Five Free Things To Do With Your Family This Weekend

DO Pare Back

Sunday is National Simplicity Day, founded in honour of writer, and advocate for pared-down living, Henry David Thoreau. During lockdown, many of us have found that living a simpler life can be more rewarding, better for the planet, and better for our mental health. Why not take time out from the rat race for a little family self-care? Simplicity blogger Leo Babauta shared his 52 tips for happiness and productivity with us as well as how to be open to playfulness and creating a slower flow of family life. The day might act as a spur to doing something chilled-out together; treat yourselves to an afternoon of forest bathing or start realising a dream of living in a simple, tiny house.

EVENT and RECIPE The Pod Squad

It’s the Great British Pea Week, a celebration of the smallest, greenest, sweetest vegetables. Sitting in a garden, picking peas and popping them straight into your mouth is one of the greatest childhood pleasures. Why not grow your own? Find out how here. Or try a new, pea-based recipe – try these podfuls of fresh ideas. Want to try something super-weird? Try making lime mint green pea ice cream. It shouldn’t work, but it’s refreshing and delicious.

DO and LEARN Pipe Down

Over lockdown, the inventive and engaging London Mozart Players have been playing shows, taking viewers behind the scenes, and exploring works online. Their Family Fridays are particularly engaging, with performances including The Carnival of the Animals featuring Joanna Lumley, sing-alongs, a drumming workshop and – our favourite – how to make a hosepipe horn.

LEARN and DO The Hole World

Have you ever picked up a stone with a hole all the way through? Search on a pebbled beach long enough, and you’ll be sure to find one. Some people call them hag stones, others serpent’s eggs, or witch rocks, but there’s one thing on whic everyone agrees: they have magical powers. There are many stories about these pebbles: if you peer through the hole, you’ll spot fairies, or a tiny door might open to another realm. Find out more about the magical powers of hag stones here. Why not collect a few and string them on a piece of rope to hang in your kitchen, or even make a hag stone necklace to keep your rock close at all times?

RECIPE Rubies in the Dust

Juicy redcurrants are at their peak right now. If you’re lucky, you may have a bush in your garden, or know of one growing wild to pick some of these tart crimson jewels. Otherwise, you’ll find punnets sitting temptingly on your greengrocer’s shelves. Packed with vitamin C and magnesium, redcurrants are a staple of Swedish cooking; try making jelly, the super-light jam Rårörda Röda Vinbär or cordials and sorbets. Alternatively, use them in a flower-studded, magical cocktail or try Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s luxurious Redcurrant and Raspberry Granita.

What we’ve been listening to this week:

Family Sells Their London Home to Move to the Smallest African Country and Save Its Coral Reefs
“Rather than continue living a comfortable urban life, this British family has sold their London home in favor of launching the world’s smallest nature reserve to save a nation’s coral reef system.” Read more here

Found something inspirational to read that you’d like to share? Want to share your lockdown creations with us? Have an idea for things to do? We’d love to hear from you. Email Kate