” Iona Bower, Editor-at-Large

“I love the distant sound of lawn mowers on a Sunday afternoon whilst relaxing with an ice cream or a drink in the garden. The smell of freshly cut grass always reminds me of summer.” Rob Biddiss, Commercial Director

“A stripy deckchair, a shady tree and a good book. Is a cold, alcoholic drink as well too much to ask for?” Jo Mattock, Commissioning Editor

Share your simple summer pleasure with us in the comments below, and don’t forget to visit @mackiesscotland or mackies.co.uk/simplepleasures to win a ‘simple pleasures’ prize every week.

Sponsored post | Blackdown Shepherd Huts

Established in 2011, Blackdown Shepherd Huts lovingly design and build their bespoke hand-crafted living spaces from their workshop in the countryside town of Ilminster, Somerset.

From the outset, Blackdown have been inspired by the shepherd hut’s first creators in Victorian times, when the shepherd, farmer or gamekeeper would build their mobile space with their innate need for flexibility in mind. This inspiration is reflected in Blackdown’s range of designs, like their Modular Turnkey Hut, to name just one of their charming ‘flock’.

Crafted with locally sourced materials, this versatile space planted in your favourite spot in the garden or elsewhere, becomes a sanctuary of calm that brings the senses alive. A colour palette of your choice calms the soul with every glance, the smell of your freshly cut flowers acts as a natural diffuser whilst laying patiently in your hand-crafted kitchen area, ready to be arranged into a bouquet fit for the most important visitor - you.

The tranquil dining nook transforms with a dreamy wall-bed for a heavy head or two to land whilst looking up at the stars through the aptly named stargazer; this signature feature built into the curve of the roof provides a heavenly place to stay connected to the ever-changing nature of the outdoors from the warmth and comfort of the wall-bed. Perfect for dozing off whilst the inevitable mid-summer rain tickles the solid curved glass.

Blackdown Shepherd Huts believe that the balance you crave is in the flexibility of your space and are inspired by how such a discerning space can create a peaceful sanctuary that can meet a range of different needs. Whether you are a garden lover, home worker, family timer, or memory maker, let your sanctuary of balance and peace take shape with a Blackdown Shepherd Hut.

Discover yours and find out more at:  blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk/our-huts/

Sponsored post | Don't forget to smile

Look after your pearly whites the natural way

This month sees the Oral Health Foundation’s National Smile Month (18 May-18 June), which for almost 50 years has championed the benefits of having good oral health and promoting the value of a healthy smile. It’s more important than ever for us to practise good oral hygiene, as it may be some time before we are able to access our dentist for a routine checkup.

Brushing our teeth is an important part of the daily regimen, and as such should be done twice daily - once in the morning and once in the evening. In the morning, always wait half an hour after eating as otherwise the acids left in the mouth from eating coupled with the brushing action can damage the tooth enamel and cause erosion. At night, the best time to brush your teeth is immediately before going to bed. Regular use of mouthwash and flossing can also help you maintain good oral hygiene.

When choosing products to use for your oral care routine, it’s important to think about your oral health needs. Leading botanical brand JASON offers a range of oral care, featuring toothpastes (with or without fluoride) and mouthwashes with something for every dental concern. Choose from:

Healthy Mouth range to fight tartar build-up plus antimicrobial and antiseptic tea tree oil to fight bacteria.

PowerSmile range for whiter, brighter smiles with natural teeth whiteners and super-fresh pepperminty breath.

Sea Fresh range formulated with blue-green algae for strengthening tooth enamel.

Simply Coconut Chamomile Soothing Toothpaste for sensitive gums and mouth made with 99% earth-sourced ingredients.

Kids Only Strawberry Toothpaste for fun fruity freshness in an easy-to-squeeze tube that encourages independent brushing.

All products are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and free from SLS, parabens, preservatives, artificial colours, artificial sweeteners, saccharin and propylene glycol.

See the whole range and shop at jasonnaturalcare.co.uk/dental.

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From our May issue…

Sponsored post | Avalon handcare

Treat dry hands to a little natural pampering

Guided by the infinite wisdom of nature and the knowledge that all beauty begins with the Earth, Avalon Organics® harnesses the pure benefits within botanicals to create nourishing products that contribute to a holistic lifestyle of health, wellness and sustainability.

Avalon Organics offers a range of botanically infused products to give a helping hand to both your skin’s health and happiness, seeking out plant-based organic ingredients from trusted sources. This process results in products that are safe to use, and safe for the Earth. As well as being vegan-friendly and certified by Cruelty Free International, all of the formulas are biodegradable and certified to the NSF/ANSI 305 Standard for Personal Care Products Containing Organic Ingredients or USDA Organic.

Searching out the beautifying benefits hidden within each plant, Avalon Organics develops formulas to not only nourish the body, but also to nourish the mind and soul for an uplifting experience with every use. Avalon Organics Glycerin Hand Soaps are designed to purify yet comfort skin without causing dryness or irritation, even with frequent washings. Generously enriched with vegetable glycerin to help lock in moisture and formulated with a hydrating aloe barbadensis leaf juice base, organic essential oils and vitamin E, to indulge and cleanse with every wash.

For the ultimate soothing combination, pair with a Hand & Body Lotion from Avalon Organics, featuring aloe barbadensis leaf juice, a healthy triple dose of plant lipids from shea butter, safflower and coconut oils to intensely moisturise, as well as beta glucans and oat bran extract to soothe any irritation and alleviate dryness. Choose from Nourishing Lavender for extra dry hands, Rejuvenating Rosemary for skin renewal, and Refreshing Lemon, which has a natural antibacterial blend of botanicals. Avalon Organics’ range of products is available at kijaniliving.com, ocado. com, waitrose.com and in store at Whole Foods Market.

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From our May issue…

Sponsored post | Avalon hair care

Look to Avalon Organics® for gentle, safe and effective hair care to restore your hair’s natural beauty after the winter months, without the use of harsh preservatives or hair-stripping cleansers.

For hair that is dried-out post-winter, try Nourishing Lavender Shampoo & Conditioner. Lavender essential oil, quinoa protein, aloe vera, babassu oil and vitamin E work in harmony to cleanse and nourish every strand.

If your hair is dull or weighed down by product buildup, look no further than the latest launch: Smooth Shine Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo & Conditioner. Raw apple cider vinegar, nettle extract and argan and babassu oils work together to clarify and restore hair to its natural ph balance.

Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner are from the Therapy range, and will be a blessing to those looking to build body in fine, thinning hair. Biotin, saw palmetto, quinoa protein and vitamin E stimulate the scalp to encourage hair growth, and cleanse, strengthen and nourish hair from root to tip for hair for thicker, more voluminous, and softer hair.

Also from the Therapy range, Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo & Conditioner will help relieve itchy dry scalps,  thanks to a blend of tea tree, mint, eucalyptus and chamomile. With use, hydration levels are restored in the scalp and hair, circulation is energised, and hair is soft, shiny and manageable and the scalp is comfortable and balanced.

All products are NSF/ANSI 305 certified, as well as being EWG VERIFIED™, vegan, cruelty free and biodegradable. All packaging is made from high post-consumer material content and sustainably sourced paperboard, all recyclable after use.

Curated from nature’s resources, Avalon Organics® beauty products are deep-rooted in a profound respect for the earth. Combining modern science with botanical knowledge, Avalon Organics® constantly strives to produce products that are safe to use and safe for the earth, thoughtfully developing formulas to nourish the body, mind and soul.

Avalon Organics® products are available from Waitrose, Ocado.com and www.kijaniliving.com

From our April issue…

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 from our January issue…

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 from our January issue…

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