A Year of Living Simply: The joys of a life less complicated (Kate Humble)

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What I also absolutely loved were all the passages where she shares the simple things in life that make her happy—a gentle reminder to celebrate even the smallest things! She writes of kindnesses and community and having that social interactions with others, in all the different forms it takes, but especially the importance of physically seeing someone. This, and so many parts of the book is so heartwarming. A Year of Living Simply is timely, given that the pandemic has forced most of us, in some way to simplify our lives, whether we planned to or not. Kate wrote it before any of us were aware of the upcoming crisis, but it captures the current moment perfectly... It's not necessarily a "how to" book, more of a "why not try?" approach.' - FRANCESCA BABB, MAIL ON SUNDAY YOU It is interesting reading about her aspirations and her home. Everything is so down-to-earth and relatable. Basically she really is as far removed from a diva as you can possibly get, which is lovely. Pleasures, she shows come in all different forms, such within people you meet, an unexpected letter or tantalising food.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. Kate raises several thought-provoking questions and challenges us to think about what are the simple things in life? There were a number of good quotes that I have taken on board for myself, some of which I’ve added to this post. Last thing you put on your credit cardI don’t have a credit card, but the lastthing that went on my debit card wasanimal feed.It took Kate a little while to convince Ludothat the move was the right one. ‘It’s not thathe didn’t want to move to the country,’ she says.‘It’s more that he’s the practical, pragmatic onein our relationship, whereas I’m more, “f*** it,let’s do it”. We make a good team. We wouldprobably be in a debtors’ prison right now iflife were entirely up to me and my spur ofthe moment, slightly ludicrous decisions.’

Some of the book was very affirming for me as I am fortunate enough to live in a community that is very cohesive and we have a Repair Cafe, a Men’s Shed and similar initiatives. A Year of Living Simply is very inspiring if you want to help build your own community and have a simpler and happier life. Before I started listening to this, I vaguely liked Kate Humble, but had no strong feelings either way. However, having got through the story to the end, I find myself deliberately avoiding watching anything on TV with her in it.

What is the relationship of Kate Humble?

Overall, an interesting if somewhat hypocritical view of minimalism, self-sufficiency and anti-consumerism. My views differ somewhat considerably but perhaps an interesting read for someone who is starting their own journey.

Kate's book has the warmth and calming effect of a log fire and a glass of wine. Unknit your brow and let go. It's a treat.' - GARETH MALONE I just felt aggrieved that she was promoting this simple life, but much of it would only be possible if you had the time and the funds to pursue it. So not really so simple then! And I felt she was slightly judgmental of those who didn’t aspire to these things whilst at the same time trying to be self deprecating about her own abilities eg with making bread. Humble debut as an on-screen character in Spymaker: The Secret Life of Ian Fleming in 1990. Humble began her TV profession as a scientist, later exchanging to showing projects, for example, Top Gear, and Tomorrow’s World. Most people will recognise Kate Humble from telly. She’s a well-known face; honest, appealing, the kind of person you’d like to sit down and have a cuppa with and chat, knowing you’ll come away enriched by the experience. It’s thus a joy that Humble’s new book, A Year of Living Simply, reflects her broadcasting style. It’s conversational, thoughtful, funny, at times even profound, and just strips away a lot of the nonsense we’ve been obsessed with in our twenty-first century, all singing all dancing world, to what really matters: being happy and how we achieve it. There's plenty about "earthships" and about shopping too and I must admit, I love her attitude to shopping in a physical shop. It's also interesting reading about her gain knowledge on gardening.What I particularly love is her philosophy for happiness, which is the subject of her new book, A Year of Living Simply. The clue is in the title. Remember the basics. Instead of barging through the day on autopilot, really stop to think about the tiniest little things that added a moment of joy. No, of course stopping and smelling the flowers won't cure all our ills and woes. But taking the time to savour the things that bring pleasure, really being in that moment and appreciating it, can remind you that most days have moments that buoy your mood.' - JO ELVIN, MAIL ON SUNDAY YOU Kate’s book has the warmth and calming effect of a log fire and a glass of wine. Unknit your brow and let go. It’s a treat.’– GARETH MALONE If there is one thing that most of us aspire to, it is, simply, to be happy. And yet attaining happiness has become, it appears, anything but simple. Having stuff - The Latest, The Newest, The Best Yet - is all too often peddled as the sure fire route to happiness. So why then, in our consumer-driven society, is depression, stress and anxiety ever more common, affecting every strata of society and every age, even, worryingly, the very young? I vaguely recognised the author’s name from tv shows my husband and son enjoy watching. They are both outdoorsy country types and so I absorb some things, at least by some sort of osmosis.

I had to get over my fear of power tools,” she laughs. “It was a programme so in tune with the book I had just written, about repairing, recycling and finding a new purpose for things.” What feels a little disappointing to me is that not everything that Kate Humble or the people she meets do is accessible to anyone—which can be a bit disheartening when you are reading this book in the hopes of starting to "live more simply". Using a variety of different methods from death cleaning, to gardening and to meeting people who have changed their whole way of life to live a more simple existence, I found so much to relate to within this book. I often find myself at my happiest when I'm in my garden pottering, or with my nose in a book, and it looks at those simple pleasures and those distractions that help take you away from all the negatives and shift your mind into a happier state. What superpower do youwish you had?I’d like to be able to teleport myselffrom one place to anotherlike Harry Potter. I didn’t get the chance to read until recently, by which time (as happens) my mood had changed somewhat and I couldn’t really remember why it was I had it. I began to read therefore a little bit grumpily and with unfair expectations that I would be preached at.She’s the poster girl for good, clean country living, but don’t befooled by the wholesome image. Kate Humble tells Francesca Babbwhat makes her happy – and what makes her really lose it. If that is the case then there is hope contained in this book. Groups of people across the globe are creatively carving out space for lifestyles that value both people and planet and may guide us to a more balanced relationship with the world. It can be depressing to watch news, hear politicians or become bogged down in the miasma of social media, so we have to manage our sources of information and the stories that we prioritise. In A Year of Living Simply Kate Humble tells some stories that are worth investing in and can help us to begin to plot a course for our own journey of experimentation. There is also the stark contrast between 2 different types of lives - the busyness of a life that makes a name and money, but brings a cold office environment and how that can change to a lesser paid job, but with less strain. Kate Humble on television never fails to lift my spirits. Her wide smile, buoyant curls, infectious enthusiasm - I was delighted to read her latest book and thank Net Galley for enabling me to do so. The title, ‘A Year of Living Simply’ and the subtitle, ‘The Joys of a Life Less Complicated’ are enough in themselves to pique my interest. I was already well-placed to love this book. I did like it. But I didn’t love it. And it didn’t deliver what I’d expected. PDF / EPUB File Name: A_Year_of_Living_Simply_-_Kate_Humble.pdf, A_Year_of_Living_Simply_-_Kate_Humble.epub