The launch issue of The Simple Things magazine dropped onto our doormat a few days ago.

We’ve dipped in & out of it ever since and have thoroughly enjoyed it!

It came with us on a simple, quickly thrown together picnic of bread, cheese & fruit that we enjoyed on Saturday – very much in keeping with the ethos of this new magazine.

As the name suggests, it celebrates the simple things in life – friends, food, nature, hobbies, holidays and the pleasures of house & home.

Or as the magazine itself sums it up, “grow, cook, make, share.”

Ingredients and quality of produce are celebrated – there are articles about the slow food movement, a day picking apples and the joy one gardener gets from his allotment… lots of scrumptious recipes too!

There’s lot’s of outdoors-y stuff… things you might see in the park, garden or on a country walk – quite literally the birds and the bees… and the trees!

Interiors with an unfussy, homely feel are featured – in this edition the light & airy spaces of Dagmar & Randy’s Berlin apartment.

It draws in products that bring a bit of pleasure to daily life  – whether it be a perfectly functioning tool, a toast rack that brings a smile to your face or a beautiful hand crafted cosy that helps you to savour your tea break.

One favourite piece was a lovely article about the old, gently fading advertising signs that give clues to buildings’ former lives – it reinforces the importance of taking time to notice the environment around you.

With 130 pages in all, there’s plenty more on offer too – interviews, book reviews and craft projects.

The production values of the magazine are excellent – quality paper, photography, writing etc.

It retails at £4.99, with a special offer of three issues for £5.00 which is a great deal.

We’re definitely going to sign up to see how it develops – we’re looking forward to our future copies.