Wellbeing | Start a Women's Circle

For well over a thousand years, women’s circles have offered a safe space for women to talk, listen and take part in mindful activities. Here’s how to start your own circle of sisterhood

• Decide on a purpose for the circle It might be a general one of connection or manifestation. A circle can also honour a particular passage of life. A mother blessing, for example, is a beautiful alternative to a commercial baby shower. In circle, women could share words of encouragement or remind the mother-to-be of her gifts and strengths.

• Create a comfortable space You can make the circle as beautiful as you like, using natural materials, rugs and flowers. But the most important thing is to create a space where women feel safe, warm and relaxed.

• Try journalling prompts It can help to have a specific question to focus on, such as ‘How am I feeling in this moment?’ or ‘What has triggered me this week?’ These could be connected to a theme. For instance, a new moon circle might be about setting intentions for the month ahead. l Include simple ritual A ritual is just an everyday act done with intention. You could light a candle or use a sage smudge stick to cleanse the space around participants.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of women’s circles and would like to know more, do buy a copy of our June issue, in which Victoria Maw looks at the ancient wisdom of women’s circles and how they can benefit us in a modern world, too. Buy this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

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Competition | Win a lifetime supply of ice cream

Mackie’s of Scotland wants to know what your memorable ice cream moment is. One lucky winner could bag themselves a lifetime supply of ice cream

July is upon us and while the sunshine isn’t always 100% reliable, one thing that is guaranteed to get us in a summery mood is the taste of ice cream.

Made with fresh milk and cream from their farm in Aberdeenshire, Mackie’s of Scotland has fine-tuned the art of making simple delicious with its range of classic and indulgent flavours. Whatever your choice, there’s always a special place in our hearts for ice cream.

Now Mackie’s wants to know how the nation enjoys this classic treat and is offering one lucky winner the chance to win a lifetime’s supply of ice cream – that’s a new tub every fortnight for ever more. Not only that, but 100 runners-up will receive a Mackie’s goody bag with ice cream, chocolate and an ice cream scoop.

Things to consider are not just how you eat it, but who you’re with and where you are – all vital ingredients in creating your dream Mackie’s moment.

So, whether you prefer yours scooped into a cone with sprinkles and sauce galore, as a trusty sidekick to your favourite pudding, or devoured straight from the tub; in the kitchen, the garden, on your sofa or at the beach; while celebrating with friends and family or as an indulgent moment to yourself, let Mackie’s know.

How to enter

You can either complete the online poll at mackies.co.uk/mymackiesmoment, or take a photo of your Mackie’s Moment and post on Insta using the hashtag #MyMackiesMoment.

And in the meantime, if you’re still unsure about your ideal ice cream set-up, then what better excuse do you need than to crack open a tub of Mackie’s and get experimenting…

For more information, visit mackies.co.uk or follow at: @mackiesofscotland.

Terms & Conditions: The main draw closes at midnight on 31 August 2022. One winner picked at random on 1 September 2022 will receive a lifetime supply of ice cream. A further 99 runners up will receive a Mackie’s goody bag. The promotion closes on 31 March 2023, whereafter one further winner will win a year’s supply of Mackie’s ice cream and a goody bag. For a full list of T&Cs, visit mackies.co.uk/my-mackies-moment-2022-terms-conditions.

Playlist | Blue space

Our soundtrack to July
”Nothin’ but blue skies do I see…”

Take a listen on Spotify here
Or find a playlist for every mood by searching ‘simplethingsmag’ on Spotify

Sponsored post | Stop, Look and Listen

Sometimes, embracing a slower pace of life and enjoying the benefits that come from being mindful in the Austrian countryside are all you need to feel fully refreshed

Take a deep breath. Now exhale slowly and feel your body start to relax. We all know the benefits of taking a moment to ourselves and appreciating our surroundings, but imagine if you could take that breath somewhere so spectacular that the magic of the landscape around you – and its restorative effects – could last a lifetime.

For those who prefer to spend their downtime escaping the frenetic pace of daily life, Austria offers a peaceful backdrop in which to switch off, allowing our minds and our bodies to reset and recharge.

With its soothing mix of Alpine mountains, wildflower meadows, shimmering lakes and breathtaking forests, you can get up close to nature in the Austrian countryside.

Nature’s elements can not only help us to unwind and relax, but they also allow us to focus our minds and boost mood and energy. A simple walk amongst trees and taking time to stop and sit, absorbing the sights, sounds and smells of your woodland environment can provide a beneficial boost. Often referred to as forest bathing – or the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku – what appeals to you may differ from what works for someone else. It could be the earthy smells, the sight of dappled sunshine breaking through the rich palette of greens and browns, the tactile feel of the trees themselves, or the gentle sounds that surround you, from birdsong to the soothing rustle of leaves. Whatever it is that gives you a lift, the benefits are clear with studies linking forest bathing to reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol, a drop in anxiety and high blood pressure, all the while boosting mood and creativity. Head to the larch and Swiss Pine forests of the Styrian Mountains, the sycamore maples of the Karwendel region of Tirol or the Waldviertel region for a guaranteed dose of Austrian forest wellbeing.

Water is another natural wonder known for its wellbeing properties with proven links to reduced stress and improved happiness. You’ll be spoilt for choice with Austria’s wealth of lakeside locations and wild swimming opportunities. Imagine diving in and gliding through the clear rippling waters of an Alpine lake, framed by majestic mountains, totally at one with nature. Their chilled temperatures may be a welcome relief during the height of summer, however, throughout the year a brief dip in cold water – sometimes called cold water immersion – can ignite those endorphins, leaving you feeling invigorated, alive, and helping to alleviate any feelings of depression. With its fresh melt water, Lake Achensee is the ideal spot to embrace a cold water dip, while those less brave may prefer to seek the warmer waters of a popular bathing spot such as Lake Wörthersee.

And if the idea of taking the plunge is just too adventurous, take solace in the notion that finding yourself a quiet spot at the water’s edge, where you can simply sit and drink in the vista is enough of a tonic to also get those good mood endorphins flowing.

A truly inspired destination offering something for all tastes, regardless of whether you’re after a slow-paced wellbeing holiday to fully recharge your batteries, an adrenaline-filled activity trip or a city break oozing with culture and cuisine. Time spent outdoors in Austria is certainly guaranteed to leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to tackle everyday life again.

For more information, visit austria.info

Take a moment

These mindful ideas may help you reconnect with nature

1 Gaze at the night sky With designated areas of reduced light pollution, a night under nature’s light show in Austria’s first Dark Sky Park, in the Attersee-Traunsee region, is a real treat. While the Gesäuse National Park runs specialist star gazing guided tours.

2 Turn off all devices With no technological distractions, you’ll find yourself better able to focus on the here and now.

3 Enjoy some mountain yoga What could be more serene than practising your downward dog on a sunny mountainside amidst the scent of wildflowers. Several yoga festivals take place throughout the year, and venues include St Anton am Arlberg and Gastein Valley.

4 Let nature do the hard work Sometimes you just have to marvel at the power of nature. The epic Gollinger waterfall an hour south of Salzburg is sure to stop you in your tracks.

5 Breath Don’t forget to take those deep breaths and to let your senses absorb the beauty of nature around you.

Photography: Lisa Eiersebner, Dietmar Denger; Achensee Tourismus; Bernhard Pichler Koban/WÖrthersee Tourismus; Lot Wildiers/Österreich Werbung

Tasting notes | Roses

Stop and smell the roses with our tasting guide to the various scents

After tropical orchids, the rose as a species has the widest variety of scents to enjoy. Like lavender, the smell of roses has a calming effect on the mind, but the scent of a rose also has the ability to lift the spirits, so why wouldn’t you want a deep sniff?

Whatever your preferences, there’s a rose for you. Here’s a brief introduction to the many and various scents of the rose. 

What you need to know first is that only a few roses actually smell of roses. Confused? Your nose will be. For the most part, it’s the red and pink roses that smell of the scent we tend to call ‘rose’. Others smell of fruits, violets, tea and a plethora of other things. 

Secondly, if you’re looking for a rose to give your nostrils a real treat, look for darker-coloured roses - the deeper the red or pink the stronger the smell - and go for roses with lots of petals. 

Scent experts recognise five main scents of rose. David Austin, unsurprisingly, has a lot to say on the subject. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Old Rose

   This is the traditional ‘rose’ scent. Albas, Damasks and Gallicas tend to have this scent. Also worth a sniff are some of David Austin’s English roses, such as Gertrude Jekyll and Rosa Desdemona. They’ll give you that English country garden scent and have quite a heady, high summer aroma. 

2. Fruit

   Roses can smell of many types of fruit, but most common are lemon scents. You’ll also hear roses being described as smelling of apple, mango and blackcurrant. They smell, as you’d expect, of a fresher type of sweetness than the old rose scents, and some border on being quite zesty. Rosa Zephirine Drouhin is a climber with a strong fruity scent that is lovely scrambling over a pergola. Other varieties that will give off a fruity niff are Lady Emma Hamilton and Jude the Obscure.

3. Musk

   Often also described as a ‘cloves’ scent, musk-scented roses smell warm and their scent tends to ‘waft’ easily on the breeze, so you don’t have to stick your nose too far inside to get a musky hit. Unlike other roses, where the scent comes from petals, musk roses’ scent comes from their stamen. For a rich, musky scent try tall rambling roses with lots of small flowers such as Rambling Rector. 

4. Myrrh

   Not to be confused with the stuff one of the Wise Men brought, myrrh type roses don’t smell of myrrh itself, but of more of sweet anise (the name comes from the Latin for Sweet Cicely - myrrhis odorata). Myrrh scented roses are a bit Marmite - you either love them or you don’t - and have notes of liquorice. It’s quite a complex smell. Sceptr’d Isle and Gentle Hermione are both good bets. 

5. Tea

   Put all thoughts of PG Tips out of your mind. Tea roses have a rich, fresh black tea aroma. It’s a more ‘grown-up’ smell than some of the ‘old rose’ and ‘fruit’ rose scents, to our nose. They often have notes of violets and smell quite earthy in a pretty way. Lady Hillingdon and Lady of Shallott are both heavily scented tea roses - you can almost picture the women themselves sipping China tea underneath an arbour of peachy tea roses. 

Many rose varieties will smell of two or more of these types, so you can mix and match your favourites. And, of course, there’s much more to it than that. Some have chocolate notes, or honeysuckle. Some burst with citrus or undertones of smoke. Take time to stop and smell the roses and you’ll find yourself on an olfactory journey that never ends. 

If you’ve been inspired to plant your own rose garden or just add a rose to your garden, read our feature Coming Up Roses in our June ‘Flower’  issue, in which Kendra Wilson advises on modern ways to feature roses in your outdoor space. 

The June issue is in shops and available from our online store now.

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Nomenclature | Roller Derby

It’s all in the name where Roller Derby is concerned. Here we have collected together some of our favourite team and player names. Warning: this blog is pun heavy

If you aren’t familiar with Roller Derby you can read all about it in our June issue, where we meet some Roller Derby women in our regular Modern Eccentrics feature. It’s a whole new world, is Roller Derby, with its own rules and culture. Basically, it’s a contact sport on wheels, played on a flat oval track. During each ‘jam’, each team fields four blockers and, behind them, one jammer. The jammer scores a point for each blocker they lap from the opposing team. It’s masses of fun. And massively brutal. 

Possibly our favourite thing about Roller Derby, however, is the amazing name that both the players and the teams give themselves. To give you an idea, we’ve collated lists of our favourites here. 

Our favourite Roller Derby team names

The best team names are feminine, funny and fierce. Bonus points if they reference the game. Here are a few we admire:

Women of Mass Destruction

Spawn of Skatin’

Blockwork Orange

Belles of the Brawl

Grim Derby Scarytales

Split Lip Sallies

Heels ‘n’ Wheels’

Polly Wanna Smack Her

Shevil Knevils

Sweatie Betties

Our favourite Roller Derby player names

Here’s where you can get really creative. Take a famous or literary name, and jazz it up, Roller Derby style, with a lot of pun, a bit of literature, and a lot more fearsome adjectives…

Audrey Deathburn

Pippi Longstompings

Alice in Wounderland

Pain Eyre

Hermione Danger

Sylvia Wrath

Agatha Crushdie

Wilma Shakesfear

Tess of the Derby Wheels

Jabba The Butt

If you’re inspired to learn more, the Roller Derby feature starts on page 60 of the June issue. And we’d love to hear your ideas for Roller Derby names. Send us yours in the comments!

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Tipple | Strawberry Mimosas

With notes of Wimbledon, garden days and long, balmy evenings, these strawberry mimosas taste of June in a glass

Serves 6

400g strawberries
1 tbsp local raw honey
1 bottle of prosecco, chilled
A handful of fresh mint leaves

1 Set aside one whole strawberry per serving to top each glass, then remove the green tops and halve the rest of the strawberries before adding to a small pan over a medium heat with a tablespoon of water and the honey.

2 Use a stick blender to blitz the mix until smooth, then allow to cool. Pour the syrup into a sterilised glass jar or bottle and seal until you're ready to use it. Store in the fridge if making the day before.

3 To serve, fill a third of a champagne flute with the strawberry syrup and top up with chilled prosecco. Give your mimosa a good stir and garnish your glass with a fresh strawberry and a few mint leaves. Enjoy!

This cocktail recipe is from our Salad Days feature in our June issue, which includes a menu for a gathering of friends in the garden, including Asparagus, Goat's Cheese and Pesto Puffs, Spring Greens Floral Salad, Spinach and Feta Herby Quiche, Lemon Flower Biscuits and Orange, Honey and Cardamom Cakes.

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Make | Your Own Meadow

In the last 50 years, Britain has lost more than 98% of its wildflower meadows but we can all help bring meadows back by doing our own small part

Allowing grass to grow long and planting wildflowers, doesn’t have to mean owning a field or even giving over your garden to it. We’ve put together a few easy ways to make your own meadow, no matter how much time or space you have. 

Got a day, a reasonable patch of ground and some patience?

Make a From Scratch meadow

You’ll first need to clear the ground - pull up and grass and weeds lifting the top 5-10cm of soil, which will help with reducing the soil’s fertility (we know this sounds mad, but you have to think a bit backwards where meadow gardening is concerned). Next, fork the soil through, rake it and then pat it down flat. Finally, sprinkle your wildflower seeds and water thoroughly and regularly as it grows. 

Got a decent patch but no time or patience?

Buy a meadow mat

Pre-grown meadow turfs can be bought ready to roll out on your garden and you don’t need much of it to make a difference. Once you’ve bought your mat, lay it out where you want it and water regularly as it beds in. Meadow mats are best laid in spring or autumn. 

Keen bean with a bit of lawn to spare?

Make a Plug Plant meadow

You can buy wildflower plug plants online or from garden centres, which you then plant into an area of lawn that you’re happy to leave to go wild. The beauty of this method is that you can choose exactly what you plant in and ensure the plants suit the type of soil you have. 

Short on space but not enthusiasm?

Plant a Flowerpot meadow

Buy wildflower seeds or plug plants (or a mix of both) and pot up groups of flowerpots with them. You can then move them around your garden as you wish - you can even have a mini meadow if all you have is a balcony. 

Lacking gardening knowhow but have a garden?

Just go ‘No Mow’

If you’re not too bothered about swathes of wild poppies, just mow your lawn only once in spring and once in autumn. You’ll find all sorts comes through and you can help things on their way by throwing a few seed bombs and scattering wildfower seeds occasionally in any spaces you spot in the long grass. You’ll save hours’ of lawn mowing time and the birds and the bees will thank you for it.

If you’re inspired by the idea of meadow-making, you might like to read our ‘gallery’ pages in our June issue, which we’ve called, ‘Making Hay’. It’s a collection of beautiful photographs from the book Meadow: The Intimate Bond Between People, Place and Plants by Iain Parkinson with photography by Jim Holden (Kew Publishing/ Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew).

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Recipe | Spinach & Feta Herby Quiche

Summer is definitely here when the first quiche exits the oven. Just add friends and a picnic rug

Serves 6

500g pack of ready-made shortcrust pastry
½ tbsp coconut oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
300g baby spinach leaves
4 eggs
200ml half fat crème fraîche
Zest of one medium unwaxed lemon
½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1 tsp sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
6 sprigs of fresh thyme, roughly chopped
10 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
5 large fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
3 spring onions, finely chopped
100g feta cheese
8 small edible flowers
3 large edible flowers, to decorate

1 Preheat the oven to 190C/Fan 170C/ Gas 5 and roll out the pastry on a floured surface to make a circle around 5mm thick. Grease a 25cm tart tin and line it with the pastry, then add a sheet of greaseproof paper and fill with baking beans. Bake for 15 mins then remove the paper and beans. Use a fork to prod a few tiny holes in the pastry to stop it bubbling and return to the oven for 5 mins, or until golden brown.

2 In a large frying pan, gently heat half the coconut oil over a medium heat. Fry the onion and garlic for around 15 mins, or until they start to soften.

3 Add the spinach to the pan and stir until it wilts. Tip the mixture into a sieve, pressing down with the back of a spoon to squeeze any excess water out, then set to one side.

4 Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, crème fraîche, lemon zest, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Sprinkle in the chopped herbs and spring onions then add the cooked spinach, onion and garlic. Crumble in the feta and evenly spread the mixture over the cooled pastry case, gently pressing in the smaller edible flowers on the top.

5 Bake for 35-40 mins, or until the top becomes golden and sets. Serve decorated with larger edible flowers.

This recipe is just one of the ideas from our Gathering feature in our June issue, which we’ve called ‘Salad Days’. It also includes recipes by Kay Prestney for Strawberry Mimosas, Asparagus, Goat’s Cheese and Pesto Puffs, Spring greens Floral Salad, Lemon Flower Biscuits and Honey, Orange and Cardamom Cake.

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Birdwatch | The Turtle Dove

Best known for the two Turtle Doves that ‘my true love gave to me’, you’d actually be lucky to see a Turtle Dove at Christmas (or you would be in South Africa).

Look for: A small pigeon, a little bigger than a blackbird with a grey head, pink chest, orange and brown back and three white bands on its neck.

Spot them: Mainly in the south and east of England in woods and parks. You should feel privileged if you do see one; turtle doves are the UK’s fastest-declining bird, teetering on extinction.

Listen for: A purring ‘turr turr turr’ sound (hence the moniker). Very different from the collared dove’s coo

Join us in our Simple Things bird hide every month on our Almanac pages, where you’re also find seasonal things to note and notice, plan and do. Buy this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

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Make | No-sew Outdoor Bunting

Whether you’re planning a midsummer outdoor supper, or a right Royal knees-up in the garden for the Jubilee, some bunting dangling from branches is sure to set the right atmosphere. Here’s how to make bunting – that won’t go soggy in the rain – without a sewing machine.

You’ll need a few off cuts of oil cloth – an old table cloth is ideal. Cut a paper template for the flags. They can be as big as you like but around 30cm tall is a decent size. Draw around the template with a pencil on the back of your oil cloth to make as many triangles as you need and cut out.

Cut some thick twine to the length you want. Lay it on the floor and space out your bunting triangles along its length to check where they should go. Leave a little length at either end.

Use a hot glue gun to squeeze glue along the base edge of your first triangle on the back of the cloth, about an inch from the top, then fold the edge over the twine, sticking it to the back of the oil cloth beneath. Repeat for other triangles. Once dry, hang at a jaunty angle and pour a Pimms.

This is just one of the ideas for things to note and notice, plan and do this month, from our Almanac pages. Find more seasonal ideas for June starting from page 26.

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Recipe | Pansy Crepes

Pansies add instant enchantment to a savoury French crepe recipe. Keep your pancakes thin and lacy for maximum magic

Bring flowers to the table (and the plate) for a summery breakfast that will get the day off to a blooming good start. Though we won’t be telling anyone if you make them for lunch of dinner either.

Makes 12

100g plain flour

2 eggs

300ml milk

Salt and pepper

1 tbsp butter (for greasing)

48 pansies

1 Put all ingredients except for
the butter and pansies into a bowl and whisk to a thin batter. Set aside for 30 mins.

2 Heat up a small frying pan over
a medium heat and melt a small amount of the butter. Use kitchen paper to wipe away any excess, leaving you with a glistening pan.

3 Pour a small amount of the batter into the pan and immediately move the surface of the pan in different directions to coat it.

4 While the crêpe is cooking, quickly place four pansies into the batter
on the uncooked side.

Cook’s note: Crêpes usually take
1 min each side to cook through, but
if your pancake is thin enough, you may not need to flip it. The pansies will stand out more against a lighter crêpe, but equally, you want to make sure it’s cooked all the way through.

This recipe is taken from our new series on edible flowers, which we’ve called Pick ‘n’ Mix. The recipes, by Lottie Storey, also include pansy popsicles, pineapple and mint mojitos, and fig, mint and goat’s cheese salad. Photography is by Kirstie Young.

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Sponsored post | Retreat and Heal

Embrace a Soul Breeze yoga retreat in the Greek sunshine to escape life’s stresses and rediscover
inner peace and empowerment

When the stresses and strains of daily life are starting to take their toll and it’s time to recalibrate, look to a Soulbreeze yoga retreat in Greece in order to reconnect with the real you.

Soulbreeze founder and spiritual guide Sofia Athanasiadi crafts each retreat with the sole aim of enabling her guests to find inner peace and empowerment – and the number of returning participants year on year is testimony to its success.

Each break has a unique theme that’ll see guests swimming in clear waters, enjoying flavour-packed plant-based meals, all the while relaxing and recharging the batteries. Morning rituals include yoga, meditation and pranayama breathing practices, while journaling and healing circles will help to cement to the progress made each day.

Like-minded attendees help to create an environment of sisterhood, openness and trust, while Sofia infuses Vinyasa with Kundalini Yoga elements to create a connection with your Higher Self.

Set in the stunning surroundings of the Athens Riviera or the Aegean island of Antiparos, the combination of nature and yoga help to accelerate the healing process, sparking real transformation. Suitable for all levels, a Soulbreeze yoga retreat may well be the first step on your journey to a rediscovered you.

For more information on Soulbreeze’s upcoming retreats and to book, visit soulbreeze.org or follow on Instagram: @soulbreeze.greece

Soul Breeze retreats 2022

The Art of Slow Living: 29 May – 3 June 2022, Athens Riviera

Wild Woman: 13-18 June 2022, Athens Riviera

The Goddess Within: 24-29 September 2022, Antiparos Island

Nature & Soulbreeze: 30 September – 5 October 2022, Antiparos Island

The Gift of Self Love: 18-23 October 2022, Antiparos Island

Dream divination | What bees mean

If your dreams are filled with the buzzing of bees, here’s what it might mean

Bees are heavy in symbolism, appearing in myths and folklore in many cultures, from the Mayans to the Celts to the Native Americans. No wonder, really, that they turn up in our dreams from time to time. If you’ve had a dream about a bee, or even a swarm of them, here’s what it might mean. 

In general, dreaming about bees indicates something positive, according to dream psychology. Bees in dreams are generally linked to hard work, or efficiency. Perhaps you are busy with a new project at work or have a personal project on the boil such as moving house. 

More specifically, if your dream involves honey, it’s said to be a portent of wealth to come, or of a reward for hard work. A full hive is, unsurprisingly, a good omen of riches, whereas an empty hive might be a sign of imminent failure, particularly financial. A beehive on fire, also unsurprisingly, is an omen of very bad news. Particularly for the bees, we imagine. 

A swarm of bees may symbolise your fears of responsibility to a group, whether that’s work colleagues or family. 

Being stung by a bee is apparently a symbol of running away from pain. Again, no surprises there.

Meanwhile, being chased by bees suggests you are too invested in the future above the present (presumably invested in a future in which you are not being chased by bees). 

Or perhaps, you’ve simply got a wasps’ nest in your attic that’s disturbing your peaceful sleep. Who knows?  You can find out more about your dreams and the signs from universe by reading your natal chart.

The beautiful garden bumblebee pictured above is one of the buzzy chaps featured in our Bee Identifier from our May Miscellany pages. They’re from a print by Kate Broughton. You can buy a copy of her bee print from her shop.

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Magic | Do the Tablecloth Trick

Always harboured a secret desire to whip a tablecloth out from under a fully laid table? Us too. We’ve got good news… Anyone can do it!

Surprise your family and delight your friends with this impressive trick. And you don’t need to be Paul Daniels to have a go. Here’s how to do The Tablecloth Magic Trick…

1. You need a table with straight sides, not curved - that messes with the physics.

2. Choose the right cloth. It should have as little traction as possible on the table, so smooth, slightly silky material is great. The table should be clean and dry, too. You want that cloth to slide across it easily. Also, your cloth should have no hem. 

3. Place the cloth on the table with most of the ‘overhang’ on the side you’re going to pull from. 

4. Carefully lay your table with crockery and cutlery. You can start with unbreakable crockery if you’re nervous. It actually helps for the items on the table to be heavy, so you can weight glasses down, for example, by filling them with water, which also adds to the effect. Pop a red rose in a glass of water if you’re feeling showy. 

5. When you’re ready, grasp the tablecloth edge firmly with both hands and pull downwards towards your feet, quickly. Hesitate, or pull straight out to the side and you’ll mess it up. 

6. Take a bow. 

How does it work?

It’s more a feat of physics than a magic trick. There’s no sleight of hand involved. The tablecloth trick is an illustration of Newton’s theory of inertia in action. If an object is at rest, it stays at rest unless acted on by another force. So the tablecloth, when pulled, leaves the table and the items on it where they are because the force of it moving is not enough to move the items at rest on it. 

If you’d like to have a go at this trick and are in the market for a new tablecloth, you might like to read our Looking Back feature on the history of tablecloths in our May issue, which is adapted from The Elements of a Home: Curious Histories Behind Everyday Household Objects From Pillows to Forks by Amy Azzarito (Chronicle Books).

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Sponsored post | Celebrate Great Taste with Maldon Salt

Maldon salt is celebrating 140 years of craftsmanship with some extra-special events

As the nation celebrates the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, it’s worth noting that another household favourite is also ringing in a very special anniversary. This summer marks 140 years of salt craftsmanship at Maldon Salt, and the culinary brand has some very exciting plans afoot to mark the festivities.

A special birthday requires a special outfit and, from this month, its Original Sea Salt is available in limited edition packaging with a golden ‘140 years of craftsmanship’ logo – designed to look as good in your kitchen as it tastes in your food.

Despite much changing over the past 140 years, the distinctive pyramid-shaped flakes – loved by chefs and home cooks the world over – continue to be hand-harvested in Essex using the same techniques that were employed back in 1882, and all under the watchful eye of four generations of the Osborne family.

A sprinkling of salt flakes can elevate a dish to something extra special, so with that in mind, Maldon Salt has created a series of Jubilee-inspired pudding recipes that are available online. All classics with a modern and contemporary twist, such as Eton Mess, Orange and Pistachio Battenburg and Chai Chelsea Buns, and guaranteed to be a delicious addition to any Jubilee party or picnic.

However, sharing a special anniversary isn’t the only connection between Maldon Salt and Her Majesty. Back in 2010 the Queen visited Maldon’s salt works and two years later granted the brand a Royal Warrant, which still stands to this day. Maldon Salt even makes an appearance in a new book featuring 250 royal images – Her Majesty the Queen: Inside the Official Platinum Jubilee Pageant Commemorative Album.

So as you get into the party spirit, keep an eye out for Maldon Salt’s socials and the exciting events, recipes and competitions to come. And in the meantime, grab your limited edition anniversary pack and seize the seasoning.

For more information, visit maldonsalt.com or follow on social media: @maldonsalt

Playlist | Midsummer magic

Let her dance…
Music to enjoy late into the evening

Take a listen here
Or search ‘simplethingsmag’ on Spotify to find all of our monthly playlists.

Sponsored post | Setting the Standard

The international B Corp certification highlights those companies operating at the highest social and environmental standards

What is B Corp?

We all want to do our bit when it comes to making choices, so rest assured that when you see a business with B Corp Certification it’s a clear sign that that company is meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Verified by B Lab, B Corp Certification covers all areas of business from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials. With over 700 B Corps in the UK, across 56 industries, the UK B Corp community is growing faster than ever. And the benefits speak for themselves with those meeting the standards able to build trust with consumers, communities and suppliers, while attracting and retaining a like-minded workforce, as these companies attest… bcorporation.uk

Coaltown

In 2019, Coaltown became the first B Corp Certified specialty coffee company in the UK. Focussing on ethical coffee sourcing and sustainable production, they work to develop new and innovative green practices that benefit not just the consumer, but the industry as a whole. With ambitions to transform post-industrial towns and cities into sustainable and thriving communities, Coaltown is providing skilled jobs and paying above the Real Living Wage, all thanks to a new form of Black Gold… coffee. coaltowncoffee.co.uk

Weleda

Last year Weleda celebrated its centenary year by gaining B Corp Certification. Working sustainably and in harmony with nature comes naturally to Weleda, but it takes determination and investment, something that’s resulted in its range of natural and organic cosmetics being NATRUEcertified, its cosmetic supply chains being UEBT-certified sustainable, and its plant gardens being Demeter-certified. Weleda is a Living Wage Employer in the UK, and helped found the British Sustainable Beauty Coalition. Having recently joined the Board of the International B Corp Beauty Coalition, it’s now working to improve social and environmental impacts of business in the beauty industry. weleda.co.uk

Cully & Sully

Famed for its soups, risottos and pies, Cully & Sully became the first Irish food brand to become B Corp Certified in 2020. Launched in 2004, this award-winning business is committed to producing good, honest and tasty food, whilst prioritising community and environmental projects. Honoured to sit alongside other big B Corp Certified names, Cully & Sully now has its sights set on far more than just profit as it continues to cherish and protect both people and the planet. cullyandsully.com

Birdwatch | The Skylark

Known for their spring song as they soar high into the sky, skylarks just say ‘spring’ and have captivated many a poet, from William Wordsworth to Ted Hughes

Look for: A small, light brown bird, streaked with darker brown and a dark brown tail with a white side tail and white undercarriage. They also have a crest that stands up when they are excited.

Spot them: In open fields and grassland, and nesting on the ground between April and August.

Listen for: A fast, chirruping ‘Preet, preet, preet’ sound. Skylarks are also excellent mimics so you may hear them making a noise reminiscent of other farmland birds and waders.

We visit the Simple Things bird hide each month on our Almanac pages, where we also have lots more seasonal things to note and notice, plan and do. Buy this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

Outing | Nights at the Museum

Ever fancied getting ‘accidentally’ locked in the museum after hours? Now could be your chance

A sleepover is always exciting, but the idea of camping out underneath dinosaur bones, or among dusty artefacts thousands of years old, is the stuff nights away dreams are made of. The good news is that lots of the UK’s museums are encouraging us to do just that. The even <better> news is that this isn’t just for kids; adults are more than welcome st many of them, too. Dust off your sleeping bag and torch - the museums are waiting for you…

Dino Snores, The Natural History Museum, London

Dino Snores, in which you set up camp in one of NHM’s iconic galleries for the night and take part in a raft of activities, before settling down to sleep at midnight, is probably the most famous of the museum sleepovers. The one snag is that you have to source a child to take with you in order to attend. But breakfast is included and it sounds amazing. What price, getting to sleep under a blue whale. Plus, there are occasional Dino Snores for Grown Ups events, too - no kids required!

nhm.ac.uk/events/dino-snores-for-kids.html 

The Deep Group Sleepovers, Hull

If Blue Whale skeletons aren’t enough for you, fall into a (Deep) Sleep, with a stopover at Hull’s The Deep. Get a gang together and park your sleeping bags next to sharks, rays, turtles and more, drifting off to the sight of huge sea monsters, swooshing past your pillow. This one is kids only (though you could sneak in if you’re perhaps a Cub Scout leader or similar) but it’s also available - albeit at quite a price - for individual families of up to six people.  

thedeep.co.uk/deep-experiences/sleepovers 

British Museum Sleepovers

Snooze in good company, among kings and pharaohs, at a British Museum overnight stay. Again, you will need to borrow a child, but a few stories about cursed mummies and we don’t think they’ll give you any trouble, leaving you free to enjoy your evening and experience one of the world’s best museums after hours. 

britishmuseum.org/membership/sleepovers

Data After Dark, National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Take the chance to explore the museum without having to politely wait for the kids to step aside from the buttons and give you a turn. Not quite a sleepover, but this event is open from 7pm to 10pm and lets the grown-ups get their hands on all kinds of fascinating exhibits, from virtual reality light sabre duels and Lego to items in the interactive gallery, including getting up close and personal with Dolly the Sheep. Ticket includes a drink from the Belfield Brewery and there’s plenty of fun for adults from DJs to food stands and photobooths. 

nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events/events/national-museum-of-scotland/data-after-dark/

Kip on a Ship, HMS Belfast

Have hot chocolate from a real ‘mess mug’, learn semaphore and make your own flag pole aboard the HMS Belfast on the River Thames, before sleeping over on this historical ‘floating village’. Groups of children (and responsible adults) can stay for up to three nights. 

iwm.org.uk/kip

Themed sleepovers, The Novium Museum, Chichester

Learn about smugglers, space and much more with treasure hunts and hands-on activities by night at The Novium, Chichester’s Roman specialist museum and then settle down for sleep among the Roman Baths. 

thenovium.org/sleepover  

Soane Lates, Sir John Soane’s Museum, London

Another ‘lates’ event that’s a bit special and just for the grown-ups. Visit the atmospheric Sir John Soane museum (pictured above) after hours and see the exhibits by candlelight on 90 minute tours that run up 9.30pm. Soak up the atmosphere of the museum when no one else is around before heading out for dinner and drinks. 

soane.org/whats-on/soane-lates-spotlight-soane-april-2022 

Enjoy more unusual outings with our feature Sneak Peek in our May issue, in which we discover places where you can tour behind the scenes, from theatres and museums to hidden farms and secret gardens.

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