I can think of no better way to relax and take a moment to myself than curling up in a cozy armchair and reading the latest copy of The Simple Things Magazine.
I hadn’t brought it for some time, but the cover of the September issue, featuring brightly coloured allotment patches, jumped out at me.
It was also sitting next to a display of pumpkins in the aisle of our local supermarket, adding to the autumnal theme.
Guilty in the past of just flicking through the pages looking at the pictures, because it always features stunning photography, this time I made sure to read it from cover to cover, over several sittings, and it was well worth it.
Allotments and autumnal gardens
As you would expect with The Simple Things, there’s a focus on nature with a fascinating article on allotments and their origins from historian JC Niala.
It also mentions that research findings show that allotments are beneficial to both physical and mental health. They also provide a space where we can engage in nature and the outdoors, meet others, and learn more about eating and growing our own produce.
This month’s issue also includes a reminder to step outside at dawn, noon and dusk each day and appreciate our gardens (and parks).
With the magic and freshness of the first rays of the day, the soft, golden light of noon, and the subtle sound of voles, frogs and hedgehogs moving around as dusk falls, we’re reminded that there’s something to enjoy at every time of day.
Autumnal recipes
Although severely lacking in the kitchen department myself, I did notice that the September issue contains some beautifully illustrated recipes including apple pear and ginger cobbler, sweet potato and chocolate loaf cake, roast carrots and lentil salad, and parsnip chips with smoked paprika.
They may be beyond my culinary capabilities but if I had a personal chef, these are the things I would choose to eat.
The magazine also includes a catch-up with chef Tom Kerridge who talks about his latest book Tom Kerridge Cooks Britain, and his recipes for success:
Live your life slightly uncomfortably, just outside your comfort zone, it will change your outlook.
Dog-friendly days out
Also in the September issue, you can experience Warsaw through the eyes of travel blogger Kamila Napora, with recommended restaurants, bookshops, and shops to visit, along with information about what makes the city unique, and what it is like as this time of year.
There’s also a useful piece about places around the UK that are great for dogs, including dog-friendly cafes, museums, landmarks, and even cinemas. Perfect for when you want to have a day out as a whole family with no one left behind.
Kindness and respect
In a move away from its nature-focus and autumnal theme, the September issue also includes a powerful article on giving a little respect in times when people are getting ruder, and the world feels a little more hostile.
Working in a customer-facing role, I’ve witnessed this for myself. At times I have been taken aback by the things people say, often to medical professionals who I believe deserve a high degree of respect.
In the article, Dr David Hamilton, author of The Joy of Actually Giving a F*ck, points out how detrimental being hostile towards other people is to our health.
On the flip side, being kind and considerate results in the production of hormones that have a positive effect on our health.
A ripple of negativity
A lot of rudeness is displaced anger directed at people where there will be fewer consequences than if it was directed at the right person.
But as the article points out, this can create a ripple of negativity if the person on the receiving end sets out on their own journey of negativity as a result. They then pass it on to the next person, and so it goes on.
Dr David points out the kindness is the antidote to stress, anger and frustration, and can help neutralise those negative feelings leaving us feeling happier and more relaxed.
Fascinatingly, he also tells us we are genetically wired for kindness, which is something I now want to research further.
It is fair to say that the world needs more kindness in it.
Happy news
Finally, there is a section on positive news from around the world, which we will all benefit from reading.
Also included, among a host of other content including life on the Isle of Wight, how to make papier-mache flower lanterns and highlights from a weekend in Dorset, is stunning photography from the winners of this year’s British Wildlife Photography Awards Show.
Not something that can be published on here, but worth picking up September’s issue to see for yourself.
For me, it was a wonderfully relaxing and uplifting read that made me think more about the importance of nature, of being kind to each other, and enjoying slower, more mindful days.
